A family car's reputation largely depends on its safety ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has set the gold standard to determine the safest family cars since 2006.
Safety evaluations and crash tests become more rigorous each year. Many vehicles continue to show exceptional performance. The latest IIHS ratings reveal outstanding results from cars of all types. The Volvo XC90 and Tesla Model Y stand out by earning both the Top Safety Pick+ rating and five-star NHTSA ratings. Parents can now choose safe family cars more easily than ever before, which matters more than ever.
The sort of thing I love about this piece is how it combines IIHS crash test results with detailed safety features and real-life performance data. We'll explore the 15 safest cars for families in 2025. Our guide covers everything from the practical Honda Odyssey minivan to the spacious Hyundai Palisade SUV. You'll discover the perfect mix of safety and functionality that your family needs.
Audi Q7
Image Source: Audi Atlanta
The Audi Q7 stands at the vanguard of luxury SUVs that put family safety first, earning the prestigious 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. This achievement means even more now since IIHS has raised the bar for 2025 with stricter requirements for rear-passenger protection.
Audi Q7 safety features for families
The Q7 gives you the following standard safety technologies:
Audi pre sense® basic and front – Prepares the vehicle for impact and detects potential frontal collisions
Blind spot monitoring with Audi side assist
Lane departure warning and lane-keep assist
Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance
Rear cross-traffic assist
The Q7 also features advanced optional systems like remote park assist plus that lets you maneuver your vehicle in and out of parking spaces right from your smartphone.
Audi Q7 crash test performance
The Q7 earned "good" ratings in every IIHS crashworthiness test, including:
Small overlap front (driver and passenger side)
Moderate overlap front (original and updated tests)
Side impact test
The Q7 also earned a perfect 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. Side impact protection scored 5/5 stars for both front and back seats, while rollover resistance received 4/5 stars with just a 15.5% rollover risk.
Audi Q7 child seat compatibility
This family-friendly three-row SUV excels in child safety with five rear seating positions that feature complete LATCH hardware. Each of the three individual seats in the second row comes with ISOFIX/LATCH anchors, making it perfect for multiple child seats. Tall car seats in the middle position might limit the driver's rear visibility though.
Audi Q7 pricing and value
The Q7's price starts at $60,500, placing it firmly in the premium family SUV segment with strong value. Seven passengers can ride comfortably with standard three-row seating, and you get 69.6 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third rows fold down. The 45 TFSI model delivers 22 MPG combined, striking a nice balance between performance and efficiency for a vehicle this size.
Honda Pilot
Image Source: Ed Voyles Honda
The Honda Pilot stands out as one of the best choices for families looking for a safe, spacious and value-packed midsize SUV. This three-row family vehicle ranks among the safest cars you can buy today with its complete safety tech package and stellar crash test results.
Honda Pilot family-friendly safety features
The Honda Sensing® suite forms the backbone of Pilot's safety features and comes standard on every model. This advanced system has:
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with pedestrian detection that hits the brakes automatically when a crash can't be avoided
Road Departure Mitigation System that stops you from drifting off the road
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow that keeps a safe gap between you and the car ahead
Lane Keeping Assist System that makes small steering corrections to keep you centered in your lane
The Pilot also comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines. These features are crucial for families who deal with packed parking lots or need to change lanes on busy highways.
Honda Pilot IIHS safety ratings
The 2025 Honda Pilot earned the coveted TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from IIHS. The SUV scored top marks in crash safety tests, pedestrian crash prevention, and headlight performance. Honda's engineers improved the Pilot's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure in its 2023 redesign to better protect smaller vehicles in crashes. The 2025 model also has better load-limiting retractors for the outer second-row seats, which boost passenger safety in IIHS's moderate overlap front test.
Honda Pilot interior space and seating
The Pilot shines with its roomy interior, offering over 158 cubic feet of passenger space. The front seats give you 41 inches of legroom and 58 inches of hip room. Second-row passengers get plenty of space with 40.8 inches of legroom. Kids will fit comfortably in the third row, which has 32.5 inches of legroom.
You'll find 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This expands to 59.5 cubic feet when you fold the third row, and a massive 113.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down.
Honda Pilot price and affordability
The 2025 Pilot starts at $41,650 and delivers great value in the midsize SUV market. While this price might seem high, buyers appreciate the Pilot's strong resale values and standard safety features that other brands charge extra for.
Subaru Ascent
Image Source: Subaru of Glendale
The 2025 Subaru Ascent stands among the safest family cars as an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Family safety serves as the life-blood of this three-row SUV that combines innovative safety technology with family-focused design elements.
Subaru Ascent crashworthiness and safety tech
A Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame forms the foundation of the Ascent's impressive safety credentials. The frame redirects crash energy away from passengers, which helps the Ascent earn top marks consistently from safety organizations. The Ascent received "Good" ratings in all IIHS crashworthiness tests, including the challenging small overlap front and updated side impact tests.
The standard EyeSight Driver Assist system powers the Ascent's safety technology with:
Adaptive cruise control with lane centering
Pre-collision braking and pedestrian detection
Lane departure and sway warning
Automatic emergency steering
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Ascent a perfect five-star overall rating.
Subaru Ascent child seat safety
Child safety shines in the Ascent with an IIHS "G+" (Good+) rating for LATCH ease of use. Parents will find three rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and three additional positions with tether anchors.
The Ascent's second row proves exceptional for families with multiple children. It earned "A" grades for infant seat installations and both rear-facing and forward-facing convertible setups. Parents can secure seats easily thanks to accessible anchors hidden under Velcro flaps.
Subaru Ascent pricing and value for families
The 2025 Ascent delivers great value at $38,910 with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and three-row seating for eight passengers. The interior space spans 153.2 cubic feet—more than both the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-90.
Consumer Reports recommends the Ascent for its dependability, showcasing Subaru's engineering quality. Buyers can negotiate $2,541 to $3,646 below MSRP according to Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, which makes this SUV an even better value.
Hyundai Palisade
Image Source: IIHS
The Hyundai Palisade leads the way in family safety with its detailed SmartSense suite. Recent crash test data shows some points that safety-conscious buyers should think over.
Hyundai Palisade safety innovations
The 2025 Palisade comes with Hyundai's resilient SmartSense suite that offers state-of-the-art driver-assistance technologies. This system has forward collision-avoidance assist that uses radar and camera technology to detect crashes and applies emergency braking automatically. Many competitors charge extra for safety features, but the Palisade includes these as standard equipment:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection
Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
Blind-Spot Collision Warning
Driver Attention Warning that monitors for fatigue
Safe Exit Assist that prevents rear passengers from opening doors into traffic
Families who travel on highways often will find the Palisade's driving aids useful. The highway driving assist and navigation-based smart cruise control provide a semi-autonomous driving experience that adjusts speed based on traffic conditions.
Hyundai Palisade crash test results
The 2025 Palisade was one of the safest SUVs but now sits off the current list of IIHS Top Safety Picks. This happened due to a poor rating in the updated moderate overlap crash test. The vehicle received a "P" (Poor) rating in this most important test.
The Palisade still performs well in several other crash test categories. It achieved "G" (Good) ratings in the small overlap front, original moderate overlap front, and updated side tests. The vehicle earned an "A" (Acceptable) rating for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.
Hyundai Palisade child safety features
The Palisade stands out in child safety with its "A" rating for LATCH ease of use. Three rear seating positions come with complete child seat attachment hardware. One additional seating position has a tether anchor.
Families appreciate the Rear Occupant Alert system that helps prevent children from being left in the vehicle. The Safe Exit Assist feature adds protection especially when you have younger children by preventing rear doors from opening when traffic approaches from behind.
Yes, it is worth noting that Hyundai backs the Palisade with America's Best Warranty—a 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. This gives families peace of mind for years to come.
Mazda CX-50
Image Source: IIHS
The Mazda CX-50 stands out as one of the safest family cars, and with good reason too. This compact SUV combines impressive safety credentials with family-friendly features in a stylish, adventure-ready package.
Mazda CX-50 safety score and crash data
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, which represents the highest honor in vehicle safety. The SUV achieved "Good" ratings across all crashworthiness tests, which covered the challenging small overlap front and updated side impact evaluations. The CX-50 also received a perfect 5-star overall rating from NHTSA.
The standard i-ACTIVSENSE® safety technology suite comes with:
Blind Spot Monitoring that provides audible alerts
Lane Departure Warning when driving above 40 mph
Rear Cross Traffic Alert that makes reversing safer
Drivers can opt for advanced features like an Adaptive Front-Lighting System that turns headlights with steering and a 360° View Monitor with See-Through View.
Mazda CX-50 child seat compatibility
The CX-50's LATCH system earned a remarkable "G+" (Good+) rating from IIHS. Parents will find two rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor.
The lower anchors sit in the seat bight where the cushion meets the seatback, making them easy to reach. The rear seats accommodate larger car seats with enough room to move around. The 60/40-split folding rear seats let parents manage multiple car seats while maintaining safety.
Mazda CX-50 pricing and family value
The CX-50 delivers solid value in the compact SUV segment with prices starting at $31,720 to $44,720 based on trim and options. The SUV provides 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row that expands to 56.3 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats—sufficient though not leading the class.
Mazda backs the CX-50 with a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty lasting five years or 60,000 miles. The SUV shines in towing capacity too. It handles 2,000 pounds with the base engine and reaches 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged option—near the top of its class.
Smart storage solutions throughout the cabin help make up for the moderate cargo dimensions in daily family use.
Honda Odyssey
Image Source: Car and Driver
The Honda Odyssey stands out as the only minivan to receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation among 2025's safest family cars. This vehicle delivers exceptional protection in a package built specifically for family transportation.
Honda Odyssey minivan safety features
The 2025 Odyssey comes equipped with Honda Sensing®, a complete suite of driver-assistance technologies that has:
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ that detects and helps prevent collisions with vehicles and pedestrians
Road Departure Mitigation System that keeps you on the road during unintentional drifts
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow that maintains safe distance in stop-and-go traffic
Lane Keeping Assist System that makes subtle steering adjustments to keep you centered
Traffic Sign Recognition System that shows road information like speed limits
The Odyssey also features advanced passive safety elements. Its Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure absorbs and redirects crash energy away from occupants.
Honda Odyssey child seat safety ratings
IIHS awarded the Odyssey an impressive "G+" (Good+) rating for LATCH ease of use. The minivan's design features 4 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment hardware. You'll find an additional seating position with a tether anchor.
The Odyssey's Magic Slide seats make it unique. These second-row seats move side-to-side and forward-backward on tracks. Parents can easily access the third row even with car seats installed. This feature allows the Odyssey to accommodate multiple car seats better than most vehicles available today.
Honda Odyssey crash test performance
The 2025 Odyssey earned "Good" ratings in several IIHS crashworthiness categories, including small overlap front tests on both driver and passenger sides. The vehicle received a "Poor" rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, particularly regarding rear passenger protection.
The vehicle scored an "Acceptable" rating in pedestrian detection tests and headlight performance.
Honda Odyssey price and practicality
The Odyssey's price ranges from $42,220 to $51,180 based on trim level. These prices reflect great value given its safety features and versatility. Families get 144.9 cubic feet of maximum storage capacity and excellent flexibility for car seat installation.
A simple strap mechanism lets third-row seats fold flat into the floor, creating substantial cargo space. The Odyssey's 3.5-liter V6 engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers fuel efficiency ratings of 19 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on highways.
INFINITI QX60
Image Source: IIHS
The 2025 INFINITI QX60 stands out as an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK winner and one of the safest family cars available today. This midsize luxury SUV perfectly blends elegant design with advanced protection systems that safety-conscious families need in their upscale transportation.
INFINITI QX60 luxury safety features
The QX60 creates a protective cocoon for its occupants with its standard safety suite. The key features are:
Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection that helps prevent collisions with vehicles and pedestrians
Predictive Forward Collision Warning that tracks both the immediate front vehicle and the one ahead of it
Blind Spot Warning that uses radar technology to detect vehicles nearby
Lane Departure Warning that alerts you when your vehicle drifts from its lane
Rear Automatic Braking that prevents backing collisions
The ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link enhances safety by combining adaptive cruise control with steering assist. The system uses navigation data and anticipates curves and junctions to provide smooth braking and natural cornering.
INFINITI QX60 child seat and LATCH ratings
Parents with young children will appreciate the QX60's "G+" (Good+) LATCH ease of use rating from IIHS. The vehicle's three rear seating positions come with complete child seat attachment hardware, and two extra positions have tether anchors.
The QX60's second-row bench seating shines with its flexible installation options. Two sets of exposed lower anchors plus an extra single anchor in the middle position allow multiple car seat configurations. These features helped the QX60 earn an "A" grade in Car Seat Check evaluations for both infant and convertible seat installations.
INFINITI QX60 crash test results
The 2025 QX60 showed excellent crashworthiness in IIHS evaluations with "Good" ratings in several key tests:
Small overlap front (both driver and passenger side)
Side impact test
Original moderate overlap front test
The QX60 earned an "Acceptable" rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, which qualified it for the TOP SAFETY PICK designation. The vehicle also received a "Good" rating for its standard headlights across all trim levels and its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system.
Tesla Model Y
Image Source: IIHS
Tesla designed the Model Y with safety as its cornerstone, making it one of the safest family cars you can buy today. This all-electric midsize SUV blends smart structural engineering with cutting-edge technology to shield families.
Tesla Model Y advanced safety tech
The Model Y comes standard with several active safety features:
Forward Collision Warning with automatic emergency braking
Lane Departure Avoidance that helps keep you in your lane
Blind spot detection for safer lane changes
Advanced collision avoidance systems
The Model Y stands out with its rigid body structure that absorbs crash energy while protecting the passenger cabin. On top of that, it uses a cabin camera and radar system to watch over the interior environment, giving families an extra shield of protection.
Tesla Model Y crash test and IIHS rating
The 2025 Tesla Model Y earned outstanding safety scores from major testing organizations. The vehicle received "Good" ratings in every IIHS crashworthiness category:
Small overlap front (driver and passenger side)
Moderate overlap front test (original and updated)
Side impact test (updated)
Head restraints and seats
The Model Y managed to keep its IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award from previous years, covering all 2020-2025 models. This recognition places it among select vehicles that meet tough safety standards.
Tesla Model Y child safety and seating
Parents will appreciate the Model Y's "A" rating for LATCH ease of use. The vehicle offers two rear seats with complete child seat attachment hardware and one extra spot with a tether anchor.
You can install both seat belt-retained and LATCH-retained child safety seats based on your needs. The Model Y's seat belts feature an automatic locking retractor (ALR) that secures the belt once fully extended. Tesla strongly recommends that children under 12 sit in the back seats for their safety.
Acura MDX
Image Source: IIHS
The 2025 Acura MDX uses innovative technology to create a complete safety ecosystem. This SUV stands out as one of the safest family cars and has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.
Acura MDX family safety features
The AcuraWatch™ suite forms the core of MDX's safety credentials with an impressive set of driver-assistance technologies:
Collision Mitigation Braking System with pedestrian detection automatically applies brakes to help prevent accidents
Road Departure Mitigation system helps keep the vehicle on the roadway
Lane Keeping Assist System makes subtle steering adjustments to maintain lane position
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow maintains safe distance even in stop-and-go traffic
The MDX gives families protection from every angle with standard Blind Spot Information System and Traffic Sign Recognition across all trim levels. Higher trims come with Low Speed Braking Control and eight parking sensors to make parking safer.
Acura MDX crash test performance
The 2025 MDX shows outstanding crashworthiness with "Good" ratings in several IIHS evaluations:
Small overlap front (both driver and passenger side)
Side impact test
Original moderate overlap front test
All the same, the MDX scored an "Acceptable" rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. The vehicle earned an impressive 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, with 5/5 stars for side crash and 4/5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Acura MDX child seat compatibility
Parents will love the MDX's "G+" (Good+) LATCH ease of use rating from IIHS. The SUV's second row has three sets of lower anchors that are easy to reach. This setup earned an "A" grade for forward-facing convertible car seat installation.
The second row fits three car seats at once. The third row has two tether anchors that are clearly visible and easy to access. The second row's center seat can be removed to create a path to the third row, though some parents might find the seat heavy to lift out.
BMW X1
Image Source: autoevolution
BMW's luxury compact X1 shows that small family vehicles can deliver outstanding safety. The subcompact SUV earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for 2025. German engineering and detailed safety systems work together to create a protective environment that surpasses expectations for its size class.
BMW X1 compact SUV safety features
The X1 packs an impressive array of standard driver assistance tech:
Active Blind Spot Detection that alerts you during lane changes
Forward Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation to stop frontal impacts[342]
Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assistant to stop unwanted drifting[342]
Front and rear parking sensors plus Park Assist to make maneuvering safer
Pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking
The X1's safety features go beyond active systems. You get six airbags (front, side, curtain), dynamic stability control, and hill-start assist. The BMW Assist eCall™ system adds improved automatic collision alerts and emergency help through an SOS button.
BMW X1 crash data and IIHS score
The 2025 X1 scored "Good" ratings (the highest possible) in all three IIHS crash tests:
Small overlap front (both driver and passenger sides)
Moderate overlap front
Updated side impact test
The X1 also earned "Good" ratings for its headlights and standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2025 X1 a four-star overall rating. This includes four stars in frontal crash and rollover tests, and five stars in the side crash test.
BMW X1 child seat safety
The X1 received IIHS's highest "Good+" rating for LATCH ease of use[342]. Parents will find two complete sets of LATCH connectors for rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat. The ISOFIX anchors are user-friendly and easy to reach, which makes car seat installation simpler for busy parents.
All passenger seat belts come with automatic-locking retractors to secure child restraint seats properly. This compact luxury SUV prioritizes family safety while delivering the premium experience that makes BMW a prominent brand.
Kia Telluride
Image Source: Kia Media
"Every vehicle that earns a 2025 award offers a high level of safety in both the front seat and the second row." — David Harkey, President, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
The Kia Telluride keeps racking up safety awards. It has earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ status for three years straight as tests get tougher. This spacious three-row SUV combines cutting-edge safety tech with plenty of room, making it a top choice for safety-conscious families.
Kia Telluride Top Safety Pick+ rating
The 2025 Telluride scored "Good" ratings across all IIHS tests. These include the small overlap front test, updated side test, and a more challenging moderate overlap front test. The new test now puts a second dummy behind the driver to check back seat safety. The SUV also earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and five stars in the side crash test. The Telluride meets the latest 2025 standards that focus on keeping rear-seat passengers safe.
Kia Telluride family-friendly features
The 2025 model comes loaded with safety tech. You get blind-spot detection, better automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and following assist, and safe exit assist. Moving up to higher trims gives you front parking sensors, a blind-spot-view monitor, a 360-degree camera, and Highway Driving Assist 2.
The Telluride thinks about family comfort too. A quiet zone feature lets you mute rear speakers and keep front volume low. This smart design, plus its sixth straight appearance on Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks and SUVs list, shows why families love this SUV.
Kia Telluride child safety and seating
Most Telluride trims fit eight passengers. You can opt for heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs that lead the class in legroom. IIHS gave it a "Good" rating for LATCH ease of use. Three rear seats have full child seat attachments, and there's an extra tether anchor in a fourth spot.
Parents should know about the second row's lower anchors. They sit deep in the seat bight. The outer anchors work well enough, but reaching inner anchors can be tricky because of seat cushions and buckle placement. A handy one-button fold-and-slide feature makes getting to the third row easy, but it won't work with a car seat installed.
Volkswagen Atlas
Image Source: IIHS
The Volkswagen Atlas stands out as one of the safest family cars with its IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and complete protection features. This three-row SUV packs substantial safety technology while staying true to its family-friendly design.
Volkswagen Atlas safety features for families
The Atlas's protective capabilities center around its Front Assist system that comes with automatic emergency braking and monitors pedestrians and cyclists to prevent crashes. The vehicle has Side Assist, an active blind-spot monitoring system that works among other features like Rear Traffic Alert to warn drivers about vehicles in nearby lanes.
Travel Assist comes with higher trim levels and combines adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and emergency assist to give drivers semi-autonomous capabilities. These systems keep safe distances and center the Atlas in its lane. The SUV also has Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control to boost stability on steep terrain.
Volkswagen Atlas crash test results
The 2025 Atlas earned its IIHS Top Safety Pick status by scoring "Good" ratings in several crash tests. These scores include "Good" ratings in small overlap front (driver and passenger-side), original moderate overlap front, and updated side tests. The vehicle scored "Marginal" in the updated moderate overlap test.
NHTSA gave the Atlas a five-star overall rating for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.
Volkswagen Atlas child seat compatibility
Parents will find three rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and two extra spots with tether anchors. IIHS gave the Atlas a "Marginal" rating for LATCH ease of use.
Real-world testing shows the Atlas's second-row bench seat version handles three car seats easily. The captain's chair setup creates enough space for kids to reach the third row when the seat moves aside.
Toyota Sienna
Image Source: Repairer Driven News
The 2025 Toyota Sienna leads the minivan segment as the only hybrid option. Its outstanding safety credentials make it one of the safest family cars you can buy today.
Toyota Sienna minivan safety features
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard on the Sienna. This complete safety package has a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection on every trim level—LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited. The system earned an "A" rating from IIHS in front crash prevention tests for pedestrians.
Standard safety equipment on all models includes:
Blind spot detection to make lane changes safer
Lane departure warning and prevention systems
High-beam assist that helps you see better at night
The Advanced Rear-Seat Reminder system is a vital feature for families with young children. It watches the second and third rows for movement and alerts you after you've turned off and locked the vehicle.
Toyota Sienna IIHS safety ratings
The Sienna earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for 2025. Here's how it performed in various crash tests:
"Good" ratings in small overlap front tests (both driver and passenger sides)
"Good" rating in the original moderate overlap front test
"Marginal" rating in the updated moderate overlap front test
"Good" rating in the updated side impact test
The headlights on all trim levels received a "Good" rating, meeting IIHS's tougher 2025 standards that require good or acceptable headlights as standard equipment.
Toyota Sienna child seat and LATCH system
The Sienna's LATCH system earned an exceptional "G+" (Good+) rating for ease of use. Parents will love that this minivan has five rear seating positions with full LATCH hardware. There's also an extra position with a tether anchor that can borrow a second anchor from another seat.
The lower anchors sit in the seat bight where cushions meet seatbacks, making them easy to reach. This setup makes the Sienna perfect for families who need to install multiple car seats.
Toyota's 2021 redesign managed to keep the Sienna's family-first approach. The focus on child safety features and adult protection systems makes it a top choice among safe family cars in 2025.
Jeep Wagoneer
Image Source: CBS News
The Jeep Wagoneer has made a strong comeback in the family SUV market and earned the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Among three popular large SUVs tested, it stands alone in qualifying for this prestigious recognition.
Jeep Wagoneer crash test performance
The Wagoneer shows impressive safety capabilities in IIHS evaluations. It earned "Good" ratings in several key tests including small overlap front (both driver and passenger sides) and the updated side impact test. The vehicle received a "Marginal" rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, specifically about rear passenger protection.
The vehicle managed to keep adequate survival space for occupants during the small overlap test. There was slight intrusion in the driver's side footwell, which led to a modest injury risk to the left foot and ankle. We tested the front and side curtain airbags that worked well to keep the test dummies' heads away from stiff structures that could cause injury.
Jeep Wagoneer child safety features
Parents with young children will appreciate the Wagoneer's exceptional child seat setup, which earned a "G+" (Good+) LATCH ease of use rating. This spacious SUV has three rear seating spots with complete child seat attachment hardware. You'll also find two extra seating positions with tether anchors only.
The Wagoneer boosts child safety with these technologies:
Pedestrian and Cyclist Emergency Braking that tracks and responds to potential collisions using intelligent sensors
Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection to spot vehicles in blind spots
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control to keep temperatures comfortable
Jeep Wagoneer family-friendly design
The 2025 Wagoneer returned to the market after a 31-year break and puts family comfort first. The cabin gives you over 41 inches of headroom and 40 inches of legroom in the first row. Second-row captain's chairs provide plenty of space whether you're seating adults or children.
The vehicle has a 360° Surround View Camera with Washer that gives you a complete view around the vehicle at low speeds—especially when you have to park in new places. You'll also find convenient features like three-zone climate control and parallel and perpendicular park assist with stop function. These features make the Wagoneer a really solid choice for families who put safety first.
Volvo XC90
Image Source: Scott Volvo Cars Allentown
The Volvo XC90 stands as a testament to five decades of safety excellence, making it one of the safest family cars accessible to more people today. This midsize luxury SUV builds on Volvo's breakthroughs in protective technology since 1959, and their standards continue to evolve beyond industry benchmarks.
Volvo XC90 Top Safety Pick+ rating
The 2025 Volvo XC90 proudly maintains its elite status with the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. The vehicle achieved "Good" ratings consistently in all key crashworthiness evaluations. The mild hybrid (B5, B6) and plug-in hybrid (T8) versions both met IIHS's stringent criteria. The XC90's performance shines with "Good" scores in the small overlap front test, updated moderate overlap front test, and updated side test. The vehicle's headlight performance earned an "Acceptable" rating on all trim levels, which is a big deal as it means that it meets 2025's stricter requirements.
Volvo XC90 child safety and LATCH system
Parents with young children will appreciate the XC90's "Acceptable" rating to use LATCH. The vehicle comes equipped with two rear seating positions that feature complete child seat attachment hardware, plus an additional position with a tether anchor. The lower anchors sit somewhat deep in the seat, but they don't need much force to attach. You'll find ISOFIX/LATCH anchors in the second-row seats, marked clearly with visible symbols on the upholstery. Volvo suggests routing the top tether strap under the head restraint instead of over it to work best.
Volvo XC90 advanced safety technology
The XC90's IntelliSafe suite serves as the foundation of its protective capabilities. Key technologies include:
City Safety with automated emergency braking that detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists
Run-off road mitigation that keeps the vehicle on the road during unintentional drifting
Driver monitoring system that spots distraction or sleepiness
Interior radars that monitor the whole cabin to prevent accidentally leaving children or pets behind
Volvo's steadfast dedication to safety breakthroughs shows in their vehicle-to-vehicle communication system. This feature alerts drivers about hazardous road conditions that other Volvo cars detect nearby.
Comparison Table
Vehicle | IIHS Safety Status | Key Safety Features | LATCH Rating | Child Seat Positions | Notable Crash Test Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audi Q7 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | Pre sense basic/front, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning | Good | 5 positions with LATCH | "Good" in all crashworthiness tests |
Honda Pilot | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control | N/A | 4 rear positions with LATCH | "Good" in small overlap front tests |
Subaru Ascent | TOP SAFETY PICK | EyeSight Driver Assist, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking | Good+ | 3 positions with LATCH + 3 tether | "Good" in all crashworthiness tests |
Hyundai Palisade | Not TOP SAFETY PICK | Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist, Safe Exit Assist | Acceptable | 3 positions with LATCH + 1 tether | "Poor" in updated moderate overlap test |
Mazda CX-50 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Good+ | 2 positions with LATCH + 1 tether | "Good" in all crashworthiness tests |
Honda Odyssey | TOP SAFETY PICK | Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist | Good+ | 4 positions with LATCH + 1 tether | "Poor" in updated moderate overlap test |
INFINITI QX60 | TOP SAFETY PICK | Forward Emergency Braking, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning | Good+ | 3 positions with LATCH + 2 tether | "Acceptable" in updated moderate overlap test |
Tesla Model Y | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Avoidance, Blind spot detection | Acceptable | 2 positions with LATCH + 1 tether | "Good" in all crashworthiness tests |
Acura MDX | TOP SAFETY PICK | Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist | Good+ | 3 positions with LATCH | "Acceptable" in updated moderate overlap test |
BMW X1 | TOP SAFETY PICK | Active Blind Spot Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning | Good+ | 2 positions with LATCH + 1 tether | "Good" in all crash tests |
Kia Telluride | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | Blind-spot detection, improved automatic emergency braking, Lane keeping assist | Good | 3 positions with LATCH + 1 tether | "Good" in all IIHS assessments |
Volkswagen Atlas | TOP SAFETY PICK | Front Assist, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert | Marginal | 3 positions with LATCH + 2 tether | "Marginal" in updated moderate overlap test |
Toyota Sienna | TOP SAFETY PICK | Pre-Collision System, Blind spot detection, Lane departure warning | Good+ | 5 positions with LATCH + 1 tether | "Marginal" in updated moderate overlap test |
Jeep Wagoneer | TOP SAFETY PICK | Pedestrian/Cyclist Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring | Good+ | 3 positions with LATCH + 2 tether | "Marginal" in updated moderate overlap test |
Volvo XC90 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | City Safety, Run-off road mitigation, Driver monitoring system | Acceptable | 2 positions with LATCH + 1 tether | "Good" in all crashworthiness evaluations |
Conclusion
Vehicle safety ratings have become more meaningful as safety standards continue to evolve. The 2025 lineup shows impressive safety advances in vehicles of all sizes. From luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7 to practical minivans like the Honda Odyssey, manufacturers have raised their safety game.
IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners showcase exceptional protection with complete safety suites and superior crash test results. The Kia Telluride, Tesla Model Y, and Volvo XC90 achieved perfect scores in multiple crash tests. The Mazda CX-50's excellent child seat compatibility adds to its appeal.
Families should look at both active safety features and LATCH system ratings before buying their next vehicle. The Toyota Sienna and Jeep Wagoneer show that larger vehicles can protect passengers well without sacrificing practicality. These vehicles come with multiple LATCH positions and advanced driver assistance systems.
Modern family vehicles provide unprecedented protection, from the compact BMW X1 to the spacious Hyundai Palisade. These 15 vehicles represent today's highest automotive safety standards and give families reliable options at various price points and sizes.
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