Hey guys! Are you in the market for a new SUV and safety is your top priority? You've come to the right place! Let's dive into the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) top safety picks for SUVs in 2025. Knowing which vehicles ace the safety tests can give you peace of mind and protect your loved ones. In this article, we’ll explore the SUVs that have earned the coveted IIHS accolades, highlighting their safety features and why they stand out from the crowd. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Understanding IIHS Safety Ratings

First off, let's break down what the IIHS is all about and why their ratings matter so much. The IIHS is an independent, nonprofit organization that conducts vehicle safety research and crash tests. They're basically the gold standard when it comes to evaluating how well a car protects its occupants in a crash. Their tests are rigorous and designed to simulate real-world accident scenarios. So, when a vehicle earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, it's a big deal. It means the SUV has performed exceptionally well in a variety of crash tests and has advanced safety features that can help prevent or mitigate accidents.

The IIHS conducts several crash tests, including:

• Small Overlap Front Tests: These tests simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a fixed object. It’s a challenging test because it concentrates the crash forces on a small area of the vehicle’s structure.
• Moderate Overlap Front Tests: This test involves the front of the vehicle colliding with a barrier that covers a moderate portion of the vehicle’s width. It's a more traditional crash test that evaluates how well the vehicle’s crumple zones and safety cage protect the occupants.
• Side Impact Tests: These tests assess how well a vehicle protects occupants in a side-impact crash. The IIHS uses a heavier barrier and higher speed than the federal government’s side-impact test, making it a tougher evaluation.
• Roof Strength Tests: This test measures how well the roof of a vehicle can withstand a rollover crash. A strong roof can prevent the roof from collapsing into the occupant compartment, reducing the risk of injury.
• Head Restraint and Seat Tests: These tests evaluate how well the head restraints and seats protect occupants from whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.

In addition to crashworthiness, the IIHS also evaluates vehicles’ crash prevention systems. They test features like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning, which can help drivers avoid or mitigate crashes. To earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must have good ratings in these crash prevention tests as well. The IIHS ratings are updated frequently to reflect advancements in vehicle safety technology and to address emerging safety concerns. For example, the IIHS has recently updated its side-impact test to better reflect the types of crashes that occur in the real world. They’ve also added a new test to evaluate pedestrian crash prevention systems, which can help reduce the risk of pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

The IIHS Top Safety Pick awards are given to vehicles that perform well in all IIHS crash tests and have available front crash prevention systems that earn good or acceptable ratings. The Top Safety Pick+ awards are reserved for the best of the best – vehicles that meet the Top Safety Pick criteria and also have good or acceptable headlights across all trim levels. Good headlights are essential for nighttime driving safety, and the IIHS has found that many vehicles have headlights that don’t provide adequate visibility. By awarding the Top Safety Pick+ to vehicles with good headlights, the IIHS is encouraging automakers to prioritize this important safety feature. So, when you're checking out those IIHS ratings, make sure to pay attention to the headlight ratings as well.

Top SUV Safety Picks for 2025

Alright, let's get to the juicy part – which SUVs are acing the IIHS tests in 2025? Keep in mind that the 2025 model year is still rolling out, so we'll focus on the latest ratings available and make projections based on historical performance and expected updates. Here are some SUVs that are likely to be at the top of the list:

Acura MDX

The Acura MDX has consistently been an IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ recipient, and it's expected to continue its reign in 2025. This luxury SUV offers a winning combination of safety, comfort, and performance. The MDX is equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features can help you stay safe on the road and avoid accidents. In IIHS crash tests, the MDX has consistently earned good ratings across the board, demonstrating its ability to protect occupants in a variety of crash scenarios. Acura's commitment to safety is evident in the MDX's design and engineering, making it a top contender for families looking for a safe and reliable SUV.

The Acura MDX isn't just about crash protection; it's also packed with features designed to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. The AcuraWatch system uses a combination of sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and provide warnings and assistance to the driver. For example, the forward collision warning system can detect a potential collision and alert the driver, while the automatic emergency braking system can automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time. These features can be especially helpful in busy city traffic or on long highway drives, where distractions can be a major cause of accidents. The MDX also offers features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which can help you avoid collisions when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces. With its comprehensive suite of safety features, the Acura MDX goes above and beyond to protect its occupants and other road users. So, if you're looking for an SUV that prioritizes safety, the Acura MDX should definitely be on your list.

Volvo XC60

Volvo is practically synonymous with safety, and the XC60 is a shining example of their commitment. The Volvo XC60 is another SUV that frequently earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors. With its reputation for safety, Volvo equips the XC60 with a plethora of standard safety features, including City Safety, which can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals and automatically apply the brakes if needed. The XC60's safety cage is designed to protect occupants in a crash, and its advanced driver-assistance systems can help prevent accidents from happening in the first place. In addition to its impressive safety credentials, the XC60 also offers a stylish design, comfortable interior, and engaging driving experience. It's a well-rounded SUV that appeals to a wide range of buyers who prioritize safety without sacrificing other important qualities. Volvo's dedication to safety extends beyond crash protection to include features that promote driver awareness and reduce fatigue. The XC60 offers features like driver alert control, which can detect when a driver is drowsy or distracted and provide a warning. It also has lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist, which can help you stay in your lane on the highway. These features can be especially valuable on long trips, where fatigue can be a major factor in accidents. With its comprehensive approach to safety, the Volvo XC60 is a top choice for drivers who want the best possible protection for themselves and their passengers.

Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is a popular choice for families, and its strong safety ratings make it even more appealing. This SUV has consistently earned Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards from the IIHS, thanks to its robust crashworthiness and advanced safety features. The Ascent comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These features can help prevent accidents and make driving safer and more convenient. In addition to its safety credentials, the Ascent offers a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and standard all-wheel drive, making it a practical and capable choice for families. Subaru's commitment to safety is evident in the Ascent's design and engineering, making it a top contender in the midsize SUV segment. The Subaru Ascent's safety features aren't just limited to crash prevention; it also offers a range of features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Ascent's reinforced safety cage is designed to absorb and distribute crash energy, while its advanced airbag system provides additional protection for occupants. The Ascent also offers features like reverse automatic braking, which can help prevent collisions when backing up. With its comprehensive safety features and strong crash test performance, the Subaru Ascent is a top choice for families who prioritize safety.

Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is a newer entry in the SUV market, but it's already making waves with its stylish design and impressive safety features. Mazda has a reputation for building safe and reliable vehicles, and the CX-90 is no exception. It's expected to perform well in IIHS crash tests and offers a range of advanced safety technologies, including Mazda's i-Activsense suite of driver-assistance features. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The CX-90 also offers a comfortable and refined interior, making it a pleasure to drive and ride in. Mazda's attention to detail and commitment to quality make the CX-90 a strong contender in the competitive SUV segment. The Mazda CX-90's safety features are designed to work seamlessly together to provide a comprehensive safety net for drivers and passengers. The CX-90's advanced driver-assistance systems use a combination of sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and provide warnings and assistance to the driver. For example, the blind-spot monitoring system can detect vehicles in your blind spots and alert you, while the rear cross-traffic alert system can help you avoid collisions when backing out of parking spaces. These features can be especially helpful in busy city traffic or on long highway drives. With its advanced safety technologies and stylish design, the Mazda CX-90 is a compelling choice for SUV buyers.

Key Safety Features to Look For

When you're shopping for a safe SUV, there are a few key safety features you should keep an eye out for. These features can make a big difference in preventing accidents and protecting you and your passengers in a crash:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): This system can detect a potential collision and automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time. AEB can significantly reduce the severity of a crash or even prevent it altogether.
• Forward Collision Warning: This system alerts the driver to a potential collision with a vehicle or object in front of them. It gives the driver time to react and take evasive action.
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: These systems can help you stay in your lane on the highway. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, while lane-keeping assist can gently steer the vehicle back into the lane.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring: This system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, making it safer to change lanes.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: This system can detect vehicles approaching from the side when you're backing out of a parking space. It can help you avoid collisions in parking lots and other low-speed situations.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: This system maintains a set distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. It can automatically adjust your speed to maintain the following distance, making highway driving more relaxed and convenient.
• Good Headlights: Good headlights are essential for nighttime driving safety. Look for vehicles with headlights that earn good or acceptable ratings from the IIHS.

Staying Safe on the Road

Choosing a safe SUV is a great start, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. It’s also crucial to practice safe driving habits and stay vigilant on the road. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe behind the wheel:

• Avoid Distractions: Put your phone away, set your GPS before you start driving, and avoid eating or drinking while you're behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents.
• Follow Traffic Laws: Obey speed limits, traffic signals, and other traffic laws. These laws are in place to keep everyone safe.
• Drive Defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Don't assume that other drivers will do what you expect them to do.
• Maintain Your Vehicle: Keep your vehicle in good working order by following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. This includes checking your tires, brakes, and other important components.
• Drive Sober: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired driving is a major safety risk.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Navigating the world of SUV safety can feel like a maze, but understanding IIHS ratings and knowing which features to prioritize makes the process way smoother. The Acura MDX, Volvo XC60, Subaru Ascent, and Mazda CX-90 are all strong contenders for the safest SUVs of 2025, but remember to do your homework and find the one that best fits your needs and budget. Prioritizing safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring can make a huge difference in protecting you and your loved ones on the road. Drive safe, and happy car hunting!