Safest SUVs for 2024 and 2025

When considering a 2024 or 2025 SUV, prioritize your safety. The vehicles below offer active safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. This cutting-edge approach to road security, complemented by passive driver assistance systems, ensures a secure and worry-free driving experience.

These SUVs boast updated suspension systems and ergonomic seating for comfort and performance, establishing a smooth ride. Technological advancements such as adaptive cruise control and GPS-linked temperature control seamlessly adjust to driving conditions and preferences. Additionally, connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging integrate your digital lifestyle, making these SUVs a versatile and comfortable choice for both safety and convenience.

2025 Genesis GV80

MotoPickers Rating: 8.7/10

The 2025 Genesis GV80 redefines luxury in the midsize SUV market, blending comfort and control in a package starting at $57,700. Its cabin showcases exquisite craftsmanship and high-quality materials, including genuine leather and natural wood, ensuring a premium and spacious interior. The GV80’s powertrain options, offering 300 to 375 horsepower with all-wheel drive (AWD), deliver a smooth and dynamic ride, catering to those seeking a vehicle that combines power with grace.

In 2024, the GV80 introduced enhancements like a Wi-Fi hotspot, maintaining its competitive edge into 2025. It provides optional third-row seating for extra passengers, although the rear cargo space is tight at 11.6 cubic feet (cu. ft.) of volume. Instead, this SUV stands out for its elegant design and versatile performance, making it a top choice for luxury enthusiasts who demand style and functionality. Noteworthy safety features enhancing its functionality include safe exit assist, blind-spot monitor, forward collision-avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.

2024 Kia Telluride

MotoPickers Rating: 9.5/10

The 2024 Kia Telluride, with its price range of $36,190 to $53,385, offers a compelling blend of comfort and functionality across 10 trims to suit diverse preferences. Its spacious cabin and high-quality interior, complemented by a user-friendly 12.3” infotainment system, provide a superior driving experience. Underneath, a 291 horsepower V6 engine ensures smooth and responsive handling, whether in city traffic or highway cruising, highlighting its robust performance.

Opting for either FWD or AWD, the Telluride boasts versatile performance for daily commutes and adventurous outings, with a notable 5,500-lb. maximum towing capability and seating configurations for 7 to 8 passengers. While specific safety ratings for the 2024 model are pending, Kia’s history of integrating advanced safety features suggests a commitment to high passenger security standards. Despite its modest fuel economy of 18-20 MPG in the city and 24-26 MPG on the highway, the Telluride’s undeniable benefits in size and performance firmly establish it as a top contender in the midsize SUV category.

2024 Mazda CX-30

MotoPickers Rating: 9.1/10

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, starting at $24,995, introduces the 2.5 Carbon Turbo base model, setting a new standard in the compact SUV segment with its range topping out at $36,800. It boasts seating for five, fuel economy of 22-26 mpg in the city and 30-33 MPG on the highway, AWD, and horsepower ranging from 191 to 227. Its AWD system and turbocharged engine option, providing up to 227 horsepower, enhances performance over the standard 191 horsepower motor.

Mazda enhanced the CX-30 this year with upscale materials like premium stitching for a high-end cabin feel and agile handling that distinguishes it in its class. The 2024 updates include a more extensive 10.25” infotainment display upgrade and standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, improving safety and convenience. With its blend of efficiency and performance, the CX-30 offers a dynamic driving experience without sacrificing fuel economy.

2024 Volvo XC90

MotoPickers Rating: 9.4/10

Exploring the luxury SUV market, the 2024 Volvo XC90, ranging from $56,600 to $71,395, stands out with its spacious, elegantly designed cabin that reflects Scandinavian aesthetics and accommodates six to seven passengers. It offers a selection of three trims and two, including an optional plug-in hybrid variant that delivers 247 to 295 horsepower and offers up to 36 miles of electric range, enhancing its versatility and appeal.

The XC90 prioritizes safety, embodying Volvo’s commitment to protection with innovative safety features, like a blind-spot information system, drift correction, automatic braking- cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree parking view. However, opting for 21-inch wheels might affect ride smoothness. The SUV’s AWD is standard, ensuring stability, and it boasts a combined fuel consumption of 23-24 MPG.

2024 BMW X3

MotoPickers Rating: 9.2/10

The 2024 BMW X3 combines driving enjoyment with practicality, offering dynamic performance and ample space for everyday commutes and exploratory journeys. It caters to various preferences and needs, with prices ranging from $46,900 to $75,500 across three trims. The base models feature a 248-horsepower engine for smooth driving, while the M40i trim escalates excitement with a 382-horsepower engine, ensuring swift acceleration.

BMW’s 2024 X3 helps drivers avoid hazards through standard features like active blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and frontal collision warning with city collision mitigation. Although its 10.3” infotainment system potentially falls short against competitors, the X3 offers a larger 12.3” display option for easier receipt of vital data like safety notifications.

2024 Mazda CX-50

MotoPickers Rating: 9.5/10

The 2024 Mazda CX-50, starting at $30,300, offers a blend of style and performance, making it an appealing choice in the crossover market. Its exterior design and luxurious cabin ambiance aim to captivate those who prioritize aesthetics alongside driving dynamics, perfect for daily commutes and weekend getaways. Equipped with a base engine producing 187 horsepower and an optional 2.5-turbocharged engine delivering up to 227 horsepower, all models come with AWD, ensuring versatile performance in various conditions.

Inside, the CX-50 comfortably seats five passengers and impresses with its practical and feature-rich cabin. As an IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2023, the CX-50 offers an adaptive front lighting system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic braking, lane departure warning, and more. Fuel efficiency is competitive, with the CX-50 achieving 23-24 MPG in the city and 29-30 MPG on the highway, making it an intelligent choice for fuel and safety-conscious drivers.

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

MotoPickers Rating: 9.3/10

Starting at $42,630, the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers a consistent blend of performance and comfort across various trims, peaking at $69,040. It continues to provide a choice between a 290 horsepower V6 and a more powerful 357 horsepower V8 engine, both paired with an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. Options for RWD or AWD further enhance its versatility, making it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.

Unique available features help characterize the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s safety prowess. Drivers can equip this model with night vision, a 360-degree surround camera, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and drowsy detection technology. Optional enhanced off-road capabilities and various AWD systems underline Jeep’s off-roading legacy, ensuring the Grand Cherokee L remains a versatile vehicle for both adventurous terrains and comfortable on-road journeys.

2024 Volvo XC60

MotoPickers Rating: 9.1/10

The 2024 Volvo XC60 invites you into a realm of luxury, safety, and sophisticated design, setting a new standard in the luxury compact SUV category. Now exclusively equipped with AWD across all three trims for superior handling and traction, the XC60 shines with its sleek exterior and thoughtfully designed cabin, comfortably accommodating up to five passengers.

Beneath its hood, the standard B5 engine delivers 247 horsepower, balancing efficiency and performance. Achieving 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, the XC60 blends driving pleasure with fuel economy. This SUV’s advanced driver-assist technology helps you maintain a safe distance from other vehicles by adapting your speed, centering your lane position, and alerting you when it’s time to move during stop-and-go traffic.

2024 Mazda CX-5

MotoPickers Rating: 9.1/10

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, priced between $29,300 and $40,600, stands out in the compact SUV market with its robust engine offerings: a standard 187 horsepower engine and a more potent 227 horsepower turbocharged option. Coupled with AWD and a six-speed automatic transmission, it promises a refined driving experience. Despite a slightly smaller cabin than its competitors, the CX-5 impresses with its superior handling, thanks to precise steering and a well-tuned suspension.

Mazda refreshes the CX-5 lineup for 2024 by introducing the Carbon Turbo trim and discontinuing the 2.5 S trim, emphasizing its commitment to performance and safety. The CX-5 boasts a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick selection from the IIHS. While the 10.3” infotainment system may have limitations, the CX-5 compensates with a wealth of standard features, even if its cargo space doesn’t match some peers. This blend of luxury, comfort, and award-winning safety driving keeps the CX-5 highly competitive in its segment.

2024 Toyota RAV4

MotoPickers Rating: 8.8/10

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 starts at $28,675, presenting a range of trims that culminate at $40,030 for the highest tier. It boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower, paired with a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup is available in both FWD and AWD, accommodating diverse driving preferences and conditions.

Enhancing its practicality, the RAV4 features many standard safety features, like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, and more. However, the vehicle’s engine may produce noticeable noise. Overall, the 2024 RAV4 embodies Toyota’s dedication to reliability and value in the compact SUV market, ensuring it stands out for its comprehensive feature set and comfortable driving dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions

When looking for the safest SUVs for 2024 and 2025, it’s essential to understand the top safety features, the SUVs with the highest safety ratings, and the significance of crash test results.

What are the top safety features to look for in 2024 SUV models?

When seeking a safe 2024 SUV, prioritize models equipped with several standard advanced driver assistance features (ADAS). Essential features to consider include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.

Pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control further enhances vehicle safety and a driver’s environmental awareness.

Which midsize SUVs have received the highest safety ratings for 2024?

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 maintains high safety ratings, for its consistent performance in protecting occupants.

Midsize SUVs, including Mazda’s CX-5, CX-50, and Nissan’s Pathfinder models built after November 2023, have garnered an IIHS Top Safety Pick, reflecting superior protection in numerous crash tests.

Which small SUVs are known for best-in-class safety in 2024?

The Mazda CX-30 distinguishes itself among small SUVs for 2024, following its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition for the 2023 model year. This trend is expected to persist, underscoring its safety leadership.

In addition to exemplary performance in crash tests cements the CX-30 offers 11 standard and available driver-assist systems to fill in the blanks of road safety through features like blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and more.

What luxury SUVs have the best safety records for the years 2024 and 2025?

The Genesis GV70 stands out among luxury SUVs for its 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick status, receiving the maximum score in categories such as headlights, front crash prevention, and seat belt reminders.

Similarly, the Volvo XC90 excels as an IIHS Top Safety Pick, earning high ratings and recognition in all three major crashworthiness tests.

How do hybrid SUVs compare in safety to traditional gasoline SUVs for 2024?

Hybrid SUVs are now often equal to or surpassing the safety of traditional gasoline models, with comparable or enhanced safety technologies, attributed to their newer designs.

Comparing gasoline vs. hybrid powertrains has more to do with performance than safety, especially in areas like mileage and top speed.

What are the most important crash test results to consider when choosing a safe SUV for 2024?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offer essential crash test ratings for evaluating vehicle safety. Important tests to review include front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection.

SUVs achieving top ratings such as ‘Good’ or ‘5-Star’ in these categories generally offer superior safety, indicating a higher level of protection for occupants.