These Are the Safest SUVs You Can Buy for 2026

Most SUVs simply can’t be called the best when it comes to safety. No one ever plans on testing safety ratings for themselves, but if a collision occurs, will your SUV keep you protected?

The safest SUVs you can buy for 2026 probably will, and you’ll find them all listed below. These vehicles are all over the map from a size and mission perspective, with some offering affordable pricing and practicality while others focus on luxury and performance. Our safest SUV picks all get a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and, if tested, have a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Did your favorite SUV make the list?

Honda hasn’t always had luck with its midsize SUVs. Remember the Crosstour? With the new Passport, Honda’s midsizer enters a new generation with some off-roading abilities to back up the (somewhat) rugged design. The Passport has always been a spacious two-row SUV, and its nod as one of the safest SUVs for 2026 makes it that much more desirable.

There’s no real base model on the 2026 Passport, so Honda includes tons of safety tech and features on every trim. That includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping warning and assist, blind-spot monitoring with a lane change assist feature, cross-traffic monitoring, and auto high-beams.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Honda Passport

The EV9 bravely treads where precious few others dare: the mainstream electric three-row segment. Before you start considering luxury models, there aren’t many direct competitors besides the Ioniq 9 also on this list of safe SUVs.

Refreshingly, there’s very little feature restriction on the EV9. Some luxury SUVs keep some desirable tech on higher trims, but the EV9 has the following on the base model: automatic front and rear emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, auto high-beams, and Safe Exit Assist.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Kia EV9

Like the Honda HR-V, the Mazda CX-30 is special for being one of the few subcompact SUVs that ace IIHS and NHTSA testing. The CX-30 has a tiny interior, but it drives well and has a slightly premium appeal compared to some rivals.

Starting below $30,000, the 2026 CX-30 2.5 S Select Sport base trim has automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New for 2026, this base trim gets side-view mirrors that tilt down when the SUV is in reverse. Calling that a safety feature is a stretch, but it’s a cool perk that was once reserved for more expensive cars.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Mazda CX-30

Audi’s bestseller isn’t our top pick in the compact luxury SUV space, but tech and a quiet cabin are highlights. Standard safety features are plentiful and include automatic emergency braking, an Evasion Assist system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. A dash cam and automatic rear emergency braking are available.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Audi Q5

Now in its eighth model year without a full redesign, the 2026 Subaru Ascent still earns a great safety rating from IIHS and NHTSA. The Ascent wouldn’t be our first pick in the three-row SUV segment, but it’s fine for consumers who are loyal to the Subaru brand.

Under the EyeSight subbrand of safety equipment, the 2026 Ascent has automatic front and rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Automatic Emergency Steering is also included; the feature can steer the car around an obstacle in select circumstances.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Subaru Ascent

Capable, quick and luxurious, the Rivian R1S continues to impress us. The electric three-row luxury SUV offers multiple power and range levels with a boxy and endearing design that influenced the smaller R2 model. The R1S Dual Standard model has what you’d expect from an $80,000 luxury SUV, with automatic emergency braking, auto high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keeping assist.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Rivian R1S

Mazda now has two compact SUVs: There’s the long-running CX-5 that’s new for 2026, and this one, the CX-50. Focused more on the outdoorsy crowd, this Forester-competitor offers two gas engines and a Toyota-based hybrid, as well. The 2026 CX-50’s base trim is called 2.5 S Select, and standard safety tech goodies include automatic emergency braking, auto high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Mazda CX-50

Think of the 2027 Audi Q6 as a fully electric and pricier alternative to the Q5. We’re fans of the Q6, which charges quickly and has refined driving dynamics, in a middle-of-the-road type of way. Other midsize electric luxury SUVs have more personality, but not all of them are as well rounded as this one. Standard safety equipment mirrors that of the Q5, with automatic emergency braking, an Evasion Assist system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning with emergency assist.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Audi Q6

One of the best SUVs on the market today is also one of the safest SUVs for 2026. The Ioniq 9 is an electric three-row SUV that, with incentives, is a bit closer to the price of a gas three-row. Even on the Ioniq 9 base model, standard safety features include blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance systems. Lane keeping assist and Safe Exit Assist (which reduces the chances you’ll open your front door into the path of an oncoming cyclist) are also standard.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Hyundai Ioniq 9

One of our favorite small SUVs qualifies for this list of the safest SUVs for 2026 thanks to changes made on models built after May 2025. The Sportage isn’t the most exciting to drive, but it’s still an all-around good choice for its blend of tech, safety, value, and spaciousness. Automatic emergency front braking is standard on every 2026 Sportage, as are auto high-beams and a lane keeping assist system. Blind-spot monitoring is included on every model but the base LX.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Kia Sportage

Despite riding on a decade-old platform, the Nissan Murano earns its way onto this collection of the safest SUVs for 2026. Suspension and engine refinement should be better, but the Murano is otherwise a decent choice. The 2026 Murano starts above $40,000, and there’s a lot of standard safety equipment. The list includes automatic front and rear emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Nissan Murano

Volvo’s electric three-row SUV had a rough launch a couple years ago, but the brand has upgraded the luxury model’s central computer for 2026. That and an upgrade to how fast it charges should help it compete with the Rivian R1S and fully loaded versions of the Hyundai Ioniq 9, also on this list of the safest SUVs for 2026.

Standard equipment on the EX90 includes blind-spot monitoring, automatic front and rear emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and an automatic steering assist system. As you’d expect, you’re covered in a Volvo. (More interested in a gas-powered Volvo three-row? The XC90 earns a 2026 Top Safety Pick, versus the more difficult 2026 Top Safety Pick+ of the EX90.)

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Volvo EX90

As part of Lexus’ expansive lineup of luxury SUVs, the NX is one of three carrying a base price below $50,000 (the other two are the smaller UX and the electric RZ). The 2026 NX has Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a long name for a package that bundles a number of features. Some highlights include automatic emergency braking, auto high-beams, and lane keeping assist.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Lexus NX

If you want a three-row Genesis, up to this point the only option has been the GV80. The SUV makes a third row optional, but once the electric GV90 shows, larger families will have a more comfortable choice. We think the GV80 shines brightest when approached as a premium midsize luxury SUV with a tiny third row you can fold away for more cargo space.

Lots of safety features are standard on the 2026 GV80, starting with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. A Safe Exit Assist feature and rear cross-traffic alert (and braking) are also thrown in, along with lane keeping assist.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Genesis GV80

One of the most important safety features in any car or SUV is the driver’s ability to easily see out of it. We know it sounds basic, but many SUVs sacrifice front and especially rear visibility for flashy design. Not so for the Subaru Forester, which has stood its ground with a boxy design and big side windows.

Beyond its excellent outward visibility, the 2026 Forester has automatic emergency braking and auto high-beams. The Forester is one of the few remaining new cars with an actual base model, which explains why blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, and lane keeping assist are available in an options package one trim level up.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Subaru Forester

Within Hyundai’s lineup of three-row SUVs, the Santa Fe is the least expensive. And for 2026, the Santa Fe now has a five-star overall rating from NHTSA (as well as a top rating from IIHS), allowing its inclusion on this list. In the past, the Santa Fe had a four-star NHTSA overall rating. Blind-spot monitoring is part of the package on every 2026 Santa Fe, as is lane keeping assist, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist system.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Hyundai Santa Fe

The Infiniti QX60 is on the more affordable side of the luxury three-row SUV segment and, for 2026, adds a new Sport model, revised engine tuning, a Google-based infotainment system, and a 360-degree camera with Moving Object Detection.

Infiniti doesn’t skimp on safety tech for the QX60. Every QX60 has front and rear automatic emergency braking, lane departure prevention, blind-spot monitoring with an assist feature, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 360-degree camera comes with three of four QX60 trims.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Infiniti QX60

New for 2026, the Outback trades its wagonlike looks of the past for a more conventional SUV design. Still a five-passenger midsize SUV, the 2026 Outback is just as solid as the previous generations were. Lots of safety tech is standard on the new 2026 Outback, including front and rear automatic emergency braking. Automatic Emergency Steering, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are also standard.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Subaru Outback

A few years after it was our SUV of the Year, the Ioniq 5 remains as competitive as ever. Although the Hyundai placed third in a recent comparison of seven electric SUVs, the Ioniq 5 is a solid choice and, for what it’s worth, a regular on our running lists of EVs with good deals.

The base Ioniq 5 SE has blind-spot monitoring, Safe Exist Assist, lane keeping assist, auto high-beams, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims have a Blind-Spot View Monitor, which shows a camera view of what’s behind you when you activate your turn signal.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Hyundai Ioniq 5

Think of the CX-70 as the two-row version of the three-row CX-90. In either form, these large SUVs are attractive and have premium interiors but are let down by an unrefined transmission. A plug-in hybrid is available.

Mazda’s grouping of safety equipment is called i-Activsense, and the standard features include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert and, like other Mazdas, a Vehicle Exit Warning system that can help reduce the chance you’ll swing your door out into the path of a cyclist.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Mazda CX-70

Engineering a small SUV with good safety ratings isn’t easy, but leave it to Honda to figure out how to ace IIHS and NHTSA testing. Few other subcompact SUVs can claim as much.

What makes this Honda such a strong pick in its segment is its entry on this list of the safest SUVs for 2026 as well as its solid-feeling interior. Those advantages help compensate for its mediocre fuel economy and sluggish acceleration.

Every 2026 HR-V has automatic emergency braking with lane departure warning, lane keeping, and auto high-beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic monitoring enter the picture in the HR-V Sport, the second of three trim levels.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Honda HR-V

All three Genesis SUVs qualify as some of the safest SUVs for 2026. The GV70 qualifies in gas and electric forms, which is good because both models are excellent. The design has held up over time, and the luxury SUV beautifully blends sportiness with luxury. The GV70 is equipped with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high-beams as standard features.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Genesis GV70

Nissan’s well-known three-row midsize SUV has been around for decades. The Pathfinder performs well in safety tests, which is a good way to elevate consideration in a crowded segment full of excellent options. As with other Nissans, the 2026 Pathfinder includes both front and rear automatic emergency braking as standard equipment. Blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert are also on the base model’s features list.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Nissan Pathfinder

The Hyundai Tucson isn’t our top pick in the compact SUV segment, but it is one of the most spacious entries around. And unlike some rivals, the Tucson is available in gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid forms.

For an SUV starting just above $30,000, the Tucson offers a decent amount of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, a rear cross-traffic collision avoidance system, and lane keeping assist. As with other Hyundais, a Blind-Spot View Monitor is available. This feature shows a camera view of what’s in your blind spot when you activate the turn signal.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Hyundai Tucson

Only Mazda could have built the CX-90. Attractive and good to drive on a winding road, the CX-90 is held back by heavy steering, a ride that can be a bit rough, and a cabin that isn’t as big as that of its competitors. The 2026 CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select model is this three-row’s base trim, and it includes the same features as the CX-70: automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Vehicle Exit Warning system.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Mazda CX-90

One of the wildest designs in the luxury EV space is also one of the safest SUVs for 2026. The 2026 GV60 is a five-passenger compact electric luxury SUV for those who want some driving fun as well as a different design. Genesis is known for its value, so it’s no surprise that the GV60 includes many standard features with its good safety ratings. The tech includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Genesis GV60