The Safest SUVs for 2026
When it comes to vehicle safety, few benchmarks are as trusted as the ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For 2026, only a select group of SUVs managed to earn the top rating of “Good” in every single evaluated category—including crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, and seat belt and child restraint systems.
That’s no small achievement. The IIHS uses four rating levels—Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor—with “Good” representing the highest possible performance. Earning this top mark across all categories means these SUVs excel not only in protecting occupants during a crash, but also in helping prevent accidents in the first place and ensuring passengers of all ages are properly secured.
Below, in alphabetical order, are the standout models that met this exceptionally high bar.
Audi Q6 e-tron / Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron
The Audi Q6 e-tron and its Sportback counterpart combine cutting-edge electric performance with top-tier safety engineering. Built on a modern EV platform, both models benefit from a rigid structure designed to manage crash energy effectively. Advanced driver assistance systems—including highly rated front crash prevention and adaptive lighting—help these SUVs perform exceptionally well in both crashworthiness and crash avoidance categories. The Sportback version offers a sleeker design, but mechanically mirrors the same strong safety performance.
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport stands out as a rugged midsize SUV that doesn’t compromise on safety. Its solid construction contributes to excellent crash test results, while its suite of standard driver-assist technologies helps it achieve top scores in crash prevention. The Passport also performs particularly well in child safety evaluations, with user-friendly LATCH anchors and effective seat belt reminders making it a strong choice for families.
Hyundai Ioniq 9
As a newer entry in the electric SUV space, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 impresses with a comprehensive approach to safety. Its all-electric architecture allows for a low center of gravity and reinforced cabin protection. Combined with advanced pedestrian detection and high-performing headlights, the Ioniq 9 earns top marks across the board. It’s a compelling option for those seeking a spacious, three-row EV with no compromises in safety.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 continues to build on Kia’s strong safety reputation with a bold, family-friendly electric SUV. Its large size and well-engineered frame contribute to excellent crashworthiness scores, while its forward collision avoidance systems excel in both vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian scenarios. The EV9 also features intuitive safety tech and well-designed child seat anchors, helping it secure top ratings in every IIHS category.
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX blends luxury with exceptional safety performance. Known for its refined ride and build quality, the NX also excels in crash testing thanks to a strong safety cage and advanced restraint systems. Its standard suite of driver assistance features performs reliably in preventing collisions, and its lighting systems ensure excellent visibility, rounding out a consistently top-rated safety profile.
Lincoln Nautilus
The Lincoln Nautilus delivers a premium experience while maintaining impressive safety credentials. Its updated design emphasizes occupant protection, with strong results in both front and side crash tests. The Nautilus also includes advanced driver-assist technologies that perform well in real-world scenarios, particularly in front crash prevention tests. Comfortable and quiet, it’s a luxury SUV that prioritizes safety just as much as refinement.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent continues the brand’s tradition of safety-first engineering. With standard all-wheel drive and Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology, the Ascent performs strongly in crash avoidance and mitigation tests. Its spacious three-row layout also accommodates families well, with easy-to-use child seat anchors and strong seat belt reminder systems contributing to its across-the-board “Good” ratings.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester remains one of the most consistently safe compact SUVs on the market. Its excellent visibility, paired with effective headlights and driver assistance systems, helps it excel in crash prevention categories. Structurally, it performs very well in impact tests, and its practical interior design makes installing child seats straightforward, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable and family-friendly choice.
Subaru Outback
Blurring the line between wagon and SUV, the Subaru Outback delivers outstanding safety performance in a versatile package. Its low ride height relative to traditional SUVs can aid stability, while its reinforced structure ensures strong crash test outcomes. Like other Subaru models, it benefits from standard advanced safety tech and thoughtful interior features that support both adult and child passenger protection.
