Technology
5 Best Family SUVs with Advanced Safety
When it comes to choosing a new vehicle for your loved ones, nothing is more important than safety. In an era where automotive technology is advancing...
When it comes to choosing a new vehicle for your loved ones, nothing is more important than safety. In an era where automotive technology is advancing at a breathtaking pace, the definition of a safe car has evolved far beyond airbags and anti-lock brakes. Today, the best family SUVs are equipped with sophisticated suites of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) designed to prevent accidents before they happen. These intelligent features act as a second set of eyes on the road, providing alerts, steering assistance, and even automatic braking to protect you and your most precious cargo.
Navigating the market for a vehicle that meets these high standards can be overwhelming. With every manufacturer offering its own branded safety package, it's easy to get lost in the terminology. This guide is designed to cut through the noise. We have conducted a thorough commercial investigation, focusing on crash-test ratings, standard safety technology, and innovative features to bring you a definitive list. We will explore five of the best family SUVs for safety, breaking down exactly what makes them stand out in a crowded field. Our safety focus will give you the clarity needed to make an informed decision for your family's well-being.
1. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade has quickly become a dominant force in the three-row SUV segment, and its comprehensive approach to safety is a primary reason for its success. It consistently earns top marks from safety institutions, making it a leading choice for families prioritizing protection.
### Overall Safety Ratings
The Palisade has a stellar safety record, frequently earning the highest possible accolades. For recent model years, it has been named a TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This top-tier award requires a vehicle to earn "Good" ratings in a full range of crashworthiness tests, including challenging front and side impact scenarios. Furthermore, it must offer advanced or superior-rated front crash prevention systems and have "Good" or "Acceptable" headlights as standard. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also awarded the Palisade a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, its highest honor.
### Standard SmartSense Safety Suite
One of the Palisade's most compelling attributes is that the majority of its advanced safety features are included as standard equipment across all trim levels. The Hyundai SmartSense suite is one of the most robust standard packages available.
#### Core Technologies Included
Every Palisade comes equipped with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction-Turning Detection. This system can warn the driver of an impending collision and automatically apply the brakes if necessary. Other standard features include Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Following Assist, which work together to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and help prevent common types of accidents.
### Innovative Family-Focused Safety
Beyond the standard ADAS features, the Palisade incorporates thoughtful technology designed specifically for families. Safe Exit Assist is a standout feature; it uses radar to detect vehicles approaching from the rear and can prevent a passenger from opening a door into traffic. If a vehicle is detected, it will provide a warning and may even keep the child safety locks active until the danger has passed. Additionally, the standard Rear Occupant Alert system uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect movement in the rear seats after the vehicle is turned off and locked, helping to prevent children or pets from being left behind.
2. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride shares its platform and much of its safety technology with the Hyundai Palisade, and as a result, it is also one of the safest family SUVs on the market. Its combination of rugged good looks, a premium interior, and an unwavering commitment to safety makes it a perennial favorite.
### Top-Tier Crash Test Performance
Just like its corporate cousin, the Kia Telluride is a decorated safety champion. It has consistently received the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, demonstrating excellence in crashworthiness and crash avoidance. To achieve this, the Telluride had to prove its robust structure in multiple demanding crash simulations and showcase the effectiveness of its standard front crash prevention system. Similarly, the NHTSA has bestowed upon the Telluride a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, confirming its elite status as a protective family hauler.
### Kia Drive Wise Technologies
The Kia Drive Wise suite of advanced driver-assistance systems is standard on every Telluride model. This commitment to providing safety for all, not just those who opt for higher-priced trims, is a significant selling point.
#### Standard Collision Avoidance
The core of the Drive Wise system includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which can detect vehicles and pedestrians and apply the brakes to help mitigate or prevent a collision. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist are also standard, providing crucial monitoring for areas the driver cannot easily see. These systems can apply brake pressure to help avoid a collision when changing lanes or backing out of a parking space.
### Advanced Highway Driving Assist
For families that take frequent road trips, the Telluride's available Highway Driving Assist (HDA) is a major safety and convenience feature. This system combines Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Following Assist. It can maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically slowing down and speeding up with traffic flow, while also helping to keep the Telluride centered in its lane. More advanced versions on upper trims can even assist with automated lane changes, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing safety on long journeys.
3. Subaru Ascent
Subaru has built its brand reputation on safety and all-wheel-drive capability, and the Ascent, its largest vehicle, is the embodiment of that philosophy. As the company's only three-row SUV, the Ascent is engineered from the ground up to protect families in a wide range of conditions.
### Proven Crashworthiness and EyeSight® Technology
The Subaru Ascent consistently earns the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, a testament to its strong performance in crash tests and the standard availability of its highly-regarded EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. The Ascent's structure is built using the Subaru Global Platform, which incorporates high-strength steel for enhanced rigidity and crash energy absorption. The NHTSA also gives the Ascent a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, reinforcing its position as one of the best family SUVs for safety.
### A Closer Look at EyeSight®
Unlike many competitors that use radar or a combination of sensors, Subaru's EyeSight® system operates primarily through a set of dual color cameras mounted at the top of the windshield. This setup provides excellent depth perception, allowing it to accurately identify vehicles, pedestrians, and lane markings.
#### Standard EyeSight® Features
Every Ascent model comes standard with EyeSight®, which includes Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure and Sway Warning with Lane Keep Assist. The Pre-Collision Braking system is particularly effective, able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop in certain situations to avoid a frontal impact. For recent models, EyeSight has been enhanced with a wider field of view and updated software for smoother, more effective operation.
### DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System
One of the most unique safety features offered in the Ascent is the available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. This class-exclusive technology uses a dedicated camera to monitor the driver's face for signs of fatigue or distraction. If it detects that the driver's eyes have been averted from the road for too long, it will issue audible and visual alerts to refocus their attention. It is a smart, proactive safety net that addresses the critical issue of distracted driving, making it an invaluable tool for any family.
4. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a benchmark in the midsize SUV category, known for its reliability, efficiency, and steadfast dedication to safety. With a generous amount of space and a smooth ride, it's a practical choice made even more appealing by its standard safety offerings.
### A Legacy of Safety Ratings
The Highlander has a long history of excellent safety ratings, and current models continue this tradition. It is a frequent recipient of the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, excelling in all crashworthiness evaluations and headlamp ratings. Its standard front crash prevention system also receives high marks for its ability to avoid or mitigate collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. An NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating further cements its status as a trusted vehicle for family transport.
### Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+)
Every grade of the Toyota Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies. This standardization is a key part of Toyota's safety philosophy, ensuring a high level of protection for all customers.
#### Key Components of TSS 2.5+
The suite is anchored by the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which has been enhanced to better detect pedestrians in low-light conditions and can also detect cyclists during the day. A crucial update in the "2.5+" version is intersection support, which can detect an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian when performing a left-hand turn and provide alerts or automatic braking. The package also includes Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Road Sign Assist, which uses a camera to recognize and display road sign information on the instrument panel.
### Visibility and Parking Aids
Navigating a three-row SUV in tight spaces can be challenging, and the Highlander offers advanced features to enhance driver confidence and safety. The available Bird's Eye View Camera provides a panoramic, overhead 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings in real-time. This is immensely helpful for avoiding low-lying obstacles, curbs, and pedestrians during parking maneuvers. When combined with the standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, it creates a robust system for safely navigating crowded parking lots.
5. Volvo XC90
Volvo's name is synonymous with automotive safety, a reputation the brand has carefully cultivated for decades. The XC90 is the flagship of this safety-first philosophy, a luxurious and sophisticated three-row SUV that offers some of the most advanced and well-engineered protective systems in the industry.
### Pioneering Safety Engineering
The Volvo XC90 is built on the brand's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, which features an extensive safety cage made of ultra-high-strength boron steel to protect occupants in a collision. It is no surprise that the XC90 is a perennial IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ winner and holds a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA. Volvo's research and development go beyond meeting test criteria; they often pioneer safety features that later become industry standards.
### Comprehensive Standard Safety Suite
Volvo equips every XC90 with an extensive list of standard safety and driver-assistance features. This includes not only the expected systems like Collision Avoidance (which detects vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals) and Lane Keeping Aid but also more advanced technology.
#### Unique Volvo Safety Features
The XC90's standard package includes Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which can provide steering assistance to guide the vehicle back into its lane if it drifts into the path of an oncoming car. It also features the Whiplash Injury Protection System (WHIPS) built into the front seats and a Run-off Road Mitigation system, which can use steering and braking to help prevent the vehicle from unintentionally leaving the road—a type of accident Volvo has studied extensively.
### Pilot Assist for Semi-Autonomous Driving
Pilot Assist is Volvo's advanced semi-autonomous driving aid, providing steering, acceleration, and braking support from a standstill up to highway speeds. It is designed to reduce driver strain in heavy traffic and on long, monotonous drives. While it still requires the driver to remain attentive and keep their hands on the wheel, it provides a smooth and intuitive layer of assistance that enhances both comfort and safety, making the XC90 an exceptionally secure and relaxing vehicle for family journeys.
In conclusion, the modern family SUV has transformed into a fortress of advanced safety technology. While features like a robust chassis and a full complement of airbags are still fundamental, the best family SUVs for safety now offer an impressive array of standard driver-assistance systems designed to prevent accidents altogether. The Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, and Volvo XC90 each represent the pinnacle of this safety-first approach. They have proven their protective capabilities in the most rigorous crash tests and provide intelligent, proactive systems that act as a vigilant co-pilot on every journey. Choosing any of these five vehicles ensures that you are prioritizing the highest levels of safety for your family.