10 Cars With The Best Safety Ratings for Families in 2025
Safety is the number one priority for families, and these 10 cars lead the way in 2025. With top crash-test ratings, advanced driver-assist features, and strong build quality, they offer maximum protection and peace of mind for parents and kids a like.
Subaru Ascent
Okay, so the Ascent is like that cool uncle who’s reliable but still fun. It’s a big SUV with standard all-wheel drive, which honestly is a lifesaver if you live somewhere icy or rainy. The crash test scores? Off the charts. Plus, it’s got EyeSight driver assist that basically brakes for you if you’re distracted eating a sandwich or whatever. Price-wise, you can snag a new one for around $38,000, which feels fair for what you’re getting. The interior’s roomy, the seats won’t fold into the floor unexpectedly, and it’s not super flashy but definitely safe as a vault. Not gonna lie, I’d trust it with my niece or nephew.
Honda CR-V
Man, the CR-V is the classic family safe choice smooth, reliable, and it totes great safety tech. 2025 models have adaptive cruise, collision mitigation, and all those fancy sensors that beep before you do something dumb. It’s got a solid frame and airbags everywhere like, even in the doors. Prices range from $33,000 up, so it’s pretty affordable for a family SUV that won’t kill your credit score or nerves. Oh, and it’s got decent gas mileage if you’re doing school runs all day. So yeah, family’s gonna be comfy and accident-free, hopefully.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is, uh, like the family MVP. Tons of space, 8 seats, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which means lane keeping, adaptive cruise, and automatic emergency braking. I mean, it’s a Toyota, so you expect reliability, but it’s actually got some really solid safety ratings, like top notch crash tests. The 2025 trim kicks off at about $40,000, sounds steep but when you factor in the long-term reliability and low repair costs, you kinda get what you pay for. My buddy’s family swears by it—“best investment,” he said once, and he’s not wrong.
Volvo XC90
Volvo basically invented family safety, right? The XC90 has airbags in places you didn’t know could have airbags, plus it’s got those fancy pedestrian detection and run-off road mitigation systems. The interior is Scandinavian cozy but also super high-tech, with the Google-powered infotainment that keeps you from fiddling with buttons and dying. It’s pricey though, starting around $60,000, but if you want peace of mind and luxury, it’s worth every penny. Honestly, a Volvo just feels like it’s watching out for your kids even when you’re zoning out.
Kia Telluride
The Telluride blew up for a reason. Besides just looking cool, safety wise it’s got stellar crash test scores, plus all the driver aids you want: blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic, the whole bag. Honestly, it’s standing tall with its rugged SUV vibe but surprisingly family-friendly interiors. Price tags hover near $38,000 new, but for what you get—space, safety, style—it punches way above its weight. If you want the cool dad or mom car that doesn’t compromise safety, this is it.
Mazda CX-9
Alright, the CX-9 is basically the fun SUV that won’t kill your reputation for family safety. It’s got top scores in crash tests and the driver assistance features like adaptive cruise and lane assist are pretty smooth. Plus, that turbo engine makes it feel like you actually drive a car and not a giant brick, which is kinda rare in this segment. For 2025, you’re looking at around $38,000, and let me tell you, the interior is leather and wood vibes, so fancy but practical. Honestly, it’s a win for those who want safety but refuse to forget fun.
Ford Explorer
The Explorer has grown up. The 2025 model’s safety tech is next-level with Co-Pilot360 stuff automatic braking, evasive steering assist, and even driver alertness monitoring (aka it checks if you’re nodding off). Crash ratings are solid, plus it’s spacious enough for soccer mom squads or dad’s weekend gear. Price is around $37,000, and if you ask me, it feels more refined than it used to, so definitely worth checking out if you want a tried-and-tested safe ride.
Hyundai Palisade
Palisade is like that new kid on the block who’s winning hearts left and right. It came out big on safety with top IIHS ratings and a full suite of airbags and active assist features. It seats 7 or 8 comfortably and packs tech that notices when you’re drifting off or getting too close to the guy next to you, which is ideal for distracted humans like me. Price starts around $37,000, which is kinda crazy affordable for the tech and comfort you get. Honestly, it’s the value champ in big SUVs right now.
Honda Odyssey
Minivan mention time! The Odyssey isn’t just a minivan it’s the Swiss army knife of family transport. Safety-wise, it nails it with Honda Sensing technology that detects pedestrians, braking assistance, and traffic sign recognition. It also has that magic sliding door sensor that prevents accidental smacking of little fingers (which, trust me, is a godsend). Pricing starts around $36,000, and with its reliability rep, this is like your “safe haven on wheels.” I mean, minivan might be uncool, but for families? It’s smart as hell.
Tesla Model Y
Yeah, Tesla’s Model Y sneaks into the safety convo ‘cause, honestly, it scores super well on crash tests, and their active safety tech is constantly updated over the air with autopilot and emergency braking that are pretty darn good. Downsides? Well, it’s pricier, around $50,000, and ride comfort can be bumpy for a family. Also, some folks aren’t fans of the minimalist interior. But if you wanna combine safety with futuristic tech and an EV lifestyle, it’s a solid pick.
