Consumer Reports Reveals the Safest 10 SUVs to Buy in 2025
Safety is one of the biggest priorities when choosing an SUV, and Consumer Reports has identified the top models that truly excel. These 10 SUVs combine advanced safety tech, solid crash-test ratings, and dependable performance to protect you and your passengers. Here are the safest SUVs you can confidently drive in 2025.
2025 Kia Telluride
the Telluride, man, it’s been like the crowd favorite for a while, and, honestly, I kinda get it. You look at this thing, and it just gives off that “I got your back” vibe, you know? Loads of space inside, so the whole family and maybe a couple dogs can just pile in. Safety-wise? It scored those fancy IIHS and NHTSA awards, so crash tests? Aces. Price-wise, I think it’s sitting around $37,000, which, not gonna lie, is pretty fair for what you get. Heated seats and all that, and the tech is, like, friendly. Some SUVs make me feel old, but not this one. If I had kids, I wouldn’t worry about them in this, honestly.
2025 Honda CR-V
So yeah, the CR-V, classic choice, right? Every time I see one, I’m like, “Is that my neighbor, or do we just all have one?” But it’s for good reason, it’s reliable, sips gas, and doesn’t try too hard to be flashy. Safety is kinda what Honda does well, and the 2025 model got all those Top Safety Pick badges too. Around $30,000-ish, maybe a touch more if you get the hybrid. The ride is comfortable, like, even the seats are sort of cozy, not too stiff, not too soft. I’d probably grab one if I wanted something predictable that just, works.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Not gonna lie, the Ioniq 5 surprised me. It’s all electric, kinda futuristic, you’ve seen the pics, it looks like something from a sci-fi show, right? The inside is roomy but not gigantic, and the tech, wow, Hyundai’s really stepping up lately. Lots of driver-assist features and that safety rating is all there; IIHS loves this car. Price is around $41,000, I think, which isn’t exactly cheap, but, like, if you want EV life with actual range and not just for city drives, it’s pretty solid.
2025 Genesis GV80
Luxury time, I guess? The GV80, like, is a rolling living room. Leather everywhere. It’s super quiet, makes you feel important even if you’re just going to, I dunno, Costco. Safety? Top Safety Pick+, of course. Price tag is bigger, think $60,000-ish. But with that, you get insane tech, fancy cameras, lane-keeping stuff. I sometimes wonder if you could just take a nap while it drives. Don’t do that, though.
2025 Mazda CX-50
So Mazda, they just know how to make cars feel fun, even if it’s an SUV, which is weird, ’cause SUVs usually aren’t, like, the best for driving. But the CX-50 is zippy, handles corners nicely, and with safety systems loaded up, IIHS gave it major props. Price? Pretty chill for a Mazda, about $33,000. The inside isn’t too fancy, but not bare-bones either. Like, just enough style so you don’t feel vanilla.
2026 Hyundai Palisad
Yeah, I know, it says 2026 now, but Palisade is updated and almost everywhere. Families love this, if you’ve got three kids and a dog that gets carsick, this might be your jam. Huge inside, drives pretty smooth. Safety ratings are up there, maybe around $47,000 or a bit more. I like that it doesn’t look like a minivan, you know? It’s more, uh, grown-up? Kinda.
2025 Volvo XC90
So, Volvo, safe as houses, right? I mean, if you need a cynical European build, this is it. XC90 always scores high on safety, like, if you wanna wrap yourself in airbags, this is probably the next best thing. Tech is everywhere, tons of driver aids, some of it can be a little much at first, but you get used to it. $56,000ish, which, yeah, isn’t cheap. But people say it’s worth it for the peace of mind, especially if you ferry kids every day.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 is Mazda’s new, bigger thing, almost feels like a step up from the CX-50. Good legroom, slick design, handles like a sedan sometimes, I swear. Safety tests? Crushed them, got the “Good” everywhere and kept dummies safe like pros[3]. Price sits around $40,000, sometimes a bit more if you add goodies. I think it’s cool that Mazda does sporty and safe at the same time, like, why can’t every brand just do that?
2025 Buick Enclave
Alright, the Enclave, it’s kinda the underdog, but not in a bad way. If you just want a big SUV without luxury prices, this is a solid pick. IIHS Top Safety Pick+, for real. You get all the expected tech and it feels kinda plush, not super fancy but, comfy. Around $45,000, which sounds high but for a three-row SUV with good safety, it’s not wild. I haven’t seen anyone complain about crash protection, which, honestly, is what matters most.
2025 Ford Explorer
So the Explorer, always in the mix, right? This version is, like, smarter and more refined than old ones. Safety features everywhere, auto emergency brake, lane hold stuff, and it scored IIHS awards. Price is about $40,000, maybe less if you skip the super fancy trims. The hybrid version is actually not bad, so if you’re, you know, eco-curious, it won’t judge. It’s roomy but doesn’t feel boat-like on the highway, which I appreciate.
2025 BMW X3
BMW, huh? Sometimes I feel like they’re too sporty for their own good, but the X3 is actually, like, super practical and safe. Built after April 2025, gets the TSP+ from IIHS. I think it goes for about $47,000, pricey but not BMW “let me mortgage my house” levels. The ride is firm but nice if you like to drive instead of just cruise. Oh, and if you care about badge points, well, it’s a BMW.
2025 Genesis GV60
Genesis is, like, sneaking up on everyone and suddenly competing with the Big Boys. The GV60 is their smaller electric SUV and, not gonna lie, it’s surprising how much they crammed in here. Feels kind of futuristic, with safety tech absolutely everywhere. IIHS loves it, and price wise, you’re looking at somewhere around $54,000. The design is cool, a bit playful I’d say it’s for the early adopters who also want to stay safe.
