There is no established worldwide top-ten ranking of SUVs: ratings depend on the market, model year and what the rater measures. For a useful current U.S.-market list, Car and Driver’s “Safest SUVs for 2026” ranking names ten vehicles, combining safety eligibility with broader editorial evaluation. Its first three are the 2027 Kia Telluride, 2026 Honda CR-V and 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5. Treat the list as one publisher’s assessment—not a global consensus or a ranking based on safety alone.
Car and Driver’s ten picks—and what their ratings say
Car and Driver says its safest-SUV list considers IIHS Top Safety Pick and NHTSA five-star results, then ranks qualifying SUVs using instrumented tests and expert impressions from real-world driving. The displayed order and scores below are Car and Driver’s, not ratings shared by all testing organizations.
| Rank | SUV | Model year stated in the listing | Car and Driver score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kia Telluride | 2027 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Honda CR-V | 2026 | 10/10 |
| 3 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 2026 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Genesis GV80 | 2026 | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) |
| 5 | Mazda CX-50 | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) |
| 6 | Hyundai Palisade | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) |
| 7 | Volvo XC90 | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) |
| 8 | Mazda CX-90 | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) |
| 9 | Mazda CX-30 | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) |
| 10 | Genesis GV60 | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) | Not stated (Car and Driver’s ranking) |
Car and Driver’s broader ranking methodology says it evaluates “roughly 200 data points — Car and Driver, current ranking methodology page (accessed 2026).” Its stated factors include acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value and driving enjoyment. That helps explain why this ranking is not simply a list ordered by crash-test results. The 9.5/10 and 10/10 figures are Car and Driver scores, not safety-star ratings.
Why “best rated” does not mean best for every buyer
A strong editorial score or safety award answers only part of a purchase decision. A high overall score does not establish that a particular trim is the best value, that it meets a family’s seating or cargo needs, or that its running costs fit a buyer’s budget. The cited ranking does not provide a consistent set of current prices, fuel economy or EV range, reliability results, and ownership data for all ten models.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- UPSCALED 4K FRONT + 1080P REAR DUAL DASH CAM: The ROVE R2-4K DUAL records the road ahead and behind at the same time. The front camera captures at 2.5K (QHD) and intelligently upscales to 4K (2160P) for higher-detail playback, while the rear camera records at Full HD 1080P. This is upscaled 4K, not native 4K, engineered to show sharper everyday detail than standard 1080P dash cams, so you can read license plates, signs, and surroundings in front and rear footage.
- SONY STARVIS 2 IMX675 SENSOR + SUPER NIGHT VISION: The front camera uses a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 5MP image sensor with a wide F1.5 aperture (F1.8 rear) and HDR to pull in more light for clearer low-light footage. This advanced sensor enhances nighttime clarity, helping capture license plates, road signs, and surrounding vehicles with greater reliability when driving after dark, through tunnels, or in dusk and dawn conditions.
- ULTRA FAST 5.8GHz WIFI/ UP TO 20MB/s DOWNLOAD SPEED: With its built-in dual-band 5.8GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi, you can use the ROVE dash cam app to view and manage dash cam recordings instantly on your iPhone and Android smartphone. Using the ROVE app, download your recorded videos directly to your smartphone at up to 20 MB/sec, then easily share them on social media with friends and family. Additionally, manage camera settings and update the latest firmware over-the-air via the ROVE App.
- CAR CAMERA WITH GPS: The new front and rear dashcam comes with built-in GPS, which enables you to view real-time live speed and compass on the 3” IPS wide camera screen. It records precise driving routes, locations, and speed stamps directly on the video so you can watch dashcam videos with GPS data using ROVE's free GPS Player on your PC or Mac & get additional evidence when you need it.
- FEATURES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED: Experience peace of mind with this front and rear car dash cam. It comes with a free 128GB microSD card and offers advanced features such as an f1.5 aperture, motion detection, G-sensor, seamless loop recording, emergency video lock, screen saver, live speed and compass direction, voice guidance, ring of threads for optional CPL filter, a built-in supercapacitor for extended product life, support for up to 1TB microSD cards, and many more.
- Safety: Check crash protection and crash-avoidance results for the exact model year and, where relevant, production date. An IIHS award is safety evidence, not a reliability or value rating.
- Price and efficiency: Compare the specific trim and powertrain you would buy. Fuel economy and electric range can vary by configuration and market.
- Fit: Match seating rows, cargo room, vehicle size and any towing needs to how you actually use an SUV.
- Comparable ratings: Use one organization’s scoring method when comparing its scores. Do not treat different publishers’ scales as interchangeable.
How the 2026 IIHS awards relate to this list
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2026 award list is a separate safety-focused resource, not an overall SUV ranking. It names vehicles across several categories, including the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. Award applicability depends on production timing for these models: IIHS says the 2026 Palisade award applies to vehicles built after November 2025, and the 2027 Telluride award applies to vehicles built after June 2026. Confirm the build date and award details for the vehicle being considered rather than assuming every vehicle carrying the same model name qualifies.
These qualifications illustrate why a model name alone may not settle the question. Model year, trim, market and production date can affect which ratings apply; Car and Driver’s model years also vary across its ten entries. Check the relevant current listing and the exact vehicle specification before making a decision.
Rank #2
- 4-Channel Dash Cam for Complete Vehicle Coverage: This dash cam is equipped with four Full HD 1080P cameras, capturing footage of the front, rear, left, and right sides of your vehicle simultaneously. The adjustable front cameras enhance visibility and offer flexible recording angles, including interior footage.
- Time-Lapse Recording & Parking Mode: With time-lapse recording, 60 minutes of footage is compressed into 1 minute, saving memory card space. Activate parking mode with the optional ACC hardwire kit (sold separately) for security when your vehicle is parked.
- Enhanced Night Vision & WDR Technology: The dash cam features advanced night vision and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology for clear, balanced footage, even in low-light conditions. Eight infrared lights ensure optimal visibility, and WDR adjusts exposure to capture detailed images in varying lighting.
- Optional GPS for Real-Time Vehicle Tracking: Purchase the GPS logger (sold separately) to add location, speed, and time tracking, providing a visual representation of your vehicle's route. This feature is perfect for documenting travel details in case of incidents.
- 5GHz Wi-Fi & App Integration: Share videos easily via Wi-Fi using the mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. This feature allows for quick video downloads and sharing on your preferred platforms.
Which SUV has the highest rating?
In this particular Car and Driver list, the 2026 Honda CR-V has the highest displayed score among the top three: 10/10. That is the publisher’s score within its safest-SUV ranking, not a claim that the CR-V is the world’s highest-rated SUV across every rating system or category.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the best SUV for a family?
There is no single family choice established by this ranking. Start with the number of usable seats and the cargo space you need, then compare safety results for the relevant model year and build date, purchase cost, and the efficiency or range of the specific powertrain and trim. A family needing three rows has different space requirements from one choosing a smaller SUV for city driving; the ranking order alone cannot resolve that trade-off.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchQuick Recap
Best Value
- 【360° All-Around Protection with 4-Channel 4K Dash Cam】 This 4-channel dash cam features a 3"" IPS display that simultaneously records front, rear, left, and right views in crystal-clear detail. With a 4K front lens and three adjustable 1080P cameras, it eliminates every blind spot around your vehicle—giving you full visibility and total confidence on every drive.
- 【Loop Recording & G-Sensor – Your Reliable Witness】 Comes with a 64GB memory card pre-installed and ready to use. Loop recording ensures uninterrupted footage, while the built-in G-sensor automatically detects sudden impacts or collisions and locks critical clips to prevent overwriting. In case of an incident, the evidence is securely saved and protected.
- 【5GHz WiFi + GPS & App Control – Instant Access Anywhere】 Built-in dual-band 5GHz WiFi and GPS let you view and manage recordings in real time via the Viidure App on iOS or Android. Track your vehicle’s route visually, pinpoint incident locations with accuracy, and download videos or photos to your phone at high speed—then share them instantly with friends, family, or your insurance provider.
- 【Superior Night Vision with WDR & F1.6 Aperture】 Equipped with 8 infrared LED lights and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology, this D65 dash cam prevents glare from headlights and balances extreme lighting conditions. The F1.6 large aperture automatically adjusts exposure in low light or overexposed scenes, so you get clear, well-balanced footage—day or night.
- 【24/7 Parking Surveillance – Always on Guard】 Once your vehicle is parked and turned off, the dash cam seamlessly switches to Parking Mode for round‑the‑clock protection. The front motion sensor detects objects approaching within 3–4 meters and triggers a 1‑minute recording in just 5 seconds. (Note: Parking mode requires the separate purchase of a hardwire kit.)
Rank #4
- [4K+1080P Dual Recording] REDTIGER F7N TOUCH captures your drive journey in stunning 4K UHD resolution with STARVIS 2 sensor 170° wide-angle view for the front dash cam and 1080P FHD resolution 140° wide-angle for the rear car camera. Equipped with WDR and HDR technology, the enhanced super night vision ensures better visibility even in low-light situations, providing you with reliable recordings day and night.
- [Voice Control & Touch Screen] F7NTOUCH dashcam features voice commands, allowing for hands-free control of your 4K car camera, which enhances safety by minimizing distractions. The dual camera dash cam also has smart touchscreen that can lock emergency video, turn on wifi, and capture scenery with one click. Redtiger also retains the buttons, multiple control methods are integrated.
- [Built-in GPS & 5.8GHz WiFi] Both Android and IOS users can connect to dashcam WiFi via the REDTIGER Cam app. Although the dash cam is installed wired, you can enjoy wireless control on your smartphone, faster 20MB/s download speed and share your driving experiences in real-time with friends and insurance companies. Car recorder built-in GPS provides traceable location, speed, and accurate route in the recordings.
- [Loop Recording & G-Sensor] REDTIGER F7N TOUCH dual channel dash cam automatically overwrites the oldest footage when the memory is full, ensuring endless recording with the included 128GB card. With a built-in G-sensor that detects sudden movements or impacts, it automatically locks and protects the associated footage when an event is detected on the road, ensuring it won't be overwritten during loop recording.
- [24-hour Parking Monitoring*] REDTIGER Car dashboard camera offers G-Sensor Parking Mode that automatically record when it detects any collisions or sudden motion while vehicles is parked. Time Lapse Parking Mode provides continuous surveillance by offering a condensed overview of any events that may occur during parking periods. *Please note that the parking monitoring function requires a separate hardwire kit.
Rank #3
- [4K+1080P Front & Rear Recording] REDTIGER F7NP dash cam captures every detail with stunning 4K front and 1080P rear video. Featuring the advanced STARVIS 2 sensor plus the 170° front and 140° rear wide-angle lens, this dash camera delivers sharper images, balanced lighting, and reliable evidence day or night. Ideal for commuting, road trips, rideshare drivers, and new drivers.
- [STARVIS 2 Sensor & WDR Night Vision] Equipped with the advanced STARVIS 2 sensor, F1.5 large aperture, and 6-layer optical lens, F7NP 4K dual dash cam delivers clear, high-contrast footage in any lighting. WDR and HDR technology balance highlights and shadows, ensuring sharp night vision and crisp details day or night, providing reliable evidence and enhanced safety for every drive.
- [Built-in 5.8GHz WiFi & Smart App] Connect your smartphone to the dashcam’s built-in 5.8GHz WiFi to enjoy ultra-fast downloads up to 20MB/s. Using Redtiger Cam app, you can preview, download, and replay videos in real time, check GPS ata (route, speed, and location), and manage settings effortlessly, making it simple to review footage and share important moments.
- [Loop Recording & Free Memory Card] This car camera supports seamless loop recording to ensure continuous coverage without interruption. Older files are automatically overwritten when storage is full, while important events are safely locked. A free memory card is included, giving you ample space for 4K recordings and allowing you to use the camera right out of the box.
- [24/7 Parking Mode* & G-Sensor] Enjoy round-the-clock protection with two parking modes: time-lapse recording for continuous low-bitrate monitoring and G-sensor mode that records when collision is detected. The car security camera with G-sensor automatically locks important clips, ensuring crucial evidence is safely preserved even while your vehicle is parked.(*Hardwire kit needed.)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
