For recent U.S.-market midsize SUVs, the clearest apples-to-apples starting point is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s model-year award list. This selection includes ten vehicles named to the IIHS 2026 midsize-SUV roster, with the award tier and model-year/build-date limits made explicit. It is not a ranked safety score: the roster contains more than ten eligible vehicles, and IIHS awards and NHTSA star ratings use different tests and scales.
Which midsize SUVs have the best safety ratings?
These ten are current IIHS award recipients selected from its 2026 midsize-SUV roster. The list mixes two-row and three-row vehicles, gas and electrified powertrains, and both IIHS award tiers. It is ordered by tier and then model name, not by a combined score. The IIHS award applies only to the listed model year and, where specified, vehicles built after a stated date.
| SUV | IIHS 2026 award | Applicability noted by IIHS |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Passport | Top Safety Pick+ | 2026 model; check the live award listing for the applicable vehicle details. |
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | Top Safety Pick+ | 2026 model; check the live award listing for the applicable vehicle details. |
| Hyundai Palisade | Top Safety Pick+ | Models built after November 2025. |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | Top Safety Pick+ | 2026 model; check the live award listing for the applicable vehicle details. |
| Kia EV9 | Top Safety Pick+ | 2026 model; check the live award listing for the applicable vehicle details. |
| Kia Sorento | Top Safety Pick+ | Models built after September 2025. |
| Mazda CX-70 | Top Safety Pick+ | 2026 model; check the live award listing for the applicable vehicle details. |
| Nissan Murano | Top Safety Pick+ | 2026 model; check the live award listing for the applicable vehicle details. |
| Subaru Ascent | Top Safety Pick+ | 2026 model; check the live award listing for the applicable vehicle details. |
| Buick Enclave | Top Safety Pick | 2026 model; check the live award listing for the applicable vehicle details. |
IIHS’s current roster also names other winners, including the Ford Explorer and additional SUVs and variants, so this is a curated ten rather than a claim that these are the only strong choices. The live IIHS award roster is the place to verify the exact model year, trim or variant, and production-date qualification before buying.
What does an IIHS award tell you?
IIHS evaluates both crashworthiness—how well a vehicle protects occupants in a crash—and crash avoidance and mitigation, which covers technology intended to prevent or lessen crashes. The award level reflects requirements for specific tests and equipment, not an all-purpose prediction of every real-world crash outcome. See the institute’s rating overview for how its evaluations are organized.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Durable 6-Layer Heavy-Duty Material】Built with a 6-layer heavy-duty construction, featuring PEVA fabric, an aluminum reflective layer, waterproof coating, and a soft cotton liner. This multi-layer design delivers exceptional durability, tear resistance, and long-lasting protection while remaining gentle on your vehicle’s paint
- 【All-Season, All-Weather Protection】Designed to handle year-round conditions, this full car cover protects your vehicle from rain, snow, harsh sunlight, dust, fallen leaves, bird droppings, and animal-related debris. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it also provides added protection during unexpected hail
- 【Thoughtful Functional Design】Equipped with driver door zipper for easy access, reflective strips for nighttime visibility, elastic hems for a snug fit, windproof straps to prevent lifting, soft cotton liner for paint protection, and a storage bag for convenient organization—every detail is designed for daily practicality and reliability
- 【Easy Installation & Secure Fit】Step 1: Ensure the car surface is clean and dry to avoid paint damage;Step 2: Unfold the car cover and align it properly using the logo and “FRONT” tag;Step 3: Fasten the front, middle, and rear buckles to keep the cover securely in place, even in windy conditions
- 【A9 Size Common Fits for】Acura RDX SLX ADX, Audi Q5/SQ5, Benz GLB GLC, BMW X3 X4, Buick Envision, Cadillac XT5, Chevy Equinox, Ford Edge, Genesis GV70, GMC Terrain, Honda CRV Passport, Hyundai Tucson Santa Fe, Infiniti QX50 QX55, Jeep Cherokee, Jaguar F-PACE I-PACE, Kia Sporage Sorento, Lexus NX, RX(99-15), GX(03-09), RZ, Lincoln MKX, Nautilus(19-23), Mazda CX-50, Mitsubi-shi Outlander Montero, Rogue, Murano(03-14), Oldsmobile Bravada, Subru Outback(-19),Solterra,Tribeca, Toyota Venza FJ Cruiser, VW Tiguan, Volvo XC60 XC70
Top Safety Pick+
For the 2026 award, IIHS requires Good results in small-overlap front, moderate-overlap front, and side crash tests. It also requires acceptable or good standard headlights, Good standard pedestrian front crash prevention, and acceptable or good standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention 2.0.
Top Safety Pick
The 2026 Top Safety Pick also requires Good results in the three named crash tests and acceptable or good standard headlights. Its standard pedestrian front crash-prevention requirement is acceptable or good; it does not include the same vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention 2.0 threshold listed for Top Safety Pick+.
Rank #2
- Universal Fit (Verify Dimensions): Measuring 55"W × 91"L for full cargo area coverage, this trunk liner designed for midsize and standard-wheelbase full-size 3-row SUVs with the third-row seats folded down. Flexible foldable design fits most vehicles securely, working as a heavy-duty trunk protector and cargo area cover against pet hair, muddy paws, grocery spills and soiled outdoor gear. Be sure to measure your vehicle’s cargo compartment before ordering
- Extra Large Non-Slip Net: Textured 53"W × 55"L anti-slip rubber backing, this SUV trunk cover for dogs is twice as much as the average product for more stability, no worries about quick turns and speed bumps; No Color Bleeding on leather seats (Safe for Pets)
- Water Resistant Cargo & Trunk Protector: Built with 4 quilted water-resistant layers and tough scratch-proof 600D Oxford fabric, it safeguards your cargo floor, folded seat backs and trunk space against pet dander, fur, spills, odors and muddy wet paws. This liner is water-resistant, NOT fully waterproof; heavy standing or deep pooled water may seep through the fabric. Effortless cleanup via wiping or vacuuming (hand wash recommended)
- Thoughtful Bumper Flap: Includes a protective bumper flap to shield your car's paint from dog claw marks during entry and exit. Quick-release buckles on straps and seat anchors ensure easy installation and stability Slits design allows for easily leveling the cargo liner for dogs (Prevents Sliding)
- Easy to Install and Clean: Equipped with quick-release buckles on adjustable straps. Simply vacuum loose fur or wipe off grime for effortless cleaning to keep your trunk dog cover looking brand new. Use it as a dog cargo cover, car trunk mat, or pet seat cover perfect for daily errands, moving days, road trips, and hauling messy outdoor gear
These thresholds are specific to the 2026 award program. Do not assume that an older award—or the same model name in a later year—means the vehicle met identical criteria.
How to interpret NHTSA stars alongside IIHS awards
NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings report frontal, side, and rollover performance, using a one-to-five-star scale. Those results are distinct from IIHS awards, so a Top Safety Pick+ is not a NHTSA star score and the two systems should not be collapsed into one ranking.
Rank #3
- TAILORED FIT & EASY CARE | Large Size (Most Popular) — Perfect for midsize/large SUVs & Mini Vans. Measure your cargo area first for best fit. Clean easily by wiping, vacuuming, rinsing, or machine washing. Works seamlessly for pup park visits, weekend getaways, and beach days alike. Perfect fit, easy cleanup, ready for any trip.
- ZIPPERED FULL ENCLOSURE | 3-Sided Full Protection — One-piece liner covers rear seat back, cargo floor, and bumper, with zippered side flaps for 3-sided full protection. Zip up to seal pet hair, mud, spills, and debris; unzip to fold seats flat while retaining coverage. Ideal for dog outings, ski gear, surfboards, fishing tackle, gardening tools, and strollers—keep your cargo area spotless. No more messy post-adventure cleanups.
- ALL-ZONE NON-SLIP SAFETY | Secure Dog Stability — Anti-slip material extends to seat back and bumper areas, preventing pets from slipping while jumping in/out and keeping them stable on folded seats for safer rides. This full-coverage grip delivers reliable, secure hold during every trip. Keeps your pup safe, you worry-free.
- HEAVY-DUTY 900D OXFORD FABRIC | Waterproof & Durable — Rugged 900D Oxford fabric is waterproof, odor-free, and built to last. Its 3-layer, pinhole-free design blocks leaks completely, while a soft cotton middle layer boosts pet comfort. The heavy-duty non-slip base locks the cargo liner in place through every adventure. Protects your car, comforts your pup.
- STURDY TPU SUCTION CUPS | No-Fall, Residue-Free — Thick, durable TPU suction cups lock tight to side windows with a simple press—no falling off, no sticky residue. They keep side flaps sealed and secure at all times. Secure, reliable, residue-free.
NHTSA advises that frontal-crash and overall ratings should be compared only among vehicles in the same class and within 250 pounds of one another. Side and rollover results may be compared across classes. NHTSA also warns: “A vehicle can have a high star rating, but still have a safety concern.” Use the NHTSA ratings guidance and vehicle comparison tool to check the precise model year and configuration; do not infer a star result from an IIHS award.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why model year and build date matter
Safety awards are not permanent badges attached to a nameplate. Award criteria change by year, and a specific vehicle can qualify only after a production-date cutoff. For example, the 2026 IIHS listing specifies Palisade models built after November 2025 and Sorento models built after September 2025. Check the live award entry against the vehicle’s model year and build information rather than relying on a used-car listing that says only “Palisade” or “Sorento.”
Rank #4
- Sporty Design: This stylish full exterior car cover features bold dual red racing stripes on the front, making your vehicle stand out from the crowd
- Premium Material: Made from upgraded 210D Oxford cloth with a PU waterproof inner coating, this lightweight and tear-resistant cover is built to handle all weather conditions
- User-Friendly Features: Elastic hems at the front and rear provide a secure fit, while a driver-side zipper allows quick access without removing the cover. Four windproof straps fasten to the wheels, and a compact storage bag is included for easy portability
- All-Weather Protection: Shields your vehicle from snow, rain, frost, sun, dust, leaves, sap, bird droppings, and accidental scratches—keeping your car clean and protected in any environment
- Broad Compatibility for S3: Full exterior covers universal for Tesla model Y,Toyota RAV4,Honda CRV,NISSAN Rogue,Subaru Outback,Kia Sorento,Hyundai Sante Fe,Porsche Macan,Audi Q5,Mazda CX-5,BMW X3etc.(SEE FIGURE 7 FOR MORE MODELS)
The historical record makes the year-to-year distinction clear: in the IIHS 2024 midsize SUV archive, the 2024–25 Kia Telluride and Nissan Pathfinder appear as Top Safety Pick+ winners, while the 2024–25 Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe are listed as Top Safety Pick. That difference is evidence about the award year and its criteria, not a permanent judgment of those model lines.
What to check before choosing one
- Match the award to the vehicle. Confirm model year, body style or powertrain variant, and any IIHS production-date restriction.
- Look up NHTSA results separately. Select the exact year and configuration in NHTSA’s tool, then review the overall and category results rather than assuming the IIHS award supplies them.
- Compare the right vehicles. Follow NHTSA’s class and weight guidance for frontal and overall comparisons; do not treat stars as universally comparable across all SUVs.
- Check standard equipment. The IIHS thresholds cited here concern specified standard headlights and crash-prevention systems; verify the equipment on the exact vehicle you are considering.
- Distinguish a test selection from a rating. NHTSA’s list of vehicles selected for 2026 testing is not a published final result. Selection alone does not establish a star rating.
The NHTSA distinction matters because its 2026 model-year testing selection list records which vehicles were selected for testing, not final ratings. A missing published result should be treated as unavailable, not filled in from a different year or a similar trim.
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