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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For U.S. shoppers, these ten midsize SUVs stand out because they appear on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2025 Top Safety Pick+ list. They are an editorial shortlist, not an official ranking of the ten safest vehicles: IIHS names award recipients but does not order them from best to worst. The selection below includes conventional, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models; award eligibility can depend on model year and build date.
Which midsize SUV has the best safety rating?
There is no single winner established by the IIHS award roster. IIHS’s 2025 list includes more than ten midsize SUVs receiving Top Safety Pick+, so choosing ten requires an editorial cutoff rather than a claim that these vehicles outrank every other recipient. The list below includes both combustion and electrified models, while keeping the separate IIHS midsize luxury SUV category out of scope.
IIHS evaluates crashworthiness—how well a vehicle protects occupants in a crash—and crash avoidance and mitigation, which covers technology intended to prevent or reduce the severity of crashes. Its award level is not interchangeable with a NHTSA star rating.
10 midsize SUVs with 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition
These models are selected from the IIHS 2025 award list. The years and build-date qualifications shown are part of the award eligibility; check that the specific vehicle you are considering matches them.
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#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
| SUV | IIHS 2025 award-list model year(s) | Eligibility qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | 2025–2026 | Vehicles built after June 2025 |
| Honda Passport | 2026 | No additional build-date restriction stated on the list |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2025–2026 | Vehicles built after November 2024 |
| Kia EV9 | 2025–2026 | No additional build-date restriction stated on the list |
| Kia Sorento | 2026 | Vehicles built after September 2025 |
| Kia Telluride | 2025 | No additional build-date restriction stated on the list |
| Mazda CX-70 and CX-70 PHEV | 2025–2026 | No additional build-date restriction stated on the list |
| Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV | 2025–2026 | No additional build-date restriction stated on the list |
| Nissan Murano | 2025–2026 | No additional build-date restriction stated on the list |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 2025–2026 | No additional build-date restriction stated on the list |
Sources: IIHS 2025 Top Safety Pick award list. “No additional build-date restriction stated” means the cited list did not specify one in the supplied award entry; it is not a guarantee that every trim or configuration qualifies.
What do IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings tell you?
IIHS: crash protection and crash prevention
IIHS considers both how a vehicle performs in crash tests and the availability and performance of technologies that can help avoid crashes or reduce their severity. Its award criteria change over time, so an award from one year should not be treated as proof that the vehicle meets a later year’s requirements.
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
For context, the IIHS 2026 criteria for Top Safety Pick+ require Good results in small-overlap front, moderate-overlap front, and side tests; Acceptable or Good headlights and pedestrian front crash prevention available as standard; and Acceptable or Good vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention 2.0 available as standard. These are 2026 requirements, not a retroactive description of the 2025 awards in the table.
NHTSA: stars for frontal, side, and rollover performance
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 5-Star Safety Ratings cover frontal, side, and rollover performance. NHTSA cautions that frontal crash and overall scores should be compared only among vehicles in the same class and within 250 pounds of one another; side and rollover ratings can be compared across classes. NHTSA describes the program with the line, “More stars equal safer cars.” See the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings explanation.
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.
Use the two systems as complementary evidence, not as if a Top Safety Pick+ badge were a star score. The sources cited here do not supply exact NHTSA ratings for each model in the shortlist, so look up the precise model year and configuration rather than assuming a rating carries over.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to use this shortlist when shopping
- Match the model year. Confirm that the SUV’s model year is one of the years covered by the IIHS award.
- Check the build date. The Explorer, Santa Fe, and Sorento entries have specific build-date cutoffs. For a used or already-built vehicle, ask for the door-jamb label or other vehicle documentation that identifies when it was built.
- Verify the exact configuration. Look up the vehicle you intend to buy, including its model year and configuration, in the current IIHS and NHTSA information. Do not transfer a rating from a different year or version.
- Compare what matters for your use. Seating layout, powertrain, price, and equipment can help determine which SUV suits your household, but they are not themselves safety ratings.
Are these the safest midsize SUVs?
They are ten midsize SUV choices with strong IIHS recognition, not a conclusive ranking of the ten safest vehicles. The 2025 IIHS roster also includes other midsize Top Safety Pick+ recipients, and it names models such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, and Subaru Ascent at the Top Safety Pick level. Separately, IIHS maintains a midsize luxury SUV category, which is not included here.
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)
Awards can change with model years and testing criteria. The IIHS 2026 list, for example, continues Top Safety Pick+ recognition for the 2026 Passport, Santa Fe, Sorento, Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 families, Murano, and Pathfinder, while listing the 2026 Explorer as a Top Safety Pick rather than Top Safety Pick+. Check the live award listing for the exact vehicle and year before relying on an older award page.
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