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20 Reliable Family Cars That Come With the Best Safety Ratings

Jimmy adeel July 16, 2025

When it comes to transporting your loved ones, safety is non-negotiable. Modern families expect vehicles to deliver not only comfort and reliability but also the latest in advanced safety technology. With so many options on the market, identifying cars that truly excel in safety can be overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve curated a list of 20 dependable family cars that stand out for their top safety ratings, helping you make an informed decision. Explore vehicles that have earned stellar marks from respected organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and NHTSA.

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1. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V remains a top pick for families thanks to its blend of reliability, comfort, and advanced safety features. Every model comes equipped with Honda Sensing—a suite that includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. Its roomy interior ensures comfort on long drives, while its five-star rating from NHTSA proves its commitment to safety. For more details on its comprehensive crash-test results, visit the NHTSA safety ratings.

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2. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 consistently earns high marks for safety, making it a trusted choice among families. Featuring Toyota Safety Sense, this SUV delivers advanced driver assistance technologies and robust crash protection. Its reputation for reliability and comfort further enhances its appeal. For a closer look at its impressive safety credentials, see the IIHS review, which highlights its top performance in crash tests.

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3. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback stands out as a family favorite, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and advanced EyeSight Driver Assist technology. This wagon’s rugged construction, combined with a spacious and comfortable interior, makes it ideal for adventurous families. It has received top safety honors from both NHTSA and IIHS, reflecting its commitment to protection and peace of mind. For a comprehensive look at its safety ratings, visit the IIHS Outback ratings.

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4. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 delivers a premium experience without sacrificing safety, making it a strong contender for families. Equipped with advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, it’s designed to keep everyone secure on the road. The CX-5 has earned the coveted Top Safety Pick+ distinction from IIHS. For an in-depth view of its safety performance, check out the CX-5 IIHS rating.

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5. Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a standout choice for families seeking a balance of comfort, value, and safety. This midsize SUV comes equipped with standard SmartSense technology, providing features like forward collision-avoidance assist and blind-spot monitoring. Its spacious cabin and smooth ride enhance family outings, while its impressive safety scores from NHTSA reinforce its reputation for protection. For further details, visit the NHTSA Hyundai Santa Fe page.

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6. Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is an ideal SUV for larger families, offering three spacious rows and a host of advanced safety technologies. Features such as forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist come standard, ensuring peace of mind on every trip. Its top-tier safety performance is reflected in high ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA. For an in-depth safety analysis, view the IIHS Telluride review.

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7. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is celebrated for its versatility and family-friendly design. Equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, it offers features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Its spacious interior ensures comfort for all passengers, while robust crash-test ratings boost confidence behind the wheel. If you’re interested in a deeper dive into its safety performance, check the NHTSA Explorer ratings for comprehensive details.

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8. Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna sets itself apart as a hybrid minivan that prioritizes both efficiency and safety. Outfitted with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, it features advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision warning. Top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS reinforce its family-friendly credentials. For eco-conscious buyers who won’t compromise on protection, the Sienna is a compelling choice. Explore more details at the IIHS Sienna ratings.

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9. Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey remains a top contender in minivan safety thanks to its robust Honda Sensing suite, which includes collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation. Praised for its stellar crash-test results, the Odyssey is also known for its practical Magic Slide seats, making it easy to accommodate passengers and cargo. For a closer look at its safety record and features, visit the NHTSA Odyssey page.

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10. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a favorite among families seeking safety and value. Standard all-wheel drive and the advanced EyeSight driver assist system provide peace of mind in all conditions. Its affordable price point, coupled with excellent crash-test ratings, make it a standout in the compact SUV segment. Discover more about its impressive safety credentials in the IIHS Forester review.

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11. Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 stands out for families seeking a blend of sustainability and safety. As an all-electric SUV, it offers advanced driver assistance systems and has secured top safety scores from both IIHS and NHTSA. The ID.4’s intuitive technology and roomy interior make it a practical, forward-thinking choice. For a comprehensive breakdown of its safety performance, visit the IIHS ID.4 rating.

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12. Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is well-regarded for its spacious three-row interior, comfortably accommodating larger families and their gear. It comes equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. The Traverse’s solid safety ratings ensure parents can drive with confidence. For a detailed look at its safety performance and crash-test results, check out the NHTSA Traverse page.

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13. Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is synonymous with safety, offering advanced features like Pilot Assist and City Safety that help prevent collisions and support stress-free driving. This luxurious SUV consistently receives top safety ratings, making it a smart choice for families who refuse to compromise on protection or comfort. Its elegant design is matched by cutting-edge safety innovation. For a detailed safety breakdown, visit the IIHS Volvo XC90 page.

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14. Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue stands out in the compact SUV category with its comprehensive Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering features like automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert. It consistently receives high safety ratings, making it an affordable and dependable option for families. The Rogue’s practical design and value pricing further enhance its appeal. For a closer look at its safety credentials, see the IIHS Rogue ratings.

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15. Ford Edge

The Ford Edge excels in the midsize SUV market by combining safety, comfort, and technology. Outfitted with Ford Co-Pilot360, it includes features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist for added peace of mind. Its five-star rating from NHTSA reinforces its strong safety reputation, making it a dependable choice for family transportation. For more information on its crash-test performance, visit the NHTSA Ford Edge page.

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16. Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade stands out among three-row SUVs, offering a robust suite of advanced safety features and a roomy interior perfect for large families. With high marks from both IIHS and NHTSA, the Palisade is engineered for family security on every trip. Its comfortable cabin and impressive technology make it a favorite for those who demand safety and space. For more insights, visit the IIHS Palisade review.

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17. Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is a favorite among growing families, thanks to its versatile design and outstanding value. With advanced driver aids like forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist, it ensures peace of mind on every journey. The Sorento consistently earns excellent crash-test scores, reinforcing its reputation for safety. If you’d like to explore more about its safety features and ratings, visit the NHTSA Sorento page.

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18. Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander continues to set the standard for midsize family SUVs, offering advanced Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ features such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert. Its excellent crash-test ratings and strong reliability make it a trusted choice for families needing extra space and peace of mind. For an in-depth look at its safety performance, check the IIHS Highlander review.

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19. Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica distinguishes itself in the minivan segment with its impressive suite of advanced safety features, including pedestrian automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Its strong crash-test scores from reputable organizations further enhance its reputation as a secure family vehicle. With flexible seating and innovative technology, the Pacifica is a top pick for families prioritizing protection. For more details, visit the IIHS Pacifica ratings.

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20. Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a go-to choice for larger families seeking a safe, reliable SUV with three-row seating. Its standard Honda Sensing suite provides a range of advanced driver-assist features, while its excellent crash-test ratings offer added reassurance. The Pilot’s spacious interior and flexible cargo options make it ideal for busy family life. For a comprehensive overview of its safety credentials, visit the NHTSA Pilot page.

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Conclusion

Choosing a family car with top safety ratings is one of the most important decisions you can make for your loved ones. The vehicles highlighted above have proven their reliability and commitment to safety through rigorous testing and advanced technology. When it’s time for your next vehicle purchase, consider these trusted options for peace of mind and lasting value.
Prioritize safety—it’s an investment in your family’s future and well-being on every journey.

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20 Reliable Family Cars That Come With the Best Safety Ratings

1. Honda CR-V

2. Toyota RAV4

3. Subaru Outback

4. Mazda CX-5

5. Hyundai Santa Fe

6. Kia Telluride

7. Ford Explorer

8. Toyota Sienna

9. Honda Odyssey

10. Subaru Forester

11. Volkswagen ID.4

12. Chevrolet Traverse

13. Volvo XC90

14. Nissan Rogue

15. Ford Edge

16. Hyundai Palisade

17. Kia Sorento

18. Toyota Highlander

19. Chrysler Pacifica

20. Honda Pilot

Conclusion

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