The SUV craze shows no signs of slowing, with every automaker offering various options for the potential customer. Among the most popular models are the mid-size SUVs, with enough space to be practical while also avoiding the label of “massive and boxy.” Safety is one of the most important aspects to consider when buying a family car, which is why SUVs are becoming so popular. They are incredibly safe, while also being practical and good-looking. However, with so many models to choose from, how do you know which one is the safest?
The trouble with having so many options is that it can become difficult to choose. That’s where the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety comes in. The IIHS takes each and every car model on the road and runs them through several different safety tests. The results are recorded and made public so that anyone can see how the cars performed. Potential buyers can even watch videos of the tests being done. With safety being at the forefront of a buyer’s mind, these results and figures are important factors in the process of making a decision. Here are the safest mid-size SUVs of 2023 according to the IIHS.
8 2023 Ford Explorer: IIHS Top Safety Pick
The Ford Explorer was one of the cars that started the SUV fever when it hit the streets back in 1991. Here in 2023, the Explorer is still demonstrating the features and traits that we all know and love from Ford: dependability and practicality. Offering a variety of different engine options and drivetrains, potential buyers can buy an explorer to suit any of their needs.
The design, both inside and out, is simple and practical. The 2023 Ford Explorer did well throughout the IIHS’ safety tests, with the only problem being that it didn’t perform as well as other vehicles on this list. Small things, such as the seatbelt chimes and overall headlight range, were noted in the slight score decrease. The 2023 Ford Explorer received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. That being said, the Explorer is a tough SUV that is ready to take you safely to your next adventure.
7 2023 Mazda CX-9: IIHS Top Safety Pick
With its sleek looks and plentiful cargo space, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 offers a satisfying driving experience while also remaining practical and efficient. The interior design is stylish and sophisticated, perfectly complimenting the elegant lines of the exterior. Along with safety, fuel efficiency is another factor that is important when deciding on a car to buy.
The CX-9 is the most fuel-efficient SUV on this list, with the EPA reporting a very respectable 22 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The CX-9 also performed well in the safety tests, protecting both the driver and passengers through each crash test. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The IIHS’ only complaint with the Mazda is that the seatbelt chime is not loud enough, a fairly minuscule issue that potential owners shouldn’t let sway their decision.
6 2023 Subaru Ascent: IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Japanese carmaker Subaru takes safety very seriously, constantly winning awards for safety and reliability. The largest model in the Subaru fleet, the Ascent, is no exception. With three-row seating, an extremely comfortable ride, and good fuel economy, the 2023 Subaru Ascent brings more to the table than safety.
The IIHS loves the Ascent, giving it top marks in every safety test it went through. This is hardly surprising, as Subaru relies heavily on its stellar safety reputation to sell cars. The Ascent has been slightly criticized, mostly for a less-spacious third row and somewhat loud road noise. The 2023 Subaru Ascent received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. That being said, the Ascent is a wonderful option for anyone looking to purchase a perfectly safe mid-size SUV from a carmaker that has consistently provided safety for its customers.
5 2023 Toyota Highlander: IIHS Top Safety Pick+
The Toyota Highlander has been on the scene since 2000, providing Toyota fans with a reliable SUV at a decent price. However, as the market began to grow, the Highlander started to fade into the background. Other carmakers began producing cars that only barely outperformed the Highlander, which is perhaps why it is not as popular as other SUVs on this list.
That being said, the 2023 Toyota Highlander has come a long way and performed very well throughout all the IIHS safety tests. Certain trims had minor issues with the headlights, but overall the Highlander performed exceptionally well. Toyota is known for its reliability, and the Highlander only confirms this common knowledge. The 2023 Toyota Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Overall, the Highlander is a safe SUV that comes with Toyota’s guaranteed reliability and a reasonable price tag.
4 2023 Nissan Pathfinder: IIHS Top Safety Pick +
Those looking for an SUV that specializes in towing, look no further than the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. With a 6,000 pounds. towing capacity, the Pathfinder beats every other mid-size SUV, making it ideal for towing boats, trailers, and anything else the family may need. The SUV is certainly designed to remind drivers and passengers of a pickup truck, with a rugged design inside and out that compliments the impressive towing capabilities.
The overall handling has been called underwhelming, but the Pathfinder makes up for this by being one of the quicker mid-size SUVs. The Nissan did very well throughout the IIHS’ safety tests, with the only issue being (once again) the seatbelt chime. This time, the chime’s duration was deemed insufficient for a “good” rating, instead receiving an “Acceptable” one. Overall, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick + from the IIHS.
3 2023 Hyundai Palisade: IIHS Top Safety Pick+
The Hyundai Palisade has been beating everyone’s expectations since its debut in 2018, and the 2023 model is no different. Being Hyundai’s largest model, we found in our review of the 2023 Palisade in top-spec Calligraphy trim, that it has plenty of room for both passengers and cargo, as well as a 3.8 liter V-6 engine that creates a wonderfully smooth ride for everyone. The interior has a definite luxury feel to it, with electrically-adjustable seats available all the way back to the third row and enough tech and gadgets inside to keep everyone entertained.
The Palisade has impressed everyone, including the IIHS. The Hyundai nearly received a perfect score, with the only complaint regarding the mounting points for a children’s car seat. Even this issue only knocked the palisade down to “Acceptable” in the Child Restraints category. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade got a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is a safe and spacious SUV that will keep you cruising in comfort and style.
2 2023 Kia Telluride: IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Kia has been making headlines over and over again in recent years, slowly becoming known for their semi-luxury aesthetic at reasonable a price. The Korean manufacturer then went and broke the mold in 2019 with the Telluride, changing the SUV game forever. Providing plentiful layers of comfort and elegance, no matter which trim model you choose, the Telluride is a prime example of an ideal SUV.
The Kia Telluride is adored by every group that rates and ranks SUVs and that includes us. You can read more about the Telluride in our exclusive review. The SUV has plenty of space, performance, and comfort to appeal to any potential buyer, making the Telluride a wonderful choice. The IIHS agrees, giving it top marks in every one of the safety tests. The 2023 Kia Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
1 2023 Volkswagen ID.4: IIHS Top Safety Pick+
The worlds of electric cars and SUVs have begun to merge together. With more and more carmakers committing to going fully electric within the next 10 years, electric mid-size SUVs are slowly beginning to become more available and popular. Volkswagen has certainly realized this and entered the fray swinging with the ID.4.
With a spacious interior and a perfectly respectable range of 275 miles per charge, the ID.4 is a fantastic SUV for someone looking to enter the world of EVs. The IIHS also loves the ID.4, as the electric car did extremely well in each of the safety tests. Despite being slightly heavier than other models due to the EV’s batteries, the ID.4 was particularly resilient in the crash tests. Overall, of all the electric SUVs available to buy, the IIHS recommends the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. with a Top Safety Pick+ rating.