Choosing the right vehicle for your family involves many considerations, but safety is paramount. For families seeking a versatile and secure ride, mid-size SUVs are a popular choice. As we move into 2024, advancements in automotive safety technology and rigorous testing protocols ensure that today’s SUVs are safer than ever. This guide will navigate you through the landscape of the safest mid-size SUVs of 2024, highlighting what makes them stand out in terms of safety and providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision for your loved ones.
Why Safety Matters in Mid-Size SUVs for 2024
Mid-size SUVs are often the go-to vehicles for families due to their spacious interiors, ample cargo room, and comfortable ride. However, size and convenience should never come at the expense of safety. Accidents are a reality, and choosing a vehicle that offers superior protection in the event of a collision is crucial. Organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) play a vital role in assessing vehicle safety through a series of rigorous crash tests and evaluations. Their ratings provide consumers with objective data to compare vehicle safety performance.
The IIHS, in particular, has updated its testing procedures to reflect real-world accident scenarios more accurately. As Harkey from IIHS noted, “There’s still progress to be made in the protection that vehicles provide for their occupants, as the introduction of the updated moderate overlap test shows.” This updated moderate overlap test is a prime example of how safety standards are continually being raised to push automakers to enhance vehicle protection. These tests, alongside the driver- and passenger-side small overlap front crash tests that mimic collisions with narrow objects, are critical in determining how well a vehicle protects its occupants in various crash scenarios. Furthermore, high-performing headlights across all trim levels are now a standard expectation for top safety ratings, ensuring visibility and preventing accidents in the first place.
Understanding 2024 Safety Ratings: IIHS and NHTSA
Navigating safety ratings can seem complex, but understanding the basics empowers you to choose a safe vehicle. The IIHS awards two top safety designations: Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+. To achieve either award, vehicles must demonstrate good performance in several crashworthiness tests, including the updated moderate overlap front test, the driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front tests, and the original moderate overlap front test. They must also have acceptable or good headlights and available advanced front crash prevention systems. The Top Safety Pick+ award represents an even higher standard, typically requiring ‘good’ ratings in the updated moderate overlap test and superior front crash prevention systems.
NHTSA, on the other hand, uses a 5-star safety rating system, evaluating vehicles in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of safety performance in NHTSA’s tests. While both IIHS and NHTSA ratings are valuable, they use different testing methods and criteria, so considering both provides a comprehensive view of a vehicle’s safety.
Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center, emphasizes the importance of these evolving safety standards: “Each iteration means the next step in identifying cars that provide the highest levels of safety, a key element for consumers when choosing a vehicle for themselves and their families.” These ratings are not just about protecting occupants but also about broader road safety.
Spotlight on Safest Mid-Size SUVs of 2024: Top Contenders
While specific 2024 model year ratings are continuously being updated, several mid-size SUVs are consistently recognized for their safety and are expected to maintain their top safety positions in 2024. Based on historical performance, anticipated updates, and current safety features, here are some of the safest mid-size SUVs to consider:
- Hyundai Palisade: Consistently earning top safety accolades, the Palisade is known for its robust crash protection and comprehensive suite of safety features. It often achieves top scores in IIHS and NHTSA testing, making it a reliable choice for families.
- Kia Telluride: Sharing a platform with the Palisade, the Telluride mirrors its sibling’s safety prowess. Its strong safety ratings and abundance of standard and available safety technologies position it as a leader in the mid-size SUV segment.
- Honda Passport: Honda’s commitment to safety is evident in the Passport. With its reinforced structure and advanced driver-assistance systems, it provides excellent protection for occupants. Honda vehicles often perform well in safety evaluations, and the Passport is expected to continue this trend.
- Toyota Highlander: A long-standing favorite in the mid-size SUV category, the Highlander boasts a strong reputation for reliability and safety. Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of technologies and the Highlander’s solid crash test performance make it a safe and practical choice.
- Mazda CX-9: Known for its engaging driving dynamics, the CX-9 also prioritizes safety. Mazda vehicles have been increasingly recognized for their safety performance, and the CX-9 is anticipated to be among the safest in its class.
It’s essential to check the official IIHS and NHTSA websites for the most up-to-date 2024 safety ratings as they become available. Automakers are continually making improvements, and the 2024 model year may bring further enhancements to these and other mid-size SUVs.
Key Safety Features to Prioritize in Your 2024 Mid-Size SUV
Beyond overall safety ratings, understanding specific safety features can further guide your choice. Modern SUVs are equipped with a range of safety technologies, broadly categorized as:
-
Active Safety Features: These systems are designed to prevent accidents. Examples include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects potential collisions and automatically applies brakes.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver of an impending collision.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Help prevent unintentional lane drifts.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Alerts the driver to vehicles in blind spots.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns of approaching traffic when reversing.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Driver Attention Monitoring: Detects driver fatigue or distraction.
-
Passive Safety Features: These features protect occupants in the event of a crash:
- Airbags: Front, side, side curtain airbags are crucial for cushioning occupants.
- Strong Vehicle Structure: Designed to absorb and distribute crash forces away from the passenger compartment.
- Seatbelt Pretensioners and Load Limiters: Tighten seatbelts in a crash and reduce chest injury risk.
- Child Safety Seat Anchors (LATCH): Ensure secure installation of child car seats.
Emily A. Thomas, PhD, auto safety manager at Consumer Reports, highlights the growing importance of rear-seat safety: “Consumer Reports has been rewarding manufacturers for including advanced safety technology in the rear seat since 2021, and the IIHS ratings are evaluating the implementation of these safety systems. Together, both programs are pushing safety forward for back-seat passengers.” When evaluating mid-size SUVs, consider rear-seat occupant protection and features like rear-seat airbags and advanced seatbelt technology, especially if you frequently have passengers in the back.
Conclusion: Choosing Safety for Your Family in 2024
Selecting the safest mid-size SUV for 2024 requires careful consideration of safety ratings, available safety features, and your family’s specific needs. Prioritize vehicles that achieve top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, and delve into the details of active and passive safety technologies. By staying informed and prioritizing safety, you can drive with confidence and ensure the well-being of your family on every journey. Always consult the official IIHS and NHTSA websites for the latest safety information and specific model year ratings before making your purchase decision. Your family’s safety is an investment worth making.
