We're shopping for a new vehicle. My requirement is that it is an SUV and that is has been proven safe. Here's what I've found by researching the safest SUV options for 2026. I have included mostly small SUVs in this list, but some mid-size, luxury, ...
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The 2026 model is the top safety pick by iihs.org for the category small SUV. I had one of these as a rental recently and fell in love with it.
2026 Mazda CX-30 – Compact Crossover SUV
The 2026 model is rated 2nd in the iihs.org list for safest small SUVs.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Crossover SUV
The 2026 model ranks 3rd on the iihs.org list for safest small SUVs.
2026 Subaru Forester AWD Compact SUV
The 2025 model made the iihs.org list for safest small SUVs.
2026 Subaru Solterra | All-Wheel Drive Electric SUV
The 2025 model makes the iihs.org list for safest small SUVs.
2026 Toyota bZ4X
The 2025 model (built after May) is on the iihs.org list of safest small SUVs.
2026 Kia Sportage: Available AWD, Class-Leading Cargo & Legroom Crossover SUV
The 2026 model is on the iihs.org list for safest small SUVs.
2026 Honda HR-V - Compact Crossover SUV
The 2026 model is on the iihs.org list for safest small SUVs, but this model was not tested for front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0.
2026 Kona | Small SUV - Vehicle Overview
The 2025 model was a top safety pick. The 2026 is on the iihs.org list of safest small SUVs.
The 2025 model was an iihs.org top safety pick. The 2026 model makes the list of safest small SUVs, however it was not tested for front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2025 model was the top safety pick by iihs.org and it is #1 on the list for safest Mid-size SUVs.
2026 Honda Passport - Off-Road Midsized SUV
The 2025 model was a top safety pick by iihs.org and the 2026 model is 2nd on list of safest Mid-size SUVs. This is a fully electric vehicle.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 Overview | Three-Row Electric SUV
The 2025 model was an iihs.org top safety pick and the 2026 model is 3rd on the list of safest Mid-size SUVs.
2026 Kia EV9: Long-Range, Fast-Charging, Available AWD, 3-Row ...
The 2025 model is a top safety pick for Mid-size SUVs, but it was not tested for front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0.
2025 Kia Telluride: All-New 3-Row SUV with 3.8L V6 Engine & Available AWD
The 2025 model was a top safety pick by iihs.org. The 2025 model makes the top 10 of safest Mid-size SUVs.
2026 Mazda CX-70 Mild Hybrid Inline 6 2-Row SUV
The 2025 model was a top safety pick by iihs.org. The 2026 model makes the top 10 list of safest Mid-size SUVs.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Inline 6 3-Row SUV
The 2025 model was a top safety pick by iihs.org. The 2026 model makes the top 10 safest mid-size SUVs. This vehicle is a plug-in hybrid.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) 3-Row SUV
This vehicle was a top safety pick by iihs.org in 2025. The 2026 model is #1 on the safety list for luxury mid-size SUVs. However, it was not tested for front crash prevention: vehicle to vehicle 2.0.
The New 2026 INFINITI QX60 | Luxury 7-Seater SUV
This vehicle was a top safety pick by iihs.org in 2025. The 2026 model is ranked #2 for safest mid-size luxury SUV.
2026 Lexus NX—Luxury Crossover | Lexus.com
This vehicle was an iihs.org top safety pick in 2025. In 2026 it is listed as the #1 safety pick for large SUVs. However, it performed poorly in the front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 test and seat belt reminders were not tested.
