When I first started thinking about buying a family car, safety was my top priority. As a parent, it’s crucial to ensure that the vehicle we drive every day not only provides comfort but, more importantly, protects my loved ones in the event of an accident. After spending some time researching and reading reviews, I’ve narrowed down the best family cars with high safety ratings in 2025. Whether you’re looking for something spacious, fuel-efficient, or with the latest safety features, these cars offer peace of mind and reliability for families.
Pick Your Part - Help Yourself
1232 Blinn Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744, USA
1. Volvo XC90
Volvo has long been known for its commitment to safety, and the 2025 Volvo XC90 continues this legacy with advanced safety features. As a parent, the idea of a car that focuses on safety from every angle gives me confidence every time I get behind the wheel.
1.1. Safety Features
The Volvo XC90 comes with an impressive range of safety technology, including Volvo’s Pilot Assist system, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance. It also offers automatic emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, and a robust system that alerts the driver to potential hazards. I personally find the system that detects pedestrians and cyclists particularly reassuring, as it offers an added layer of protection for my family, especially in busy urban environments.
1.2. Crash Test Ratings
The Volvo XC90 has received top marks in crash tests from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In 2025, it continues to excel with a five-star overall safety rating and “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Pick Your Part - Greer
13054 E Wade Hampton Blvd, Greer, SC 29651, USA
2. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has always been a favorite in the family SUV category, and the 2025 model is no exception. With its spacious interior, reliable performance, and solid safety features, it’s a car I would feel comfortable driving with my family in tow.
2.1. Safety Features
The Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes pre-collision systems with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist. The system works seamlessly to keep my family protected, offering proactive alerts if it senses a potential collision. What stands out to me about the Toyota Highlander is how user-friendly these systems are—there's no complicated setup or unnecessary distractions, just straightforward safety features.
2.2. Crash Test Ratings
The 2025 Highlander has once again earned top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. It has been awarded five stars in the NHTSA’s crash tests and holds the IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick” designation. It’s clear that Toyota places a high emphasis on safety, making the Highlander one of the best options for families.
3. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has long been a trusted family vehicle, especially if you live in areas with inclement weather or if you love outdoor adventures. The 2025 model continues Subaru’s tradition of providing reliable, safe, and versatile vehicles that are perfect for families who enjoy an active lifestyle.
3.1. Safety Features
Subaru is well-known for its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which is standard in the Outback. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, and more. I’ve always appreciated Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which provides additional traction and stability, especially on slick or uneven roads. This makes the Outback a great choice for families who live in snowy or rainy climates.
3.2. Crash Test Ratings
The 2025 Subaru Outback has earned exceptional safety ratings, with five stars in the NHTSA crash tests and “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS. It’s reassuring to know that the Outback’s combination of driver-assistance systems and solid crashworthiness will help keep my family safe on the road.
4. Honda Odyssey
If you’re a parent with young children, the Honda Odyssey should be at the top of your list. While minivans may not have the same cool factor as SUVs or sedans, they are undeniably practical, and the Odyssey is the perfect example of this. In 2025, the Honda Odyssey continues to be a leader in family vehicle safety.
4.1. Safety Features
The Odyssey comes equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety technologies. This includes collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation. One feature that I find particularly useful is the rear-seat reminder, which helps ensure that I never forget my child in the back seat, a critical safety feature for parents with infants and toddlers.
4.2. Crash Test Ratings
The 2025 Odyssey has earned top marks for safety, receiving five stars from the NHTSA in overall safety tests and the “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS. This makes it one of the best options for families looking for a vehicle with top-tier safety features and ample space.
5. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a relative newcomer to the family SUV scene, but it has quickly earned a reputation as one of the safest and most well-rounded vehicles for families in 2025. With its spacious interior, luxurious features, and advanced safety technologies, the Telluride is a great choice for families who want both safety and comfort.
5.1. Safety Features
The Kia Telluride is packed with safety features, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also offers a surround-view camera system, which gives me a clear view of my surroundings when reversing or parking. I find this feature particularly helpful when navigating tight spaces or parking lots.
5.2. Crash Test Ratings
The Telluride has earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and has been named a “Top Safety Pick+” by the IIHS. This combination of crash test performance and advanced safety features makes the Telluride a top choice for families who prioritize safety.
6. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a classic American SUV that has long been a favorite for families. The 2025 model continues to deliver the performance, space, and safety features families need, making it an ideal choice for those who need a reliable vehicle with room for everyone.
6.1. Safety Features
The Ford Explorer comes with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes blind-spot monitoring, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. I’ve always appreciated how Ford integrates these features without overwhelming the driver, making them easy to use while still providing an additional layer of safety.
6.2. Crash Test Ratings
The 2025 Explorer has earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and the IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick” rating. This solid safety performance combined with its roomy interior and powerful engine makes the Explorer an excellent family vehicle.
When selecting a family car, safety should always be your top priority, and in 2025, these vehicles provide the latest in safety technology, crash performance, and comfort. Whether you're driving around town or heading out on a long road trip, these cars offer peace of mind that your family is well-protected. For those times when you need roadside assistance or help with a vehicle emergency, don’t hesitate to visit Rescue & Towing for prompt, professional support.
