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2023's Most Secure SUVs: Top 6 Safe and Reliable Choices for Families and Adventurers

May. 10,2025

Discover the top six safest SUVs for 2023, featuring advanced safety features, stellar crash ratings, and long-term reliability. Perfect for families and adventure seekers, these vehicles combine style, technology, and peace of mind for every journey.

2023's Most Secure SUVs: Top 6 Safe and Reliable Choices for Families and Adventurers

2023's Most Secure SUVs: Top 6 Safe and Reliable Choices for Families and Adventurers

As the automotive industry continues to innovate with hybrid and electric vehicle options, SUVs persist as the top choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and daily commuters. Their combination of spaciousness, luxury features, and advanced safety technologies makes them an appealing option for a diverse range of drivers. When selecting a new SUV, safety must be a top priority—especially with the increasing availability of driver-assist features that can prevent accidents and protect occupants. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the six safest SUVs for 2023, each offering cutting-edge safety features, excellent crash-test ratings, and long-term reliability. Whether you're shopping for a family vehicle or seeking an adventurous outdoor companion, these SUVs are designed to deliver peace of mind on every journey.

Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride continues to impress drivers with its sleek design, strong performance, and, most importantly, its safety credentials. Recognized for its reliability and stylish aesthetics, the Telluride has become a favorite among families and safety-conscious buyers. The latest models come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, forward collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. These features work together to prevent accidents before they happen, providing an extra layer of security during daily commutes or longer trips. The Telluride has earned high safety ratings, including the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, confirming its commitment to protecting passengers.

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade, introduced in 2018, has established itself as a secure and luxurious mid-size SUV choice. Known for its spacious interior and plush seating, the Palisade also excels in safety technology. Standard safety features include driver drowsiness alert systems and rear cross-traffic monitoring, both crucial for reducing accidents caused by fatigue or limited visibility. Its modern design, solid build quality, and comprehensive safety ratings from IIHS make it a top contender for large crossover enthusiasts. The vehicle's safety technology varies across trims but consistently emphasizes passenger protection and driver assistance, ensuring everyone on board feels safe during every trip.

Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 combines elegance with safety and practicality, achieving high safety ratings from major agencies such as IIHS and NHTSA, including a five-star overall NHTSA rating. Its advanced safety features encompass adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warnings, lane assistance, and automatic emergency braking, promoting a relaxed and secure drive. Additionally, the CX-9 offers impressive fuel efficiency, averaging around 26 mpg on highways and 22 mpg in urban settings, making it an economical yet stylish option for families and daily commuters alike. Mazda’s focus on safety innovation ensures drivers enjoy the latest in driver-assist technologies without compromising on the vehicle's aesthetic appeal.

Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder has long been a leader in the mid-size SUV segment, renowned for its powerful engine and versatile capabilities. Equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 284 horsepower and a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, the Pathfinder is built for performance and reliability. Its suite of safety tech includes lane departure warnings, pedestrian detection, collision alerts, and more, which collectively have earned it top safety marks across multiple evaluations. The rugged design, combined with towing capacity and modern safety features, makes it ideal for families seeking a dependable vehicle for both city driving and outdoor adventures.

Toyota Highlander

Since its debut in 2000, the Toyota Highlander has established a reputation for dependability, safety, and versatility. The latest models continue this tradition, receiving excellent safety ratings from NHTSA (including a five-star overall rating) and high scores from IIHS. Features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking enhance driver confidence and occupant safety. The Highlander also offers fuel-efficient turbocharged engines, advanced infotainment systems, and available all-wheel drive, making it a practical choice for everyday use, family trips, or outdoor escapades. Its renowned reliability and comprehensive safety tech ensure it remains a top-rated SUV for cautious drivers.

Volkswagen ID.4

Leading the charge in electric vehicle safety, the Volkswagen ID.4 is a compact electric SUV with an impressive range of up to 275 miles per charge. Its modern design combines eco-friendliness with advanced crashworthiness, earning high marks in crash tests conducted by safety agencies worldwide. Standard safety features include pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4's safety features are complemented by its environmentally friendly drivetrain, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on safety or style. Its cutting-edge technology and solid safety performance position it as a leading hybrid and electric alternative in 2023.

Choosing the right SUV in 2023 involves careful comparison of safety features, crash-test ratings, and long-term costs. Creating a list of priority features and thoroughly researching each model's safety technology can help you make an informed decision. Additionally, exploring dealership offers, trade-in options, and financing plans can maximize value without compromising on your safety standards. Investing in a vehicle that prioritizes passenger protection can significantly enhance your driving experience, whether for daily commuting, family outings, or outdoor adventures. Safety remains paramount, and these six SUVs exemplify excellence in safety technology, reliability, and performance, making them the top choices for 2023.