When purchasing a new car, safety should be one of the key factors to consider. Thanks to stricter testing standards and advanced safety features, cars today are safer than ever before. While some models may come with a higher price tag, the ability to potentially save lives in times of crisis makes it a worthwhile investment.
“US News & World Report” recently released a list of the 20 safest SUVs for 2024, considering factors like crash test data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as well as standard and optional safety and driver assistance features for each vehicle.
Not all 2024 models have completed crash tests yet, so the current list includes only those with sufficient data for evaluation. All the listed vehicles come equipped with rearview cameras, electronic stability control systems, and airbags, as required by federal law in the United States.
Many of the listed models have received a five-star overall rating in NHTSA tests, with the Mazda CX-30 being singled out as the safest compact SUV.
Some vehicles on the list haven’t received safety scores for 2024 models, so estimates are based on data from the 2023 models tested.
Here are the top 10 safest SUVs selected by “US News & World Report” along with their safety ratings.
Safety Rating: 10/10
The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E has not completed comprehensive crash tests from the NHTSA, but it has earned five stars in side-impact and rollover tests. It also received the “Top Safety Pick” designation in all IIHS tests.
Safety Rating: 10/10
In its third year, the Kia EV6 ranks high in the electric SUV category by “US News & World Report.” Despite some drawbacks such as average cargo capacity and a less user-friendly infotainment interface, the vehicle excels in other aspects.
The EV6 has received top scores in all three IIHS crash tests conducted so far. In NHTSA tests, the 2024 Kia EV6 earned a five-star overall rating.
Safety Rating: 10/10
The Genesis GV60, now in its second year, maintains a perfect safety rating. This luxury electric SUV offers high efficiency, style, comfort, and advanced technology features.
In IIHS tests, the GV60 achieved the highest ratings and the 2024 model received the “Top Safety Pick+” rating. The NHTSA had not tested the 2024 Genesis GV60 at the time of writing.
Safety Rating: 9.9/10
The Tesla Model Y is one of the most affordable luxury electric vehicles with various convenient features, including fun driving assist technologies. However, it lacks the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems.
The Model Y has passed crash tests with flying colors, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and the “Top Safety Pick+” designation from the IIHS.
Safety Rating Estimate: 9.8/10
The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric crossover with good value, rich features, excellent handling, and ample cargo space. Although some models have limited range and imperfect infotainment systems, the ID.4 remains a solid choice for an affordable and safe electric vehicle.
The ID.4 achieved a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but received a four-star rating in rollover tests. It also received the highest rating for standard headlights in road illumination in IIHS tests.
Safety Rating Estimate: 9.8/10
The Subaru Solterra is entering its second year in 2024 as the brand’s first all-electric model. This vehicle offers a quiet, comfortable ride with some off-road capabilities, although its range falls short compared to most competitors.
The Solterra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating in rollover tests. It also received the 2024 IIHS safety rating of “Top Safety Pick.”
Safety Rating: 9.8/10
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade is a top-tier midsize SUV on the list. This stylish vehicle is a finalist in two categories in the “US News & World Report” for 2024: Best Three-Row SUV for the Money and Best Three-Row SUV for Families.
The Palisade earned the 2024 IIHS safety rating of “Top Safety Pick,” receiving the highest “Good” rating in all four crash tests. In NHTSA tests, the Palisade received five stars in front crash tests and four stars in rollover tests.
Safety Rating: 9.8/10
The Mazda CX-30 offers one of the best driving experiences among small SUVs on the market, with a high value proposition, excellent design, rich features, and a premium cabin.
This Mazda received the 2023 IIHS safety rating of “Top Safety Pick+” and performed well in crash tests for the 2024 model. It also obtained a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, along with a four-star rating in rollover tests.
Safety Rating: 9.8/10
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is an outstanding family SUV. With spacious interiors, comfortable seating, and good acceleration, this vehicle excels. However, its efficiency slightly lags behind some hybrid SUV competitors, and its EPA fuel economy rating is not as high as others.
In NHTSA tests, the Tucson Hybrid falls slightly behind other vehicles on the list with a four-star overall rating. Nonetheless, it achieved high scores in IIHS tests, receiving the “Top Safety Pick+” rating for the 2022 model.
Safety Rating: 9.8/10
The Ford Bronco Sport for 2024 is a spacious, comfortable compact SUV with standard four-wheel drive and impressive off-road capabilities. However, it consumes more fuel on the road compared to most competitors.
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and in three IIHS crash tests, it was rated “Good.”
Ranked from 11th to 20th are the following 10 vehicles:
2024 Buick Encore GX;
2024 Kia Seltos;
2024 Ford Explorer;
2024 Subaru Ascent;
2024 Cadillac XT4;
2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge;
2024 Cadillac XT5;
2024 Volvo XC90;
2024 Hyundai Tucson;
2024 Mazda CX-50.
All these 10 vehicles received a safety rating of 9.7/10 from “US News.”