Choosing the right sport utility vehicle (SUV) involves more than just considering its looks and features; safety is paramount. For 2025, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings offer a reliable guide to identifying the safest SUVs on the market. These ratings evaluate vehicles based on rigorous crash tests and advanced safety technology, helping consumers make informed decisions. Let's dive into which SUVs are expected to ace the IIHS tests and stand out as the best choices for safety in 2025.

Understanding IIHS Ratings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes. They conduct various crash tests, evaluate safety features, and provide ratings that help consumers choose safer vehicles. Understanding these ratings is crucial when selecting an SUV.

The IIHS uses several tests to evaluate vehicle safety:

• Moderate Overlap Front Test: This test assesses how well a vehicle protects occupants in a frontal crash where only a portion of the vehicle's front end impacts a barrier.
• Small Overlap Front Test (Driver-Side and Passenger-Side): Simulates a crash where the corner of the vehicle's front end hits a narrow object like a tree or pole. This test is conducted on both the driver and passenger sides.
• Side Impact Test: Evaluates the protection provided to occupants in a side collision. The IIHS recently updated this test to be more challenging, using a heavier barrier and higher impact speed.
• Roof Strength Test: Measures the vehicle's ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash.
• Head Restraints & Seats Test: Assesses the design of head restraints and seats to protect against neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
• Crash Avoidance & Mitigation: Evaluates advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane departure warning systems.

Based on these tests, the IIHS assigns vehicles one of the following ratings:

• Good: The highest rating, indicating excellent performance in all tests.
• Acceptable: Indicates that the vehicle provides adequate protection but has some areas for improvement.
• Marginal: Suggests that the vehicle's performance is below average, and it may not provide sufficient protection in certain types of crashes.
• Poor: The lowest rating, indicating significant safety deficiencies.

To earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, a vehicle must achieve "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests, including the moderate overlap front, driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints & seats tests. It must also have an "Advanced" or "Superior" rating for front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian) and "Good" or "Acceptable" headlights available.

The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award has even stricter criteria. To qualify, a vehicle must earn "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests, including the updated side impact test. It must also have an "Advanced" or "Superior" rating for front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian) and "Good" headlights standard across all trim levels.

Expected Top Performers in 2025

While the official IIHS ratings for 2025 models will be released as the vehicles are tested, we can anticipate which SUVs are likely to perform well based on their historical performance and any announced safety enhancements. Here are some SUVs to watch for:

1. Acura MDX: Acura has consistently prioritized safety, and the MDX has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in recent years. With its advanced safety features and robust crash performance, it's likely to continue being a top contender in 2025. Acura's commitment to integrating the latest safety technologies ensures that the MDX remains a reliable choice for families.

2. Volvo XC60: Volvo is renowned for its safety-first approach, and the XC60 is no exception. It has consistently earned top marks from the IIHS. Known for its robust safety cage, advanced driver assistance systems, and focus on occupant protection, the Volvo XC60 is expected to maintain its high safety standards. The XC60's blend of luxury and safety makes it an appealing option for discerning buyers.

3. Hyundai Palisade: The Hyundai Palisade has made significant strides in safety, earning IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and strong crash test results, it's poised to continue its success in 2025. The Palisade offers excellent value, combining spaciousness, comfort, and advanced safety technology.

   | Read Also : Netanyahu & Abraham Accords: A New Era Of Peace

4. Kia Telluride: Sharing many similarities with the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride has also garnered praise for its safety performance. It has received IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors, thanks to its robust construction and advanced safety systems. The Telluride's bold styling and family-friendly features, coupled with its safety credentials, make it a popular choice.

5. Mazda CX-5: Mazda's CX-5 has consistently impressed with its safety ratings, earning IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards. Known for its responsive handling and engaging driving dynamics, the CX-5 also excels in safety. Its comprehensive safety suite and strong crash test performance make it a standout in the compact SUV segment.

Key Safety Features to Look For

When evaluating SUVs for safety, consider the following key features:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): This system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate a crash. Ensure the SUV has AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist: These systems help keep the vehicle within its lane by providing alerts and automatically correcting the steering if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane.
• Blind Spot Monitoring: This feature alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in their blind spots, helping to prevent lane change accidents.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: When backing up, this system can detect vehicles approaching from the side and alert the driver.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: This system maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting the speed to maintain a safe following distance.
• Airbags: Ensure the SUV has a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect occupants in various types of collisions.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This system helps prevent skidding and loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and adjusting engine power.

The Importance of Headlight Ratings

In addition to crashworthiness and crash avoidance features, the IIHS also evaluates headlight performance. Headlight ratings are an important factor in overall safety, as poor headlight performance can significantly reduce visibility at night.

The IIHS evaluates headlights based on their performance in various scenarios, including:

• Visibility on Straightaways: How well the headlights illuminate the road ahead.
• Visibility on Curves: How well the headlights illuminate the road when turning.
• Glare for Oncoming Traffic: The amount of glare produced by the headlights, which can affect the visibility of other drivers.

To earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must have "Good" or "Acceptable" headlights available (for Top Safety Pick) or standard across all trim levels (for Top Safety Pick+). When choosing an SUV, pay attention to the headlight ratings and opt for models with the best-performing headlights.

How to Stay Updated on 2025 IIHS Ratings

As 2025 models are released and tested, the IIHS will publish updated ratings on its website. To stay informed, you can:

• Visit the IIHS Website: The IIHS website (iihs.org) is the primary source for the latest safety ratings and information. Check the site regularly for updates.
• Follow Industry News: Stay informed about automotive safety by following reputable automotive news outlets and blogs. These sources often provide updates on IIHS ratings and safety-related news.
• Consult Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports also provides safety ratings and reviews for vehicles. Their ratings often incorporate IIHS and NHTSA data, providing a comprehensive overview of vehicle safety.

Final Thoughts

When shopping for a sport utility vehicle (SUV) in 2025, prioritizing safety is crucial. By understanding the IIHS ratings and focusing on key safety features, you can make an informed decision and choose an SUV that provides the best possible protection for you and your family. Keep an eye on the IIHS website for the latest ratings and reviews as new models are tested. Selecting an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ is a great way to ensure that your next SUV is among the safest on the road.

Choosing a safe SUV involves carefully evaluating IIHS ratings, considering essential safety features, and staying informed about the latest safety advancements. By doing your homework, you can confidently select an SUV that offers peace of mind and protects you and your loved ones on the road. Remember, the safest SUV is one that combines robust crash protection with advanced technology to help prevent accidents in the first place.