10 Safest Midsize SUVs and Crossovers for 2023

Volkswagen's ID.4 is the only electric vehicle on the list and one of two vehicles to receive a good rating on all fronts from the IIHS. While competitors struggle with containing injuries to the driver's pelvis, Volkswagen's electric SUV offering excels at minimizing driver and rear passenger injury. Likely due to its hefty curb weight of nearly 5000 pounds, the VW crossover is the start of the company's EV family by the name of ID.

New IIHS test factors include an increased load factor and speed during the side impact test. With an additional 900 pounds of barrier and six additional mph, the ID.4 remained unflinching in a test that is intended to replicate one of the more deadly crash angles. Other critical factors include structural integrity and head protection. At a base price of $40,290, the ID.4 is competitively priced amongst its internal combustion-engine neighbors, if a bit pricey within the comparable EV segment.

Powertrain: permanent-magnet synchronous AC; 201 hp, 229 lb-ft
Range: 240 miles
Max towing: 2700 lbs
Base price: $40,290

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The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is joining the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list this year after a marginal rating in 2022. Serving as Hyundai's largest offering, the Palisade received a facelift and some slight redesigning for the 2023 model year, which seems to have paid off. This safety rating also applies to its sibling model, the Kia Telluride.

On the road, the Palisade rolls smoothly and provides ample cabin space for interior occupants in all three rows. It features a 3.8-liter V6 engine, available AWD, and a locking center e-differential, for those who seek adventure in their three-row SUV. With 18 cubic feet of cargo space, it provides slightly above the industry standard. Altogether, the Palisade is a competent and plush SUV at a competitive price point.

Powertrain: 3.8-liter V-6 engine; 291 hp, 262 lb-ft
Fuel economy: 19/25/21 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Max towing: 5000 lbs
Base price: $37,235

Joining the VW in achieving a perfect IIHS rating is Mazda's flagship CX-9. Mazda's largest SUV offering still remains in the midsized category, in a category that seems to grow each year. Though five different trim levels are available, Mazda has created mechanical continuity across the CX-9 lineup. All-wheel drive is standard across all trims, as is the 2.5-liter Skyactiv turbocharged inline-four.

With 250 horsepower and a respectable 320 lb-ft of torque, the CX-9 is rated to tow up to 3500 lbs. And you may end up towing your belongings with the SUVs limited cargo space. At 14.4 cubic feet with second and third rowing seating in use, the CX-9 opens for a maximum of 72 cubic feet available with both passenger rows retracted. Despite this, Mazda's CX-9 does offer other neat features, like a second-row captains chair and stop-and-go radar cruise control.

Powertrain: 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four; 250 hp, 320 lb-ft
Fuel economy: 20/26/23 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Max towing: 3500 lbs
Base price: $40,125

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Consistency is key and Ford delivers in the safety segment. The facelifted Explorer retains its platform from the previous model year, though it continues to perform well in updated IIHS tests. Ford currently offers the explorer in 10 different trims with a gap of nearly $20,000 between the base and King Ranch models.

Three engine options and two drivetrain options are available, ranging from a RWD base model with an EcoBoost 2.3-liter inline-four to an AWD Platinum model equipped with a 3.3-liter hybrid V6. The performance-oriented ST model packs a punch with an EcoBoost 3.0-liter V6 and a model-specific tire and suspension package. Ford has yet to implement its Sync 4 infotainment into the Explorer, though the interior is otherwise spacious for both passengers and cargo.

Powertrain: 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four
Fuel economy: 21/28/24 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Max towing: 5600 lbs
Base price: $38,355

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As we move through the top 10 list, the safety differences between models remain slight. In the case of the Toyota Highlander, the safety knock remains in the driver's pelvis injuries, which the model receiving a "marginal" rating in the category. The Highlander earned a perfect score otherwise-an unsurprising feat for a car that has been in production for 23 years.

Toyota's Highlander isn't the most dynamic choice, but it may be the most dependable. It is available in 11 different trims, including four hybrid versions. Front-wheel drive is the standard with AWD available, run through an eight speed automatic or CVT. Gas mileage, the availability to seat eight, and adequate cargo space will be the primary draws for Toyota mid-range model.

Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6; 295 hp, 263 lb-ft
Fuel economy: 21/29/24 (city/hwy/combined)
Max towing: 5000 lbs
Base price: $37,755

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Is it really surprising that a Volvo made its way onto this list? The Swedish company has been on the cutting edge of safety technology for decades now and its modern offerings don't waiver from this mission. Both versions of the XC90 receive top marks from the IIHS, making it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2023.

The only markdowns the XC90 receives are for its mediocre headlights and difficult-to-use child seat anchors. This also falls in line with the driving experience of the XC90, which is characterized by simple controls, a planted road presence, and new-age interior materials. It's also adequately powered in both plug-in hybrid and standard versions thanks to standard electrification and turbocharging, though we wouldn't describe it as fast.

Powertrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, AC motor, 14.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 455 hp, 523 lb-ft
Fuel economy: 25/27/26 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Max towing: 4000-5000 lbs
Base price: $57,095

The folks at Subaru continue to lean into family-oriented models, but can you blame them? The company has consistently modeled the framework for a successful and economical station wagon. Though a few inches taller, the Ascent carries on the Subaru legacy, earning a good rating from the IIHS. Where it falls short is predictably the pelvic injury region but also in the structure and safety chase measurements, earning an "adequate" rating in both tests.

Symmetrical all-wheel drive is, of course, standard as is the torquey 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four, which serves as the framework for the engine found in the newest WRX. Subaru is committed to the CVT and the Ascent is no different. The Ascent is Subaru's largest vehicle, though interior space is about par in the segment, and is available in three reasonably priced trims.