Midsize SUVs have a lot of great things in common. They’re just the right size, they tend to have up-to-date technology, and there are enough of them to give people plenty of options. Yet these midsize SUVs have one very important thing in common; they’re the safest midsize SUVs you can buy, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Each of these sport utility vehicles earns the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ award, its highest honor.

To earn a Top Safety Pick+ title, a vehicle has to have:

• Good ratings in:
  • Driver-side small overlap front test
  • Passenger-side small overlap front test
  • Moderate overlap front test
  • Original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests
• Advanced or Superior for available front crash prevention for both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations
• Acceptable or good headlights standard on all trim levels

The 2022 Ford Explorer is one of the safest midsize 2022 SUVs

Will Ford Actually Be Able to Take Down the Kia Telluride?

The 2022 Ford Explorer is one of the safest midsize SUVs. The 2022 Ford Explorer gets a good or better in all major categories. It has acceptable headlights standard on both available trim levels. The 2022 Ford Explorer starts at $36,345, but the high-end Platinum trim level is $56,985. The base model 2022 Explorer comes with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It also has an 8-inch touchscreen that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a six-speaker sound system.

The IIHS is a non-profit that tests vehicles and shares the results of their tests with consumers so that people can make informed decisions about what they buy. By issuing safety ratings and awards, consumers are more aware of potential issues with their vehicles, and car manufacturers have more accountability. The IIHS’ tests have evolved to keep pushing safety standards higher, which is a huge bonus for everyone.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade is one of two super-safe Hyundais

The Top 5 Midsize SUVs Coming Out In 2022

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade price starts at $36,295 and it has a 3.8-liter V6 engine that can make 231-hp. The Palisade also comes with an alarm, backup camera, and cruise control, as well as adaptive cruise control. It also comes with an antitheft system and auto-off headlights, 18-inch wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe price starts at $27,400 and it comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline-4 that makes 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe scores good marks in nearly every category of crashworthiness, safety systems, and headlights. 

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 makes the list

4 Consumer Reports Recommended Three-Row SUVs With Captain’s Chairs

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 price starts at $35,280. It comes with a host of standard safety equipment like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It also has lane-keeping assist.CX-9 is loaded with features including heated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are also part of the new Mazda SUV.

The 2022 Nissan Murano is Nissan’s safe midsize SUV

The Best SUVs for Senior Drivers

The 2022 Nissan Murano starts at $33,210 and gets 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. It has an engine that can make 260 hp and it holds up to 67 cubed feet of cargo with the seats down. The Murano also has a 7-inch screen and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Subaru’s Ascent makes the IIHS list

The 2022 Kia Telluride, 2022 Honda Pilot, and 2022 Subaru Ascent Face-Off

Not only is the 2022 Subaru Ascent a Top Safety Pick+, it’s also one of only two SUVs that earn a good rataing from the IIHS for their seatbelt notifications. That’s out of the 26 SUVs that the IIHS tested. 

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+

The 2022 Kia Telluride and 2022 Toyota Highlander Fight for the Top

The 2022 Toyota Highlander price starts at $36,420 and it comes with 18-inch wheels, LED lights, and heated mirrors. It also has keyless entry and ignition, an 8-inch infotainment system, and a six-speaker sound system. In addition, the Highlander is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has a WiFi hot spot.

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is one of the safest midsize SUVs

How Much Does a Fully Loaded 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Cost?

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 price starts at $41,955 and the EPA-estimated range for the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is 280 miles. You can get the ID.4 with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, according to Edmunds. If you choose the rear-wheel model version, you’ll get one motor that makes 201 hp. All-wheel drive increases that to 295 hp.