A standard SUV tends to feature the basic platform of a pickup truck making for a sporty yet somewhat rugged vehicle. A crossover SUV, however, is a more comfort minded vehicle and starts life with a passenger car platform. This usually leads to a vehicle with greater interior comfort. As a family vehicle, the following SUVs are geared more toward safety:

1. Mazda CX-30

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) considers the CX-30 from Mazda to be a solidly safe vehicle. The car has ratings of Good in all tests except front crash prevention which actually achieved a superior rating. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the model 5 out of 5 stars in frontal and side impact tests and 4 out of 5 in rollover protection. Among the safety features found in CX-30 are a full complement of airbags, lane departure sensors, 4-wheel ABS and electronic stability control.

2. Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade from Hyundai is rated highly by the IIHS who give it a superior rating for front crash prevention and good ratings in all other categories. In safety ratings from the NHTSA the Palisade receives 5 stars in all categories with the exception of rollover protection in which it was rewarded 4 stars. Among the many safety features for the family this model has child-safety locks, full air bag complement front and back, 4-wheel disc brakes, and lane keeping assist.

3. BMW X3

The X3 from BMW has solid safety results from the IIHS with superior ratings in front crash prevention and good ratings in most other categories. It does, however, fall a little short in headlight quality. The NHTSA gives the X3 5 stars in all categories except rollover protection in which it was awarded 4 out of 5. This model stands out with a few safety features including cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and integrated turn mirror signaling. A full complement of airbags and other standard Crossover SUV features are also included.

4. Toyota Highlander

Toyota’s Highlander performed well in IIHS safety tests scoring a superior rating in front crash prevention. Good ratings in most other categories were also recorded although headlight safety was only considered acceptable. The NHTSA has not posted any test results for the Highlander, however. Safety features in this model include side mirror indicators, traction control, brake assist and lane departure warnings.

5. Volvo XC4

The XC40 from Volvo is well rated by the IIHS who gave it good ratings across the board and superior marks in front crash prevention. With 5 stars from the NHTSA in all categories except rollover this is a solid vehicle in the event of a crash. An array of safety features include blind spot monitors, turn mirror indicators, lane keeping assist and 4-wheel ABS.