10 Safest Midsize SUVs and Crossovers for 2022

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 $41,190, 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: $42,525

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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 six 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: $36,855

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Next up are Ford Motor Co.'s midsize models, with Lincoln's reincarnated Aviator. An injury measurement that all manufacturers struggle with, Lincoln's Aviator moves a notch down to "acceptable" in the pelvic injury test. Make no mistake, in spite of a perfect score, the Aviator still receives an overall good rating from the IIHS and is a thoroughly safe car. In that same vein, the Aviator is one of two luxury specific models featured, boasting big horsepower and a high price-tag.

A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 powers the Lincoln, making 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Fed through a 10-speed automatic, the Aviator is all about smoothness. It's certainly no slouch, even with a curb weight that walks the line of 5000 lbs. Cargo space is plentiful, starting at 18.3 cubic feet and rising to 77.7 cu-ft with the seats folded. The Aviator is available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive trims.

Powertrain: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6; 400 hp, 415 lb-ft
Fuel economy: 18/26/21 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Max towing: 6700 lbs
Base price: $52,975

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Consistency is key and Ford delivers in the safety segment. The facelifted Explorer shares a platform with the Lincoln Aviator, allowing for analogous IIHS test results between the pair. 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: $35,505

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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 22 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: $37,070

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Launched in 2017, the Volkswagen Atlas introduced a new nameplate to what is a familiar product. A large and rounded SUV with a prominent stance is nothing new for the VW group. That said, the Atlas is built up on its own unique architecture and was subjected to IIHS testing. Receiving perfect marks with the exception of a marginal rating in the driver pelvis injury measurements, VW holds the line with the Atlas.

Available in a 235-hp 2.o-liter turbo-four or a 276-hp 3.6-liter V6, the VW Atlas is a front-drive platform that can be equipped with 4motion AWD as desired. It's a competent but genuinely large vehicle, meaning what it lacks in driving character it makes up for in comfort. With a maximum of 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space and spacious third row, the Atlas is focused on the long haul.

Powertrain: 2.0-liter inline-four; 235 hp, 258 lb-ft
Fuel economy: 21/25/23 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Max towing: 5000 lbs
Base price: $35,630

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For those wanting a more unique look, Volkswagen's got you covered. Lopping off a portion of the roof and adding an angular trunk, the Atlas Cross Sport is a direct sibling of the Atlas with a few key differences. One thing that does remain the same, however, is the safety standards. Naturally, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport retain identical safety rating from IIHS.

What differs is simply space and price. Luckily, the regular Atlas employs an enormous amount of interior and cargo space, allowing the Cross Sport to remain competitive with its counterparts; 77.6 cubic feet of cargo space is more than enough and only about 2 inches of height are lost by cropping the trunk.

Powertrain: 2.0-liter inline-four; 235 hp, 258 lb-ft
Fuel economy: 21/25/23 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Max towing: 5000 lbs
Base price: $34,930

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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.

Powertrain: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four; 260 hp, 277 lb-ft
Fuel economy: 20/26/22 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Max towing: 5000 lbs
Base price: $33,970

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Like Toyota's Highlander, the Nissan Pathfinder is the sort of car that allows for a peak in decades of automotive design. First produced in 1985, the Pathfinder has gone from a compact trail-rat SUV to a mid-size off-road-able crossover. This supersizing has certainly helped the Pathfinder in the safety department, with the model only being marked down for marginal pelvis injuries and adequate structure safety.

Refreshingly, the Pathfinder is offering in only four trims, with the 3.5-liter V6 standardized across all levels. Nissan continues to market this crossover as a rugged and adventure capable rig, competing with the likes of Ford Broncos and Jeeps. To this end, all trim levels can be optioned with all-wheel drive, which adds seven different driving modes including sand and mud-focused modes. Practicality wasn't lost on Nissan and the Pathfinder offers solid fuel economy, a comfortable and easy to use interior, and superb towing capacity.

Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6; 284 hp, 259 lb-ft
Fuel economy: 21/26/23 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Max towing: 6000 lbs
Base price: $35,935

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Under the hood of Infiniti's QX60, you'll find a familiar 3.5-liter V6 cranking out 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. According to IIHS data, the Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 maintain an identical safety rating. Despite its rounded edges and gaping grille, the Infiniti QX60 shares much of the same architecture with the Nissan Pathfinder.

Being the luxury branch of Nissan, the QX60 shines inside. Brown quilted leather adorns the dash and seats with room for seven. By design, this uprated interior limits the amount of space actually available to passengers, both in seating and in storage space, as compared to its Pathfinder cousin. Nonetheless, a bump in horsepower, premium materials, and a quiet ride may be well worth the extra 10 grand.

Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6; 295 hp, 270 lb-ft
Fuel economy: 21/26/23 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Max Towing: 6000 lbs
Base Price: $47,875

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