When it comes to selecting a family vehicle, safety stands paramount. For those needing ample space for passengers and cargo, three-row SUVs have become the go-to choice, embodying the versatility of a ‘Swiss Army knife’ for the modern family. Recognizing this critical need, automakers are constantly enhancing their engineering to ensure these vehicles offer the utmost protection, understanding that owners will spend significant time behind the wheel with loved ones along for the ride.
To navigate the myriad options available, consumers turn to authoritative sources like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the U.S. government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Each year, these independent organizations meticulously test and rate as many vehicles as possible, providing invaluable data on crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and occupant protection. Their rigorous evaluations, which have been strengthened for three consecutive years, form the bedrock of our understanding of vehicle safety.
This in-depth guide is designed to simplify your search for the safest three-row SUV for 2025. We’ve meticulously compiled a list of vehicles that have earned either a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award and, if tested, also scored a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. These distinctions signify a commitment to advanced safety, offering families peace of mind on every journey. Let’s delve into the specifics of these top performers, beginning with the first half of our carefully curated selections.
1. **2025 Acura MDX**The 2025 Acura MDX establishes itself as one of the safest luxury three-row SUVs, earning a commendable 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick award, which is the institute’s second-highest distinction. In IIHS testing, the MDX garnered mostly good ratings, with three acceptable grades noted for the updated moderate overlap front test and for both the standard vehicle-to-vehicle and optional pedestrian crash prevention systems. This performance underscores its robust protective capabilities in various collision scenarios.
Further solidifying its safety credentials, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant of the MDX received NHTSA’s top award, a five-star overall safety rating. This included five stars in the administration’s side impact assessment, though it achieved four stars each in the frontal crash and rollover resistance tests. For those considering the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model, it shares identical grades for front and side impact tests with its FWD counterpart.
Acura has significantly enhanced the MDX’s safety offerings for 2025, with an upgraded AcuraWatch suite that features a more advanced range of driver assists. Standard equipment encompasses automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed following and cornering speed assist. Additionally, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring, and automatic high-beams are included. For added security, available features extend to front and rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control. The performance-oriented Type S trim further elevates safety with AcuraWatch 360, introducing active lane change assist, lane change collision mitigation, and front cross-traffic warning.
From a practical standpoint, the 2025 MDX brings welcome improvements. We are particularly pleased by the addition of an infotainment touchscreen, a long-awaited upgrade from the previous fiddly center console controls that relied on a touchpad. This design change also thoughtfully creates more storage space within the console. While Acura’s largest model represents a solid value proposition, it’s worth noting that some European rivals, such as the BMW X5, may offer superior performance dynamics, and the Type S model, despite its name, might not deliver the level of swiftness one might expect.
2. **2025 Audi Q7**Moving to another luxury contender, the 2025 Audi Q7 has earned IIHS’s highest accolade, the 2025 Top Safety Pick+. This prestigious award reflects its strong performance in most evaluations, with the Q7 receiving several good ratings. However, the vehicle did show some areas for improvement within the Crash Avoidance and Mitigation subset of tests.
Specifically, the Q7 received acceptable ratings for headlights on certain trims equipped with LED reflector high-beams. The standard front impact prevention system with pedestrian detection also received an acceptable grade. A notable concern, however, was a poor grade (the lowest possible) in a vehicle-to-vehicle version of the test where a motorcycle was the target. On the NHTSA front, this SUV secured a five-star overall safety rating, including five stars in the side impact test, but only four stars in both the front impact and rollover assessments.
Every 2025 Q7 is comprehensively equipped with a suite of safety technologies designed to protect occupants and prevent collisions. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and parking sensors. For enhanced convenience and situational awareness, available features include a 360-degree camera system and Audi’s sophisticated self-parking technology, Remote Park Assist.
The Audi Q7 generally provides a comfortable daily driving experience, though there are a few considerations for potential buyers. The available run-flat tires, with their stiffer sidewalls, can sometimes detract from ride quality. Additionally, the SUV’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while competent, can become noisy when pushed to its limits, and it’s noted for being somewhat inefficient. On the brighter side, the optional air suspension is highly regarded for its ability to smooth out the ride, and performance enthusiasts will likely appreciate the sportier SQ7 variant. Inside, the Q7 boasts a high-tech cabin, prominently featuring a large and brilliant gauge cluster display. While cargo space might not be as generous as some competitors, and the third row can feel cramped for most adults, the Q7 has seen welcome improvements in its overall design.
3. **2025 Chevrolet Traverse**The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse demonstrates a solid commitment to safety, earning a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. In IIHS evaluations, the Traverse received more good than acceptable ratings across various tests, indicating strong crashworthiness. However, a marginal rating was noted specifically for the seatbelt reminder volume, an area that could see improvement. NHTSA awarded the Chevrolet its top honor, a five-star overall safety rating, which included five stars in both front and side impact tests. Its rollover resistance evaluation, however, resulted in a four-star rating.
Safety is a core tenet of the 2025 Traverse, which features the standard Chevy Safety Assist suite of driver assists. This comprehensive package includes front automatic emergency braking designed to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, offering crucial protection in varied scenarios. Other standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, intersection collision avoidance, and reverse automatic braking. For those seeking even more advanced driving assistance, Chevrolet’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology is available as an option or included, depending on the chosen trim level.
Beyond its safety features, the Traverse offers a compelling package for families. It boasts a powerful turbocharged engine and a user-friendly cabin that incorporates large displays and abundant technology, making for an intuitive and engaging experience. Aesthetically, its exterior styling is often likened to a miniature Tahoe, giving it a robust and familiar presence. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Its fuel economy is noted as mediocre, and the absence of an available electrified powertrain is a significant oversight in today’s market. While the cabin is well laid out and functional, its overall styling leans towards the dull side, which might not appeal to all buyers.
4. **2025 Genesis GV80**The 2025 Genesis GV80 stands out in the luxury segment for its exceptional safety performance, achieving a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. This recognition is largely due to the GV80 receiving almost all good ratings in IIHS crash tests, showcasing its superior protective capabilities. The single exception was an acceptable grade for the lower child seat anchors, which were found to be positioned too deep in the outboard driver side second-row seat, a minor but important detail for parents. For 2025, NHTSA testing results are incomplete, but the GV80 has so far received four stars in the administration’s frontal crash and rollover tests, with other grades pending.
Every 2025 GV80 SUV is equipped with a comprehensive array of advanced safety and driver assistance features. Standard technologies include forward-collision avoidance assistance, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assistance, and safe exit assistance. It also integrates adaptive cruise control and Genesis’ sophisticated Highway Driving Assist 2 semi-autonomous driving technology. For enhanced visibility and ease of maneuvering, a blind-spot view monitor, parking sensors, high-beam assist, and a 360-degree camera are available options.
The interior of the GV80 is a strong selling point, renowned for its excellent quality, elegant styling, and the use of high-quality materials that create a truly premium ambiance. The cabin is also equipped with modern technology, further elevating the user experience. This year’s model sees slight improvements in handling, contributing to a more refined drive. On the downside, the GV80 is exclusively offered with inefficient, gas-only powertrains, which can be a concern for those prioritizing fuel economy or looking for an electrified option. Furthermore, some might find a lack of overt sportiness in its driving dynamics. Despite these points, the GV80 remains a solid value proposition, offering an impressive array of features for its price point.
5. **2025 Honda Pilot**The 2025 Honda Pilot has been recognized by IIHS as a 2025 Top Safety Pick, affirming its strong safety profile for families. The Pilot achieved a slew of good grades across various crash tests, demonstrating its robust structural integrity. The only acceptable rating it received was in the updated moderate front overlap assessment, indicating a minor area for refinement. From NHTSA, the Pilot earned a five-star overall safety rating, including five stars in the side impact test, while receiving four stars in both the front impact and rollover resistance assessments.
Honda equips the 2025 Pilot with a strong foundation of standard driver assistance features. These include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high-beams, all designed to enhance driver awareness and mitigate potential hazards. For those opting for higher trim levels, additional safety technologies are unlocked, such as blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors, providing even greater peace of mind during daily commutes and longer journeys.
One of the Pilot’s notable strengths lies in its good on-road dynamics, making it a pleasant vehicle to drive. The SUV is quick and delivers a comfortable ride, although some drivers might desire more torque from its V-6 engine, especially in certain driving situations. The prospect of a hybrid model could address this, potentially improving both power delivery and overall efficiency. Inside, space is plentiful, offering generous room for passengers and cargo, and the build quality is consistently top-notch. However, a common critique relates to the size of the infotainment touchscreens; neither the standard 7.0-inch nor the available 9.0-inch screens are particularly large when compared to rivals, which might detract from the modern tech experience for some users.
6. **2025 Infiniti QX60**The 2025 Infiniti QX60, the smaller of the two Infiniti models on our list, secured a 2025 Top Safety Pick award from IIHS. This designation highlights its strong safety performance, as the QX60 achieved largely good ratings in its evaluations. A single acceptable grade was noted in the updated moderate overlap front impact assessment, indicating a specific area for ongoing development. In NHTSA testing, the SUV was awarded a five-star overall safety rating, including five stars in the side crash test, while receiving four stars in both the front impact and rollover resistance evaluations.
For 2025, the QX60 comes with a comprehensive suite of standard driver assist and active safety features. These include front and rear automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beams, all contributing to a safer driving experience. Moving beyond the base trim level, additional advanced features are incorporated, such as lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, and emergency evasive steering assist, further bolstering its protective capabilities on the road.
The cabin of the QX60 is a highlight, featuring quality materials and thoughtful touches throughout, which contribute to a premium feel, even with some shared components from its Nissan Pathfinder counterpart. While the driving dynamics might not be described as exciting or overtly sporty, the QX60 excels in delivering a smooth, quiet, and exceptionally comfortable ride, making it an ideal choice for long trips or daily commutes. The third row, as expected in this class, is understandably tight for adult passengers, but access to it is surprisingly easy, which is a practical benefit for families. Overall, the QX60 prioritizes comfort and refinement over exhilarating performance.
