SUVs are all the craze these days, with more and more hybrid and fully electric models hitting the road. These cars offer luxury and all the advanced features you need for a comfortable journey. However, when you head to SUV dealerships, you want to look for an efficient and practical vehicle that doesn’t compromise driver and passenger safety. Here are the six safest SUVs in 2023 that pack a punch.

Kia Telluride
Kia has been among the most preferred car manufacturers over the last few years. The company has repeatedly made headlines and gained traction for its semi-luxurious aesthetics. When the Telluride was launched, it was clearly a trailblazer and mold-breaker for the future. The car comes with one of the most comprehensive lists of features to boast about in the safety department. And the higher you climb the trim level, the better the features get. We’re talking about technologies like lane-keep assist, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, forward-automatic emergency braking, a rear-seat alert system, rear-cross traffic alert, and automatic high beams. No wonder the Telluride earned IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Hyundai Palisade
Another highly recommended and beloved safest SUV in 2023 is the Hyundai Palisade. The car has been exceeding expectations since it was launched back in 2018. Its interior is luxurious and roomy enough to accommodate passengers and cargo. You also get electrically adjustable seats, which offer comfort and convenience. The Palisade’s impressive safety features, like a drowsy-driver monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, were quick to impress the IIHS. The organization awarded the car an almost perfect score in terms of safety for passengers and pedestrians. While the list of safety and other features is long, they can vary based on the trim level you select. The Palisade is among the largest crossover SUV models that are also considered the safest.

Mazda CX-9
The CX-9 received top ratings in IIHS’s safety tests and five stars from NHTSA. Its safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and lane-keep assist. The car delivers a satisfying driving experience, a sleek look, and ample cargo space. Simply put, it’s stylish, sophisticated, practical, and efficient, all rolled into one pretty-looking SUV. Fuel efficiency is another aspect where the Mazda CX-9 performs well. It would be safe to say that it’s one of the most fuel-efficient picks on the list. You can expect an EPA-estimated mileage of 26 mpg on the highway and up to 22 mpg within city limits. Although we’ve focused on the Mazda CX-9 here, the complete Mazda lineup of SUVs is impressive, so feel free to check out the other trims.

Nissan Pathfinder
Next on our list of the safest SUV models for 2023 is the Nissan Pathfinder. A leader in the mid-size segment, the car has a V6 engine that can deliver 284 horsepower and a nine-speed automatic transmission. With modern styling and ample space, it’s one of the top contenders in the SUV segment this year. Lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward and reverse collision warning are a few technologies that make this vehicle safe to travel in. Barring its headlights, the Pathfinder managed to garner the top IIHS rating in all categories. If you’re a pick-up fan and appreciate a car with impressive towing capacity, the Nissan Pathfinder is the right choice that will drag you to the nearest SUV dealership!

Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has been catching eyeballs since 2000 and has proved to be a reliable SUV. Its newest model has come such a long way since its initial launch. The car displayed an impressive performance at IIHS’s safety tests and has a five-star rating from NHTSA. It offers lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, and rear seat safety reminders. The newer model is also more fuel-efficient, thanks to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Highlander has an eight-inch infotainment display, tri-zone automatic climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a snug third-row seat. You can pick between a front-wheel and an all-wheel drive.

Volkswagen ID.4
Hybrid SUVs are rising in popularity and availability as more and more carmakers commit to going fully electric over the next decade. Volkswagen’s wager in the pool of hybrid mid-size SUVs is the ID.4. The spacious car can run up to 275 miles after each complete charge. It’s an IIHS-approved vehicle for multiple reasons, one being a high performance in all safety tests. The Volkswagen ID.4’s resilient performance in the crash tests is positive despite the car being heavier than its competitors in the same category. Its safety features include rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring.

With numerous well-performing and promising SUVs in the market, you might find choosing challenging. One tip to narrow your options is to list many models and then cross out options one by one after researching their features. Before deciding, take a long look at the car’s safety technologies, as it’s among the most influential factors. Moreover, since cars are long-term investments, looking for good SUV deals is essential. Many dealerships offer trade-in discounts and financing options to help you save money without compromising safety.