The exception is the Mitsubishi Outlander, due to its relatively small size and various restrictions that make installations of multiple carseats more difficult than the others on the list. Our threshold for qualification is high, but based upon objective IIHS and NHTSA ratings that are well known to manufacturers.Īs a testament to how safe all these vehicles are for families, we recommend nearly all of the 2019 qualifiers as well as those Honorable Mentions that fell a little short, usually only in terms of the IIHS headlight ratings. Slightly larger than many other midsize crossover SUVs, these models are all definitely worth considering as well. The Audi Q7, Volkswagen Atlas and GMC Acadia AWD would all be standout qualifiers other than this minor shortcoming. Other very safe 3-row vehicles miss our requirements simply due to a “Marginal” headlight rating that prevented them from earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. For example, many very safe luxury models like the Volvo XC90 have not been tested in the newer IIHS passenger-side small overlap crash test or the NHTSA crash testing. Some models simply lack test results and may be added later. What 3-row vehicles make the cut to qualify for our awards? Even with new IIHS Top Safety Pick requirements, a record 14 make the cut in this review, up from 10 in last year’s guide. Must have an NHTSA 5-star overall rating for 2018 or 2019.Must be at least an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2018 or 2019.So how do we filter the list of so many family vehicles that have earned safety awards? It’s very simple and completely objective: Some are subjective and apply different standards based on personal preferences or corporate sponsors. Many publications only use either the NHTSA crash tests OR the IIHS ratings as the basis for their recommendations, leaving an incomplete assessment of overall safety. This year, we again recognize Toyota for making all these features standard on all trim levels of nearly all of their vehicles. That means even the least expensive Highlander and Sienna models now have advanced crash avoidance features for 20, making these important improvements to safety easy to find on dealer’s lots! Subaru and Honda have set a nice trend for inexpensive advanced safety feature packages available on low and mid trim levels. It’s not always clear how the individual crash test results affect the overall rating, so we must rely on the overall rating to separate our qualifiers from the rest of the pack. The NHTSA ratings remain the same in 2019, with a 5-star overall rating based on two frontal crash tests, four side impact tests and a non-crash rollover risk rating. The IIHS claims that most automakers have pledged to make these features standard by 2022 or earlier, though some already do. To earn IIHS awards, an auto-brake system with an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating is still required. These systems are not all created equal some are only basic warnings that no longer qualify for an award, while advanced ones can actually brake in emergency situations and some are more likely to avoid a crash than lesser systems. The IIHS also demands a front crash prevention system. Models that earn an “Acceptable” headlight or passenger-side small overlap test rating can earn the “Top Safety Pick” rating only. We also identify which ones can be inexpensively equipped with the necessary features to qualify for top safety awards, such that you can find one properly equipped at a local dealer.įor 2019, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety not only requires a “Good” result in the driver-side small overlap crash test to qualify for a “Top Safety Pick+” rating, but now also requires a “Good” headlight rating as well a “Good” rating in the newer passenger-side small overlap crash test. SafeDad helps you shorten the list of dozens of very safe 7+ passenger vehicles to just a handful of the safest and most family friendly models for 2019. Plus, a top IIHS rating doesn’t always mean top crash test results from the NHTSA. Safest Family Vehicles for 7 or 8 Passengers in 2019Īre safety and seating at least a few kids your most important considerations when selecting a new vehicle? You aren’t alone! Sure, it looks great that the model you want has an IIHS Top Safety Pick “Plus” award, but for many vehicles, this award only applies to top trim levels with options packages that may cost a fortune if you can even find one on a dealer’s lot.

Safest 7 passenger suv