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Choosing the right family car in 2025 is about making sure your kids are safe, the ride is practical, and the investment actually pays off long-term.
With the latest crash test data from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), evolving safety tech, and some surprises in the rankings this year, the safest picks for families are not always the ones you might expect.
We’re going beyond buzzwords and brochures, looking at real data, real family needs, and real-world value.
So whether you’re a growing family hauling car seats or just want peace of mind in rush hour, here’s what you need to know about the top family cars for 2025.
Key Points
- On a budget? Go with the Honda Accord.
- Need 3 rows without spending luxury money? The Kia Telluride checks every box.
- Leaning electric? The Kia EV9 or Mustang Mach-E are smart, safe bets.
- Still love sedans? The Toyota Camry is your long-game player.
How Do We evaluate if the Car Is Truly Safe for Families?
Before we get into the list, let’s set the record straight: safety ratings aren’t just stars on a spec sheet.
They’re based on how well a car holds up when it really matters—during a crash. In 2025, both the IIHS and NHTSA are pushing automakers harder than ever.
IIHS
- Crashworthiness: Small overlap front (driver/passenger), moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength.
- Headlights: Must provide good visibility without glare.
- Pedestrian Crash Prevention: Day and night testing included.
- Rear-Seat Protection: A new addition in 2024 that’s already reshaping who makes the cut.
NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration uses a 5-star scale for:
- Frontal crashes
- Side impacts
- Rollover resistance
As of late May 2025, not all new models have complete NHTSA scores, but history suggests that most IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners are likely to perform well here, too.
Safest Sedans for Families in 2025
If you’re prioritizing fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and a tighter budget, sedans still make a ton of sense for small to medium-sized families. And in 2025, some standouts go all in on both protection and practicality.
1. Honda Accord
- Crash Ratings: “Good” across the board (even in the tricky small overlap tests).
- Rear-seat Safety: Strong performance under the new moderate overlap evaluation.
- Safety Tech: Comes standard with Honda Sensing—collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.
- Family Usability:
- LATCH anchors rated “Good+” for ease of use.
- 16.7 cu. ft. of trunk space—more than enough for strollers and soccer gear.
- Starting Price: Around $29,445
- MPG: Up to 48 combined
2. Toyota Camry
- Crash Ratings: Also aced all the IIHS crash tests.
- Safety Tech: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ includes dynamic radar cruise and pre-collision alerts with pedestrian detection.
- Interior Perks:
- Easy-to-use child seat anchors
- 15.1 cu. ft. trunk—tight compared to the Accord, but manageable
- Starting Price: Roughly $29,835
- MPG: Up to 51 combined
3. Hyundai Ioniq 6
- Crash Ratings: Another IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winner
- Safety Suite: Includes highway driving assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring.
- Family Factor:
- Smooth EV ride
- Slightly limited trunk space (11.2 cu. ft.)
- Starting Price: $38,000–$42,000
- Range: Up to 361 miles
Top SUVs for Family Safety and Space
SUVs are still the go-to for many families, and in 2025, several models have truly earned their stripes. Whether it’s three rows of seating or advanced crash protection, these SUVs cover a lot of ground.
4. Kia Telluride
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- Crash Ratings: “Good” on everything—plus high marks in the newest rear-seat safety tests.
- Tech Suite: Forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and solid night pedestrian crash prevention.
- Family Fit:
- Seats up to 8
- 21 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the third row
- 87 cu. ft. with seats folded
- Starting Price: $37,805
5. Mazda CX-90
- Crash Ratings: Another Top Safety Pick+ performer
- Safety Tech: i-Activsense system includes adaptive cruise and smart braking.
- Interior Highlights:
- Premium feel with room for up to 8
- 74.2 cu. ft. of max cargo
- Starting Price: Around $40,000
6. Hyundai Santa Fe (Post-Nov. 2024 Builds)
@xoconniepeters 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy #hyundai #hyundaisantafe #santafe #3rowsuv #familycars ♬ original sound – Connie Peters
- Crash Ratings: Only the latest builds earn Top Safety Pick+ status
- Features: Lane following assist, safe-exit alerts, strong night-time pedestrian crash prevention.
- Interior Highlights:
- Seats 6–7
- Up to 79.6 cu. ft. cargo space
- Hybrid version offers 36 MPG
- Starting Price: About $37,700
Electric SUVs That Don’t Compromise on Safety
If you’re ready to go fully electric, a few options now combine zero-emission driving with top-tier safety.
7. Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Crash Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ with high pedestrian crash prevention
- Tech Suite: Ford Co-Pilot360 and optional BlueCruise hands-free driving
- Storage & Space:
- 29.7 cu. ft. in the rear
- 59.7 cu. ft. with seats down
- Extra front trunk (frunk)
- Starting Price: Around $43,000
8. Kia EV9
The 2024 Drive Car of the Year has been revealed! The Kia EV9 brings seven seats, a properly family-friendly interior, clever packaging, an impressive standard equipment list and a surprisingly large towing capacity – with an efficient, punchy, all-electric powertrain. pic.twitter.com/f7jzcTNQwA
— Drive (@drivecomau) February 21, 2024
- Crash Ratings: Earned Top Safety Pick+ and excels in pedestrian safety
- Safety Tech: Shares much of its system with the Telluride
- Family Features:
- Seats 7
- 81.7 cu. ft. of cargo with seats down
- Sleek, futuristic interior
- Starting Price: $56,395
Minivans
Strange but true—none of the popular minivans, including the Toyota Sienna or Kia Carnival, made the IIHS Top Safety Pick cut in 2025.
That doesn’t mean they’re unsafe, but it does suggest they may be lagging behind in rear-seat protection or newer crash scenarios.
- Toyota Sienna: Still a standout with hybrid efficiency (36 MPG) and radar-based rear-seat reminders. Starting at $39,185.
- Kia Carnival: Known for flexible seating and in-cabin voice controls. Starts at $40,500.
👉 What to know: If you’re leaning toward a minivan, weigh the space benefits against slightly lower crash test performance.
Who Wins on Value?
Let’s break it down.
| Vehicle | Starting Price | Top Safety Pick+ | Cargo Space (Max) | MPG / Range | Notes |
| Honda Accord | ~$29,445 | ✅ | 16.7 cu. ft. | Up to 48 MPG | Affordable + reliable |
| Toyota Camry | ~$29,835 | ✅ | 15.1 cu. ft. | Up to 51 MPG | Low maintenance costs |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | ~$38,000 | ✅ | 11.2 cu. ft. | ~361 mi EV | Quiet EV ride |
| Kia Telluride | ~$37,805 | ✅ | 87 cu. ft. | 23 MPG | Best all-around SUV |
| Mazda CX-90 | ~$40,000 | ✅ | 74.2 cu. ft. | 24 MPG | Luxury feel |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | ~$37,700 | ✅ | 79.6 cu. ft. | 36 MPG (hybrid) | Eco-conscious families |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | ~$43,000 | ✅ | 59.7 cu. ft. | Up to 312 mi | EV with tech |
| Kia EV9 | ~$56,395 | ✅ | 81.7 cu. ft. | ~304 mi EV | Premium EV pick |
Safety Comes Standard, But It’s Not the Whole Story
At the end of the day, the safest car is one that fits your life. That means room for your kids, tech that keeps you sane on long drives, and a price that doesn’t wreck your budget.
With this year’s safety awards and new testing standards, 2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for family-focused vehicles that don’t skimp on protection or practicality.
Drive smart. Drive safely. And make sure your next car earns its spot in your driveway—on paper and in practice.
