The Safest EV SUVs of 2025 According to Crash-Test Ratings and the Safety Features You Need to Know
The Safest EV SUVs of 2025 According to Crash-Test Ratings and the Safety Features You Need to Know
Electric vehicles are increasingly becoming more mainstream for families. Manufacturers have also launched some of the safest EV SUVs in 2025, thanks to evolving advanced driver assistance packages and cutting-edge crash test ratings. If you are considering a secure yet tech-savvy electric vehicle, the following guide will provide some of the best options.
Best for Rollover Resistance and Advanced Driver Assistance- Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is the first on the list because of its all-around nature, having received high safety ratings while having advanced driver assistance. Per the NHTSA, the Model Y has received a 5-star rating with zero investigations or recalls. It also has a low center of gravity due to its battery placement, providing exceptional rollover resistance. Tesla’s Autopilot and full self-driving attributes offer some of the best semi-autonomous driving experiences. The manufacturer continuously improves safety features via Over the Air updates, which are regularly rolled out to improve your driving experience. It also helps that it has a capacity for seven passengers. The Model Y’s crumple zones and passenger cells also improve crash protection.
Best for Smart Driver Assistance and Battery Safety-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 7
The Hyundai Ioniq 7 is designed with next-generation safety in mind, though it is not yet in production. It is equipped with a high-strength steel frame and advanced driver assistance systems. These include Highway Driving Assist 2, which uses cameras, sensors and GPS data. Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning is also present, adjusting driving behavior according to the driver’s habits so they have a personalized experience. Driver Attention Warning monitors the driver's behavior and suggests breaks if the driver is distracted or has drowsiness. The Ioniq also has a 5-star safety rating from the Euro NCAP vehicle safety assessment program. It also earns its spot because of the battery safety system, which minimizes fire risks in the event of a crash. This includes advanced thermal management by liquid cooling to prevent overheating. It also automatically isolates the battery from the rest of the vehicle in cases of severe accidents, thereby reducing the potential for electrical shorting.
Best for Structural Safety and Off-Road Durability-2025 Rivian R1S
Rivian is becoming one of the most popular EV brands due to its reliability, range, and technological features. The R1S is the SUV option among Rivian’s model lines and is built on its durable skateboard platform. This gives a low center of gravity and structural integrity, thereby improving the passenger’s safety. The R1S is engineered with high-strength steel, combining an aluminum chassis to absorb impacts effectively. It did earn a top safety pick+ rating from the Institute for Highway Safety, especially for models built after 2024. The R1S is one of the best picks because of its off-road durability, meaning it can withstand extreme terrain. It also comes equipped with a waterproof battery encasement, meaning it would reduce hazards in flood-prone places. Combined with its advanced safety software, including 360-degree cameras and collision prevention options, this is one of the safest options for adventure enthusiasts.
Best for Crashworthiness-2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mustang Mach E is built with a high-strength steel safety cage to enhance passenger safety in the event of an accident. It also has crumple zones designed to absorb and redirect crash energy from the cabin. This dissipates crash forces from the passengers and reduces the potential for injury. The Mustang Mach E also has a reinforced battery structure to prevent intrusion to the cabin during a collision. This reduces the potential risk of battery-related problems. The Mach E has an NHTSA safety rating of five stars, with no recalls or active investigations. Their 2023 model also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) top-tier rating.
Best for LIDAR-Based Autonomous Driving And Collision Prevention-2025 Volvo EX90
The EX90 makes the list of one of the safest SUVs this year, thanks to its technology and structural strength. Volvo has cultivated a strong reputation for passenger safety, and the EX90 continues this legacy with its onboard LIDAR-based systems. Unlike conventional radar and camera-based driver assistance systems, LIDAR offers real-time environment scanning, detecting objects upwards of 200 meters away. This improves collision prevention as the vehicle can appropriately map the environment with precision. The EX90 is also constructed from ultra-high-strength steel for crash protection. It also has crumple zones, which are created to absorb and distribute impact from collisions. Though it is yet to be rated by the NHTSA, the manufacturer claims it is the safest car they have ever made.
That said, this is my personal opinion. What do you think about this list of SUVs? I would love to hear about your personal experiences, safety wise with these or other preferences. Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Image Source: Volvocars.com, Ford.com, Hyundai.com, Tesla.com, Tivian.com and Grok AI
Nicholas Muhoro is an automotive journalist covering car news and has a decade of experience sharing working at HotCars and TopSpeed. You can follow Nicholas on X and on LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow his news coverage at Torque News.