The quest for a safe family vehicle often leads consumers to the midsize luxury SUV segment, and new safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlight the top performers. Earning the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award for 2024 are three midsize luxury SUVs: the 2025 BMW X5, 2024 Lexus NX, and 2024 Volvo XC90. These vehicles stood out by demonstrating superior performance in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, a more rigorous evaluation that places a greater emphasis on back-seat passenger safety.
Updated Moderate Overlap Crash Test: A Deeper Look
The updated moderate overlap front test, introduced by IIHS in 2022, represents a significant advancement in crash safety assessment. This revised test incorporates a second dummy in the rear seat, positioned behind the driver, to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of occupant protection, especially for rear passengers. Previously, all three of these luxury SUVs were recognized as Top Safety Pick winners under the older testing criteria. The Top Safety Pick+ award now requires a “good” or “acceptable” rating in this challenging updated test, setting a higher bar for safety performance.
Performance of Top Rated Midsize Luxury SUVs
2025 BMW X5: Excellent Protection
The 2025 BMW X5 achieved a “good” rating in all aspects of the updated moderate overlap front test. IIHS evaluations revealed that measurements taken from the rear dummy indicated no heightened risk of injury. The rear restraints effectively controlled the dummy’s motion during the crash. While the dummy’s head came slightly closer to the front seatback than ideally desired, the overall performance of the BMW X5 in this demanding test was commendable, solidifying its position as a Best Rated Midsize Luxury Suv for safety. It’s important to note that these ratings apply to the redesigned 2019 and later BMW X5 models, but do not extend to the BMW X6 variant.
2024 Volvo XC90: Strong Safety Profile
The 2024 Volvo XC90 also earned a “good” rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. While rear dummy measurements indicated a slightly elevated risk of chest and head/neck injuries, the XC90 still achieved an overall “good” rating. This consistent performance across various crash scenarios underscores Volvo’s long-standing reputation for safety. This rating applies to Volvo XC90 models from 2016-2024, following a design modification in 2016. However, the rating does not include the Volvo XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid model. The Volvo XC90 remains a strong contender in the best rated midsize luxury suv category, particularly for families prioritizing safety.
2024 Lexus NX: Acceptable, Yet Safe
The Lexus NX received an “acceptable” overall rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. This rating was primarily due to a “moderate” rating in rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics. Despite this “acceptable” overall score, the Lexus NX demonstrated good performance in terms of injury metrics. The IIHS noted that the rear passenger dummy’s lap belt moved off the ideal pelvic position and onto the abdomen, potentially increasing abdominal injury risk. All other rear passenger injury metrics were rated as “good.” These ratings are specific to the standard Lexus NX and do not include the plug-in hybrid version. While rated “acceptable” in this updated test, the Lexus NX still provides a solid level of safety within the best rated midsize luxury suv segment.
Comprehensive Safety Ratings Beyond Overlap Tests
Achieving the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award requires more than just strong performance in the moderate overlap test. Vehicles must also earn “good” ratings in the small overlap front and updated side impact tests. Furthermore, an “acceptable” or “good” rating in pedestrian front crash prevention and acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trim levels are mandatory. The BMW X5, Volvo XC90, and Lexus NX all meet these comprehensive criteria, offering robust safety features across multiple evaluation categories. For consumers seeking the best rated midsize luxury suv in terms of safety, these IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winners represent excellent choices, providing enhanced protection for both front and rear occupants in demanding crash scenarios.
