Naturally, whenever a snowstorm hits, our family loves to one-up each other about how well we drove in the snow. Granted, we stayed in for the rough days. But afterward, a group text inevitably ensued. Jury’s out on who really wins. (It’s a toss up between Barbara and Ryan.)
It did make a couple of us reconsider the vehicle we have. So car shopping may be in our near future.
Top Picks for Safety-First Families
In 2026, automakers decided to really raise the bar with advanced driver-assist technology, improved crash protection, and smarter interior designs. Industry leaders like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports highlight vehicles that combine strong crash-test performance with everyday family practicality. We put a short list below to show you what’s trending safety-wise.
Some of the best family-safe cars for 2026 include:
- Toyota Grand Highlander – A spacious three-row SUV with excellent crash ratings and standard safety tech.
- Kia Telluride – Continues to stand out for family comfort, reliability, and top safety scores.
- Subaru Forester – Known for standard all-wheel drive and consistently strong safety performance.
- Mazda CX-90 – A refined SUV offering advanced safety systems and roomy seating for families.
- Honda CR-V – A trusted compact SUV with excellent driver-assist features and strong reliability.
With features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist now standard on many models, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Safe driving out there!
Sources: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) | Consumer Reports – Safest Cars Rankings | Edmunds – Family Vehicle Safety Reviews
