A practical companion guide
How to choose a safer 7-seat vehicle
Check the exact model year's crash-test ratings, then confirm that your preferred trim has the seating layout and safety equipment your family needs.
Current result
Current leader among reviewed 3-row SUVs
2026 Genesis GV80 ranks #1 in the current family-SUV comparison with a score of 98.6/100. Some trims seat five, so confirm the seven-seat configuration.
Verify the exact model year
IIHS tests and awards change. A strong prior-year result does not automatically carry forward to a redesign or a new test protocol.
Inspect rear-passenger results
Use the rear-seat-priority view when children, teens, or adults will regularly ride behind the driver.
Check the exact trim
Seating capacity, headlights, crash-avoidance equipment, and second-row layout can vary by configuration.
Test your real setup
Bring child restraints and passengers. Confirm third-row access, tether locations, cargo room, visibility, and comfortable belt fit.
Avoid a common shortcut
Why bigger is not always safer for families
A larger vehicle can offer occupants an advantage in some crashes with a smaller vehicle, but mass also increases risk imposed on people in other vehicles and outside the vehicle. Crashworthiness, rear restraints, crash avoidance, visibility, fit, and the exact model-year evidence all matter. This guide does not award a vehicle points merely for being heavier.
Compare occupant protection with danger to others Why IIHS updated its rear-seat tests Read the published ranking formula
Current evidence set
Three-row vehicles to compare
This preview uses the main family-SUV ranking. Open the complete table to switch to rear-seat priority and inspect every rear-passenger result.
| Rank | Vehicle | Typical seats | IIHS award | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 Genesis GV80 | 5 or 7 | TSP+ | 98.6 |
| 2 | 2026 Infiniti QX60 | 7 | TSP+ | 97.3 |
| 3 | 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 | 6 or 7 | TSP+ | 96.8 |
| 3 | 2026 Hyundai Palisade | 7 or 8 | TSP+ | 96.8 |
| 3 | 2026 Kia EV9 | 6 or 7 | TSP+ | 96.8 |
| 6 | 2026 Volvo EX90 | 6 or 7 | TSP+ | 96.5 |
| 7 | 2026 Mazda CX 90 | 6β8 | TSP+ | 95.4 |
| 7 | 2026 Mazda CX 90 PHEV | 6β8 | TSP+ | 95.4 |
| 9 | 2026 Kia Sorento | 6 or 7 | TSP+ | 95.4 |
| 10 | 2026 Ford Explorer | 6 or 7 | TSP | 94.3 |
Typical seating is editorial reference data, not an IIHS field. Confirm capacity and equipment for the exact vehicle.