As electric vehicles continue to evolve and proliferate. As the segment gains more traction, there is finally a range of family-friendly options. In 2025, the safest and most versatile EVs offer not only sustainable performance but also the space and safety needed for daily life for a family.
A recent study by Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers examined key metrics such as interior space, seat capacity, child seat compatibility, child seat safety ratings, and affordability. The final rankings, scaled from 1 to 100, reflect the best EVs for families based on practicality, cost-effectiveness, and safety.
To provide the most accurate information possible, this list was compiled using data from various manufacturers and trusted sources, including IIHS, NHTSA, and Conboy Law.
Related
10 Critical Things To Consider Before Buying An EV
Switching to electric? Consider driving habits, charging options, costs, and maintenance before making the move…
How Do Electric Vehicle Crash Ratings Work?
Electric vehicles are tested the same way as gas-powered cars. However, IIHS adds an assessment of battery integrity during crash testing to ensure that electric battery packs do not pose a fire risk. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are the two primary organizations that rate vehicle safety in the United States. Their ratings help consumers assess how well a vehicle protects occupants in a crash and how effectively it prevents accidents.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Rating System
The IIHS conducts rigorous crash tests and evaluates vehicle safety in several categories. Vehicles can earn awards such as Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ if they perform exceptionally well. IIHS ratings fall into four categories:
Crashworthiness
- Small Overlap Front (Driver & Passenger Side): Simulates hitting a tree or pole
- Moderate Overlap Front: Tests how the front half of the vehicle handles impact
- Side Crash Test: Measures protection from side impacts.
- Roof Strength: Evaluates how well the roof withstands rollover crashes.
- Head Restraints & Seats: Assesses neck protection in rear-end collisions.
Crash Avoidance & Mitigation
- Front Crash Prevention: Evaluates automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems at low and high speeds.
- Headlight Performance: Rates visibility and glare to ensure optimal nighttime safety.
- Child Seat Anchors (LATCH System): Reviews the ease of installing child safety seats.
Ratings Scale:
- Good (Best)
- Acceptable
- Marginal
- Poor (Worst)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Rating System
The NHTSA operates under the U.S. Department of Transportation and rates vehicles using the 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. It evaluates three major categories:
Frontal Crash Tests:
- Simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles traveling at 35 mph.
- Rates performance for both driver and front passenger.
Side Crash Tests:
- Side Barrier Test: Mimics another vehicle crashing into the side at 38.5 mph.
- Side Pole Test: Simulates hitting a fixed object like a tree or pole at 20 mph.
Rollover Resistance:
- Tests how likely a vehicle is to roll over in sudden swerves or maneuvers.
Ratings Scale:
- 5 Stars (Highest) – Excellent performance in crash protection.
- 1 Star (Lowest) – Poor performance with a high risk of injury.
NHTSA also evaluates EV-specific risks such as battery fires or electrical system failures during crashes.
Key Differences:
- IIHS focuses more on real-world crash scenarios and prevention technology (headlights, AEB).
- NHTSA emphasizes standardized crash tests with a simple 5-star rating system.
When researching the safest EVs for families, checking both IIHS and NHTSA ratings provides a more comprehensive picture of a vehicle’s safety. This is the data used to compile this list of the safest electric vehicles for families in 2025.
|
Starting price (MSRP) |
Interior volume (cubic feet) |
Seat Capacity |
Child Seat Number |
Child Seats Evaluation |
Score |
|
|
Kia EV9 |
$54,900 |
128 |
6 or 7 |
4 |
Good |
100 |
|
Rivian R1S |
$77,700 |
137 |
7 |
4 |
Acceptable-Good |
96 |
|
Mazda CX-90 |
$37,845 |
121 |
6 or 7 |
3 |
Good |
93 |
|
Nissan Ariya |
$41,160 |
130 |
5.0 |
3 |
Good |
88 |
|
Lexus NX |
$40,965 |
120 |
5.0 |
3 |
Good |
82 |
|
Tesla Model Y |
$44,990 |
134 |
5 or 7 |
2 |
Good |
80 |
|
Volkswagen ID.4 |
$39,995 |
130 |
5.0 |
2 |
Good |
80 |
|
Lexus RZ |
$42,800 |
119 |
5.0 |
3 |
Good |
77 |
|
Rivian R1T |
$71,700 |
132 |
5.0 |
2 |
Good |
65 |
|
Genesis Electrified GV70 |
$66.9K |
129 |
5.0 |
2 |
Good |
65 |
Related
Are Volvo’s Still Safe? Here Are Its Highest Rated Models
All new cars today are generally safe out of the box, but we check Volvo’s current models against the US’ golden standard safety rankings.
How Do They Fare?
Kia EV9: The Ultimate Family EV
At the top of the list, the Kia EV9 sets the benchmark with a perfect score of 100. Its combination of versatility, safety, and interior space makes it the best family EV of 2025. With a flexible six- or seven-seat configuration, it can accommodate up to four child seats, making it ideal for larger families. The EV9’s 128 cubic feet of interior volume provides ample space, while its “Good” safety ratings reinforce its family-first design. Priced at $54,900, the EV9 offers a balance of premium features and practicality.
Rivian R1S: Roomiest EV On The Market
Ranking second with a score of 96, the Rivian R1S stands out for its sheer spaciousness. The R1S’s 137 cubic feet of interior space, the largest among family-friendly EVs, comfortably seats seven passengers. With four child seat positions and a mix of “Acceptable-Good” safety ratings, it combines luxury with family practicality. However, its $77,700 price tag reflects its premium positioning.
Mazda CX-90: Budget-Friendly Versatility
The Mazda CX-90 scores 93 and offers excellent value for families seeking safety and affordability. With a starting price of $37,845, it is the most budget-friendly among the top three. Its 121 cubic feet of interior volume can fit three child seats, backed by “Good” safety ratings. The flexible 6- or 7-seat layout caters to varying family sizes, making it a practical and affordable choice.
Related
The Safest Small SUVs You Can Buy Today
These small utes provide noteworthy safety and modern conveniences to make any buyer’s life easier, and safer.
Nissan Ariya: Spacious And Stylish
The Nissan Ariya ranks fourth with a score of 88. Its 130 cubic feet of interior volume surpasses the Kia EV9 and Mazda CX-90, offering significant room for families. With three child seat positions and a price of $41,160, it provides a spacious interior at a reasonable cost, though it carries a slight premium over the Mazda.
Lexus NX: Luxury At An Affordable Price
The Lexus NX rounds out the top five with 82 points. As one of the most affordable EVs on the list at $40,965, it offers three child seat positions and 120 cubic feet of interior space. While slightly smaller than its rivals, it provides a cost-effective entry into luxury EV family transport.
Tesla Model Y: Flexible And Competitive
With 80 points, the Tesla Model Y combines flexibility with premium features. Its 134 cubic feet of interior space can accommodate two child seats, with a five- or seven-seat configuration. With an MSRP starting at $44,990, it remains a competitive option in the family EV market.
2:41
Related
With plenty of electric cars to choose from, finding the safest ones can be very challenging. These are the fastest ones according to NHTSA
Volkswagen ID.4: Spacious And Affordable
Also scoring 80, the Volkswagen ID.4 offers 130 cubic feet of interior volume and two child seat positions. A $39,995 price makes it one of the more affordable family EVs. With a slight edge in cost over the Nissan Ariya, it appeals to families seeking space on a budget.
Lexus RZ: Compact and Safe
The Lexus RZ ranks eighth with a score of 77. The RZ’s 119 cubic feet of interior volume accommodates three child seats with “Good” safety ratings. However, its $42,800 price places it over $8,000 more than its Lexus NX sibling, making it a pricier compact option.
Rivian R1T: Space Meets Adventure
The Rivian R1T scores 65 and offers 132 cubic feet of interior volume with two child seat positions. Rivian’s ~$71,500 price reflects its premium status. Despite its higher cost, it provides ample space and maintains the “Good” safety ratings seen in higher-ranked competitors. The Rivian was also the only truck to get the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.
Genesis Electrified GV70: Premium With Practicality
Rounding out the top ten, the Genesis Electrified GV70 also scores 65. Its 129 cubic feet of interior space supports two child seats. Priced at $66,900, it offers a more accessible premium family EV option compared to the Rivian R1T, with similar safety ratings.
Related
10 Most Affordable SUVs To Receive An IIHS Top Safety Pick + Award In 2024
Explore the 10 most affordable SUVs awarded the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, blending top-tier safety with budget-friendly pricing for smart car buyers
Finding A Family-Friendly EV In 2025 Is Easy
The 2025 EV market offers a diverse range of family-friendly options where safety, space, and affordability intersect. Whether prioritizing maximum interior volume, budget-friendly luxury, or flexible seating configurations, there is an EV to suit every family’s needs. As a spokesperson from Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers commented,
It’s encouraging to see manufacturers focus on practical features like multiple child seat positions and flexible cargo space. The market now offers options for different types of families… Most importantly, families don’t need to compromise on safety to go electric, regardless of their budget.
From the versatile Kia EV9 to the spacious Rivian R1S and the budget-friendly Mazda CX-90, families can confidently choose an EV that suits their lifestyle without sacrificing safety or comfort.
