Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are high performance rugged machines. Popular with families that have young children, they are versatile vehicles that are often packed with safety features.

Here are the top safety rated SUVs in the U.S.:

1. Honda CRV

The Honda CR-V is a highly rated SUV in terms of safety, receiving 5 stars in most categories from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is a sturdy vehicle with top marks in front and side collision tests. Safety features include a full complement of airbags, 4-wheel ABS, brake assist, lane departure warning, traction control and child safety locks.

2. Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 from Toyota boasts a solid safety rating with NHTSA with 5 stars in side crash and overall ratings and 4 stars in frontal crash and rollover. Drivers and passengers have airbags in the front and rear of the vehicle with side airbags also found in the front. Features in this model include 4-wheel ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, lane keeping assist, cross traffic assist and a blind spot monitor.

3. Mazda CX5

The Mazda CX5 has achieved top marks in all categories from NHTSA except for rollover in which they managed 4 stars. Front and rear airbags are available for driver and passengers with side airbags available in the front of the vehicle as well. Key safety features include integrated turn signal mirrors, blind spot monitor, daytime running lights, lane departure warning and 4-wheel disc brakes.

4. Subaru Forrester

The NHTSA have awarded the Subaru Forester 5 stars in all categories with the exception of rollover which still was ranked 4 stars. The front of the vehicle has driver and passenger airbags as well as side impact bags. Rear passenger seats also have front-facing airbags. Key safety features include auto-leveling headlights, traction control, lane keeping assist, 4-wheel ABS and child safety locks.

5. Audi Q3

In crash safety tests the Audi Q3 achieved 5 stars in side impact safety and 4 stars in both front impact and rollover from the NHTSA. This model has a full complement of 8 airbags and also features lower anchors in the rear seats to more safely protect seatbelted children. Other notable safety features include rear view camera, indirect tire pressure monitoring, ABS brakes, and power central locking. The central locking additional automatically unlocks upon deployment of the airbags.

6. BMW X5

In safety tests by the NHTSA the BMW X5 scored 5 stars in side impact testing and 4 stars in both frontal impact and rollover. Front and rear airbags are available for driver and passenger although side airbags are not. Key safety features include night vision, daytime running lights, integrated turn-signal mirrors and blind spot monitoring.

7. Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride was awarded 5 stars in side impact tests from the NHTSA and 4 stars in front impact and rollover categories. Front and rear head airbags are available for driver and passengers as are side impact airbags. The key safety features of this model include daytime running lights, lane departure warning, 4-wheel ABS brakes and traction control.