10 of the Safest Luxury SUVs

2017 buick envision exterior on road ・ Photo by Buick

Not every luxury SUV is subjected to a crash test program, sometimes because they’re too expensive or not seen as selling in sufficient volume, so our list of 10 of the Safest Luxury SUVs isn't simply a question of choosing the ones with the best crash test scores. However, if we do go by the findings of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS,) the two agencies in the United States who carry out crash tests, then some interesting results arise. However, we’re also going to bend that rule a little because it’s crazy that a top manufacturer making perfectly safe luxury SUVs shouldn’t be included.

2018 Acura MDX

This highly acclaimed Acura MDX is a 3-row midsize SUV that took a maximum score of five stars overall from NHTSA, and the 2017 model is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus, which is as good as it gets from a safety rating standpoint. The 2018 model has received a mid-generation revamp and Acura anticipates it will once again impress the IIHS panel. The MDX comes with Acura Watch as standard. That’s the umbrella term given to an array of advanced safety features that include forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring and road departure mitigation. Although a multi-angle rearview camera is standard, the optional Advance package brings a surround-view camera system with selectable viewing angles.

Photo by Acura

2017 Audi Q7

This all-new generation 2017 Audi Q7 has not yet been tested by NHTSA, but the IIHS has already put the Q7 through its torturous process and pronounced it a Top Safety Pick. In addition to offering the usual premium-grade safety kit (like emergency braking and blind spot monitoring,) the Q7 also enjoys Traffic Jam Assist, where this 7-seater drives itself in stop-go conditions up to 37 mph. Exit Assist saves an occupant opening the door and not noticing, say, a cyclist coming up from behind. Pedestrians and large animals are detected in the dark with Night Vision, and the combination of Virtual Cockpit and head-up display puts crucial information directly in the driver’s line of sight.

Photo by Audi

2017 BMW X5

NHTSA has given its maximum score of five stars overall to the 2017 BMW X5. This midsize crossover suv (which can seat up to seven) has not been fully tested by the IIHS, but it earned a top score of Good for front and side impact protection. The main complaint in this respect is that many advanced safety features are optional (adaptive cruise control, for example.) One cool standard item though is the Urgency Algorithm for BMW Assist eCall. In the event of an accident, information is sent automatically to the BMW Call Center stating vehicle location, the number of occupants, impact intensity and airbag deployment. The algorithm then predicts the likelihood of serious injury and informs first responders. This might save precious seconds.

Photo by BMW

2017 Buick Envision

For some people, a Buick doesn’t have quite the same “gotta have it” factor as something like, perhaps, an Audi. But when the 2017 Buick Envision scores five stars overall from NHTSA and is named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS, there will likely come a time when an owner will say “glad I bought it.” These ratings are for the all-wheel-drive version of this premium compact SUV that’s also fitted with the optional frontal crash protection package and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. That model means stretching to the Premium II trim, but more safety features are included at this level. A Teen Driver feature is standard, allowing owners to set speed limits and audio system volume.

Photo by Buick

2017 Cadillac XT5 AWD

We’ve put “AWD” in the heading because it’s the all-wheel-drive version of the 2017 Cadillac XT5 that takes five stars overall from NHTSA, while the front-drive variant receives four stars. The IIHS makes no distinction and calls the XT5 a Top Safety Pick. This is the first midsize premium SUV to offer the Rear Camera Mirror system, where the rearview mirror displays images that have been through video processing software to provide the driver with a view unencumbered by rear pillars or passengers in the back seat. Cadillac says a driver’s rearward vision is enhanced by 300 percent. Higher trims also come with the Safety Alert Seat that vibrates a driver’s posterior if a potential hazard is sensed.

Photo by General Motors

2017 Infiniti QX60

The 2017 Infiniti QX60 is another five-star performer from NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It’s a premium 7-seater midsize SUV whose optional Deluxe Technology package includes all the driver aids that form the usual array, like intelligent cruise control with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and blind spot monitoring, along with more convenience features like a motion-activated tailgate. However, there is a less expensive Driver Assistance package with fewer features, and both versions have Active Trace Control, which helps the QX60 retain a controlled cornering line by braking individual wheels as and when required. Other manufacturers might call it “torque vectoring by braking.” The safety aspect is to be applauded, but it also sounds kind of fun.

Photo by Infiniti

2017 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover is pretty much the ultimate large luxury suv, but it hasn’t been crash-tested in the United States. So here’s where the rule-bending happens. Across the Atlantic, there’s a crash test process called the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) that follows similar lines to NHTSA’s. It even has star ratings, with five being the maximum. Euro NCAP gave five stars to the 2012 Range Rover, the first model year of the current generation. The 2017 version comes with the option of Advanced Tow Assist (that helps when reversing a trailer,) and automatic speed limiting via traffic sign recognition. It also comes standard with lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.

Photo by Land Rover

2017 Lexus RX AWD

A 2017 Lexus RX AWD isn’t only a safe choice for the reliability and resale value standpoint, the all-wheel-drive version of this perennially popular midsize luxury suv was awarded five stars overall from NHTSA (four stars for the front-drive model,) and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus. Many advanced safety features are standard, as part of the Safety System Plus array. That means forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane departure intervention, rearview camera, and automatic high beams. If a driver presses the gas and brake pedals simultaneously, the RX will always bring the braking system into dominance. Another nice touch, there are seatbelt reminders for the rear passengers.

Photo by Lexus

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz makes safety a major pillar of its metaphorical temple. This is the company that came up with the driver drowsiness monitor, now standard in most of its vehicles, and Crosswind Assist. It even invented crash testing. So it’s no surprise that the IIHS made the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a Top Safety Pick Plus. The GLE premium midsize SUV is really an updated M-Class, which had five stars from NHTSA, but the administration hasn’t done much to the GLE apart from a rollover test (four stars.) Standard equipment includes Pre-Safe, a system that detects if an accident is imminent. It automatically tightens front seat belts, straightens front seats and headrests, then closes the windows and sunroof when necessary.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2018 Volvo XC60

If Volvo had a middle name, it would be “Safety.” The company has an ambition that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in its new cars. The previous-generation XC60 was a top scorer with NHTSA and IIHS, so there are high expectations for this new generation of midsize SUV debuting for 2018. Standard safety equipment includes most of what is optional from other manufacturers. Things like Oncoming Lane Mitigation and Steer Assist as part of the blind spot monitoring system means the XC60 can steer itself out of danger, or at least help the driver’s reactions. It also comes with large animal detection, run-off road mitigation, and semi-autonomous driver support.

Photo by Volvo