If you’re considering a new luxury SUV for your family, you may be wondering which ones are safest. If you want a luxury vehicle that offers the best protection in an accident, look at SUVs, including the 2022 Volvo XC90 and the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL. Also, check out the Porsche Cayenne and the BMW X5.
2022 Volvo XC90
The XC90 is the safest three-row SUV in its class. It has received five-star NHTSA safety ratings in every crashworthiness test. It also features a suite of driver-assistance features, such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic emergency braking. Drivers will appreciate the XC90’s interior design, which boasts black ash wood inlays and a large, 9-inch Sensus touchscreen. The Volvo XC90 is equipped with a suite of driver-assistive technologies, including a blind-spot monitoring system and a 360-degree camera.
The XC90 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers 250 horsepower. There are two engine options, the T5 and the T6, with the T5 coming standard. The T6 powertrain offers 316 horsepower and is standard on Momentum and Inscription gas models, while the plug-in hybrid is a twin-charged engine that delivers 400 horsepower and a little more fuel economy.
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL
The new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL is a safe luxury SUV that will suit families and business travelers alike. The cabin is spacious, with two decent-sized third-row seats. Its 4.6-liter V8 delivers strong performance, and the diesel models return exceptional fuel economy. We liked the GL’s steering, handling, and quietness during our tests, and the car is quiet and secure. Our test vehicle had an impressive towing capacity.
For example, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL offers the ATTENTION ASSIST system, which uses a steering sensor to determine how well a driver is paying attention to the road. The system also uses over 70 variables to develop a driver profile, which then prevents drowsiness from being a factor in accidents. If a driver’s attention lapses, ATTENTION ASSIST is triggered, and they’ll alert the driver with an audible warning or an ill-timed “Time for a Rest” message.
Porsche Cayenne
If you’re looking for a large, luxurious SUV with a distinctive Porsche badge, the Cayenne is a good choice. Its smooth ride and steady streams of power will thrill enthusiasts. Even the base model, with its V6 and 5.3-second 0-60 time, feels very capable. Despite its large size, the brake pedal has a longer stroke than you’d expect from a Porsche, but the performance is otherwise exceptional.
The Cayenne has a spacious interior and plenty of cargo space. It is the largest Porsche SUV, with nearly 60 cubic feet of cargo room when the rear seats are folded. Most of your small items will fit in door pockets or a shallow center console bin. If you’re looking for a power liftgate, the Cayenne comes standard with one. You can also opt for the luxury option of Comfort Access, which lets you open and close the liftgate with your foot.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is a safe luxury SUV with an impressive list of safety features. It comes standard with active head restraints and other safety features, such as lane departure warning and Hill Descent Control. Driver-assistance features include front collision warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and rearview cameras. Depending on the trim level, you can add options such as a head-up display and surround-view camera. All models have six airbags.
Despite its safety features, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you buy a BMW X5. You should consider the Driving Assistance Professional package, which includes front cross-traffic alert and upgraded side-collision avoidance functionality for the BSW system. The X5’s steering system also features evasive steering assistance with pedestrian detection. It also has voice and gesture controls, which make it easy to control its features.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a safe luxury SUV that seats up to eight passengers in its standard seating arrangement, or seven with bucket seats. It has plenty of space in the first two rows, and three sets of LATCH connectors on the second and third-row seats. The seats can be folded flat to provide 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space. And because the car seats eight people, it’s perfect for families.
The Ascent is equipped with the latest driver assistance technologies, including EyeSight, the industry’s most advanced safety system. EyeSight uses a set of stereo cameras to sense the road ahead, and enables features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, vehicle lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. The Ascent also has blind-spot detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist. Pricing starts at $32,295 for the base model, and there are four trim levels to choose from: Premium, Limited, and Touring.
Audi Q7
The new Audi Q7 has many safety features. A system called Audi pre sense (r) basic helps prevent collisions by sensing emergency driving maneuvers and tightening front seatbelts. It is also equipped with a head-up display, which projects driving information onto the windshield so that the driver can keep their eyes on the road. The Q7 also features an optional top view camera system, which uses a network of exterior cameras to provide a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area and can help a driver parallel park.
The base model comes with luxury features, including leather seats, piano-black accents, and a brushed aluminum steering wheel. Inside the cabin, the Q7 is comfortable and quiet, thanks to its turbo V6 engine. Its sleek dual display screens and advanced safety features, such as blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, make for an enjoyable ride. Whether you need more space for your luggage or additional passengers, the Q7 is one of the safest luxury SUVs available.