Overview
For many families, SUVs are the best possible vehicle choice because of their size, comfort, and safety. According to data released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nine of the 20 safest vehicle models are luxury SUVs, two of which are luxury midsize SUVs.
Across the entire data set, overall death rates were lower in luxury vehicles than in other classes. Individually, luxury vehicles and SUVs usually rank highly in terms of safety. Drivers who combine the two by choosing a midsize luxury SUV have one of the safest vehicle types available.
Here are the most popular mid-size models for safety.
Table of Contents
2022 Cadillac XT6
The 2022 Cadillac XT6 is the midsize luxury version of the XT5. This model makes the list of the midsize luxury SUVs with good safety ratings with a reasonable starting price of $48,595. While the price is relatively low for a luxury SUV, the extensive list of safety and driver assistance features is comparable to other members of the luxury midsize SUV class with significantly higher sticker prices.
On all Cadillac XT6 trim levels, drivers will be treated to several desirable safety features, including front pedestrian braking, automatic emergency collision detection with emergency braking, forward collision alerts, a rear seat reminder, and a rear parking assist with a high-definition rear backup camera.
Beyond these industry-standard features, the 2022 XT6 offers a selection of safety and driver assistance features that are not typically found in other models. For example, the XT6 offers a driver alert system called a safety seat alert. This technology provides drivers with directional seat vibrations and audible beeps to alert them of potential accidents and hazards.
Another unique safety feature included in the XT6 is Cadillac’s Teen Driver safety suite. This system helps to encourage safe driving habits for new drivers by disabling certain potentially distracting features while driving, providing driver feedback in real-time and after the completion of a trip, and muting the radio until the driver and front passenger have fastened their seatbelts.
The XT6’s impressive range of safety-related features earned it the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ honors.
2022 Volvo XC90
Starting at $56,000, the 2022 model year of the Volvo XC90 is another incredibly safe midsize luxury SUV with a reasonable price point.
Before detailing the XC90’s list of active safety and driver assistance features, it is crucial to understand that the vehicle’s technology is designed to help keep drivers focused on driving and discourage mobile device distractions at the wheel. Anti-distraction features found on the XC90 include a standard navigation package and hands-free capabilities
While many vehicles offer integrated navigation services, many manufacturers lock them behind subscription fees or upper trim levels. However, this is not the case with Volvo and the XC90, where the best tech features are available on all trim levels.
While the technology is impressive, the 2022 XC90 earned its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ distinction and five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rating primarily due to its extensive list of standard safety features.
On all trim levels, the XC90 offers the following: Blind spot warnings with collision avoidance, lane departure warnings with collision avoidance, pre- and post-collision safety systems, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist systems.
You’ll also find adaptive self-leveling LED headlamps, headlamp cornering, automatic cruise control, and a rear-view camera for added safety and convenience.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 is one of the safer midsize luxury SUVs due to its combination of active safety features and AI-and-sensor-led driver assistance technology. Starting at $58,650, the GLE 350 is a bit more expensive than many other vehicles in the midsize luxury SUV class, but it includes a range of features that make up for the elevated price point.
On all GLE 350 trim levels, drivers will enjoy an industry-leading list of active safety and driver assistance features, including active braking assistance, adaptive automatic high beam assistance, crosswind resistance assistance, blind spot monitoring and collision avoidance, a rearview camera, downhill speed regulation, and an electronic stability program.
Beyond these features, the GLE 350 stands out with its sensor and artificial intelligence-powered features. For example, it offers Mercedes-Benz’s cutting-edge PARKTRONIC active parking assist, which will help drivers safely park their vehicles in even the tightest spaces.
The GLE 350 also offers numerous advanced safety features, such as active driver attention systems, Mercedes-Benz’s PRE-SAFE suite of collision avoidance systems, active driving assistance, evasive steering assistance, trailer stability assistance, blind spot and lane-keeping assistance, cross-traffic sensor monitoring, automatic emergency stop, speed limit assistance, lane changing assistance, stop-and-go assistance, and route-based speed adaptation.
2022 Infiniti QX60
The 2022 Infiniti QX60, starting at just $47,850, is one of the best luxury SUVs for drivers who value safety above all else.
The QX60 features an impressive list of standard safety features. While there are luxury midsize SUVs with a longer list of active safety and driver assistance features, very few offer as many on their standard trim levels.
On all QX60 trim levels, the following safety features are included: INFINITI advanced smart airbag system, electronic brake force distribution, a blind spot warning system, automatic collision notification, predictive forward collision warning, high beam assistance, a pedestrian detection system connected to forward emergency braking, automatic rear braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with a haptic steering wheel, and vehicle dynamic control.
To earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ distinction, a SUV must obtain good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, passenger-side overlap front, roof strength, and head restraint testing protocols. The QX60’s excellent build quality and the long list of safety features and driver assistance systems allowed it to earn good ratings in all six evaluations, becoming the 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
2022 Acura MDX
Starting at $48,000, the 2022 Acura MDX’s starting price falls on the less expensive end of the luxury midsize SUV spectrum, but it still offers an incredible range of safety features and tech that makes the driving experience safer and more reliable.
The MDX’s safety features are part of the AcuraWatch system, a suite of AI and sensor-driven technology features. This suite includes a collision-mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assistance, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and traffic jam assist.
Beyond the AcuraWatch suite, the MDX offers a solid list of standard safety features, including a surround-view backup parking camera, a blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic monitoring, and low-speed braking control.
2022 Lincoln Aviator
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator, starting at $51,780, offers similar safety features as other luxury midsize SUVs, but stands apart from the competition with its CoPilot360 suite.
Standard safety features included in the 2022 Lincoln Aviator’s CoPilot360 suite include stability control, evasive steering assistance, reverse brake assistance, active parking assistance with auto-park, intelligent cruise control, stop-and-go assistance, and lane centering assistance. Beyond its safety features, the 2022 Aviator also features a 3.0-liter V6 engine capable of producing 400 horsepower and 415 pounds per foot of torque, providing drivers with the speed and acceleration necessary to escape difficult driving situations.
Though the standard safety features outside the CoPilot360 suite are relatively unremarkable, Lincoln’s driver assistance suite was enough to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick honors for 2022, making it one of the safest luxury SUVs in the midsize category.
SUViews Can Help You Find an SUV
If you are shopping for the best midsize luxury SUV, SUViews can help. Our industry insiders review each popular SUV model, delivering the details and information needed to make an informed purchase for you and your family.
Additionally, feel free to check out our in-depth blogs, which cover a range of SUV-related subjects. As you shop, utilize SUViews’ reviews, recommendations, and blogs to help you find the best SUV for your needs and budget.
