The best of today’s family SUVs combine cutting-edge safety technology with genuine luxury. After analyzing comprehensive data from IIHS and NHTSA crash tests, along with insights from leading automotive experts at Car and Driver, Motor Trend, and Consumer Reports, we can see how these vehicles are redefining family transportation.
What stands out this year is the remarkable integration of advanced safety features across all models. From the Cadillac Escalade’s sophisticated driver assistance systems to the Genesis GV80’s perfect IIHS crashworthiness scores, these vehicles showcase how luxury and safety have become inseparable. With features like rear-seat alerts, automatic emergency braking, and advanced airbag systems becoming standard, these SUVs offer unprecedented protection for families. Here are the top 18 luxury family SUVs of 2024 that earned spots on this list thanks to their safety innovations and technological advancements.
18. Cadillac Escalade – Exterior
Flagship luxury SUV featuring a powerful 682-horsepower V8 engine. IIHS awarded top marks for crash prevention, with standout features including automatic seat belt tightening and comprehensive airbag coverage.
Cadillac Escalade – Interior
The 2024 model of the Escalade also earned a 4-star NHTSA overall safety rating.
17. Lexus TX – Exterior
All-new three-row luxury crossover impresses with stellar crash test performance and advanced safety tech. Features a hybrid powertrain option delivering excellent fuel economy without compromising luxury.
Lexus TX – Interior
The TX’s standard safety suite includes pedestrian detection and cross-traffic alerts.
16. Jeep Grand Wagoneer – Exterior
Earned NHTSA’s coveted 5-star overall safety rating. The 510-horsepower twin-turbo inline-6 engine provides confident performance while maintaining stability.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer – Interior
The Wagoneer also features over 120 standard and available safety technologies.
15. BMW X5 – Exterior
Demonstrates exceptional crash test performance with standard advanced driver assistance features. The optional third row adds family versatility.
BMW X5 – Interior
The 2024 version of the X5 features enhanced safety tech including hands-free driving capabilities.
14. Toyota Sequoia – Exterior
The 2024 model represents a significant evolution in the full-size SUV segment, powered by an innovative i-FORCE MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid powertrain.
Toyota Sequoia – Interior
This sophisticated system generates 437 horsepower and an impressive 583 lb-ft of torque, delivering both power and efficiency with EPA-estimated ratings of 21/24 MPG (city/highway) in two-wheel drive configuration.
13. Nissan Pathfinder – Exterior
The 2024 model demonstrates impressive safety credentials and practical capability for families. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a responsive 9-speed automatic transmission.
Nissan Pathfinder – Interior
The SUV earned the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, featuring comprehensive safety systems including ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link for semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
12. Range Rover Sport – Exterior
Combines legendary off-road capability with cutting-edge safety features. The 2024 model introduces advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control with steering assist.
Range Rover Sport – Interior
IIHS praised its robust construction and innovative terrain response system that adapts safety parameters based on driving conditions.
11. Mitsubishi Outlander – Exterior
Sharing Nissan’s acclaimed CMF platform, this value-focused SUV earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status. Features MI-PILOT Assist technology and received particular praise for its side-impact protection.
Mitsubishi Outlander – Interior
Consumer Reports highlighted its excellent visibility and responsive handling in emergency maneuvers.
10. Volvo XC90 – Exterior
Maintains Volvo’s safety leadership with innovative features like post-impact braking and run-off road protection. IIHS gave it superior ratings for front crash prevention, while NHTSA awarded it five stars overall.
Volvo XC90 – Interior
The 2024 model introduces enhanced cross-traffic detection and upgraded emergency handling capabilities.
9. Honda Pilot – Exterior
Completely redesigned for 2024, earning IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. Features Honda Sensing 360-degree safety system and received perfect scores in side-impact testing.
Honda Pilot – Interior
Honda’s new body structure for the Pilot also provides enhanced crash protection while maintaining excellent visibility.
8. Mercedes-Benz EQB – Exterior
Electric SUV pioneer combining zero emissions with top-tier safety. European NCAP testing revealed class-leading adult occupant protection scores.
Mercedes-Benz EQB – Interior
The EQB also features unique electric-specific safety systems including acoustic vehicle alerting and battery crash protection structures.
7. Lincoln Aviator – Exterior
Standard Co-Pilot360 system includes evasive steering assist and reverse brake assist. IIHS praised its automatic emergency braking performance in both daylight and nighttime conditions.
Lincoln Aviator – Interior
The Lincoln Aviator also features phone-as-key technology with emergency assistance integration.
6. Genesis GV80 – Exterior
Perfect scores in all six IIHS crashworthiness evaluations. Introduces Highway Driving Assist II with machine learning capabilities.
Genesis GV80 – Interior
The GV80 features 10 standard airbags and received particular praise for its forward collision avoidance effectiveness.
5. Toyota Grand Highlander – Exterior
Built on Toyota’s latest TNGA-K platform with enhanced structural rigidity. Features Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with improved pedestrian detection.
Toyota Grand Highlander – Interior
The Grand Highlander earned exceptional ratings for child seat anchor accessibility and ease of use.
4. Audi SQ7 – Exterior
Combines 500-horsepower performance with advanced safety tech. Features predictive active suspension that raises vehicle height before impact.
Audi SQ7 – Interior
The SQ7 received top marks for its automatic emergency braking system’s performance at highway speeds.
3. Alfa Romeo Tonale – Exterior
First hybrid model introduces advanced driver assistance package. European safety testing revealed exceptional pedestrian protection scores.
Alfa Romeo Tonale – Interior
Features Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities and dynamic emergency braking.
2. Land Rover Discovery – Exterior
Advanced off-road safety systems include wade sensing and gradient release control. Earned strong marks in rollover prevention testing.
Land Rover Discovery – Interior
Features ClearSight ground view technology for enhanced obstacle detection.
1. Mercedes-Benz GLA – Exterior
Entry-level luxury SUV that doesn’t compromise on safety. Features latest generation MBUX interface with augmented reality navigation for enhanced situational awareness.
Mercedes-Benz GLA – Interior
Standard active brake assist with cross-traffic function earned superior ratings in IIHS testing.
