Family road trips: The great American tradition of cramming everyone into a car, praying the iPad doesn’t run out of battery, and repeatedly reminding yourself that you love your kids. But one thing that makes these trips a little less stressful is safety: Great SUVs. Today, SUVs are more than just big, comfy boxes on wheels. They’re practically like having a co-parent in the front seat minus the unsolicited driving advice. Here are 10 SUVs that redefine family safety.
Volvo XC90
Regarding safety, the XC90 lives up to Volvo’s reputation. It comes loaded with the Pilot Assist feature, which takes over the tedious parts of driving, like staying in your lane and adjusting your speed. This is perfect when your kids start singing Baby Shark for the umpteenth time. City Safety is a suite that can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and even large animals. So, if you’re driving through moose country, rest easy knowing your XC90 will take action before Bullwinkle decides to cross your path.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X’s famous Autopilot system helps with highway driving, reducing your chances of a fender bender. The Model X also features 360-degree cameras and ultrasonic sensors, making parking a breeze. No more guesswork, and no more whoops! Plus, the electric motor’s placement lowers the center of gravity, so this car isn’t flipping over anytime soon. Bonus points for the doors, which are more than just cool. They’re perfect for getting kids and car seats in and out without needing to practice yoga.
Subaru Ascent
Subaru knows a thing or two about adventure, and the Ascent is built for the great outdoors. It boasts Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist. This tech gives you pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. So even if your attention slips during an intense backseat sibling argument, your Ascent is focused. But here’s the best part: the DriverFocus system. It watches you, the driver. It can tell if you’re getting tired or distracted.
Honda Pilot
Honda’s Pilot is the automobile equivalent of a friend who’s always got your back. It’s not flashy but dependable, comfortable, and always there when you need it. Honda’s Sensing Suite comes standard and includes adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, and collision mitigation braking. A standout feature in the Pilot is CabinWatch. Ever wish you could catch your kids in the act of some backseat mischief? With this little gem, you can see exactly what they’re up to, thanks to a camera that projects their antics onto your infotainment screen. It’s like having eyes in the back of your head, but cooler and more high-tech.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a Swiss Army knife with wheels. It comes packed with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+, which sounds like the name of a sci-fi movie but is a life-saving suite of features. Think pre-collision systems with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. What makes the Highlander stand out is the Bird’ s-Eye View Camera. It gives you a 360-degree view of your surroundings, perfect for parking in a tight spot or dodging rogue shopping carts in the lot.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer’s Co-Pilot360 system means you’ve got all the safety features you need: Automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and even a camera washer for those days when the rearview looks a little too grimy. The Post Collision Braking feature is particularly noteworthy. Let’s say you do end up in a fender bender. The car will automatically apply the brakes to prevent a secondary collision, which keeps everyone safe even after the initial impact.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 isn’t just about safety. It’s also one of the most stylish SUVs on the road. But don’t be fooled by its good looks. Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite has your back with features like radar cruise control and adaptive front lighting, which means the car can see around corners. It’s pretty handy when you’re navigating those winding roads with a car full of sugar fueled kids. The CX-9 also boasts Traffic Sign Recognition, which is particularly helpful when driving in unfamiliar territory. It’ll remind you of the speed limit if you miss the signs.
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai went all out with the Palisade, making it feel more like a full-on family safety assistant. The Safe Exit Assist prevents your kids from opening their doors into oncoming traffic, which is great for those busy school drop-off zones where chaos reigns supreme. The Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert is another must-have, alerting you if anyone, like a sleepy toddler, has been left in the backseat before you lock up and walk away. Hyundai clearly understands the mental overload that comes with parenthood.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is the SUV equivalent of a trendy mom blog: Cool, functional, and very in touch with what’s practical. The Highway Driving Assist feature is a semi-autonomous driving system that keeps you centered in your lane and safe from the car ahead. Meanwhile, Blind Spot View Monitor gives you a live feed of your blind spots, ensuring nothing sneaks up on you. Rear Occupant Alert ensures no one gets left behind, while the Forward Collision Avoidance system keeps an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists.
Audi Q7
If you’re looking for luxury and safety, look no further than the Audi Q7. Audi’s Pre Sense City system can detect vehicles and pedestrians at speeds up to 52 mph and automatically hit the brakes if you don’t. Adaptive Cruise Assist is perfect for stop-and-go traffic, keeping your Q7 moving smoothly without the constant footwork. And for those moments when everyone’s finally fallen asleep, and you’re enjoying the silence, Vehicle Exit Warning ensures you don’t open the door to an oncoming cyclist.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
When you think of supercars, names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren often come to mind, along with their staggering price tags. However, high-performance vehicles aren’t exclusively reserved for the super-rich. There exists a sweet spot where speed, style, and (relatively) sensible pricing converge, offering thrilling rides without completely obliterating your bank account. Hop in as we explore 14 underrated supercars under $100K.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
