When it comes to choosing a large SUV for your family, safety is paramount. You need a vehicle that not only offers space and comfort but also provides robust protection in the event of a collision. The quest for the “Best Rated Large Suv” for safety leads us to consider vehicles that excel in crash tests and offer advanced safety technologies. While no body-on-frame SUVs have yet achieved the coveted Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2017, several models stand out for their strong performance in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests and their array of driver-assistance features. These vehicles provide a blend of truck-like capability and enhanced driver confidence, making them compelling choices for safety-conscious buyers. Let’s explore some of the top contenders in the large SUV segment that prioritize safety.
Top Large SUVs with 5-Star NHTSA Safety Ratings
For many shoppers seeking the best rated large suv in terms of safety, the NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating is a key benchmark. This rating signifies exceptional performance in NHTSA’s rigorous crash testing program. Within the mainstream large SUV category, two models achieve this top distinction.
2017 Ford Expedition
The 2017 Ford Expedition earns its place among the best rated large suvs for safety by being the only mainstream model to secure a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. This impressive score is underpinned by individual 5-star ratings in both frontal and side crash tests. While the Expedition received a 3-star rating for roof strength (4-wheel-drive models achieved 4 stars), its overall safety performance is undeniably strong. Furthermore, the Expedition includes a standard rearview camera, recognized by NHTSA as a “Recommended Safety Technology.” Crucially, both standard and extended-length Expedition models maintain these same high safety ratings. For added safety and convenience, optional features include rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, and Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with rear cross-traffic alert.
Ford Expedition 2017, a best rated large suv for safety, showcasing its spacious interior and robust build.
2017 Lincoln Navigator
Sharing its robust body-on-frame platform with the Ford Expedition, the 2017 Lincoln Navigator naturally mirrors its sibling’s exceptional safety performance. This luxury SUV also boasts a 5-Star Overall Safety Score from NHTSA, with identical ratings across all individual NHTSA tests. The Navigator further solidifies its position as a best rated large suv for safety by offering a suite of standard safety technologies. These include a rearview camera, Blind Spot Information System, and both front and rear parking sensors. Beyond safety, the Navigator distinguishes itself with a more premium ownership experience, offering standard features like heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a high-end THX sound system.
Lincoln Navigator 2017, a luxurious and best rated large suv for safety, highlighting its premium design and safety features.
Highly-Rated Large SUVs with 4-Star NHTSA Safety Ratings
While the 5-star rating is the pinnacle, a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA still indicates a high level of crash protection, placing these vehicles among the best rated large suvs in terms of safety. General Motors offers a range of large SUVs that achieve this commendable rating.
2017 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban
The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe and its extended-wheelbase counterpart, the Chevrolet Suburban, are strong contenders in the best rated large suv category, both earning a 4-Star Overall Safety Score from NHTSA. While achieving slightly varied results in individual tests, both SUVs demonstrate robust safety. The Tahoe secured 5-star ratings for both frontal and side crash protection, and 3 stars for rollover roof strength. The Suburban achieved 4 stars in frontal crash protection while maintaining the same 5-star side crash and 3-star rollover ratings. Chevrolet further enhances the safety of these large SUVs with available technologies such as a rear-seat reminder and, new for 2017, low-speed forward automatic braking.
Chevrolet Tahoe 2017, a best rated large suv for safety, known for its spaciousness and family-friendly features.
2017 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, the more premium counterparts to the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, mirror their siblings’ strong safety performance. These “Professional Grade” SUVs also earned 4-Star Overall Safety Scores from NHTSA, including 5-star ratings in frontal and side crash tests and a 3-star rating for rollover roof strength. Like their Chevrolet counterparts, the 2017 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL offer available low-speed forward automatic braking, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. NHTSA recognizes the latter three as “Recommended Safety Technologies,” further solidifying the Yukon and Yukon XL’s status as best rated large suvs for safety.
GMC Yukon 2017, a professional grade and best rated large suv for safety, emphasizing its robust design and safety features.
2017 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
Capping off GM’s lineup of best rated large suvs for safety, the 2017 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV also achieve 4-Star Overall Safety Scores. While matching the 4-star frontal crash rating of the Suburban and Yukon, the Escalades truly shine in their available safety technology offerings. Perhaps the most notable is Cadillac’s innovative rear camera mirror, which provides a 300% wider field of view compared to a traditional rearview mirror by streaming live video from a rear-facing camera. This feature, along with a comprehensive suite of other safety technologies, positions the Escalade and Escalade ESV as luxury options that prioritize passenger protection.
Cadillac Escalade 2017, a luxury best rated large suv for safety, showcasing its advanced technology and sophisticated design.
2017 Toyota 4Runner
The 2017 Toyota 4Runner, while technically a midsize SUV, delivers competitive crash test results and earns its place in a discussion about best rated large suvs for safety due to its robust build and capabilities. The 4Runner achieved a 4-Star Overall Safety Score from NHTSA, with 4 stars in frontal crash protection, 5 stars in side-crash protection, and 3 stars for rollover roof strength. These ratings are consistent across both rear- and four-wheel-drive models. A standard rearview camera further enhances safety. Despite its more maneuverable size, the 4Runner maintains a rugged body-on-frame construction and offers features like a powerful V6 engine, considerable towing capacity, and a dedicated off-road trim, appealing to those seeking both safety and adventure capability in a slightly smaller package.
2017 Toyota Sequoia
Navigating the landscape of best rated large suvs for safety can become complex when considering vehicles like the 2017 Toyota Sequoia. The Sequoia has not undergone full NHTSA testing, leaving it without an overall safety rating. However, it does achieve a 4-star rating in NHTSA’s rollover roof strength test, a notable achievement for a body-on-frame SUV and a rating matched or exceeded by no other in this category mentioned. The Sequoia also includes a standard rearview camera. Furthermore, the Sequoia offers significant advantages in cargo space and towing capacity compared to the 4Runner, appealing to buyers who prioritize practicality and capability in a large SUV, even with limited official crash test data.
Large SUVs with Advanced Safety Features
For some buyers, the “best rated large suv” extends beyond crash test ratings to encompass advanced driver-assistance technologies that can help prevent accidents in the first place. While the following models lack NHTSA ratings, they offer a compelling array of safety features.
2017 Nissan Armada
The 2017 Nissan Armada, while not NHTSA-rated, deserves consideration as a best rated large suv for safety due to its extensive suite of available driver-assistance technologies. These features, many of which are absent in some of the NHTSA-rated models, include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward and reverse automatic braking, a 360-degree around-view monitor, and Nissan’s advanced Predictive Forward Collision Warning system. This system goes beyond typical forward collision warning by monitoring not only the vehicle directly ahead but also vehicles further ahead in the traffic flow, providing an extra layer of preventative safety.
2017 Infiniti QX80
The 2017 Infiniti QX80, the luxury counterpart to the Nissan Armada, shares its focus on advanced safety features. Like the Armada, the QX80 has not been subjected to NHTSA testing. However, as a luxurious sibling, it offers access to the same comprehensive set of high-tech safety innovations, from Predictive Forward Collision Warning to forward and rear automatic braking. Beyond safety, the QX80 elevates the luxury experience with features like semi-aniline leather seating, climate-controlled front seats, genuine wood trim, and a wood-accented leather steering wheel. It also boasts a powerful V8 engine and a high towing capacity, blending luxury, capability, and advanced safety into a compelling package for those seeking a best rated large suv.
2017 Lexus LX
The Lexus LX, another luxury large SUV absent from NHTSA’s crash test ratings, prioritizes safety through its comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies. The 2017 Lexus LX includes the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, encompassing a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Furthermore, standard features extend beyond this package to include a surround-view camera, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. This abundance of standard safety technology underscores Lexus’ commitment to safety in its flagship large SUV, positioning it as a strong contender for buyers seeking a best rated large suv focused on preventative safety measures.
Conclusion
Choosing the best rated large suv for safety involves considering various factors, from official crash test ratings to available driver-assistance technologies. The 2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator stand out for their 5-Star NHTSA Overall Safety Ratings. The Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade models offer strong 4-star ratings. For those prioritizing advanced safety features over crash test scores, the Nissan Armada, Infiniti QX80, and Lexus LX present compelling options with their extensive technology suites. Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on individual needs and priorities, but this overview provides a solid starting point for anyone seeking a safe and spacious large SUV for their family.
