Best Luxury SUV 2023: Safety Ratings That Matter

You’re in the market for a luxury SUV in 2023, but safety is a key factor—as it should be. You’re not just paying for opulent interiors and smooth rides; you're investing in the technology that keeps you, your family, and your passengers safe. What if I told you that in 2023, the best luxury SUVs are not only top-of-the-line in terms of features but also offer cutting-edge safety advancements? Stick around because the answer may surprise you.

The race for the best luxury SUV in 2023 has never been more intense. Brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, and Audi have upped their game, each aiming to outdo the other not just in terms of luxury, but in terms of safety as well. But what sets one apart from the other? Let’s dive into the top safety features, the best-rated vehicles, and what makes these luxury SUVs stand out.

1. Mercedes-Benz GLE – A Standout for Advanced Driver Assistance

Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with luxury, and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE continues to live up to that legacy. But here’s what you probably don’t know—it’s not just about the leather seats and sleek design. The GLE is packed with safety features that genuinely make it a leader in this segment.

Key Safety Features:

• Active Brake Assist: Designed to automatically engage emergency braking if the system detects an imminent collision.
• PRE-SAFE® Technology: This futuristic system prepares the cabin for a collision by tightening seat belts and closing windows in the event of a crash.
• Attention Assist: Recognizes driver drowsiness and recommends taking a break, potentially preventing accidents before they happen.

With an overall 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2023 GLE isn't just a luxurious choice—it's a smart one if safety is a priority.

2. Volvo XC90 – The Swedish Safety Icon

The Volvo XC90 is practically the gold standard when it comes to safety. Volvo’s commitment to reducing fatalities in its vehicles is so serious that they’ve publicly stated their mission to have zero serious injuries or deaths in their new cars.

Key Safety Features:

• Pilot Assist: A semi-autonomous driving feature that keeps you in your lane and maintains distance from the vehicle ahead.
• City Safety Collision Avoidance: Can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals, automatically braking if necessary.
• Run-off Road Protection: Ensures that in the event of an off-road accident, the XC90’s structure absorbs impact and minimizes injury risk.

The XC90 consistently ranks as one of the safest vehicles in the world, and its 5-star Euro NCAP rating reinforces that. Volvo doesn't just aim to protect you from accidents—they want to prevent them entirely.

3. Audi Q7 – Quattro Meets Safety

Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system has been a fan favorite for years, but in 2023, the Audi Q7 shines even more for its robust safety technology. What sets the Q7 apart is its ability to combine performance with safety without missing a beat.

Key Safety Features:

• Adaptive Cruise Assist: Helps in heavy traffic situations by managing acceleration and braking.
• Pre Sense Front: Detects possible collisions with other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians and applies emergency braking.
• Side Assist: Monitors your blind spots and alerts you when another vehicle enters your side lane.

The Audi Q7 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, thanks to its strong performance in crash tests and crash prevention systems. With night vision assist and 360-degree camera systems, this SUV proves that safety and tech go hand in hand.

4. BMW X5 – Safety Meets Dynamic Performance

The 2023 BMW X5 combines the thrilling driving experience that BMW is known for with advanced safety technology. It might surprise you, but this SUV excels in keeping you safe while you enjoy the ride.

Key Safety Features:

• Active Driving Assistant: Includes features like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind-spot detection.
• Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation: Reduces the risk of collision by automatically applying the brakes if an obstacle is detected.
• Head-up Display: Projects essential information, such as speed and navigation, directly onto the windshield to keep your eyes on the road.

BMW's dedication to safety earned the X5 a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, ensuring that it performs well in crash tests while providing ample crash prevention technology.

5. Lexus RX 500h – The Hybrid with Extra Safety

Don’t let the hybrid badge fool you. The 2023 Lexus RX 500h packs a punch when it comes to performance and safety. With its combination of eco-friendly features and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, it’s an excellent choice for those who don’t want to compromise on safety while being environmentally conscious.

Key Safety Features:

• Lane Tracing Assist: Helps you stay centered in your lane by providing subtle steering adjustments.
• Road Sign Assist: Detects road signs and displays them on your dashboard.
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Works day and night to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and even cyclists, applying the brakes if necessary.

The Lexus RX 500h received five stars in NHTSA testing, and with its hybrid powertrain, it’s an ideal balance between safety, luxury, and sustainability.

6. Tesla Model X – Electric Safety Pioneer

The 2023 Tesla Model X is a standout for being an electric luxury SUV, but its safety ratings are equally impressive. The advanced Autopilot system takes driver assistance to the next level.

Key Safety Features:

• Full Self-Driving Capability: Still in beta, but it promises to revolutionize the way we think about car safety.
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects objects in front of the vehicle and applies the brakes automatically.
• Side Collision Avoidance: Uses sensors to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes, alerting the driver to potential collisions.

With a perfect 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, the Model X also boasts the lowest rollover risk of any SUV on the market due to its low center of gravity, thanks to its battery placement.

Safety Feature Comparison Table

SUV Model	Key Safety Features	Safety Ratings
Mercedes-Benz GLE	Active Brake Assist, PRE-SAFE®, Attention Assist	5-star (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)
Volvo XC90	Pilot Assist, City Safety, Run-off Road Protection	5-star (Euro NCAP)
Audi Q7	Adaptive Cruise Assist, Pre Sense Front, Side Assist	Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)
BMW X5	Active Driving Assistant, Collision Mitigation, HUD	Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)
Lexus RX 500h	Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision	5-star (NHTSA)
Tesla Model X	Full Self-Driving, Auto Emergency Braking, Side Avoidance	5-star (NHTSA)

Conclusion: Safety That Doesn’t Compromise on Luxury

When shopping for a luxury SUV in 2023, it’s clear that safety is no longer an afterthought—it’s a driving force behind these vehicles' engineering. Whether you opt for the tech-heavy Tesla Model X, the timeless Volvo XC90, or the refined elegance of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, you’re not just buying a car; you’re investing in cutting-edge safety technology that could one day save your life.

So, which luxury SUV is for you? Will you choose the high-tech Tesla Model X with its futuristic features or the solid, dependable safety of the Volvo XC90? The choice is yours, but rest assured, in 2023, you won’t have to sacrifice safety for luxury.