If you’re searching for the Safest Luxury SUV 2024, you’re already making a smart move. After all, luxury should feel relaxing not risky. Thankfully, modern luxury SUVs are no longer just about smooth rides and premium interiors. Today, they also come loaded with cutting-edge safety systems, stronger structures, and top crash-test ratings.
However, not every luxury SUV delivers the same level of protection. That’s why this guide breaks down the safest choices using trusted results from safety authorities like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and NHTSA. So, whether you drive daily in the city or travel long distances, you’ll find the safest luxury SUV that fits your lifestyle.
What Makes a Luxury SUV Truly “Safe” in 2024?
Before choosing a winner, it’s important to understand what “safe” actually means today. While airbags and seatbelts are still crucial, safety has evolved quickly.
First, crashworthiness matters. That means how well the SUV protects passengers during a real crash.
Second, crash avoidance features matter just as much because they help prevent accidents in the first place.
Here are the biggest things that define safety in 2024:
Strong crash-test performance in front, side, and roof-strength tests
Advanced automatic emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian detection
Blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping support
Driver attention alerts and adaptive cruise control
Good headlights and visibility, especially at night
A stable body structure and excellent occupant protection
The best part? Many of the top-rated luxury SUVs now earn high marks in both crash protection and accident prevention.
Top Choices: Safest Luxury SUVs of 2024 (Based on Trusted Ratings)
Below are the standout safe luxury SUVs for 2024, based on respected ratings and safety awards. While more models exist, these options consistently perform at the top.
Mercedes-Benz GLC (2024–2025): Safety Meets Sophistication
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the strongest safety performers in the luxury segment. In fact, it earns a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS for the right configuration and build criteria, which is a major achievement.
It performs exceptionally well in crash tests, especially in updated side-impact protection and front overlap tests.
Additionally, it includes modern safety tools like:
Active brake assist with pedestrian detection
Lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring
Attention assist for drowsy driving
Optional 360-degree camera for tight spaces
Because the GLC balances premium comfort and excellent safety engineering, it’s often seen as a top pick for families and professionals alike.
Volvo XC90 (2024): The Safety Legend Still Leading
When people think about vehicle safety, Volvo often comes to mind first—and for good reason. The Volvo XC90 continues to rank among the safest luxury SUVs available.
It holds a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, which places it in the highest class for crash protection and crash prevention.
Moreover, Volvo’s standard safety approach is strong because many driver-assistance features come included, such as:
Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous highway support)
City Safety collision avoidance
Run-off road protection
Strong rollover resistance
Also, NHTSA provides safety information and ratings for the XC90, reinforcing its strong reputation.
So, if you want a luxury SUV that feels calm, secure, and confidence-building, the XC90 is still one of the best.
Genesis GV70 (2024): Premium Styling With Serious Protection
The Genesis GV70 is not only stylish and upscale, but it’s also among the most safety-focused luxury SUVs in its category.
It earns IIHS recognition as a Top Safety Pick (and some versions reach Top Safety Pick+ depending on build date and criteria updates).
In addition, NHTSA lists safety ratings for the GV70, making it easier for buyers to verify its crash performance.
Safety highlights include:
Forward collision avoidance with junction turning support
Highway driving assist for smoother long trips
Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance
Safe exit assist (useful for passengers exiting near traffic)
Because Genesis offers strong safety systems as standard, the GV70 feels like a smart luxury purchase with fewer costly upgrades.
Lexus RX (2024): Safe, Smooth, and Reliable
The Lexus RX is another top-rated option, especially for drivers who want long-term reliability plus modern safety.
It earns a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, placing it among the safer luxury SUVs in 2024.
The RX comes with Lexus Safety System+, which includes:
Pre-collision safety with pedestrian detection
Road sign assist
Dynamic radar cruise control
Because Lexus designs its safety tech to feel smooth not aggressive it’s ideal for drivers who want comfort without constant system interruptions.
BMW X3 (2024): Sporty Driving With Strong Safety
If you want a luxury SUV that feels more athletic while still focusing on safety, the BMW X3 is a strong choice.
It earns Top Safety Pick+ recognition from IIHS, showing that it performs extremely well across major crash tests.
Even though it’s sporty, BMW includes impressive protection features like:
Active driving assistant
Automatic emergency braking
Lane departure warning
Strong structural safety scores
Additionally, if you enjoy premium German engineering, you may also want to explore this guide on Mercedes-Benz truck models to understand how the brand delivers performance and durability across other vehicles.
Which Safest Luxury SUV 2024 Is Best for You?
Choosing the best one depends on your needs. Still, here’s a quick guide:
Best Overall Safety Reputation
Volvo XC90 – trusted safety legacy with top crash scores
Best Modern Tech + Premium Feel
Mercedes-Benz GLC – advanced systems, Top Safety Pick+ status
Best Value Luxury With Strong Safety
Genesis GV70 – loaded safety at a competitive price point
Best Reliability + Smooth Safety Features
Lexus RX – safe, stable, and dependable year after year
Best Safe Sporty Option
BMW X3 – safe ratings plus a more dynamic driving style
Smart Tips to Choose the Safest Luxury SUV
Even if a model is rated highly, you should still make sure the exact trim you want includes the best safety tech.
So, before buying, always:
Check whether advanced safety is standard or optional
Look for IIHS Top Safety Pick+ specifically
Ensure good-rated headlights are included
Confirm AEB includes pedestrian detection
Ask the dealer about build-date requirements for some awards
This small effort can make a huge difference later.
FAQs
What is the safest luxury SUV in 2024?
Several models rank at the top, but the Volvo XC90, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and BMW X3 stand out with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition.
Is Top Safety Pick+ better than Top Safety Pick?
Yes. Top Safety Pick+ is the higher award. It requires stricter performance in updated crash tests and crash-prevention systems.
Are luxury SUVs safer than regular SUVs?
Often, yes. Luxury SUVs usually include stronger structures, more advanced driver aids, and better headlights. However, safety still depends on the specific model and trim.
Is the Volvo XC90 still one of the safest SUVs?
Yes. The Volvo XC90 continues to earn Top Safety Pick+ and maintains a strong safety reputation supported by IIHS and NHTSA data.
Which safest luxury SUV is best for families?
The Volvo XC90 is excellent for families because of its space, safety innovation, and crash-test strength. The Lexus RX is also a reliable family-friendly choice.
Conclusion
The Safest Luxury SUV 2024 is not just about crash-test scores it’s about complete peace of mind. Thankfully, models like the Volvo XC90, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Genesis GV70, Lexus RX, and BMW X3 show that you can enjoy premium comfort while staying highly protected.
In the end, the safest choice is the one that matches your needs, includes the right safety tech, and earns strong ratings from trusted institutions. If you’re especially interested in Mercedes-Benz safety and luxury features, you may also want to explore the different options available across the brand’s lineup by checking out Mercedes-Benz Classes to compare models that fit your driving style and comfort needs.
So, if you want luxury that truly protects you and your passengers, these SUVs are the smartest place to start.