Skip to main content

It’s no secret that many SUVs don’t have the best headlights. This can cause problems, especially when driving at night. More than half of fatal accidents occur at night, so having great headlights is important. These SUVs have the best headlights, and you should consider them if you’re car shopping

A dark blue 2021 Hyundai Palisade parked in front of the ocean.
2021 Hyundai Palisade | Hyundai

The 2021 Subaru Forester is a functional SUV with good headlights

The 2021 Subaru Forester is a great pick for an outdoorsy type, or anyone who wants to blend safety and functionality. Both the low-beam and high-beam headlight types are LED projector, and they’re curve adaptive. The Forester also comes with high-beam assist. High-beam assist is the feature that switches back and forth between low-beams and high-beams automatically. This is especially helpful because the IIHS has found that many people don’t use their high-beams as often as they should. 

The 2021 Acura RDX is a midsize luxury SUV with good headlights

The 2021 Acura RDX offers style and safety in one midsize luxury SUV package. As an added bonus, the Acura RDX has great headlights. In fact, the RDX is a Top Safety Pick+ winner, in part because all of its available headlights are good. The Acura RDX’s headlights are LED projectors. Unfortunately, they are not curve-adaptive. However, they do come with high-beam assist, which is a great attribute. 

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is a three-row SUV with great headlights

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is one of best SUVs you can buy with good headlights. The Palisade has a lot to offer: great safety ratings, a boatload of safety features, and great headlights. While in 2020 the Hyundai Palisade had two different levels of headlights available, rated an acceptable and good, in 2021 they upped their game and now all of their available headlights are good. The Palisade’s headlights are not curve adaptive, and the low-beams did create some glare. 

The 2021 Volvo XC40 is an SUV known for safety

When people think of Volvo, they think “safety.” Although not all Volvos come standard with good headlights, the 2021 Volvo XC40 does. The XC40 is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winner, and its headlights are curve-adaptive. The XC40 also comes with high-beam assist. 

The 2021 Mercedes GLE-Class is a luxury SUV with good headlights

The 2021 Mercedes GLE is a high-end luxury SUV that doesn’t compromise on safety. In addition to being an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winner, it comes standard with good headlights. The GLE’s headlights are curve-adaptive and they also use high-beam assist. The Mercedes GLE-class is a great choice for someone with a bigger budget who prioritizes safety. 

These five SUVs are among those with the best headlights, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Whether you’re looking for something sturdy and functional, or stylish and luxurious, you shouldn’t have to compromise safety. Any of these SUVs would be a great choice for someone concerned about headlights. Keep in mind that whenever you’re car shopping, pay attention to the headlights that come with your particular trim level, to ensure that they’re the quality that you’re looking for.

Related

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse Wins Safety Award