What SUVs Have Blind Spot Detection? [2021 Midsize And Full-Size]

Nearly all vehicles produced today come with some form of blind-spot detection. Large vehicles with site restrictions like trucks and SUVs have benefitted the most from these advancements. So, if you're shopping for an SUV in 2021, how do you know which models come with blind-spot detection when there are so many on the market? Fortunately, we have researched all of the models and have them on a list for you here.

For the model year 2021, 62 SUVs come with blind spot detection capabilities. The top eight SUVs with blind spot detection are:

Cadillac Escalade (Full-size)
Chevy Tahoe (Full-size)
Lexus GX (Full-size)
Nissan Armada (Full-size)
Buick Enclave
Ford Explorer
Kia Sorento
Toyota 4Runner

That is just the top eight out of a list of 62 total SUVs with the option of blind spot detecting technology. Please continue reading to see the full list of vehicles, find out more about how blind spot detection works, and learn more about the aftermarket options available for blind spot detectors.

2021 SUVs with Blind Spot Detection

The models on this list can all come with blind spot detection. However, some SUVs on this list do not come with blind spot detection on the model's base trim. In those situations, the trims with blind-spot detection will cost extra than the base model. Here is the full list of SUVs organized by size:

Full-Size SUVs:

Cadillac Escalade
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Suburban
Ford Expedition
GMC Yukon
Infiniti QX80
Kia Carnival
Lexus GX
Lexus LX
Lincoln Navigator
Mercedes Benz GLS
Nissan Armada
Toyota Sequoia
Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Medium Size SUVs:

Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Aston Martin DBX
Buick Enclave
Cadillac XT4
Cadillac XT5
Cadillac XT6
Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevy Trailblazer
Chevy Equinox
Ford Explorer
Chevy Acadia
Chevy Terrain
Honda Pilot
Honda Passport
Hyundai Sante Fe
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Tucson
Infiniti QX60
Kia Sorento
Range Rover Evoque
Range Velar
Range Rover Sport
Range Rover Index
Range Rover Discovery
Lincoln Aviator
Mazda CX-9
Mercedes GLC
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Murano
Subaru Ascent
Subaru Forester
Subaru Outback
Toyota Highlander
Toyota 4Runner
Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen ID4
Volvo XC40
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90
Porsche Macan
Porsche Cayenne
Kia Sorento
Audi Q5
Audi Q7
Audi Q8

The Top 2021 SUV Models with Blind Spot Detection

Because that list is so extensive, we thought it would be best to showcase the capabilities and features of the best eight SUVs from the group. We chose the following SUVs based on the level of detection and detection options that the vehicle is capable of. Please note that they are not in any specific order within these eight.

1. Cadillac Escalade (Full-size SUV)

The Cadillac Escalade has one of the most awesome features of any SUVs we researched. The blind spot detection is old news compared to the night vision system available on some trims. This system gives a thermal image of the road ahead through the dashboard and makes driving at night a breeze.

The Escalade features a standard 19 or 36-speaker sound system that can even magnify conversations between the rows of the car while on a loud highway. The Escalade offers these features to up to eight passengers. The SUV has a V8 engine that gives 400 horsepower and can switch between all-wheel and two-wheel drive.

2. Chevrolet Tahoe (Full-size SUV)

The safety capabilities of the Chevrolet Tahoe are nearly unmatched. For example, along with blind spot detection, the Tahoe also has adaptive cruise control, which always keeps you at a safe distance from the car in front of you. HD cameras are situated around the SUV, which is extremely helpful in tight parking situations.

The space inside the Tahoe is massive. The SUV can support 122.9 cubic feet of cargo and seat up to seven people with plenty of legroom to go around. There are several engine options with either powerful V8s or a turbo-diesel for more towing power. Four-wheel drive is available in certain trims.

3. Lexus GX (Full-size SUV)

The Lexus GX has a blind spot monitor that includes a rear cross-traffic alert system that is particularly helpful when backing out of a parking space in a crowded lot. If you'll be using this SUV for towing, the safety system also includes a trailer sway control feature that automatically suppresses trailer swaying that is a result of wind or unfavorable roadways. For highway use, the GX safety system will even let you know when you begin to veer out of an established lane.

The 2021 GX from Lexus can seat up to seven people comfortably and keep them safe during the journey. There is a 4.6-liter V8 under the hood that provides 301 horsepower for all of your daily drives or towing trips.

4. Nissan Armada (Full-Size SUV)

Another very safe full-size SUV, the Nissan Armada, features blind spot monitoring that is a part of a larger Nissan safety system. This safety system also includes automatic braking in forward and reverse. The high beam assistant detects oncoming traffic and adjusts the high beam level accordingly, a feature that makes night driving infinitely easier on you and other drivers alike.

The Armada has seating for up to eight people, and the seats fold down to allow for several cargo storage optimizations. An excellent climate control system makes the Armada great for long road trips, and the 400 horsepower V8 will be sure to get you where you're going.

5. Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave is a medium SUV that also features 360-degree high-definition cameras, perfect for active parking lots and driveways. The Enclave safety system also features a lane assist warning system, collision control, and following distance indicator to always keep your car in the right place. The Enclave can seat up to seven passengers and tow up to 5,000 lbs of weight with its 3.6-liter V6 engine.

6. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a mid-sized SUV with a full-size amount of safety features. Along with the blind spot monitoring system, the Explorer has adaptive cruise control, towing packaging sway control system, reverse brake assist, and rear cross-traffic notification.

The Explorer is perfect for off-road driving because of its ability to toggle between rear-wheel and all-wheel drives and its active terrain control. Even though it's a medium-size SUV, it still can seat up to seven people with its third-row seating.

7. Kia Sorento

Kia's 2021 Sorento is also jam-packed with safety features in addition to blind spot monitoring. The most notable feature is the rear occupant alert, which sounds like an alarm if the driver attempts to leave the car while there is still someone in the back seat. There is also a safe exit alert system that can notify passengers of approaching dangers just before they exit the vehicle.

The Kia Sorento also sits up to seven passengers with third-row seating that can fold down to allow for plenty of cargo space. The Sorento only comes with a 4-cylinder engine, but it squeezes up to 281 horsepower out of it by using a turbo on certain trims.

8. Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is the ultimate combination of safety and offroad features. There is a lane departure warning system, automatic high beams, and dynamic cruise control in addition to the blind spot detector. But while it is safe on the highway, this SUV really thrives on the offroad.

The 4Runner has a multi-terrain selector, a crawl control, a kinetic dynamic suspension system, and skid plates to protect the 4.0-liter V6 engine for those off-road trips.

Do all new cars have blind spot detection?

With that lengthy list of 62 SUVs that come with blind spot detection or have it as an option, it probably seems like all new cars come with the technology. Blind spot detection technology has become increasingly available and affordable over the last five years. At the same time, the modern design of cars now includes more blind spots than ever, making blind spot detectors a necessity.

An important caveat is that blind spot detectors are an add-on or are only included in the more premium versions of many of these SUVs. Please check the manufacturer's website for blind spot detection information on a specific model.

How does blind spot detection work?

Blind spot detection can seem like magic and make driving an SUV as easy as driving the smallest coupe. The technology works by using some advanced parking sensors that are either ultrasonic or electromagnetic to determine whether another vehicle is in your blind spot. If the system detects a car, it will send a signal to the vehicle interior to trigger a light or a beep to let you know what's next to you.

The ultrasonic versions of these parking sensors will send out an ultrasound, which helps determine the distance between the car, and therefore the ultrasonic receiver, and the foreign object. The foreign object in this sense will typically be another vehicle in the lane next to you.

Can you install blind spot detection?

As with many advanced features, it is possible to have aftermarket blind spot detectors installed on your car. While you can buy the blind spot sensors themselves on internet marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, it is best to consult a professional for installation. Installation involves removing the rear bumper and wiring several electronic pieces.

Click here to see the Eway Universal Car Radar Blind Spot Detector at Amazon.

What's the proper technique to check a blind spot?

With all of this new detection tech and maybe a few years since your last drivers-ed course, the proper blind-spot-checking technique can be elusive. When driving an SUV, you should always manually check your blind spot, even if you have a blind spot detection system.

The most important thing to remember when checking your blind spot is to never take your eyes off the road completely by turning your head all the way around to look behind you. Instead, turn your head 90 degrees to either to the left or right, and your peripheral vision will allow you to see if there is another car in your blind spot. Keeping your body in the forward position and relying on your periphery to detect a vehicle will also keep the road in front of you in view.

In Closing

Blind spot detection is a lifesaving technology for every driver on the road. Luckily, nearly all new SUVs come fitted with the technology, so you won't have to search far to get it when buying a new vehicle. If you have an older vehicle, you can still have a blind spot detection system installed, but it is best done by a professional. The most important thing to remember is never fully relying on your blind spot detectors and always manually checking before merging or switching lanes.

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