Heads-up displays are starting to become a standard feature included in new vehicles in 2021. This feature displays a holographic-like projection onto the windshield of your vehicle so you can see your speed, gas level, or other simple gauges without ever having to take your eyes off the road. This article will take a look at which 2021 SUVs have heads-up displays so you can make sure you know which cars to consider buying.
While you can expect all luxury brand SUVs to have heads-up displays, the following are popular car models that now include heads-up displays:
Full-Size SUVs:
- Kia Telluride
- Hyundai Palisade
- GMC Yukon
- Chevy Tahoe
Mid-Size SUVs:
- Mazda CX-5
- Toyota Highlander
If you still have some questions about SUVs and heads-up displays, don't worry. In this guide, we'll discuss how heads-up displays work, what they look like, whether or not you need a special windshield for it, and more. Without further ado, let's get into it!
Full-Size SUVS with Heads-up Display
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is an incredible vehicle for both its price and features. This modern yet affordable SUV is equipped with a heads-up display in certain trim levels and seats up to eight people at one time. It also has all-wheel drive options, so you can go off the highway when needed without sacrificing technology features.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is another upscale yet low-cost SUV complete with a heads-up display and other modern features. This SUV also seats three rows of people and comes in a plethora of options so you can drive off-road or extremely fast.
GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is a higher-end luxury SUV. While it is not as expensive as an Audi or Lexus, the Yukon offers a lot of features usually found in those luxury brands for a more affordable price point.
For starters, this SUV offers a 15-inch heads-up display, making it one of the best in the business. This display allows you to see much more information without having to take your eyes off the road. The Yukon seats seven or eight people, depending on the trim.
Chevy Tahoe
The Chevy Tahoe holds the most people out of all the SUVs mentioned so far, with up to nine passengers. This beast of a vehicle comes fully equipped with the latest technology and most space available. The Tahoe is a popular SUV for plenty of reasons, a few of them being the spacious seating, heads-up display, and high-end technology.
Mid-Size SUVs with Heads-up Display
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is one of the smallest SUVs on our list, but that does not mean it is any worse off. The CX-5 offers tons of perks at only $25,000. This sleek design is packed with features such as the heads-up display, LED headlights, and a timeless, compact design compared to other SUVs. This SUV seats five people comfortably.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a fantastic size falling in between the larger SUVs and the Mazda CX-5. Because it is bigger, it offers seating for eight people without having to sacrifice miles per gallon. The Highlander has traditionally been behind when it comes to technology, but with the addition of a heads-up display as well as more and more features, Toyota has stepped their game up immensely.
What Is Heads-Up Display In SUVs?
You may be wondering, what even is a heads-up display? With all this talk about vehicles with this kind of display, properly defining and discussing them can help you make the best decision when considering what type of vehicle to purchase.
A heads-up display is a projection onto the windshield where the driver looks out to see. A proper heads-up display does not cloud the driver's vision; rather, it shows a small, unobstructed set of data or gauges so you can view this information without taking your eyes off the road. This provides much better safety for you and your passengers since the goal is to keep the driver's eyes on the road.
How Does Heads-Up Display Work?
Depending on the type of vehicle, a heads-up display usually works by projecting a semi-transparent feed onto the windshield. This is not a single image. It is a unique display capable of changing just like an infotainment center's display. This is so the heads-up display can show you your speed in real-time, as well as other information such as what is currently playing, gas levels, and much more.
What Does Heads-Up Display Look Like?
In simple versions of this display, it looks very minimal with just your vehicle's speed number showing. For example, if you are driving 60 miles per hour, you would see the number "60" displayed about six inches above the base of your windshield in your field of vision. Typically, the display mechanism itself is hidden away from your sight, so you shouldn't struggle with any distractions or obstructions from it.
The displayed feed is usually partially transparent, so you do not have to worry about it blocking anything on the road. It is also small enough to where it does not take up much space. More advanced heads-up displays may show more information, but the car manufactures have done the research and gone through the safety procedures to make sure your field of vision is not compromised.
Do You Need A Special Windshield For Heads Up Display?
Yes, you need a polarized windshield for a heads-up display to work properly. You also need special equipment if you want them to function accurately in a self-installation situation. In modern cars, they are built into the dashboard so they are hidden and cannot be seen when sitting in the vehicle's seats. These are the best displays to have as they require no extra installation and are wired directly with the vehicle.
Can You Add A Heads-Up Display?
Yes. If you are installing one yourself, most of the third-party displays are just screens to sit on your dashboard. This can be dangerous depending on how big they are because you want to make sure these displays do not block your vision of the road if you are driving.
You can find actual projection displays if you look hard enough; just be sure to see if they are compatible with your current vehicle, and you know how to properly set them up. A heads-up display that projects faulty information may end up doing more harm than good. We recommend consulting a professional if you have questions or are unsure how to do it.
In Closing
Overall, a heads-up display comes standard in many of the 2021 SUVs offered today. With technology improving every year, these displays will continue to improve and become safer as well as more efficient.
Having one of these displays can drastically improve driver safety as it allows you not to have to take your eyes off the road. If you are looking into buying an SUV with this special feature, look no further than the vehicles mentioned here, as they will be your best bet in terms of affordability and high quality.
Interested in learning more about SUVs and technology? Check out this article: What SUVs Have Apple Carplay? [2021 Edition]
Looking for more safety features in 2021 full and mid-size SUVs? We have the perfect article: What SUVs Have Blind Spot Detection? [2021 Midsize And Full-Size]