10 Best SUVs With Self-Driving Features for 2021

Ford Mustang Mach-E BlueCruise ・ Photo by Ford

These days, more folks than ever want to own an SUV. Modern crossovers make it easy to get the useful cargo space, high seating position, and all-weather capability of a truck — without sacrificing too much of a car’s comfort and fuel economy. 

But just because you want to own an SUV doesn’t mean you’d love driving it. Maybe you’d rather your SUV take the wheel for you. While fully autonomous driving is still likely years away, many great SUVs already handle many driving tasks for you. Useful semi-autonomous features you can buy today include adaptive cruise control, which maintains a minimum distance from the car in front of you even as it changes speed; automatic emergency braking, which slams the brakes by itself if it detects a likely collision; blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you if you might be changing lanes into another vehicle; lane-departure warnings, which alert you if you drift over the line; and lane-keeping assistance, which autonomously makes steering corrections to keep you in place. Some of the best technologies are on expensive or otherwise high-tech vehicles; others are on everyday affordable models. Our 10 best SUVs with self-driving technologies include a mix of those types.

1. 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback is one of our favorite affordable suvs. It has the size and refinement of a mid-size model, yet it’s as inexpensive and economical as a compact. And since Subaru provides many self-driving features as standard equipment even on the base model ($26,795), it’s a cost-effective way to get lots of driver-assistance technology. 

The Outback’s standard features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot monitoring costs extra, but this is still a steal. It’s not a sporty luxury suv, especially if you choose the fuel-sipping base engine over the peppier turbo, but it’s rugged, comfortable, and safe.

Photo by Subaru

2. 2021 Tesla Model Y

You’ll find several all-electric SUVs on our list of the best SUVs with self-driving features, and we begin with the most popular: the 2021 Tesla Model Y. Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self Driving Capability systems are remarkably smooth in routine conditions, and this compact luxury suv presents nifty computer-generated views of the obstacles and other landmarks — red lights, lane markings, other traffic, and more — that the system has identified and is navigating around. 

However, the systems’ names and smoothness lull some drivers into a false sense of security; unlike a few competitors’ systems, they do not officially sanction hands-free driving. Still, as long as you’re willing to pay attention and step in as needed, you’ll love the Tesla self-driving experience. Autopilot is standard equipment on the Model Y, currently priced from $39,990. And its huge 15-inch touchscreen complements the vehicle’s overall high-tech vibe. The Model Y is also fast and agile, it’s roomy for five passengers, and it even has a tiny third-row seat available. It can travel up to 326 miles per all-electric charge, depending on the version you choose. 

Photo by Tesla

3. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Model Y’s closest rival also features advanced self-driving technologies. That’s the new 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its BlueCruise system will allow hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of designated U.S. roadways. The system isn’t currently available, but Ford will unlock the capability later this year for new and existing owners of Mach-E vehicles with the right hardware. 

As the vehicle’s name suggests, the Mustang Mach-E is a sporty SUV with retro design cues and plenty of driving fun. It’s also comfortable and high-tech, though it prioritizes style and aerodynamics over maximum cargo capacity. Range is up to an EPA-estimated 300 miles per charge. Even without BlueCruise and on roads beyond the system’s capability, every Mach-E includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Some models also include a self-parking feature. Prices start at $42,895, but unlike on some competing EVs, buyers can claim a $7,500 federal tax credit. 

Photo by Ford

4. 2021 Cadillac Escalade

If you’re looking for a hands-free driving system you can buy and use today, the main option is General Motors’ Super Cruise. It has twice the number of compatible roads as BlueCruise, too, at more than 200,000 miles across the U.S. 

The system isn’t yet widely available across the GM lineup, but one place to find Super Cruise is the newly redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade. This full-size luxury suv boasts a smoother ride, roomier interior, and more technology than ever. It’s not economical or agile, but at least when you let go of the steering wheel, you’re not missing out on an engaging driving experience. You’ll pay up if you want many self-driving features, though; a base Escalade costs $76,195, and that money only buys automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control is only available for at least $87,000, and Super Cruise brings you well into the $90,000s. 

Photo by General Motors

5. 2021 BMW X5

If you don’t need the most possible interior room and the least possible time holding the steering wheel, let us suggest the 2021 BMW X5. This superbly well-rounded mid-size luxury suv drives well whether you favor relaxed comfort or sporty performance, and it includes most of its self-driving features at no extra cost over its $59,400 base price. 

BMW also has a compelling, though less comprehensive, alternative to Super Cruise: Extended Traffic Jam Assist. This extra-cost upgrade lets you take your hands off the steering wheel at speeds up to 37 mph, driving for you on congested highways but not at higher speeds or more challenging conditions. Still, it’s arguably more helpful to have this assistance in more fatiguing traffic than on the open road. And as with Super Cruise, you can use the system more broadly as long as you’re willing to hold the steering wheel.

6. 2021 Kia Telluride

Our next SUV with self-driving features brings us back to more affordability, but not by sacrificing luxury. The 2021 Kia Telluride is stylish, beautifully finished, and serenely smooth and quiet. And this mid-size SUV starts at just $32,190 with a long list of self-driving features. 

The Telluride isn’t just pretty. It can also serve as a functional family car, with uncommonly spacious seating for up to eight passengers, plenty of cargo room, and family-friendly features like an in-cabin intercom system. A few competitors get slightly better gas mileage or have sportier handling, but this is otherwise an outstanding SUV at a great price. 

Photo by Kia

7. 2021 Nissan Rogue

Another affordable SUV with self-driving features is the newly redesigned 2021 Nissan Rogue. While this compact crossover’s base model doesn’t include adaptive cruise control, Nissan’s slick ProPilot Assist system is included starting from just $27,440. This system combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assistance to smoothly manipulate the steering, accelerator, and brakes. 

The Rogue also boasts a spacious cabin for its size, with comfortable seats and generous cargo space. It rides comfortably and gets good gas mileage for an SUV. And its controls are easy to use. The Rogue proves that SUVs with self-driving technology don’t demand a high cost of entry or a steep learning curve. Some drivers might prefer something sportier for the time they’re in full command of the vehicle, but most will find the Rogue likable to drive. 

Photo by Nissan

8. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

This next selection brings us back to Super Cruise. This time, though, instead of on a six-figure full-size SUV, it’s on a subcompact all-electric crossover. That’s the all-new 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. 

EUV stands for electric utility vehicle, though the Bolt EUV isn’t exactly utilitarian. It’s a variant of the Bolt tall hatchback with more rear legroom, different styling, and some additional features — including Super Cruise. There isn’t even all-wheel drive, so some folks might scoff at including it on any list of the best SUVs. Still, this is an uncommonly powerful self-driving system, and it’s available on a relatively affordable and incredibly economical vehicle. The Bolt EUV is priced from $33,995, with Super Cruise arriving for about $41,000; many other self-driving features join the equipment roster between those two price points. The Bolt EUV trails a Tesla for sporty performance (it’s quick but not exhilarating) and range (an EPA-estimated 247 miles), but it lets you take your hands all the way off the steering wheel while costing less money.  

Photo by Chevrolet

9. 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 is a subcompact luxury SUV that brings high-end design, build quality, and technology at a lower price than you might expect. It’s priced from just $33,700 with a long list of self-driving technologies, while adaptive cruise control and the smooth Pilot Assist suite are bundled with other convenience features for a modest $1,500 extra. 

Better still, the XC40’s upright, boxy shape gives it more passenger and cargo space than many of its competitors. That means you can consider the XC40 as an alternative to larger, more expensive luxury suvs from the “compact” segment. What’s more, eco-minded customers can even choose a fully electric variant called the XC40 Recharge; it starts at $53,990 before a $7,500 federal tax credit, and it can travel an EPA-estimated 208 miles per charge.

Photo by Volvo

10. 2021 Mazda CX-9

We’ll close our list of the best SUVs with self-driving features with a mid-size SUV you probably won’t mind driving by yourself. The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is a big car with three rows of seats, but it looks and feels unintimidating. Its cozy driver accommodations, agile handling, and artful styling keep it from feeling like a big bus. 

Still, when you’re ready for some assistance with driving tasks, the CX-9 delivers. At its base price of $34,160, it already includes most of its available self-driving features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. Even automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers are standard. You only pay extra for rear automatic braking, which is reserved for upper trim levels starting from $41,080. The CX-9 gives up maximum passenger and cargo space for styling and performance, but it’s not so cramped that we wouldn’t try to fit. 

Photo by Mazda