10 SUVs with Backup Cameras

2016 Toyota Highlander backup camera ・ Photo by Toyota

Backup cameras, or rearview cameras, once found mostly on upscale models or top-shelf trim levels, are becoming quite common. There’s a good reason for this—in 2018, a backup camera will be required on every new car sold in the United States, and some auto manufacturers are getting a jump on the competition by including this feature across their current model lineups. Backup cameras are especially helpful in SUVs, since these vehicles’ larger bodies can obscure the rear view. Most SUVs on the market offer a rearview camera, but several affordable models stand out by including this important safety feature as standard equipment. Here are 10 of those SUVs that do.

1) 2017 Cadillac XT5

The midsize Cadillac XT5 is an all-new addition to the domestic luxury brand’s lineup for the 2017 model year. The XT5 is powered by a potent 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 that provides strong acceleration and above-average fuel economy for the class. As is to be expected from a Cadillac (especially a brand spankin’ new one) the XT5 is also stylish, comfortable, and very well equipped. Cadillac includes a rearview camera on all 2017 XT5s, which shows its feed on an 8-inch touchscreen display. Other standard equipment in the 2017 Cadillac XT5 includes dual-zone automatic climate control, an infotainment system, integrated wireless charging for devices, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.

Photo by General Motors

2) 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

This year’s Santa Fe isn’t all new, but Hyundai did treat this popular midsize SUV to a refresh. The capable 2017 Santa Fe comes with a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine. As one of the more affordable 7-passenger SUV options on the market, the Santa Fe has a generous list of standard equipment, including, of course, a backup camera. In the base model, the image is sent to a 7-inch touchscreen display, and higher trim levels get an upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen display. Plus, Android Auto is now available, and an upcoming software update will add Apple CarPlay.

Photo by Hyundai

3) 2017 Ford Escape

For the 2017 model year, Ford has improved the venerable compact Escape with an updated range of engine options, which helps improve the SUV’s fuel economy as well as its performance. This 5-passenger sport ute hauls plenty of gear along with its occupants, but even if the cargo hold is stuffed to the roof, the SUV’s standard backup camera will help improve safety. For 2017, the Escape also has a handful of new driver assistance and safety options. Ford’s voice-activated SYNC and SYNC 3 infotainment interfaces have also seen some recent upgrades to help keep the Escape competitive. Depending on the 2017 Escape’s trim level, these new features include the availability of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Photo by Ford

4) 2017 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is another affordable compact SUV that’s packed with equipment. A couple of fairly basic engines are offered with the Equinox, but let’s face it, people don’t buy entry-level crossovers for the driving experience. Based on its overall pricing and equipment menus, though, this small people-mover is one of our favorite options if you’re shopping for an SUV with a backup camera, and Chevy’s boosted the Equinox’s value by making this safety feature standard. Other equipment featured on the base Equinox includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth wireless integration, and GM’s OnStar connectivity system, which features a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. If you’re willing to splurge, the 2017 Equinox can be optioned with additional safety systems.

Photo by General Motors

5) 2016 Toyota Highlander

Although the Highlander is known for being one of the more expensive 3-row crossovers on the market (at least among non-luxury vehicles) Toyota has done its best to pack this popular option with lots of high-value equipment, making it a great option for people who regularly need to transport up to eight passengers. The 2016 Toyota Highlander is powered by one of two engines: a 185-horsepower 4-cylinder or a 270-horsepower V6. In either case, a backup camera is included on the list of standard equipment, which helps contribute to the Toyota’s reputation as one of the safer vehicles in its class. The smart and stylish cabin also features Bluetooth wireless integration and a 6.1-inch touchscreen display.

Photo by Toyota

6) 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is an interesting option amongst our favorite SUVs with standard backup cameras. The Evoque’s got that key safety feature, along with a whole lot more. This subcompact SUV’s definitely one of the more expensive models on this list, but its luxurious cabin will ensure that all occupants are supremely comfortable. The Evoque’s 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gives the vehicle plenty of ooomph, and despite its stylish exterior, the Evoque isn’t afraid to get dirty—its off-road capabilities are the real deal. Other standard equipment includes pushbutton start, front and rear parking sensors, and an 8-inch touchscreen. For an interesting twist on the SUV formula, check out the coupe version of the 2016 Evoque.

Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

7) 2016 Mazda CX-9

As one of the most popular and well-balanced midsize SUVs on the market, the new 2016 Mazda CX-9, no surprise, has a standard backup camera. The high-value CX-9 is totally redesigned for this model year, yet it remains a 7-seater that's affordable and fun to drive. Just one engine is available, a turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 227 horsepower. In addition to the rearview camera, the list of standard equipment in the Mazda CX-9 includes Bluetooth wireless integration, satellite radio, tri-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Plenty of additional safety equipment is available, as well.

Photo by Mazda

8) 2016 Nissan Murano

Nissan’s Murano is another popular, affordable, family-oriented midsize SUV that includes a rearview camera amongst its basic equipment. This 5-passenger model aims for sporty but lands on comfortable, and that’s totally fine with us. The 2016 Murano features very comfortable seating throughout its upscale cabin, and its 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine provides a calm and steady ride. This SUV boasts a thoughtfully laid out cockpit that’s intuitive and easy to find your way around. In addition to the standard backup camera, the Murano includes a proximity key, Bluetooth wireless integration, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an infotainment system with a 7-inch display. Of course, Nissan offers plenty of other upgrades for the Murano.

Photo by Nissan USA

9) 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

As far as 5-passenger SUVs go, Volkswagen’s Tiguan isn’t the most powerful, affordable, or well-equipped. That said, the 2016 VW Tiguan has a certain charm about it, and it's made all the more appealing by a standard backup camera. That’s key here; start digging too deep into the Tiguan’s upper trim levels and upscale options packages, and this SUV’s price quickly escalates. Though the Tiguan’s reasonably priced in base form, it can easily be optioned to a total that could get you an entry-level luxury crossover from a competitor. If you’re satisfied with a 200-horsepower turbo four, Bluetooth, pushbutton start, a 5-inch touchscreen display, and upscale finishes, you’ll be in good hands.

Photo by Volkswagen

10) 2016 Honda HR-V

Honda’s HR-V is a subcompact 5-passenger offering that was just added to the brand’s potent SUV lineup for 2016. The HR-V is basic in pricing and design, but, as with the rest of the SUVs highlighted here, a backup camera is a key feature on the list of standard equipment. This is especially helpful because the HR-V was designed to be absolutely stuffed with cargo, and the camera helps ensure safety for such occasions. The 2016 HR-V provides 141 horsepower from its 4-cylinder engine, and the experience, for driver and passengers, is quite pleasant. Other standard equipment in the 2016 Honda HR-V includes a 5-inch LCD display and Bluetooth wireless integration.

Photo by Honda