The best SUV depends on your particular needs.
There are a number of different types of SUVs such as small, mid-sized or large SUVs. Every major brand has a great option and some have 3 rows or just a more roomy 2 row with a large truck space. We'll help guide you through each type and how to choose the best SUV.
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Top Rated SUVs
1. KIA Telluride
The Kia Telluride blew us away when it first launched. More than a year later, it still stands as a seriously impressive midsize SUV that isn't afraid to get fancy.
Despite a low starting price of around $35,000, the Telluride can be kitted out with luxury trimmings including Nappa leather, ventilated seats and power-folding rear rows. The Telluride offers three rows of seating, so big families don't need to opt for a car that won't fit in the garage. An 8-inch infotainment system is standard, but higher trims get a more impressive 10.3-inch display with both touch and physical controls. It's a darned comfortable ride, too.
It's not the most fuel-efficient SUV out there, with its 291-hp V6 offering up 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, although adding AWD only lowers those figures by one or two mpg. But for a vehicle that'll carry the whole family and tow 5,000 pounds, it's still a solid value in the midsize SUV space. (cnet)
2. Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos wasn't the first subcompact SUV to grace our amber waves of grain, but now that it's here and we've spent some time with it, we can tell you with confidence that it's a lovely little number.
The 2022 VW Taos takes what we love about larger VW SUVs and brings it into a city-friendly package. It looks great inside and out. It feels solidly built, which isn't something we can say about every small SUV out there. And in addition to looking good, the interior feels positively cavernous. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged I4 puts out a solid 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and it's available with either front- or all-wheel drive.
3. Hyundai Venue
The 2022 Hyundai Venue may have a small footprint, but it's big on value. Its 1.6-liter inline-four produces 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to make this little guy feel quite zippy, and the standard continuously variable transmission keeps things nice and smooth. It's efficient as heck, too, achieving up to 30 miles per gallon city and 33 mpg highway, according to EPA estimates.
Style is a high priority in the Venue, whether it's the funky-fresh exterior or the sensible-yet-interesting interior. The Denim trim leans on a surprisingly cool blue interior motif, if you want to spend a bit more change. Tech takes center stage here, too, thanks to an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
4. Honda Passport
The top-ranked Honda Passport is one of the most versatile midsize SUVs in the market. It exudes athletic qualities but also delivers a comfortable ride, tons of passenger and cargo space, and a good list of standard features. Put this at the top of your list.
This comes in around $38,000 and has a solid 21 MPG.
5. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
To make the Cross Sport, VW took its successful three-row Atlas SUV, ditched the third-row seating and added a more rakish roofline. It's a roomy and comfortable five-passenger midsize SUV that's also stylish.
This starts around $31,000 and has a solid 20-23 MPG. Honestly, one of the better looking SUVs in this price range and is backed my the VW brand name known for exceptional quality and safety.
6. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is comfortable and relatively spacious and has class-leading towing and genuine off-road capability. Where it comes up short is value. It doesn't offer as much standard equipment as rivals and is priced well into luxury territory when you check all the boxes.
This starts around $39,000 and has a solid 22 MPG. Again one of the better looking SUVs and always a crowd pleaser with the sporty Jeep look.
7. Ford Bronco
The Bronco is a highly-capable off-roader that makes minimal sacrifices to on-road drivability. From its character and design to its helpful drive modes and wide availability of its off-road package, the Bronco is a best-buy among its competition for most shoppers.
This starts around $31,000 and has a solid 15-20 MPG. The Ford Bronco has always been a favorite and of course made famous by OJ. This reimagined Bronco sports the classic Bronco lines but with a modern feel.
8. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner favors rough terrain — this truck-based SUV has all the hardware you need for off-road adventures. Other choices are more civilized for everyday use and offer superior technology features.
This starts around $38,000 and has a solid 17 MPG. We really love the look of this SUV. It looks like it could easily go off-roading and also look great in a driveway.
(sources: cnet, truecar, edmonds)