The Best SUVs of 2025
Last Updated Jul 14, 2025
The best SUVs of 2025 have arrived, and we've ranked them across every market segment, from the bargain bin to the top shelf. There's an SUV for just about everyone these days, including bumper crops of Electric SUVs and Hybrid SUVs, if that's what you're looking for. On this page, we'll focus on conventional gas-powered models, breaking down today's top-rated SUVs with our expert vehicle evaluations and proprietary data. Let us help you narrow the field to a few hot prospects, so that you can spend more time test-driving and less time reading car reviews. Learn about how we rate vehicles.
Best Subcompact SUVs
Price Range: $20,200–$29,995
Ranked Models: 18
- Kia Seltos ($24,590+)
- Hyundai Kona ($24,350+)
- Volkswagen Taos ($24,995+)
- Chevrolet Trax ($20,400+)
- Mazda CX-30 ($24,995+)
- Subaru Crosstrek ($26,560+)
- Toyota Corolla Cross ($24,035+)
- Chevrolet Trailblazer ($23,000+)
- Buick Envista ($22,900+)
- Nissan Kicks ($21,830+)
- Honda HR‑V ($25,400+)
- Kia Soul ($20,490+)
- Buick Encore GX ($26,000+)
- Jeep Compass ($25,900+)
- Dodge Hornet ($29,995+)
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ($26,545+)
- Hyundai Venue ($20,200+)
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ($23,695+)
Typically the cheapest SUV in a given automaker's lineup, the subcompact SUV is a great place to start if you're looking for value and fuel-efficiency in a small package. You'll notice that the top half of the rankings are closely bunched in terms of overall scores, which speaks to the parity that prevails across much of this class. But there are plenty of distinctions that make a difference in the final tally.
Best Compact SUVs
Price Range: $27,190–$36,500
Ranked Models: 15
- Mazda CX-50 ($30,500+)
- Honda CR‑V ($30,100+)
- Toyota RAV4 ($28,850+)
- Hyundai Tucson ($28,355+)
- Kia Sportage ($27,190+)
- Volkswagen Tiguan ($29,495+)
- Subaru Forester ($29,995+)
- Ford Bronco Sport ($30,995+)
- Mazda CX-5 ($28,570+)
- Nissan Rogue ($28,590+)
- Ford Escape ($27,995+)
- Chevrolet Equinox ($28,600+)
- GMC Terrain ($29,500+)
- Buick Envision ($36,500+)
- Mitsubishi Outlander ($29,645+)
Compact SUVs are huge these days, though not in terms of dimensions — they're only about as long as a typical compact sedan. Sales-wise, though, this is the most popular vehicle type on the market, and it's not hard to understand why. These little 'utes are packed to the proverbial gills with features and space, and they do it all in a price range that's well under the average for a new car today.
Best Compact 3-Row SUVs
Price Range: $29,645–$34,200
Ranked Models: 3
- Hyundai Santa Fe ($34,200+)
- Kia Sorento ($31,990+)
- Mitsubishi Outlander ($29,645+)
If you'll only need a third row occasionally, or only for small children perhaps, then why not get a cheaper SUV that's easier to park? There aren't many options in this segment, but they aim to fill an interesting niche.
Best Midsize SUVs
Price Range: $29,995–$44,750
Ranked Models: 9
- Subaru Outback ($29,995+)
- Mazda CX-70 ($40,445+)
- Honda Passport ($44,750+)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee ($36,495+)
- Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ($37,190+)
- Toyota Crown Signia ($43,590+)
- Toyota 4Runner ($40,770+)
- Nissan Murano ($40,470+)
- Chevrolet Blazer ($35,400+)
Traditionally equipped with two rows of seats (we rank Midsize 3-Row SUVs separately), midsize SUVs have to appeal to empty nesters and DINKs, not just — or even primarily — families. There’s more emphasis on style and comfort here, although versatility is a strong selling point as well.
Best Compact Off-Road SUVs
Price Range: $32,095–$38,995
Ranked Models: 2
- Ford Bronco ($38,995+)
- Jeep Wrangler ($32,095+)
As of this writing, there are only two vehicles in this segment, but we obviously have to rank them — they're both American icons. The Bronco took some time off, of course, whereas the Wrangler's been going nonstop for decades, but Ford clearly did its homework during that sabbatical. While you can't go wrong with either model, there are some important differences to note.
Best Subcompact Luxury SUVs
Price Range: $35,000–$49,900
Ranked Models: 12
- Mini Countryman ($38,900+)
- BMW X1 ($40,500+)
- BMW X2 ($42,450+)
- Volvo XC40 ($40,650+)
- Audi Q3 ($37,400+)
- Acura ADX ($35,000+)
- Lexus UX ($36,340+)
- Cadillac XT4 ($40,795+)
- Mercedes-Benz GLA ($43,000+)
- Alfa Romeo Tonale ($36,495+)
- Land Rover Range Rover Evoque ($49,900+)
- Jaguar E-Pace ($49,500+)
Diminutive on the outside, these richly trimmed runabouts can be surprisingly spacious when you open the door. Many shoppers who have their hearts set on a compact luxury SUV could probably get by just fine with a subcompact.
Best Midsize 3-Row SUVs
Price Range: $36,190–$45,000
Ranked Models: 15
- Toyota Grand Highlander ($40,860+)
- Kia Telluride ($36,190+)
- Hyundai Palisade ($36,800+)
- Ford Explorer ($39,855+)
- Mazda CX-90 ($37,845+)
- Honda Pilot ($40,200+)
- Buick Enclave ($45,000+)
- Chevrolet Traverse ($40,600+)
- GMC Acadia ($44,500+)
- Volkswagen Atlas ($38,200+)
- Toyota Highlander ($39,520+)
- Nissan Pathfinder ($36,400+)
- Subaru Ascent ($39,995+)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L ($39,035+)
- Dodge Durango ($38,495+)
SUVs with three rows have become America's default family haulers, and the Midsize 3-Row segment is the most popular of all. These trucksters generally aren't so big that they feel unwieldy, yet their cavernous interiors provide serious versatility.
Best Compact Luxury SUVs
Price Range: $39,485–$62,900
Ranked Models: 16
- BMW X3 ($49,950+)
- Mercedes-Benz GLC ($47,450+)
- Lexus NX ($40,815+)
- Porsche Macan ($62,900+)
- Audi Q5 ($52,200+)
- Genesis GV70 ($47,985+)
- Volvo XC60 ($47,050+)
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio ($48,995+)
- Acura RDX ($44,700+)
- Mercedes-Benz GLB ($45,800+)
- Land Rover Range Rover Velar ($61,500+)
- Jaguar F-Pace ($57,000+)
- Lincoln Corsair ($39,485+)
- Land Rover Discovery Sport ($48,900+)
- Cadillac XT5 ($44,295+)
- Infiniti QX50 ($43,000+)
It's easy to see why these trucksters are typically best-sellers — they're smallish on the outside but generally quite spacious inside, and they deliver a premium driving feel without breaking the bank. You could go much bigger, but unless you need a third seating row, why would you?
Best Midsize Luxury SUVs
Price Range: $48,975–$84,700
Ranked Models: 11
- BMW X5 ($65,700+)
- Lexus GX ($64,235+)
- Mercedes-Benz GLE ($61,850+)
- Lexus RX ($48,975+)
- Porsche Cayenne ($84,700+)
- Audi Q8 ($74,400+)
- Genesis GV80 ($58,200+)
- Land Rover Defender ($56,900+)
- Lincoln Nautilus ($51,890+)
- Toyota Land Cruiser ($56,700+)
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport ($83,700+)
Although small luxury SUVs have exploded in popularity as of late, there's still a place for the midsize luxury SUV. More size typically means more substance, including a weightier driving feel and increased towing and cargo limits. If you're specifically looking for three-row midsize luxury SUVs, we have a separate category for those; you'll find some three-row options here, too, but this has traditionally been a two-row category with more of an emphasis on style and performance than on schlepping numerous passengers.
Best Midsize 3-Row Luxury SUVs
Price Range: $49,195–$69,700
Ranked Models: 10
- Lexus GX ($64,235+)
- Lexus TX ($55,140+)
- Audi Q7 ($60,500+)
- Lincoln Aviator ($58,495+)
- Acura MDX ($50,900+)
- Volvo XC90 ($59,745+)
- Land Rover Defender 130 ($69,700+)
- Land Rover Discovery ($60,200+)
- Cadillac XT6 ($49,195+)
- Infiniti QX60 ($50,200+)
These upscale family haulers pair minivan-like passenger capacity with all the trappings that luxury SUV shoppers expect. But if you're looking for minivan-like comfort, too, you might be in the wrong place. Many of the SUVs here have small third rows, whereas non-luxury midsize three-row SUVs tend to offer more practical seating. You'll find some exceptions, though, and if you only need that third row occasionally, or only for little ones, any of these haulers will get the job done with refinement and features to spare.
Best Full-Size SUVs
Price Range: $56,520–$66,900
Ranked Models: 6
- Chevrolet Tahoe ($58,500+)
- GMC Yukon ($66,900+)
- Ford Expedition ($61,700+)
- Jeep Wagoneer ($59,945+)
- Toyota Sequoia ($62,425+)
- Nissan Armada ($56,520+)
Large and in charge, these massive haulers are like full-size pickup trucks with a three-row cabin instead of a bed. They're extremely functional, in other words, which helps their typically absymal fuel economy go down easier.
Best Full-Size Luxury SUVs
Price Range: $82,450–$114,900
Ranked Models: 7
- Mercedes-Benz GLS ($89,200+)
- Cadillac Escalade ($87,595+)
- BMW X7 ($83,500+)
- Lincoln Navigator ($99,995+)
- Land Rover Range Rover Long Wheelbase ($114,900+)
- Infiniti QX80 ($82,450+)
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer ($84,945+)
You know they've got three rows of seats, so we don't even have to say "full-size 3-row luxury SUVs." But we should warn you that there's a lot of diversity in this segment, with options ranging from autobahn-bred Germans to corn-fed Americans.
Best Midsize Ultra Luxury SUVs
Price Range: $105,500–$148,250
Ranked Models: 3
- Land Rover Range Rover ($107,900+)
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class ($148,250+)
- Lexus LX ($105,500+)
Fancier than fancy, these rigs are what you want if you're trying to be at the front of the valet line. Bring money.
Next Steps
If you made it all the way to the end of these rankings, you officially know a lot more about today's SUVs than 99 percent of the people who are shopping for them. Now take your list of favorite SUVs and carve out time to take each one for a thorough test drive. You can trust us to arm you with critical information, but there's no substitute for getting behind the wheel yourself. Don't forget to try the backseat, too, and check out the cargo area. We'd also suggest keeping this page handy so you can pull up a quick view of each model's key facts and attributes as needed. Have fun and choose wisely!
FAQ
The answers to these frequently asked questions are powered by MotorDonkey's ranking methodology and remain valid while published. Because we continuously update our ratings and vehicle data, our answers are subject to change as new information and impressions emerge.
What is the best subcompact SUV?
The best subcompact SUV is the Kia Seltos, which has a overall rating of 7.9 out of 10.
What is the best compact SUV?
The best compact SUV is the Mazda CX-50, which has a overall rating of 8.3 out of 10.
What is the best compact 3-row SUV?
The best compact 3-row SUV is the Hyundai Santa Fe, which has a overall rating of 8.1 out of 10.
What is the best midsize SUV?
The best midsize SUV is the Subaru Outback, which has a overall rating of 8.3 out of 10.
What is the best compact off-road SUV?
The best compact off-road SUV is the Ford Bronco, which has a overall rating of 7.7 out of 10.
What is the best subcompact luxury SUV?
The best subcompact luxury SUV is the Mini Countryman, which has a overall rating of 8.2 out of 10.
What is the best midsize 3-row SUV?
The best midsize 3-row SUV is the Toyota Grand Highlander, which has a overall rating of 9.0 out of 10.
What is the best compact luxury SUV?
The best compact luxury SUV is the BMW X3, which has a overall rating of 8.5 out of 10.
What is the best midsize luxury SUV?
The best midsize luxury SUV is the BMW X5, which has a overall rating of 8.8 out of 10.
What is the best midsize 3-row luxury SUV?
The best midsize 3-row luxury SUV is the Lexus GX, which has a overall rating of 8.6 out of 10.
What is the best full-size SUV?
The best full-size SUV is the Chevrolet Tahoe, which has a overall rating of 7.9 out of 10.
What is the best full-size luxury SUV?
The best full-size luxury SUV is the Mercedes-Benz GLS, which has a overall rating of 8.3 out of 10.
What is the best midsize ultra luxury SUV?
The best midsize ultra luxury SUV is the Land Rover Range Rover, which has a overall rating of 8.0 out of 10.
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