The Best SUVs of 2023

• Subcompact SUV
• Subcompact Luxury SUV
• Compact SUV
• Compact Luxury SUV
• Compact Performance SUV
• Mid-Size SUV
• Mid-Size Luxury SUV
• Large SUV
• Large Luxury SUV
• How Much Do SUVs Cost?
• Which SUVs Are the Safest?
• What’s the Most Reliable SUV?
• Final Thoughts

The SUV market has been growing rapidly, and 2023 is expected to be no different. With advanced technology, enhanced safety features, and improved performance, the best SUVs of 2023 promise to deliver an outstanding driving experience. 

SUVs have become increasingly popular due to their versatility, spacious interiors, and impressive performance capabilities. As we look ahead to 2023, car manufacturers are expected to release some of the most innovative and top-performing SUVs. 

With cutting-edge technology, sleek designs, and powerful engines, the best SUVs of 2023 are sure to impress car enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. This article will explore the best SUVs of 2023 and discover what makes them stand out from the crowd.

Subcompact SUV

Subcompact SUVs are a relatively new addition to the automotive market and have gained popularity due to their compact size and versatility. These vehicles offer the practicality and convenience of an SUV while being smaller in size, making them ideal for city trips.

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro is a subcompact SUV that stands out for its impressive fuel economy and practicality. This SUV is available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric model, making it an ideal choice for drivers who want to save money on gas or reduce their carbon footprint. 

One of the main selling points of the Niro is its impressive fuel economy. The hybrid model achieves up to 52 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway, while the plug-in hybrid model offers up to 105 MPG and an all-electric range of up to 26 miles. The fully electric model can travel up to 239 miles on a single charge, making it a practical option for daily commutes and road trips.

Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is a compact SUV with a stylish design, athletic handling, and premium features. This SUV is smaller than the popular CX-5 model, but it still offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers. 

The CX-30's exterior is sleek and modern, with a bold grille and sharp lines that give it a sporty, aggressive look. Inside, the cabin is well-crafted, with high-quality materials and an intuitive infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Subcompact Luxury SUV

Subcompact luxury SUVs are a relatively new segment in the automotive market that combines the practicality and versatility of a subcompact SUV with premium features and luxurious amenities. These vehicles offer a more upscale driving experience than their non-luxury counterparts, with high-quality materials, advanced technology, and refined performance.

BMW X1

The BMW X1 is a subcompact luxury SUV with sporty handling, modern design, and advanced technology. This is a popular choice for drivers who want the versatility and practicality of a small SUV but also want the luxurious amenities and performance associated with the BMW brand. 

The X1's exterior is eye-catching, with a distinctive kidney grille, sleek headlights, and sharp lines that give it a modern, athletic look. Inside, the cabin is well-crafted, with high-quality materials and an intuitive infotainment system. 

The vehicle is responsive, with sharp steering and a suspension that offers a comfortable and stable ride even on bumpy roads. The X1 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 stands out for its sleek design, impressive safety features, and spacious interior. This SUV is popular for drivers who want a luxurious driving experience without sacrificing practicality or versatility. 

This SUV comes standard with a range of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. In terms of performance, the XC40 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Compact SUV

Compact SUVs are a popular segment in the automotive market that offers the versatility and practicality of an SUV combined with the great handling and fuel efficiency of a smaller car. These vehicles are often a top choice for families and adventurers who need ample space for passengers and cargo but also want a car that is easy to drive in city traffic.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is a stylish and practical SUV that delivers a comfortable ride and a range of features that make it a great option for anyone in the market for a versatile vehicle. Its modern design is highlighted by a sleek front grille, LED headlights, and sharp lines that give it a sporty look. 

Under the hood, the Tucson comes with a choice of two engines, including a powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers plenty of peps and good fuel economy. The ride quality is smooth and composed, with responsive handling and a stable feel on the road.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a stylish crossover SUV with an impressive driving experience. With its agile handling and responsive steering, the CX-5 feels more like a sporty sedan than a typical SUV. 

The interior is well-designed and spacious, with comfortable seats and modern features like a large infotainment system and smartphone integration. The CX-5 also offers a range of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, which make it a great choice for families or anyone who values safety on the road.

Compact Luxury SUV

Compact luxury SUVs are a popular type of vehicle that combines the spaciousness and versatility of an SUV with the premium features and upscale design typically found in luxury cars. These vehicles are designed to offer the best of both worlds, providing drivers with the practicality and utility of an SUV while also delivering a high-end driving experience.

BMW X3

The BMW X3 is known for its sporty handling, luxurious interior, and advanced technology. This SUV is a popular choice for drivers who want a practical and versatile vehicle but also want the premium features and performance associated with the BMW brand. 

One of the standout features of the X3 is its driving dynamics. The vehicle provides a stable ride even on rough roads. The X3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 248 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Genesis GV70

The Genesis GV70 is a stylish and luxurious compact SUV designed to compete with established players like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. It boasts a sleek modern exterior with a bold grille and distinctive LED lighting. The interior is equally impressive, with high-quality materials and advanced technology features. 

Under the hood, the GV70 offers a choice of two engines - a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine or a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive performance.

Compact Performance SUV

Compact performance SUVs are a relatively new segment of vehicles that combine the practicality and versatility of a traditional SUV with the sporty and dynamic driving experience of a performance car. These vehicles typically feature powerful engines, agile handling, and sport-tuned suspension systems, allowing drivers to enjoy a thrilling driving experience.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is powered by a 2.9-liter V6 twin-turbo engine that produces 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Alfa Romeo's Q4 all-wheel-drive system. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 176 mph. 

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio also features a number of performance enhancements over the standard Stelvio, including a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and a more aggressive exterior design. The interior is upgraded with sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Porsche Macan GTS

The Porsche Macan GTS is a high-performance compact luxury SUV produced by Porsche. This vehicle is powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. 

In addition, the Macan GTS features sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and 20-inch wheels. It has a unique exterior styling with black accents and a sport exhaust system.

Mid-Size SUV

A mid-size SUV is a type of vehicle that combines the features of a traditional SUV with those of a smaller car. These vehicles typically offer a higher driving position, spacious interiors, and the versatility to handle various terrains and weather conditions. Mid-size SUVs are ideal for families and individuals, requiring ample space for passengers and cargo without compromising style or performance.

Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco is an iconic SUV introduced in 1966 and produced until 1996. After a long hiatus, Ford returned to the Bronco in 2020 as a contemporary SUV with modern features and design elements. 

The new Ford Bronco comes in two- and four-door versions with a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower or a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that generates 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Bronco comes standard with four-wheel drive.

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade is a mid-size SUV introduced in 2019 to replace the Santa Fe XL. The Palisade is a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped vehicle that has quickly gained popularity among drivers looking for a reliable and stylish SUV. 

One of the most notable features of the Palisade is its size. It has three seat rows and can comfortably seat up to eight passengers. This makes it a great choice for families, groups of friends, or anyone who needs plenty of room for cargo or equipment.

Mid-Size Luxury SUV

The mid-size luxury SUV segment is among the most competitive and sought-after segments in the automotive market today. These vehicles offer a blend of practicality, performance, and luxury features designed to meet discerning drivers' needs and preferences. Mid-size luxury SUVs are versatile vehicles that can serve various purposes, from family haulers to off-road adventurers. 

BMW X5

The BMW X5 is a luxury midsize SUV. One of the most notable features is its exterior design. The SUV boasts a muscular and athletic stance with a large kidney grille and sharp LED headlights. The body has been sculpted with sharp lines and angles, giving the X5 a sporty and dynamic appearance. 

The interior of the X5 is just as impressive, with premium materials and advanced technology throughout. The dashboard features a large touchscreen display which allows drivers to easily control various features such as navigation, climate control, and audio. The X5 also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-class

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a luxury midsize SUV with a spacious and comfortable interior, a refined ride, and a strong lineup of engines. The GLE-Class comes with a variety of engine options, including a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. 

The GLE-Class also offers excellent handling, thanks to its agile suspension and responsive steering. The well-appointed interior offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it a great option for families. Additionally, the GLE-Class has many advanced safety and driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. 

Overall, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a top-tier luxury SUV with excellent performance, comfort, and technology. While it may be pricier, it delivers on its promise of a truly luxurious driving experience.

Large SUV

A Large SUV is a type of vehicle that combines the ruggedness of a truck with the comfort and convenience of a traditional passenger car. These vehicles are designed to be powerful and spacious, with ample seating and storage capacity, making them a popular choice for families and individuals who require extra space and utility. 

Chevrolet Suburban

The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV with a spacious and comfortable interior, a powerful engine, and many advanced features. One of the most notable features of the Suburban is its size. It has a long wheelbase and plenty of interior space, making it a popular choice for large families or anyone who needs to transport a lot of cargo. The cabin is also very comfortable, with supportive seats and plenty of head and legroom. 

Under the hood, the Suburban is powered by a 5.3-liter V8 engine that delivers 355 hp. There is also an available 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

GMC Yukon

The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV with a spacious interior, strong towing capabilities, and impressive off-road performance. It's a great choice for families who need a vehicle that can comfortably seat up to eight passengers and carry a lot of cargo. 

The Yukon has two engine options, including a 5.3-liter V8 and a 6.2-liter V8, providing ample power and acceleration. The ride quality is smooth and comfortable, and the cabin is well-insulated from road noise.

Large Luxury SUV

Large luxury SUVs are vehicles that combine the spaciousness and ruggedness of an SUV with the elegance and luxury of a high-end sedan. These vehicles are designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious driving experience while also being capable of handling a variety of driving conditions and terrain.

Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is a large luxury SUV with a premium driving experience with its spacious and well-designed interior, smooth handling, and powerful engine options. The 2017 Audi Q7 Quattro has a sleek and modern exterior, with the iconic Audi grille and LED lighting. 

Inside, the Q7 boasts a comfortable, sophisticated cabin with high-quality materials and advanced technology features, including a large infotainment display and a virtual cockpit. The seating is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers in all rows.

BMW X7

The BMW X7 is a luxurious full-size SUV with a comfortable and spacious interior, powerful engine options, and an impressive array of advanced features. The exterior design of the X7 is bold and eye-catching, with a large kidney grille and sleek lines that give it a strong presence on the road. 

Inside, the 2020 BMW X7 M50i is beautifully appointed with high-quality materials and top-notch technology. The standard features include a panoramic sunroof, a digital gauge cluster, an infotainment touchscreen, and a 10-speaker sound system.

How Much Do SUVs Cost?

The cost of SUVs can vary widely depending on the make and model, features, and region. In general, the starting price of an SUV can range from around $20,000 to over $100,000. 

It's important to note that the actual cost can increase significantly depending on the specific model and optional features. Additionally, the cost of SUVs can vary by region, with higher prices in some areas due to demand, taxes, and shipping costs.

Which SUVs Are the Safest?

Several SUVs on the market are considered to be among the safest vehicles available. The safety of an SUV can be determined by a variety of factors, such as crash test ratings, safety features, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Here are a few examples of SUVs that are consistently rated highly for safety:

• Volvo XC90: This luxury SUV is frequently cited as one of the safest on the road, with features like lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
• Subaru Ascent: This midsize SUV has earned top marks in crash tests, and it also comes standard with features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
• Mazda CX-5: This compact SUV boasts excellent safety ratings and a long list of advanced safety features, including adaptive headlights and blind spot monitoring.
• Honda CR-V: This popular SUV is known for its reliability and safety, with features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning available on higher trims.
• Toyota RAV4: This compact SUV is another top performer in crash tests and comes standard with several advanced safety features, including lane departure warning and automatic high beams.

What’s the Most Reliable SUV?

Determining the most reliable SUV can be difficult since reliability can depend on various factors, including the vehicle's make, model, year, and maintenance history. However, based on data and ratings from independent sources, some of the most reliable SUVs include:

• Toyota RAV4
• Lexus RX
• Honda CR-V
• Mazda CX-5
• Subaru Forester

It's important to note that a vehicle's reliability can also depend on how well it is maintained, so regular maintenance and repairs can help ensure the longevity and reliability of a car.

Final Thoughts

SUVs are popular vehicles for their size, versatility, and functionality, but there are many factors to consider when choosing one, including safety, reliability, cost, and personal preferences. It's important to research and test drive different SUVs before purchasing to ensure that it meets your needs and expectations. The information above will help you to choose the best vehicle for your needs.