Winning Hearts From The Get Go
Some SUVs come off the factory line ready to please. And they do, all while sitting taller than sedans, stretching roomier than wagons, and bringing ground clearance, all-wheel drive, plus flexible seating that keeps buyers happy.
2025 Mazda CX-50
Turbocharged muscle meets hybrid thrift in the CX-50. Expect 38 mpg alongside sporty all-wheel drive, a combo that’s rare in crossovers. Engineers tuned the suspension for canyon carving, yet families enjoy comfort. Mazda’s secret sauce has long been handling, and this model raises the bar.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Review | Missing One Thing…by Tom Swiatek
2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Sharp creases and hidden LED lighting make the Tucson look pricier than it is. Step inside and discover upscale seating, plus wireless technology, all for under $40,000. Add a 38 mpg hybrid setup, and suddenly this compact feels like a segment leader hiding in plain sight.
2025 Honda CR-V
Known for trustworthiness, the CR-V now adds polish. Redesigned seats offer superior ergonomics, while cargo expands to 39 cubic feet—perfect for Costco runs. Hybrid trims push 40 mpg efficiency. Drivers report smoother steering, which makes the CR-V feel unexpectedly refined compared to sportier nameplates.
2025 Honda CR-V Review | Honda's BEST Selling SUV! by Gold Pony
2025 Kia Telluride
Admired since launch, the Telluride now feels even more like a luxury 3-row. Quilted seating, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and an airy cabin make long trips pleasant. Add in America’s best warranty and 20 mpg, and you’ve got a recipe families quickly embrace.
2025 Kia Telluride - Interior, Exterior and Off-road Test (X-Pro) by Supercar TV
2025 Volkswagen Taos
A facelift gave the Taos sharper lines and livelier character. For under $30,000, it proffers surprising room: 28 cubic feet of space behind the second row. A revised transmission enhances responsiveness, while German-inspired handling keeps the small SUV engaging on winding roads where competitors usually stumble.
2025 Volkswagen Taos | MotorWeek Road Test by MotorWeek
2025 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Compact on the outside yet versatile within, the TrailBlazer charms younger buyers. Its 11-inch touchscreen brings big-SUV tech to an entry-level budget. With nimble steering and eye-catching two-tone paint options, this Chevy has become the fun urban runabout many didn’t see coming.
Retired electrician, Wikimedia Commons
2025 Subaru Forester
A complete redesign sharpened the Forester’s look and upgraded materials throughout. Standard EyeSight safety now includes adaptive cruise with lane centering. Fuel efficiency climbs to 33 mpg, an impressive figure for a vehicle with constant all-wheel drive.
2025 Buick Encore GX
Whisper-quiet cabins remain Buick’s calling card, and the Encore GX enhances that trait. Sound insulation rivals European competitors, and thankfully, pricing stays thousands lower. With leather seating and wireless Apple CarPlay, commuters experience premium comfort daily. Downsized luxury shines brightest when value sneaks into the conversation.
2025 Buick Encore GX Preferred POV Test Drive & Review by Nothin’ But Car Reviews
2025 Honda Passport
The Passport’s rugged makeover adds chunkier tires, higher ground clearance, and a trail-friendly suspension. A redesigned interior swaps dated plastics for soft-touch materials. Weekend warriors gain a capable off-roader, and weekday commuters still enjoy quiet highway rides. It balances adventure and comfort better than competitors.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Already a favorite, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 now adds NACS charging for Tesla network access. The range remains strong at 318 miles, and the retro-inspired styling continues to be a head-turner. Engineers listened to owners by restoring physical buttons, proving small tweaks can dramatically improve daily EV satisfaction.
2025 Nissan Murano
The latest Murano wears a sleeker shell while hiding unexpected refinement inside. A new turbocharged 2.0L inline four engine delivers smooth 241-hp performance. Buyers find luxury touches—such as quilted leather seating—at prices comparable to those of well-equipped midsize SUVs.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
Redesigned after nearly 15 years, the 4Runner now pairs hybrid power with classic off-road grit. Efficiency climbs to 23 mpg, thanks to its retention of locking differentials and rugged suspension. Interior upgrades include a 14-inch screen, transforming an adventure icon into a comfortable daily hauler for modern families.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The larger dimensions of the new Tiguan highlight its spacious interior, which accommodates everything from kids to pets to road-trip gear. The minimalist dashboard houses dual 12.9-inch displays, with intuitive haptic controls. Although engines lean toward efficiency, sharp styling and high-tech features boost its status.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
Chevy’s bread-and-butter SUV adds unexpected efficiency with a 27 mpg engine. The interior introduces Google Built-In, meaning maps and voice commands integrate seamlessly. Families also appreciate thoughtful touches like hidden storage beneath the cargo floor. Few mainstream models sneak this much practicality into one package.
Deathpallie325, Wikimedia Commons
2025 Genesis GV70
On higher trims, diamond-stitched leather and wood accents enhance the cabin, and its rear-biased all-wheel-drive system delivers European-style handling. With prices nearly $20,000 lower than German competitors, it balances crisp cornering with a plush ride to prove that Genesis has mastered affordable sophistication without compromise.
2025 Genesis GV70 // ALL the Luxury; a LITTLE of the Price! (Value-Packed) by Car Confections
2025 Genesis GV80
Flagship credentials shine here: a widescreen infotainment system, massaging seats, and 3D digital gauges. Buyers often expect compromises at this price, but surveys show that satisfaction levels are comparable to those of six-figure brands. Genesis even backs the experience with extended warranties.
2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige: TEST DRIVE+FULL REVIEW by W.T.F Car Reviews
2025 BMW X3
Efficiency and performance converge in the latest X3. Its base engine achieves 29 mpg, and the M50 trim rockets from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds. Practicality remains intact with 67.1 cubic feet of cargo space. That duality keeps the X3 firmly at benchmark status.
Oleg Yunakov, Wikimedia Commons
2025 Audi Q5
Audi doubled down on interiors, introducing a futuristic cockpit with a 14.5-inch curved display. The standard Q5 runs on a 2.0-litre mild-hybrid turbo engine, and then the SQ5 variant unlocks a 362-hp V6. Subtle exterior updates complement the blend of tradition and modern tech.
2025 Audi Q5 Review - Best SUV to buy? by MotorOctane
2025 BMW iX
A bold EV, the iX stretches range to 426 miles, offering one of the plushest interiors in its class. Recycled materials appear throughout, from carpeting to seat fabrics. Fast charging adds 90 miles in 10 minutes, cementing its futuristic credentials with eco-conscious appeal.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
2025 Acura RDX
Sporty dynamics define the RDX, thanks to a turbocharged 272-hp engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The standard equipment includes panoramic roofs and a 16-speaker audio system. Shoppers looking for luxury with value discover a surprisingly athletic option wrapped in sharp styling.
2025 Acura RDX Review | Luxury Compact SUV by AutoWeb
2025 Audi SQ5
Drivers find the SQ5 a sweet spot: 349 horsepower, Quattro grip, and a refreshed cabin with sport accents. Prices remain under $60,000, yet equipment levels compete with more expensive models. This makes the SQ5 a high-value gateway into genuine performance luxury territory.
The New 2025 Audi SQ5 Is the King of the Small, Sporty Luxury SUV by Doug DeMuro
2025 Jeep Wagoneer S
Jeep enters EV territory boldly. The Wagoneer S delivers 600+ horsepower and a 294-mile range, blending raw acceleration with everyday usability. Unlike rivals, it retains SUV practicality, including generous cargo and towing capacity, while planting the Wagoneer name firmly into the electric future.
2025 Rivian R1S
Adventure families appreciate the R1S for its off-road capabilities and luxurious amenities. An adjustable air suspension raises clearance to 15 inches, allowing it to tackle trails that others avoid. The highway comfort? That remains limousine-smooth. With up to 400 miles of range, Rivian redefines what an electric SUV can accomplish.
DAILY DRIVING a 2025 Rivian R1S Gen 2 Review by TheStraightPipes
2025 Lucid Gravity
The Gravity impresses with 450 miles of range with a seven-seat configuration in genuine comfort. Acceleration hits 0–60 in 3.5 seconds, numbers once reserved for supercars. Priced under $100,000, it resets expectations for EVs by combining practicality, space, and heart-racing performance in one futuristic package.
Lucid Gravity Review - Will this save Lucid? by Auto Focus
2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Toyota’s plug-in standout offers 42 miles of electric driving before the gas engine joins in. With 302 horsepower, it sprints faster than many sports sedans. Add 94 MPGe efficiency, and the RAV4 Prime proves practicality and performance can harmonize without compromise.
2025 Toyota Rav4 Prime, Plug-in Hybrid, XSE technology package by AutoAmie
