SUVs and crossovers
Whether you’re looking to tow, transport your family, or deal with inclement weather, SUV and crossover options span nearly every size and budget.
Versatility is a key strength of an SUV, be it a full-size model like the Chevrolet Suburban or a midsize crossover like the Kia Sorento.
Best SUVs overall
There's a huge number of different SUVs out there, which is great news if you're looking for something that's perfectly tailored to your needs.
1. Nissan Rogue
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
Fuel-efficient Ample cargo volume Many standard features
Cons
Steering lacks road feel Upper trims can get very pricey Less second-row legroom than some rivals
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
Rugged powertrain Suite of driver aids
Cons
Rigid chassis Overwhelming trim options
3. Toyota RAV4
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Quiet and comfortable ride Capacious cabin for passengers and cargo Excellent off-road capabilities
Cons
Mediocre acceleration Steering on road feels vague Rugged styling might not be for everyone
Reliable SUVs
Whether off-road prowess is important to you or you're just looking for some extra space, SUVs offer plenty of versatility.
1. Buick Envision
CarMax owner rating
4.8
Pros
Quiet interior Smooth ride Good value
Cons
Small cargo area Less plush than competitors Limited steering feedback
2. Honda Passport
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
Strong V6 engine Spacious interior Capable, standard all-wheel drive
Cons
Jarring ride off-road Adaptive cruise only above 20 mph No wireless Android Auto™/Apple CarPlay®
3. Honda HR-V
CarMax owner rating
4.3
Pros
Roomy seating Easy to get in and out Bigger cargo area than most other extra-small SUVs
Cons
Slow acceleration Uncomfortable front seats
Compact SUVs
Balancing practicality with versatile dimensions, a compact SUV is a great choice for busy lifestyles.
1. Nissan Rogue
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
Fuel-efficient Ample cargo volume Many standard features
Cons
Steering lacks road feel Upper trims can get very pricey Less second-row legroom than some rivals
2. Toyota RAV4
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Quiet and comfortable ride Capacious cabin for passengers and cargo Excellent off-road capabilities
Cons
Mediocre acceleration Steering on road feels vague Rugged styling might not be for everyone
3. Honda CR-V
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Spacious interior Intuitive infotainment Smooth ride
Cons
Limited cabin storage Noisy hybrid powertrain Hybrid only on upper trims
Midsize SUVs
Embrace the freedom of adaptable seating configurations and cargo-carrying options to make space for your passengers, their belongings, and even your furry companions.
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
Rugged powertrain Suite of driver aids
Cons
Rigid chassis Overwhelming trim options
2. Ford Explorer
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
Wide range of engine choices Maximum tow rating of 5,600 pounds Cargo space
Cons
Key rivals have roomier third-row seats Higher trims are very pricey Some humdrum cabin trim
3. Mazda CX-5
CarMax owner rating
4.5
Pros
Strong overall performance Near-luxury interior Attractive styling
Cons
Below-average passenger and cargo space Firm ride quality Weak base engine
3-row SUVs
A third-row can be helpful to carry family or friends. Don't get overwhelmed by all of the great three-row options out there, we are here to help.
1. Acura MDX
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Comfortable seats Large cargo area Handling strikes a balance between relaxed and sporty
Cons
The base V6 engine lacks the power of turbocharged rivals The touchpad interface for the infotainment requires a steep learning curve
2. Chevrolet Traverse
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
Intuitive infotainment technology Impressive acceleration Spacious seating across all three rows
Cons
Some panel finishing feels subpar Rear row design impairs visibility
3. Honda Pilot
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Comfortable ride The first two rows are roomy Controls are easy to use
Cons
The third row is a bit cramped Less rear storage than competitors Small standard touchscreen
Hybrid SUVs
With many models to choose from, purchasing a used hybrid SUV is a smart way to get more miles from a tank.
1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
CarMax owner rating
4.7
Pros
Excellent fuel economy estimates Smooth ride Good cargo capacity
Cons
Uncomfortable front seats Mushy brake pedal Unpleasant engine noise
2. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
CarMax owner rating
4.8
Pros
Welcome hybrid fuel figures Generously equipped with standard and available driver assistance Pleasant ride experience
Cons
Tight third-row dimensions Prominent engine noise at full power Limited cargo space
3. Kia Niro
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Great seating and cargo space Standard tech including wireless smartphone connectivity Fuel-sipping powertrain
Cons
Just one engine, and it's a bit slow Front-wheel drive only Can have a rough ride depending on the surface
Best Luxury SUVs and crossovers
Combining great features, style, and practicality, a luxury SUV checks all the right boxes.
1. Acura MDX
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Comfortable seats Large cargo area Handling strikes a balance between relaxed and sporty
Cons
The base V6 engine lacks the power of turbocharged rivals The touchpad interface for the infotainment requires a steep learning curve
2. Acura RDX
CarMax owner rating
4.5
Pros
Decent features and options Roomy cabin and cargo space All-wheel drive with torque vectoring amplifies handling
Cons
Upgrades only available as packages Some drivers may find infotainment screen too high Only one trim, with no chance to trade up on powertrain
3. Infiniti QX60
CarMax owner rating
4.3
Pros
Great passenger space Full of features Quiet and comfortable cabin
Cons
Lackluster acceleration Ride can be rough on some surfaces Front seats could be better
Best electric SUVs
Electric SUVs have become a go-to choice for drivers seeking transportation without sacrificing style or versatility.
1. Tesla Model Y
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Pleasing electric performance options Spacious dimensions for a compact crossover Plenty of high-end, innovative tech
Cons
Distracting touchscreen interface Lacks Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ functionality
2. Volkswagen ID.4 EV
CarMax owner rating
4.3
Pros
Loaded with tech and driver aids Roomy, comfortable cabin Easily tackles U-turns with tight turn radius
Cons
Cumbersome, awkward controls Disappointing interior materials Handling could be sharper
3. Ford Mustang Mach-E
CarMax owner rating
4.8
Pros
Premium interior finishing Exhilarating to drive User-friendly touchscreen
Cons
Limited front-row seat adjustments A hard ride over lumps and bumps
Research SUV and crossover models
Compact
- Buick Envision
- Chevrolet Captiva Sport
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Ford Bronco Sport
- Ford Escape
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Ford Escape Plug In Hybrid
- Ford Mustang Mach-E (electric)
- GMC Terrain
- Honda Accord CrossTour
- Honda CR-V
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
- Hyundai Nexo
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
- Hyundai Tucson PHEV
- Jeep Cherokee
- Jeep Compass
- Jeep Patriot
- Kia Niro
- Kia Sportage
- Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Kia Sportage PHEV
- Mazda CX-5
- Mazda CX-50
- Mazda CX-7
- Mazda MX-30 (electric)
- Nissan Ariya (electric)
- Nissan Rogue
- Nissan Rogue Select
- Subaru Forester
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Solterra (electric)
- Toyota bZ4x (electric)
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota RAV4 EV
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In
- Toyota Venza
- Toyota Venza Hybrid
- Volkswagen ID.4 (electric)
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volkswagen Tiguan Limited
Luxury
- Acura RDX
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- Audi Q3
- Audi Q4 e-tron (electric)
- Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback (electric)
- Audi Q5
- Audi Q5 Hybrid
- Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid
- Audi Q5 Sportback
- Audi SQ5
- Audi SQ5 Sportback
- BMW X3
- BMW X3 Plug In Hybrid
- BMW X4
- Cadillac SRX
- Cadillac XT5
- Genesis GV60 (electric)
- Genesis GV70
- Infiniti EX37
- Infiniti QX50
- Infiniti QX55
- Jaguar E-Pace
- Jaguar I-Pace (electric)
- Land Rover LR2
- Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
- Lexus NX 200t
- Lexus NX 250
- Lexus NX 300
- Lexus NX 300h (hybrid)
- Lexus NX 350
- Lexus NX 350h (hybrid)
- Lexus NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid)
- Lexus RZ 450e (electric)
- Lincoln Corsair (available plug-in hybrid)
- Lincoln MKC
- Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 (electric)
- Mercedes-Benz GLC300
- Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe
- Mercedes-Benz GLC350E Plug In Hybrid
- Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG Coupe
- Mercedes-Benz GLC63 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz GLC63 AMG Coupe
- Mercedes-Benz GLK250
- Mercedes-Benz GLK350
- Porsche Macan
- Tesla Model Y (electric)
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid
- Volvo XC60 Recharge (plug-in hybrid)
Full-size 7-passenger
- Chevrolet Suburban 1500
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Ford Expedition
- Ford Expedition EL
- Ford Expedition Max
- GMC Yukon
- GMC Yukon XL 1500
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer L
- Jeep Wagoneer
- Jeep Wagoneer L
- Nissan Armada
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota Sequoia
Luxury
Mid-size 5- or 7-passenger
Luxury
Mid-size 5-passenger
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Ford Edge
- Ford Explorer
- Ford Explorer Hybrid
- GMC HUMMER EV SUV
- Honda Passport
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 (electric)
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV
- Jeep Gr. Cherokee Trackhawk
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (plug-in hybrid)
- Kia EV6 (electric)
- Nissan Murano
- Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet
- Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- Volkswagen Touareg
- Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid
Luxury
- Acura ZDX
- Audi e-tron (electric)
- Audi Q8
- Audi Q8 e-tron (electric)
- Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback (electric)
- Audi RS Q8
- Audi SQ8
- Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback (electric)
- BMW iX (electric)
- BMW X5 Plug In Hybrid
- BMW X6
- BMW XM
- Cadillac Lyriq (electric)
- Infiniti FX37
- Infiniti FX50
- Infiniti QX70
- Jaguar F-Pace
- Land Rover Range Rover
- Land Rover Range Rover PH
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport PH
- Land Rover Range Rover Velar
- Lincoln MKX
- Lincoln Nautilus
- Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz G550
- Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz GLE300d
- Mercedes-Benz GLE350
- Mercedes-Benz GLE400
- Mercedes-Benz GLE43 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz GLE43 AMG Coupe
- Mercedes-Benz GLE450
- Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz GLE53 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz GLE53 AMG COUPE
- Mercedes-Benz GLE550e Plug In Hybrid
- Mercedes-Benz GLE580
- Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG Coupe
- Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600
- Mercedes-Benz ML250
- Mercedes-Benz ML350
- Mercedes-Benz ML400
- Mercedes-Benz ML550
- Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG
- Porsche Cayenne
- Porsche Cayenne E- PHEV
- Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Off-roader
Mid-size 7-passenger
- Buick Enclave
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Dodge Durango
- Dodge Journey
- Ford Flex
- GMC Acadia
- GMC Acadia Limited
- Honda Pilot
- Hyundai Palisade
- Hyundai Santa Fe XL
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- Kia Telluride
- Mazda CX-9
- Mazda CX-90
- Mazda CX-90 (plug-in hybrid)
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid
- Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Tribeca
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Volkswagen Atlas
Luxury
- Acura MDX
- Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
- Audi Q7
- Audi SQ7
- BMW X7
- Cadillac XT6
- Genesis GV80
- Infiniti JX35
- Infiniti QX60
- Infiniti QX60 Hybrid
- Land Rover Discovery
- Land Rover LR4
- Lexus GX 460
- Lincoln Aviator (available plug-in hybrid)
- Lincoln MKT
- Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 (electric
- Mercedes-Benz GL350
- Mercedes-Benz GL450
- Mercedes-Benz GL550
- Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz GLS350d
- Mercedes-Benz GLS450
- Mercedes-Benz GLS550
- Mercedes-Benz GLS580
- Mercedes-Benz GLS63 AMG
- Volvo XC90
- Volvo XC90 Plug In Hybrid
- Volvo XC90 Recharge (plug-in hybrid)
Off-roader
Subcompact
- Buick Encore
- Buick Encore GX
- Buick Envista
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV (electric)
- Chevrolet TrailBlazer
- Chevrolet Trax
- Dodge Hornet
- Fiat 500X
- Ford EcoSport
- Honda HR-V
- Hyundai Kona
- Hyundai Venue
- Jeep Renegade
- Kia Seltos
- Kia Soul
- Mazda CX-3
- Mazda CX-30
- Mini Cooper Countryman
- Mini Cooper Countryman PHEV
- Mini Cooper Paceman
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- Nissan Juke
- Nissan Kicks
- Nissan Rogue Sport
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Crosstrek PHEV
- Subaru XV Crosstrek
- Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
- Toyota C-HR
- Toyota Matrix
- Volkswagen Taos
Luxury
- Alfa Romeo Tonale
- BMW X1
- BMW X2
- Cadillac XT4
- Infiniti QX30
- Lexus UX 200
- Lexus UX 250 (hybrid)
- Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 (electric)
- Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 (electric)
- Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 (electric)
- Mercedes-Benz GLA250
- Mercedes-Benz GLA35 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz GLB250
- Mercedes-Benz GLB35 AMG
- Volvo C40 Recharge (electric)
- Volvo XC40
- Volvo XC40 Recharge (electric)
FAQs about SUVs and crossovers
SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle and the category covers a wide range of vehicles. Truck-based SUVs with four-wheel drive, like the Toyota 4Runner, have traditionally been what springs to mind when you think of an SUV. That's increasingly not the case, as crossover SUVs have become some of the most popular vehicles around. Those include the Kia Telluride, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
There are many different types of SUVs and they primarily are categorized by size and focus. Seating varies, from five in smaller SUVs, ranging all the way up to eight in some larger mid-size and full-size models.
Of the different sizes, there are:
– Subcompact SUVs, like the Volkswagen Taos
– Compact SUVs, like the Honda CR-V
– 5-passenger mid-size SUVs, like the Nissan Murano
– 7-passenger mid-size SUVs, like the Toyota Highlander
– Full-size SUVs, like the Chevrolet Suburban
Of the different focus areas, there are:
– Off-road SUVs, like the Jeep Wrangler
– Performance SUVs, like the Porsche Cayenne
– Hybrid SUVs, like the Volvo XC90 Recharge
The difference between an SUV and crossover boils down to how they’re built. An SUV resembles a truck but with more seating and enclosed storage space instead of a bed. For example, the Lincoln Navigator is built on the same platform, or chassis, as the Ford F-150. These vehicles tend to focus on off-road ability and towing more than comfort and fuel efficiency.
Crossovers are more similar to cars similar to passenger cars like the Honda Accord. Crossovers are commonly higher off the ground than sedans or coupes but share some characteristics, like a smooth ride and improved fuel economy compared to trucks and traditional SUVs. Examples include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-50.
The Toyota RAV4 was far and away the top selling SUV in 2022. It was followed by the Honda CR-V and Tesla Model Y.
The Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and Lexus NX 200t are among the most reliable and dependable SUVs available.
This will depend on what you need your SUV to do. If you're looking for off-roading, you can't do much better than the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. If towing and space is important, the Ford Explorer is a good option. But a few great, all-around choices include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Ready to find your SUV or crossover?
How we ranked these vehicles
Our "Best of" lists represent the most popular vehicles with CarMax customers. To create the Best lists, our analysts look at CarMax vehicle and sales data over a recent 6-month period and rank the top selling vehicles in order. Looking back over a 6-month period allows for the highest sample size possible while also providing up-to-date pricing information. Each list includes the specific dates used when it was generated. Some articles may include data points with lower sample sizes.
To create our "Most Reliable" lists, our analysts pull the top most reliable vehicles—in order—according to RepairPal rankings. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to provide legal, financial or investment advice. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before transacting and consider talking to a qualified professional about your unique circumstances.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.