beebs
Child with tablet in second row of SUV

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.

A man and a girl unpacking birthday presents and balloons out of the back of an SUV
2020 Nissan Rogue SL

1. Nissan Rogue

CarMax owner rating

4.4

Price range*$11,599$33,998
Estimated combined MPG31 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

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
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude

2. Jeep Grand Cherokee

CarMax owner rating

4.4

Price range*$13,998$49,998
Estimated combined MPG22 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

3.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Rugged powertrain
  • Suite of driver aids

Cons

  • Rigid chassis
  • Overwhelming trim options
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE

3. Toyota RAV4

CarMax owner rating

4.6

Price range*$14,998$36,998
Estimated combined MPG28 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4.5 out of 5

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
Father buckling children into car seats
2021 Buick Envision Essence

1. Buick Envision

CarMax owner rating

4.8

Price range*$15,998$42,998
Estimated combined MPG25 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

5 out of 5

Pros

  • Quiet interior
  • Smooth ride
  • Good value

Cons

  • Small cargo area
  • Less plush than competitors
  • Limited steering feedback
2019 Honda Passport Sport

2. Honda Passport

CarMax owner rating

4.4

Price range*$22,998$42,998
Estimated combined MPG21 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4.5 out of 5

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®
2019 Honda HR-V LX

3. Honda HR-V

CarMax owner rating

4.3

Price range*$14,998$29,998
Estimated combined MPG27 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Roomy seating
  • Easy to get in and out
  • Bigger cargo area than most other extra-small SUVs

Cons

  • Slow acceleration
  • Uncomfortable front seats
Two women smiling and loading shopping into the trunk of a silver SUV on a sunny day
2020 Nissan Rogue SL

1. Nissan Rogue

CarMax owner rating

4.4

Price range*$11,599$33,998
Estimated combined MPG31 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

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
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE

2. Toyota RAV4

CarMax owner rating

4.6

Price range*$14,998$36,998
Estimated combined MPG28 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4.5 out of 5

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
2021 Honda CR-V EX

3. Honda CR-V

CarMax owner rating

4.6

Price range*$12,998$40,998
Estimated combined MPG29 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Spacious interior
  • Intuitive infotainment
  • Smooth ride

Cons

  • Limited cabin storage
  • Noisy hybrid powertrain
  • Hybrid only on upper trims
Man with bicycle behind SUV with bike rack
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee

CarMax owner rating

4.4

Price range*$13,998$49,998
Estimated combined MPG22 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

3.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Rugged powertrain
  • Suite of driver aids

Cons

  • Rigid chassis
  • Overwhelming trim options
2021 Ford Explorer Platinum

2. Ford Explorer

CarMax owner rating

4.4

Price range*$12,998$50,998
Estimated combined MPG19 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

3.5 out of 5

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
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature

3. Mazda CX-5

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$11,998$34,998
Estimated combined MPG24 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Strong overall performance
  • Near-luxury interior
  • Attractive styling

Cons

  • Below-average passenger and cargo space
  • Firm ride quality
  • Weak base engine
Family sitting in open trunk of white SUV next to camping site
2023 Acura MDX with Advance Package SH-AWD

1. Acura MDX

CarMax owner rating

4.6

Price range*$14,998$52,998
Estimated combined MPG19 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

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
2021 Chevrolet Traverse LS

2. Chevrolet Traverse

CarMax owner rating

4.4

Price range*$14,599$47,998
Estimated combined MPG20 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

3.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Intuitive infotainment technology
  • Impressive acceleration
  • Spacious seating across all three rows

Cons

  • Some panel finishing feels subpar
  • Rear row design impairs visibility
2022 Honda Pilot Touring

3. Honda Pilot

CarMax owner rating

4.6

Price range*$14,599$56,998
Estimated combined MPG20 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

3.5 out of 5

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
Two happy women in an SUV turning around to back up the vehicle
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE

1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

CarMax owner rating

4.7

Price range*$21,998$45,998
Estimated combined MPG40 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

Pros

  • Excellent fuel economy estimates
  • Smooth ride
  • Good cargo capacity

Cons

  • Uncomfortable front seats
  • Mushy brake pedal
  • Unpleasant engine noise
2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum

2. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

CarMax owner rating

4.8

Price range*$22,998$52,998
Estimated combined MPG35 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

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
2023 Kia Niro SX Touring

3. Kia Niro

CarMax owner rating

4.6

Price range*$15,998$31,998
Estimated combined MPG43 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4.5 out of 5

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
A woman is pulling her suitcase out of the back of a luxury SUV and another woman turns back to watch her
2023 Acura MDX with Advance Package SH-AWD

1. Acura MDX

CarMax owner rating

4.6

Price range*$14,998$52,998
Estimated combined MPG19 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

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
2021 Acura RDX A-Spec Package

2. Acura RDX

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$14,998$46,998
Estimated combined MPG23 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 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
2022 Infiniti QX60 Autograph

3. Infiniti QX60

CarMax owner rating

4.3

Price range*$16,998$51,998
Estimated combined MPG22 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

3.5 out of 5

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
Man leaning on electric SUV scrolling on his phone as his car charges
2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range

1. Tesla Model Y

CarMax owner rating

4.6

Price range*$28,998$43,998
Estimated combined MPG111 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

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
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S Plus AWD

2. Volkswagen ID.4 EV

CarMax owner rating

4.3

Price range*$24,998$32,998
Estimated combined MPG102 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

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
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT

3. Ford Mustang Mach-E

CarMax owner rating

4.8

Price range*$29,998$41,998
Estimated combined MPG101 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 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. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

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

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.

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.

* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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.