Best SUVs of 2022
Whether you call them crossovers or SUVs, this body style is diverse and hugely popular, and we think these picks are the best models out there.
SUVs have evolved. A class that started out as truck-like body-on-frame brutes has morphed into car-like vehicles with unibody construction. Though off-road enthusiasts may snub these car-based SUVs (also known as crossovers), consumers have embraced them in huge numbers thanks to their combination of a commanding seating position and pleasant, car-like driving dynamics. A number of these crossover SUVs are even capable of holding their own off the beaten path, while a few drive like tall sports sedans.
Whether you’re looking to save money on a mainstream brand’s SUV or enjoy the grandiose style of a luxury model, our editors have put just about every SUV sold today through our renowned testing regimen. From performance testing to cargo area measurements and a real-world fuel economy challenge, we do it all. This has allowed us to whittle down a list of the best SUVs available, all of which currently hold a spot on our coveted 10Best list or nabbed one of our Editors’ Choice awards for 2022, as well.
Here are the best SUVs for other model years: 2021 | 2020 | 2019
Subcompact: Mazda CX-30
Mazda
Looking like a taller, more rugged Mazda 3 hatchback, the 2022 CX-30 snuggles up next to the CX-5 on the small end of the brand’s SUV lineup. Its curvaceous exterior design and near-premium cabin give the CX-30 an upscale appearance that almost puts it in contention with subcompact luxury crossovers such as the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1, but its pricing is more aligned with mainstream subcompact SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona and the Volkswagen Taos. The entry-level engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which delivers tepid acceleration; hot-shoe drivers will find the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter far more desirable. Handling is agile and the CX-30’s on-road demeanor is reminiscent of Mazda’s sportier offerings, which we greatly appreciate; so much so, that we gave it an Editors’ Choice award. A generous helping of infotainment and driver-assistance features is standard and, starting this year, so is all-wheel drive.
Subcompact: Hyundai Kona
Michael Simari | Car and Driver
When an SUV delivers as crisp a driving experience as the 2022 Hyundai Kona, it’s hard to get hung up on the usual anti-crossover sentiment—so we won’t. The subcompact Kona is, simply put, a great package that blends carlike on-road behavior with bold styling, a dose of practicality, and an elevated driving position; we like it so much we gave it an Editors’ Choice award. Two four-cylinder engines are offered: a 2.0-liter four, which is admittedly pretty poky, and a more desirable turbocharged 1.6-liter four that delivers a lot more punch. Sticking to Hyundai’s value-forward approach, the Kona comes with a long list of standard features which only grows as you move through the more expensive trims—the top few of which get downright posh. The Kona is one of the smaller offerings in the subcompact SUV segment, so it gives up cargo and passenger space to some of its larger rivals, but we think the trade-off for the Hyundai’s compact package and fun-to-drive nature more than makes up for those shortcomings.
Subcompact EV: Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai
Turns out that the subcompact Hyundai Kona SUV is a fine basis for an electric vehicle, as the 2022 Kona Electric retains everything we like about its gas-powered counterpart. Instead of a four-cylinder engine, the Kona Electric is powered by a 201-hp electric motor, and its large battery pack is good for up to 258 miles per charge. That’s key because an EV’s range number is the most important factor in the revved-up electric vehicle marketplace. Chevrolet’s new Bolt EUV carries a claimed 250-mile range while the Tesla Model Y is good for up to 326 miles per charge. On top of its competitive estimated driving range, the Kona Electric delivers perky acceleration, spry handling, and an unbeatable standard warranty and complimentary maintenance package, making it worthy of an Editors’ Choice award.
Subcompact: Kia Soul
Kia
When it comes to toaster-shaped vehicles, the Kia Soul reigns supreme, having outlasted the Honda Element, the Nissan Cube, and the Scion xB. Today it competes with more traditionally styled subcompact crossovers, including the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Jeep Renegade, and the Kia Seltos, but it hasn’t given in to those proportions. It remains a quirky cube and we like it so much that we gave it an Editors’ Choice award. A 147-hp four-cylinder engine comes standard, but Kia offers a powerful 201-hp turbocharged four, which makes the Soul extra perky. The boxy shape provides plenty of room for four adults to cruise in comfort and a suitably large cargo area to hold their gear. If you need all-wheel drive, you’ll have to look elsewhere, as the Soul doesn’t offer it. Nor does it provide standard driver-assistance features.
Subcompact: Volkswagen Taos
Marc Urbano | Car and Driver
Shoppers are clamoring for affordable crossovers and SUVs, and the new 2022 Volkswagen Taos is yet another entry to choose from. While it’s smaller than the compact VW Tiguan, the subcompact Taos has a surprisingly roomy back seat and a sizable cargo hold; its practicality even earned it an Editors’ Choice award. Taking design cues from both the Tiguan and the mid-size VW Atlas, it’s not as stylish or rugged as rivals such as the Mazda CX-30 and Chevy Trailblazer, but the smallest and least expensive VW SUV is still handsome. The Taos also boasts a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine and can be equipped with all-wheel drive. Add its assortment of available driver assists and desirable features and the 2022 Taos is a satisfying option in a popular segment.
Subcompact Luxury: Volvo XC40
Volvo
Among the already fashionable lineup of Volvo SUVs, the even more chic 2022 XC40 is a hip and youthful one. The entry-level model is powered by a 184-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that wears the T4 badge, but the spunkiest version is the T5, which offers 248 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. The XC40 brings with it plenty of tech, too, including available driver assists that are borrowed from higher-end Volvo models, including the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving mode. Still, the XC40 isn’t all flash. Its cabin is thoughtfully designed with clever storage opportunities, and its cargo area is generously sized, earning it a spot on our Editors’ Choice list. Plus, when compared to German rivals such as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-class, the Volvo’s higher seating position will appeal to SUV enthusiasts. If you’re looking for an electrified SUV with similar traits, Volvo also offers the XC40 Recharge, which we review separately.
Subcompact Luxury: BMW X1
BMW
Don’t get hung up on the 2022 BMW X1’s bread-box shape. It’s actually a small, playful SUV that just happens to be practical and easy to live with. All models come with the same 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and it’s perky enough to haul the little X1 around town with alacrity. At the same time, it’s fairly efficient and delivered 29 mpg highway in our testing. Handling is crisp and the ride is refined, exactly what we expect from the BMW brand. Not only does the X1 deliver on-road enjoyment, but its large cargo area also provides plenty of room for cargo and the rear seats are easy to fold flat to make room for bulkier items. Its well-rounded nature has earned it a place on our 2022 Editors’ Choice list. BMW also sells the more stylish X2, which is admittedly even sportier to drive, but we think the X1 offers a better blend of driving fun and practicality.
Subcompact Luxury: BMW X2
Marc Urbano | Car and Driver
While it shares its underpinnings with the more sedately styled X1 SUV, the 2022 BMW X2 distinguishes itself with a fastback roofline and a hot-rod variant that really hustles. With spry handling, the X2 is easy to drive quickly on twisty roads—in fact, some may argue it’s more of a hot hatch than an SUV. Base models come with the same 228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that sits under the X1’s hood, but we favor the M35i’s more powerful 302-hp engine. That sloping roofline cuts into passenger and cargo space, but we’re not bothered; in fact, we even gave the X2 an Editors’ Choice award. Because of its driving attitude, the X2 ranks among our favorite small SUVs on sale today.