- Best SUVs of 2023
- Top Picks
- Best 3-Row SUVs
- Best Midsize SUVs
- SUVs With Best MPG
- Best SUVs for Towing
- Best Crossovers
- Best of the Rest
- Best SUVs by Engine Type
- Best SUVs for Value
- Best SUVs by Drivetrain
- Best SUVs by Type
- TOP SUVs
- Best SUVs by Seating Layout
- Best SUVs by Size
- Best SUVs by Fuel Type
- Best SUVs by Buyer Type
- Best SUVs by Activity Type
- Latest SUV Reviews
- Top Rated SUV Models
- Main characteristics of SUVs
- What to Consider Before Buying SUV Models
- Pros
- Cons
- FAQs about SUVs
- What’s the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market?
- What are the best SUVs to buy for under $35k?
- What should I look out for when buying an SUV?
- Compare the best SUVs
- 1. Skoda Kodiaq
Best SUVs of 2023
Over the past decade, sports utility or SUV vehicles have surged in popularity throughout the USA, so much so that they’ve single-handedly caused the demise of most small cars. The ergonomic driving position, spacious and comfortable interior, and raised ride height are some of the reasons why these vehicles are so sought-after nowadays. Additionally, SUV-type cars are also versatile, practical, and livable for everyday use, and many of these are also gifted with 4×4 capabilities for added adventuring off-road. With most brands and manufacturers vying for top honors in presenting the best SUVs of 2023, there’s also something for everyone.
Top Picks
Best 3-Row SUVs
Best Midsize SUVs
SUVs With Best MPG
Best SUVs for Towing
Best Crossovers
Best of the Rest
Best SUVs by Engine Type
Best SUVs for Value
- Cheapest New SUVs
- Cheapest Small SUVs
- Cheapest Hybrid SUVs
- Cheapest Electric SUVs
- Best Luxury SUVs
- Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs
- Best Luxury Electric SUVs
- Luxury 7-Seater SUVs
- Best Cheap Luxury SUVs
- Best SUVs Under 20k
- Best SUVs Under 25k
- Best SUVs Under 30k
Best SUVs by Drivetrain
Best SUVs by Type
TOP SUVs
Best SUVs by Seating Layout
Best SUVs by Size
Best SUVs by Fuel Type
- SUVs With Best MPG
- Small SUVs With Best MPG
- Midsize SUVs With The Best MPG
- Large SUVs With the Best MPG
- 3-Row SUVs With the Best MPG
- Luxury SUVs With the Best MPG
- Hybrid SUVs With the Best MPG
- Best Hybrid SUVs
- Best Small Hybrid SUVs
- Best Midsize Hybrid SUVs
- Best Large Hybrid SUVs
- Best 3-Row Hybrid SUVs
- Best 7-Seater Hybrid SUVs
- Best Plug-in Hybrid SUVs
- Best Electric SUVs
- Largest Electric SUVs
- Best Diesel SUVs
Best SUVs by Buyer Type
Best SUVs by Activity Type
Latest SUV Reviews
Top Rated SUV Models
Those seeking a practical people-hauler with loads of cargo-carrying capacity and a value-for-money specification list will undoubtedly be searching in this segment. With over 200 million large carriers like this in the world at present, the continued drive to expand the new SUV models list leads to ongoing advancements in performance, quality, safety, and even improvements in gas mileage.
Main characteristics of SUVs
If you’re shopping for a family carrier high up in the best SUV rankings, these are the common attributes to expect from the cream of the crop:
- Size: Not all SUVs are created equal, especially in terms of size. SUV models come in compact, mid-size, or full-size configurations, but overall dimensions are generally a little larger than a standard car, with a bigger footprint to consider in parking lots and tight spaces.
- Versatility and Space: One of the benefits of the size and structure of vehicles like SUVs is the ability to utilize the available space in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, there is more room in the cabin for passengers to be seated comfortably, and there is ample cargo-carrying capacity in the trunk, too. With new models offered in varying designs, you can also extend seating capacity to carry more people in a third row. Many also come with captain’s chairs as an option, for added luxury and comfort.
- Safety: With popularity for these motors at an all-time high amongst families, safety is considered a priority, too. Comparison between rivals by consumer reports indicate that cars with comprehensive standard safety and driver-assist features score higher in the rankings, and shoppers are more likely to buy top SUVs listing more safety technology. Many SUVs earn top scores and win awards for their consignment of life-saving equipment.
- Performance: While high-performance engines are becoming more readily accessible on the market, SUVs with smaller, more efficient powertrains are also making their mark in the ratings. Hybrid utes are also a growing trend in the US. Either way, SUVs need to have sufficient grunt under the hood to get it moving without feeling lethargic and be able to haul passengers and cargo. In this regard, some of the best SUVs offer excellent towing capacity when properly equipped.
What to Consider Before Buying SUV Models
Pros
- Some models have true off-roading abilities thanks to 4×4
- Excellent safety and reliability ratings
- Highly versatile and practical cabin
- Better cargo space than most regular cars
- Commanding driving position provides exceptional visibility
- Luxurious interiors promote comfort
- Handsome looks and status
- Hybrid and EV variants becoming more common
Cons
- Unless you’re buying a performance-oriented SUV, it’s less than thrilling
- Pricier overall than traditional cars
- Less impressive fuel economy than smaller, lighter vehicles
- Bigger footprint means tight spaces can be problematic
FAQs about SUVs
What’s the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market?
Now that SUVs with plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains are becoming more commonplace, there are many that can be considered fuel-efficient options. From the Volkswagen ID.4 with MPGe figures of 104/89/97 to the Tesla Model Y that manages up to 131/117/125 mpg, all-electric SUVs offer incredible efficiency. Hybrid models that make the best of internal combustion and electricity include the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with 41/38/40 mpg and the Kia Sorento Hybrid with 39/35/37 mpg.
What are the best SUVs to buy for under $35k?
SUVs don’t always cost a fortune unless you’re aiming for a performance-oriented version or the top-spec luxury type that’s designed to chauffeur you around in sublime comfort. SUVs that tick all the practicality, versatility, and capability boxes that won’t ask for more than $35k new include the Toyota RAV4 rage, with gas variants starting well below $28k, and hybrid versions below $30k. Hyundai offers the Tucson range for between $26k and $35k MSRP, while Ford has the Ford Explorer for around $34k.
What should I look out for when buying an SUV?
Top-rated SUVs are one thing, but finding one that works for you is another kettle of fish entirely. Depending on what you need from it, an SUV should be powerful enough to carry and tow all your passengers and their stuff, as well as being reasonable at the pumps. Space and size are big deciding factors, too, but reliability and safety are priorities for those who will be using it for family duty. Always check the warranty and recall history to see what you are signing up for, and make sure there are comprehensive safety ratings and sufficient features to keep your most precious cargo safe.
Compare the best SUVs
Everyone wants an SUV right now, with family SUVs almost a default choice for people with kids. Why? Well, the arrival of the SUV in the mid 1990s marked a sea change in the car market, just as the arrival of the practical, flexible and easy-to-drive hatchback did a few decades prior.
Think of an SUV as a tall hatchback — both types of car tend to have a wide-opening, top-hinged boot and fold-down rear seats — but SUVs add in a raised driving position for a better view of the road, plus being taller can make them easier to get in and out of if you have reduced mobility, while strapping young kids into child seats is easier when you don’t have to stoop down. It’s a lot easier for designers to fit a third row of seats into an SUV shape, too, while subjective matters of image, fashion and road presence also come into play to a greater or lesser extent.
Here are the best new SUVs on sale in the UK right now.
1. Skoda Kodiaq
The biggest car that Skoda makes is also one of the best cars that Skoda makes. OK, so the Kodiaq is a laggard when it comes to offering hybrid or electric versions, but it sure delivers on the SUV front — bluff styling, masses of space inside, a huge boot, optional seats for seven, and a high-quality cabin. It’s even quite good to drive, while the driving position is more commanding than some SUVs, and it offers strong value, too.