Best SUVs of 2024 and 2025

There are plenty of choices in today’s popular SUV segment. Here are our picks from the wide range of models available now.

If you’re a new car buyer, chances are an SUV is on your shopping list. And if that’s the case, you’re spoiled for choice. Each year, SUVs are becoming more and more popular, and to cover every nook and cranny of consumer interest, from small baskets to big boxes, automakers continue to diversify the range of SUVs and crossovers in their lineup. The automotive landscape includes models that cater to the frugal-minded among us, the most performance-focused buyers, and every consumer in between. As a result, the competition is forcing changes to these types of vehicles. The dull SUVs of yesterday still exist, but there are also a number of delightfully engaging alternatives as well, not to mention some seriously off-road capable options.

Finding the best SUV in a field this large is a lot to chew through. We’ve split the more than 200 new crossovers and SUVs for sale today across 13 segments to find the ones that dare to be good. Our editors have put every SUV sold today through our comprehensive testing regimen to filter out the pretenders. We’ve driven them all to decide which ones deserve a spot on our 2023 Editor’s Choice list, not to mention naming a few of the very best of these vehicles to our 10Best Trucks and SUVs of 2023.

Subcompact: Hyundai Kona

Whether you call it a low-riding SUV or a tall hatchback car, the diminutive 2023 Hyundai Kona is a practical and fun-to-drive vehicle, which makes it one of our faves. The entry-level engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes only 147 horsepower, but the optional turbocharged mill dials in some spiciness that better matches the Kona’s nimble handling. Like other Hyundai models, the Kona comes packed with a generous list of standard features—including driver assistance and infotainment technologies—at a reasonable price. More than reasonable, actually. Considering that rivals such as the Kia Seltos and the Volkswagen Taos cost thousands more to start, you may find it easy to justify splurging on a higher-trimmed Kona model even if you’re on a budget. The Kona may not have as much passenger or cargo space as some of its larger rivals, but when it comes to driving satisfaction, it’s a bundle of spunky, funky fun—no matter whether you think it’s a car or an SUV.

Subcompact: Kia Niro

In addition to a city-friendly size and an affordable starting price, the 2024 Kia Niro boasts fashionable styling that’s as eye-catching as it is tasteful. The entry-level Niro is powered by a 139-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, which is admittedly rather poky, but if you want more power, there’s a plug-in-hybrid version with 180 ponies and a 33-mile estimated battery-electric driving range. Inside, the Niro’s contemporary image continues, with a cabin that’s equally as chic as the exterior. Kia uses sustainable materials where possible, including the upholstery and the headliner, the latter of which incorporates eucalyptus leaves. Road manners are agreeable—if somewhat forgettable—but the Niro feels right at home in urban environments. If you’re looking to go all-electric, Kia also sells the Niro EV.

Subcompact: Kia Soul

Forget the hamsters—the 2024 Kia Soul is an attractive and distinctive option among today’s crop of subcompact SUVs. Its boxy styling is extroverted and its interior offers whimsical touches, but the Soul oozes practicality thanks to a spacious cabin that’s roomier than you’d expect given the car’s small footprint. The Soul also offers an impressive amount of features for the money given that it’s less expensive than many rivals including the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Jeep Renegade, and the Kia Seltos. There’s only one powertrain on offer—a 147-hp four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive—but the Soul is still good to drive thanks to its comfortable ride and refined demeanor.

Subcompact: Mazda CX-30

Driving verve ranks high on our list of priorities and the 2024 Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV that easily satisfies our desire for fun-to-drive transportation. The CX-30 is based on the Mazda 3 compact car, which explains its athleticism and its class-above cabin furnishings—both of which set it apart from rivals such as the Subaru Crosstrek and the Volkswagen Taos. With the entry-level 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the CX-30 can feel a bit sluggish, but if you’re so inclined, Mazda offers a more powerful—and more expensive—250-hp turbocharged version. All-wheel drive is standard with either engine; both come with a six-speed automatic transmission. The higher-end trims offer near-luxury accommodations inside, which make the CX-30 a more luxurious option in the subcompact crossover segment. You could even consider it as a cheaper alternative to premium-branded models such as the Audi Q3 or the BMW X1.

Subcompact: Volkswagen Taos