SUVs, the top-selling vehicles in America, have much to offer drivers who appreciate them. From different sized and styles, with prices that span the high $20s to well over $50,000 for three-row luxury models – there’s much to love about SUVs! Check out some of the most popular SUVs in America for 2023 below.
Car-based SUVs resemble regular cars in appearance and provide more comfortable driving than truck-based models, along with impressive fuel economy and moderate off-road capabilities.
Midsize Three-Row SUVs
No matter your transportation needs – from shuttling kids to soccer practice or hauling along friends on an adventure weekend – an SUV with three rows of seating can make life much simpler. Several models are among the most popular SUVs in America right now. 2023 provides many fantastic choices to meet these requirements: from small, compact models with occasional rear seat usage up to large and luxurious models that comfortably seat eight. There’s sure to be one suitable for every budget and every need!
Toyota leads the pack when it comes to midsize SUVs with its Highlander and Highlander Limited, both receiving top safety ratings from IIHS and featuring various amenities – such as seating seven people comfortably – as well as offering maximum cargo space of any midsize SUV. Furthermore, its new Grand Highlander should add an even greater advantage by sitting between regular Highlander and Sequoia models while offering additional powertrain choices and even hybrid max options.
Nissan offers numerous great SUV options in this segment, such as its Pathfinder, Murano, Armada, and Rogue models. The Pathfinder stands out as an all-purpose vehicle with its comfortable third-row seating and numerous standard and available safety technologies – plus it can tow up to 6,000 pounds! Furthermore, this latest edition comes equipped with features like a panoramic moonroof, rearview camera, and an intuitive infotainment system – making this vehicle truly enjoyable to own and drive.
Kia’s Telluride three-row SUV is another excellent option to consider when searching for a three-row vehicle. It boasts a luxurious cabin, many standard and available features, a powerful V6 engine, and off-road capability thanks to all-terrain tires, cladding, and slight lift capability. Kia also recently updated the Telluride for the 2023 model year with new exterior designs along with updated X-Line and X-Pro trim levels that add even more off-road focus.
GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs also deserve your consideration. Offering flexible seating arrangements – second-row bench or bucket seats can be chosen depending on personal preferences – the Acadia can be tailored to be either a six or seven-seat model and boasts 144.7 cubic feet of cargo space making it one of the largest three-row SUVs on the market.
Compact SUVs
The SUV market is rapidly evolving, and seemingly every day we hear about an electric vehicle-related headline. Yet traditional gasoline-powered compact SUVs remain extremely popular, filling an essential niche for many car buyers, making up a large-enough sector of the most popular SUVs in America. Single people looking for something sporty may prefer an EV; married families seeking plenty of storage space should look into buying an affordable compact SUV instead.
The top compact SUV selections provide drivers with a diverse set of driving dynamics, passenger and cargo capacity options, price tags, and technologies. Furthermore, all-wheel drive is also available alongside several engine choices ranging from an industry-standard four-cylinder up to turbocharged six-cylinder engines.
Kia’s 2023 Sportage may not be as large as other offerings in its segment, but it boasts many modern features and agile handling. Plus, there’s an available hybrid configuration that boosts both efficiency and power output.
Honda’s CR-V stands out among compact SUVs by providing drivers with an array of driver assist features, excellent fuel economy, and a spacious and versatile interior. In fact, you can even opt for its plug-in hybrid version to enjoy an effortless drive experience.
Toyota’s RAV4 remains one of the most beloved vehicles in its class due to its roomy and practical interior, outstanding safety ratings, and strong resale values. Additionally, there is now also an eco-friendly hybrid version which improves fuel efficiency while increasing power.
Subaru’s newly redesigned Crosstrek may look familiar, but its 8.7 inches of ground clearance have made it a favorite among outdoor adventurers. Based on an Impreza hatchback platform with some styling modifications and providing an upscale interior, fun driving dynamics, and numerous tech features – it makes an excellent outdoor car.
Jeep(r) Compass and Renegade compact SUVs are among the most capable in their class, offering front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or combinations thereof across several trim levels – Latitude provides value while Trailhawk and Overland focus more on off-roading capability and luxury respectively.
Large SUVs
Full-size SUVs are always among the most popular SUVs in America and are an invaluable way of transporting both people and their stuff, with ample cargo room, three-row seating capacity, and all-terrain abilities. Plus, their powerful engines and advanced driver assistance features make these large vehicles even more functional than ever.
No matter the task at hand – from hauling gear for your family to an overnight camping adventure – large SUVs will get it done. They feature spacious cabins that provide plenty of legroom for all passengers as well as cavernous cargo areas that can fit lots of gear. Some models even boast impressive towing capacities and off-road capabilities.
Chevy Suburban remains one of the most beloved full-size SUVs on the road and a favorite choice among big families for decades, providing essential transportation. Its massive size commands respect on the road while recent models feature innovative technologies like Super Cruise hands-free driving. Ford Expedition also enjoys widespread popularity; their longer Max variant provides up to 77% more space behind its third row than the standard model.
Toyota Sequoia remains a top option in this category despite its tight third-row seat and lack of options. For those who want something truly luxurious, the Mercedes GLS stands out with its car-like unibody platform and features such as keyless entry, push-button start, 14″ infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility as well as Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.
Though some full-size SUVs can have uneven ride quality, the 2023 Nissan Armada stands out with its exceptionally smooth driving dynamics. Furthermore, it boasts many standard advanced driver assistance features – blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and rear door alert to notify if you forget to close them properly – that help make life simpler behind the wheel.
The BMW X7 is another top-of-the-line luxury SUV packed with cutting-edge tech features. It features a 48-volt mild hybrid system for increased fuel efficiency and intelligent lane intervention that automatically applies the brakes should it detect you unintentionally drifting out of your lane.
Midsize Crossovers
For those needing something larger than a compact SUV but smaller than full-size SUVs, midsize SUVs may be an ideal solution. These cars typically offer three-row seating with adequate cargo capacity. Many also include four-wheel drive capability and capable handling, making these midsize vehicles suitable for rough terrain or inclement weather.
If fuel economy is key to your decision, hybrid models offer great potential. Kia’s front-wheel drive Sorento Hybrid leads the category with up to 39 mpg city/highway fuel economy; Toyota Highlander Hybrid can achieve 37 mpg. The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid also comes close, covering 31 miles on electricity alone.
The best midsize SUVs provide ample passenger and cargo space, agile handling, and an array of modern features. Some even boast advanced safety systems to help prevent collisions and traffic violations; the 2023 Subaru Ascent for instance boasts a top safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety while helping you steer or park in tight spaces more easily.
Many of the best midsize SUVs also boast impressive towing capacities, enabling you to transport boats or campers. The Dodge Durango leads the pack with its V6-rated ability to pull 6,200 pounds; closely behind are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet Traverse.
Car & Driver has long lauded the Chevrolet Traverse as an attractive SUV with seats for up to 8. Car & Driver has highlighted its American design and highlighted its powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine which operates more smoothly at lower RPMs, providing longer engine life and providing smoother rides.
The budget also offers popular SUV models such as the Mazda CX-5 or Jeep Compass that provide an ideal combination of comfort and capability, enabling you to tackle any adventure with style. Plus, both are fuel efficient for an SUV while being agile enough for busy streets or parking lots.
