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SUVs: Reviews, Rankings and Buying Guides

SUVs are the most popular vehicles in America, which also makes them the hardest to choose between. This hub brings together every SUV review, ranking and comparison on NextCarReview, grouped into best-of lists, three-row family haulers, Toyota SUVs, off-road and 4×4 models, and other brands, with the most read guides first.

Compiled by Morgan Reyes
This page is a directory of our published guides on this topic. It is updated as new guides go live.

Featured guides

Best SUVs 2026: Compact, Midsize, 7-Seater RankedWhat it covers: Compact, Midsize, 7-Seater Ranked.
Toyota SUV Models Unveiled: Find Your Perfect Fit for 2025Dive into Toyota’s 2025 SUV lineup, featuring models like the compact Corolla Cross, versatile RAV4, and spacious Sequoia.
Best Toyota SUV Models 2026: Complete Lineup Ranked by Price, Size and UseWhat it covers: Complete Lineup Ranked by Price, Size and Use.
Best New Cars to Buy in 2026: Ranked by Price, Reliability & ValueThe 2026 new car market is the strongest it has been in years.

Pick the right size first

Most SUV shopping gets easier once you choose a size class. Subcompact SUVs are small, efficient and easy to park, and they suit singles, couples and city drivers. Compact SUVs, like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, are the heart of the market, with room for a small family and good fuel economy, especially in hybrid form. Midsize two-row and three-row SUVs add space for growing families. Full-size SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, are built on truck frames and are the choice for serious towing and eight passengers.

Three rows: check the third row in person

A third row sounds great on paper, but they vary widely. In some midsize SUVs the third row works best for children or short trips, while others can fit adults. Also look at the cargo space behind the third row, since some models leave room for little more than a few grocery bags with every seat in use. If you have car seats, check how many LATCH anchors there are and which seating positions they are in. A minivan is still worth a look, because sliding doors and low floors make daily family life easier.

All-wheel drive and 4×4 are not the same

Many SUVs offer all-wheel drive, which helps with traction on wet or snowy roads. It is not a substitute for good tires, and winter tires often make a bigger difference than the drive system. True off-road SUVs, like the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, and Land Rover Defender, add low range gearing, locking differentials, more ground clearance and tougher construction. If your off-road driving is limited to gravel roads and snowy driveways, a regular AWD SUV is usually enough and will be more comfortable and efficient on pavement.

Hybrid SUVs are now mainstream

Most major brands now offer a hybrid version of their best selling compact and midsize SUVs, and some models are sold only as hybrids. For drivers who spend a lot of time in traffic, a hybrid can cut fuel costs noticeably. Plug-in hybrid SUVs add some electric only driving if you can charge at home. For fully electric SUVs, see our electric cars guide.

Safety, reliability and running costs

Check IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the exact model year you are considering, since ratings can change after a redesign. Look at recall history and owner reliability data. Compare insurance quotes before you buy, since premiums can vary between similar SUVs. Tire size also matters; large wheels look good but tires for them usually cost more to replace.

Luxury SUVs and what you pay for

Luxury SUVs from brands like Lexus, Cadillac, Lincoln, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover add quieter cabins, nicer materials and more technology. They also tend to carry higher maintenance, insurance and depreciation costs. A top trim of a mainstream SUV can offer many of the same features for less, so compare both.

How this page is organized

We start with our ranked best-of SUV lists, including our most read guide to the best SUVs of 2026. Then come three-row and family SUVs, Toyota SUVs, off-road and 4×4 models, and reviews from other brands. For direct matchups, visit our car comparisons hub.

A short SUV buying checklist

  • Bring your car seats, stroller or sports gear to the dealer and check how they fit.
  • Sit in every row you plan to use, including the third row, for a few minutes.
  • Check cargo space with all seats up, not only with the rear seats folded.
  • Compare the hybrid and gas versions if both are offered, including price and fuel cost.
  • Confirm which safety and driver assistance features come on the trim you can afford.
  • If you tow, look up the rating for the exact engine and drive system, since it can vary by configuration.
  • Get insurance quotes and ask for a written out the door price before you negotiate.

All guides in this section

Ranked SUV lists

Three-row, minivan and family SUVs

Toyota SUVs

Off-road and 4×4 SUVs

SUV reviews from other brands

Frequently Asked Questions

What size SUV do I need?
Singles and couples often do well with a subcompact or compact SUV. Families of four usually fit a compact or midsize two-row SUV. If you regularly carry more than five people, look at three-row SUVs and minivans.
Is AWD necessary on an SUV?
AWD helps with traction in rain and snow, but good tires matter just as much. If you live where winters are mild and roads are paved, front-wheel drive may be all you need.
Are hybrid SUVs worth it?
For drivers who spend a lot of time in stop and go traffic, hybrids can save a meaningful amount of fuel. Compare the price difference with your expected fuel savings over the years you plan to keep the SUV.
What is the difference between an SUV and a crossover?
Crossovers are built like cars, with unibody construction, while traditional SUVs are built on a truck style frame. Most SUVs sold today are technically crossovers.

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