Are you a young adult ready to go out on a spree? If yes, you must be searching for an SUV that suits your needs. However, with numerous options available in the market, picking the right SUV can prove to be a daunting task. Don’t fret, we got you! The best SUVs for young adults are safe and stylish yet inexpensive, so you can have the best of both worlds while traveling on the road.
You definitely need a reliable SUV for your Sunday drives, day-to-day errands, or anything in between. Whether you live in an urban area or love nature, there is always an SUV that helps you get around the bends and curves of life’s journey. Here, we will go through the best SUVs with perfect performance and features, combined with great value for money, to help you find the ideal vehicle to match your lifestyle and take your adventures to the next level. Let’s go!
1. Kia Soul
Our top-rated subcompact SUV, the Kia Soul, is a great choice for novice and experienced drivers. The Kia Soul is also one of the best cars for teens. It has an outstanding reliability rating of 87 out of 100 and an overall four-star rating from the NHTSA, demonstrating its superior safety and dependability. The Soul offers a wide range of driver-assistance and basic safety features at a reasonable cost.
It features a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Its interior boasts an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium materials, and heated seats. In addition, it offers 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space for the rear seats, expanding to 62.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The S model comes standard with features like rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking. For parents who have teenagers, it also has Kia Connect, which enables parents of teens to keep an eye on their driving from a distance. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $4,500 to $10,900 and $12,400 to $24,900 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $20,500 to $25,950.
2. Hyundai Tucson & Tucson Hybrid
With good reason, the Hyundai Tucson is on our list of the best SUVs for young adults. But it’s also one of the best cars for teen drivers. It has an NHTSA overall rating of five stars, which indicates that it is a very safe car. Additionally, Tucson has a number of additional safety features and driver-assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, and automated braking.
The Hyundai Tucson 2024 model has a 2.5-liter inline-4, which produces 187 horsepower. Inside, you’ll find a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium interior materials, and heated seats. It provides 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and opens up 74.8 cubic feet with its seats folded. For parents who want to get this for their teenage driver, BlueLink is added when you upgrade to the SEL trim, allowing you to monitor your teen’s safety while they drive. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, like its nonhybrid sibling, is also an excellent option for a young driver because of its extensive technology package and strong safety ratings.
The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $5,380 to $19,500 and $10,700 to $30,500 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $27,430 to $38,620.
3. Subaru Crosstek Hybrid
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is our choice for Best SUVs for young adults because of its excellent crash ratings, wide list of advanced safety and driver-assist features, and great fuel economy. It features a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and electric motor producing 137 horsepower. Its interior boasts an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium materials, and heated seats. The car offers plenty of cargo space (15.9cu) behind the rear seats, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with seats folded.
Additionally, the Crosstrek Hybrid boasts an impressive array of safety and driver-assistance systems to further protect young adults, like as lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, head restraints, rear cross-traffic alert, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and forward and reverse automated emergency braking. The EPA reports that the Crosstrek Hybrid can achieve a combined city and highway driving efficiency of 35 miles per gallon, making it an efficient option as well. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $11,870 to $36,981 and $12,400 to $35,900 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $26,320 to $39,765.
4. Subaru Outback
The 2021 Subaru Outback appeals to the extrovert young adult due to its adventure-ready exterior, cargo-friendly cabin, and standard all-wheel drive. It offers different kinds of engines, including a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, making 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Inside, the cabin boasts an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium materials, and heated seats.
It also offers 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats-opening up to 75.7 cubic feet with folded seats. The Outback’s spacious cabin makes it ideal for a weekend getaway with friends, while its average fuel efficiency makes it suitable for the transition to your everyday commute. The Subaru Outback now includes adaptive headlights and a rear seat reminder system. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $5,500 to $14,375 and $14,270 to $27,580 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $28,880 to $44,540.
5. Ford Escape
This car is an excellent choice for weekend explorers with a regular commute. It’s one of the best SUVs for young adults. This fuel-efficient compact SUV provides ample capacity for passengers and goods and comes with a choice of hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. It also has a classic internal combustion engine model.
2021 Ford Escape features a range of engines, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. Its interior boasts an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium materials, and heated seats. Furthermore, it offers 34.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 60.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The Escape comes equipped with a 12-volt outlet, two USB ports, six cup holders, and Ford Co-Pilot360 safety and driver assistance technology. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $6,300 to $12,400 and $12,400 to $17,500 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $29,980 to $40,000.
6. Subaru Forester
This basic all-wheel drive Forester small SUV, like a lot of the Subaru collection, is the perfect vehicle for an adventurer. Through its EyeSight safety system, the Subaru Forester comes equipped with a number of basic safety driver assistance features. The Subaru Forester features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower.
Its interior boasts an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium materials, and heated seats while offering 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space at the rear seats, and expanding to 60.5 cubic feet with seats folded. In 2021, Subaru standardized automatic high beams and adaptive LED headlights for the Forester series. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $6,900 to $10,200 and $10,000 to $15,000 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $26,500 to $37,000.
7. Range Rover Sport SV
The finest production Range Rover to date, the Range Rover Sport SV, stands at the top of the lineup. Its 4.4-liter V8 mild hybrid twin-turbo engine produces 626 horsepower, which is a lot more than the SVR model. It replaces 542 horsepower. Even though the SV weighs 2560 kg, it has supercar capability, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds. Its interior boasts a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium materials, and heated seats. An eight-speed automatic transmission distributes power to all four wheels. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $5,900 to $19,900 and $19,950 to $183,000 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $141,340 to $229,000.
8. Porsche Cayenne Turbo
This is among the fastest and best SUVs for young adults available in the real world. A Cayenne Turbo can travel farther, faster, and in any weather condition than most cars because of its exceptional visibility and incredibly efficient chassis. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo includes engines that come fitted with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 729 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. The interior boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium materials, and heated seats. It has plenty of space (27.2cu ft) behind the rear seats and up to 60.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $8,400 to $98,200 and $100,500 to $158,800 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $80,500 to $161,230.
9. Audi SQ7
The SQ7 first rose to the limelight because it handled the task of becoming a fast, effective, and amazingly useful SUV in a somewhat different manner than the majority of its competitors. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel V8 engine was at the heart of everything, giving the SQ7 both quite amazing speed and average fuel economy. It produces 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft, which are all used to amazing use.
The Audi SQ7 interior boasts a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium materials, and heated seats while offering 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 35.7 cubic feet with seats folded and 69.9 cubic feet maximum. This car is amazing; it’s quick, elegant, and quite comfy, and it can accommodate seven passengers in its cabin. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $8,800 to $25,430 and $26,600 to $46,450 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $41,870 to $84,990.
10. BMW X5
This car is a mid-size SUV that skillfully combines performance, luxury, and efficiency. It is one of the best SUVs for young adults. Its latest makeover has improved the exterior’s aesthetic, but the interior is still a lavish retreat with premium materials and the latest technology. Some of the engines include a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that makes 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque for the BMW X5. It provides 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.3 cubic feet with folded seats.
The base inline-six and the twin-turbo V8 are two of the powerful engines that the X5 has under the hood, providing enough power for every driving situation. The plug-in hybrid model offers a remarkable electric range and an ecologically friendly alternative. The X5’s dynamic driving experience is one of its perks. It provides a peaceful and comfortable ride while still being responsive and quick, striking a balance between comfort and sportiness. Its captivating driving qualities are a result of the accurate steering and finely calibrated suspension. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $4,850 to $12,950 and $14,760 to $34,540 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $60,600 to $89,560.
11. LEXUS LX
A few years back, Lexus launched the brand-new LX. And as we all know, Lexus is among the best brands of SUV you can get. This big luxury SUV still has a lot of power, even though it replaces the old V8 with a new twin-turbo V6 that produces 409 horsepower. It’s surprisingly capable on tough terrain when combined with Crawl Control, a dual-range transfer case, and roughly eight inches of ground clearance.
The LX’s 8,000 pounds of towing capacity is particularly helpful on regular roads, enabling owners to transport a variety of big, oddly shaped items. Although the LX has a rugged exterior, the interior is just as pleasant and strong as any other Lexus. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $15,440 to $46,440 and $47,400 to $56,780 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $92,100 to $104,400.
12. Jeep Grand Cherokee
For young adults looking for both comfort and adventure, the Jeep is a flexible option because it combines off-road performance with luxurious pleasures. It’s one of the best SUVs for young adults. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has different engine options package such as a 3.6 liters V6 with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Inside, there is a touchscreen infotainment with an 8.4-inch display, high-end materials, and heated seats.
The cargo space is 36.3 cubic feet behind the back seat and extends to 68.3 cubic feet with folded seats. Its roomy cabin accommodates both families and single travelers with plenty of room for cargo and cozy seats for up to six people. The Grand Cherokee’s efficient V6 engine provides more than enough power for daily driving and towing. The Grand Cherokee is an appealing choice for anyone looking for a premium SUV that can handle different driving situations because of its durable build quality, standard equipment, stability controls, modern safety systems, and classic Jeep style. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $4,700 to $15,500 and $20,768 to $29,900 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $40,800 to $80,800.
13. Chevrolet Traverse
If you frequently fold down the back seats to carry a lot of items, Chevrolet has some of the greatest SUVs available. It’s one of the best SUVs for young adults. This also applies to the Traverse, which has 98 cubic feet of cargo space when the back seats are folded. It can accommodate eight passengers, making it a handy people-hauler as well. The 2024 model outperforms the earlier V6 with a 2.5-liter turbo-four that produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft. Furthermore, the off-road-focused Z71 type equips you for any adventure with features like all-wheel drive, a skid plate, off-road suspension, trailering equipment, and all-terrain tires. The prices for used 2010 to 2018 models range from $2,900 to $20,500 and $20,660 to $32,330 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $38,450 to $41,350.
14. Volkswagen T-Roc
The Volkswagen T-Roc is the best SUV to pick if comfort is your first concern. It’s also one of the best SUVs for young adults. Additionally, this doubles if you choose the entry-level Life trim level, which comes with very small 16-inch alloy wheels and high-profile tires that are perfect for absorbing bumps and flaws in the road.
Under the hood, a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine sits, producing an output of 148 HP and 184 lb-foot of torque. For the interior, it features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital cockpit, and premium materials. Cargo space is 12.2 cubic feet, expanding to 45.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing ample room for passengers and luggage. However, these specifications depend on the affordable model you choose.
You won’t be short on features, either, because Life trim still includes dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, adjustable lumbar support, and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. The T-Roc also has a superior driving position compared to many of its competitors. The prices for used 2017 to 2023 models range from $7,770 to $15,500. Meanwhile, new models range from $36,650 to $63,330.
15. Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque can be the ideal vehicle for you if you desire the interior of a large SUV but with the size of a small one. With a higher seat than most cars in the class above, you have a great perspective of the traffic up ahead. The 2024 Range Rover Evoque has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that develops 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The interior has top-shelf materials, heated seats, and even a panoramic sunroof, with the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 15-speaker sound system providing in-car entertainment.
Furthermore, the cargo space is 21.5 cubic feet, expanding to 50.5 cubic feet with folded seats. Everything feels appropriately premium and is made to withstand the demands of family life. The Evoque has a plug-in hybrid option as well as a standard petrol or diesel engine, the latter of which is particularly helpful if you intend to tow a caravan. Whatever you decide, the Evoque can transport you farther and the ride comfort is impressive. The prices for used 2011 to 2018 models range from $8,600 to $18,880 and $18,430 to $37,750 for 2019 to 2024 models. Meanwhile, new models range from $49,900 to $54,530.
Conclusion
The best SUVs for young adults offer a perfect blend of style, safety, and affordability. Models like the Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape provide excellent value, while the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Audi SQ7 cater to those seeking luxury. Consider factors like average fuel efficiency, tech features, traction control, and reliability when choosing the ideal SUV for your lifestyle.
