More people transition from sedans to SUVs every day. Especially in America, where people favor utility vehicles over daily runners. Many new SUV models have flooded the market, and some old/discontinued models have also been reintroduced. As a result, drivers may find it difficult to select from many choices. We are delighted to take some of that load off your shoulders. We highlighted 10 SUVs in America that have captured a major share of the market with their performances. Sit back and let us explore the market for you.
The Best 10 SUVs in America
Check out all there is to know about the best 10 SUVs in America today. These are top-class models with premium offerings in every aspect of car user demand. Drivers from other parts of the world can also find a model that suits their needs. Let’s get on to it.
1. GMC Yukon
It does not come as a surprise that the Yukon tops the list of the best 10 SUVs in America. This full-size SUV is very similar to the Chevrolet Suburban. It is known for its great passenger and cargo-hauling abilities. Features like leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, and driver-assistance features are standard across the series.
The base engine is a 5.3-liter V8 that pushes 355 horsepower. A more efficient and powerful 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine is available for 420 horsepower. Also, the Denali trim shares a 6.2-liter V8 engine in Chevy’s Tahoe. It also makes 420 horsepower. All engines share the same ten-speed automatic transmission powering a RWD or an AWD system. This premium trim sports the signature Denali styling with a Mastique ash wood interior, heated and ventilated leather front seats, a 10-speaker Bose Premium Centerpoint surround sound system, active noise cancellation, Magnetic Ride Control, and a head-up display.
The maximum payload rating for the Yukon is 8,400 pounds, and its combined gas mileage ranges between 18 and 25 MPG. An off-road-oriented AT4 model is also available and features a two-speed transfer case, 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and an optional air suspension capable of offering up to two more inches of ground clearance. The latest models of GMC Yukon range between $60,195 and $101,245, depending on your preferred trim and optional features.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai’s Santa Fe is the perfect definition of beauty and brains. It is one of the Best-Performing Ford Edge Alternatives. The car is remarkable inside-out and still sports some of the best technology today. For the latest model year, Hyundai introduced a third seat row and extended the wheelbase to make the Santa Fe even more roomy inside. The exterior boxy shape spreads to the interior with a touch of ruggedness, especially on the dash. There is ample head- and legroom for seven adults and adequate trunk space behind.
Two 12.3-inch screens stretch across the left half of the dashboard. One is an infotainment display, while the other is a digital gauge cluster. Also, a new UV-C sterilization compartment comes in the glove box. You can sterilize germs off your smartphones, wallets, and other pocket-sized items. All gas-only Santa Fes run on the same turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, making 277 horsepower. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard with a front-wheel drive layout. Moreover, you can opt for an all-wheel drive configuration.
This setup may not be the most powerful, but it can tow up to 4,500 pounds of payload. Its zero to 60 mph acceleration time is 6.3 seconds, and its top speed is 131 mph. The base Santa Fe has a gas mileage of 20 and 29 MPG for city and highway conditions, respectively. Meanwhile, the off-road capable XRT trim drops to 19 and 26 MPG, respectively. Lastly, this SUV sports advanced safety features like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. A new Hyundai Santa Fe ranges between $35,365 and $47,915, depending on the trim and optional features.
3. Ford Explorer
Ford’s Explorer is an iconic vehicle. It has maintained a spot among the top 10 SUVs in America for decades. Ford built a practical car with a comfortable interior that served family needs excellently. Inside, you get ample head and legroom for seven occupants adorned in high-end materials. On the dash, you get an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You can also opt for a 10.1-inch vertically-oriented display in top trims.
The base models are powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates up to 300 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. Meanwhile, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 delivers 400 horsepower for drivers seeking more power. A ten-speed automatic transmission pairing with an RWD system is standard for all trims. Moreover, an optional AWD is available for more traction.
The latest models have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Furthermore, the base Explorer is good for 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, the V6 is rated at 18 MPG and 26 MPG, respectively. The car also offers tangible cargo space and lots of safety tech to make it one of the best family cars. You can get a new Ford Explorer for between $41,350 and $57,100, depending on the trim and optional features you opt for.
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee was designed for family activities. It has made a name for itself and ranks among the best 10 SUVs in America. If you love SUVs that can adapt to on- and off-road conditions, you must check out cars like Jeep Grand Cherokee. Inside the cabin, you enjoy a near-luxury interior with comfortable sitting spaces for front and rear-seat passengers. An 8.4- or 10.1-inch infotainment display is standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. You can enjoy built-in navigation, a digital gauge cluster, a 10.0-inch head-up display, and an additional 10.3-inch display in top trims.
Features like leather upholstery, a power-operated rear liftgate, heated front and rear seats, power-adjustable front seats, interior ambient lighting, automatic high beams, and remote start are standard. A 3.6-liter V6 engine pushes 293 horsepower under the hood. Several different all-wheel-drive systems are available, including an electronically locking limited-slip differential.
A Trailhawk model with more robust off-road equipment and greater capability features an adjustable air suspension that provides up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance and a disconnecting anti-roll bar that allows greater wheel articulation for tackling difficult terrain. Go for the dedicated trims if you want even more power and off-road capacity.
Furthermore, the maximum towing capacity is 6,200 pounds, and the top speed is 150 mph. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph requires only 5.3 seconds with this car. Also, the EPA says this car is good for 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. A new Jeep Grand Cherokee will set you back between $39,830 and $68,835, depending on the trim and options.
5. Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota introduced a bigger Highlander specifically for the American market. It is bigger and more powerful, with lots of mechanical improvements. Inside the cabin, there is a three-row interior that comfortably accommodates five adults. There is also ample cargo space, and you can fold the last seats for more luggage. A 12.3-inch infotainment display and a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster are standard, but you can opt for a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge display for more aesthetics.
The Grand Highlander series features a standard engine. This is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that is good for 265 horsepower. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with a standard FWD setup. An AWD system is also available. The vehicle has a top speed of 131 mph and takes 7.0 seconds from zero to 60 mph. Some drivers prefer the Hybrid variant for its extra power and zippier acceleration. It runs on Toyota’s Hybrid Max engine.
According to the EPA, the standard setup earns 21 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway. It amasses a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Toyota packs this car with many driver assistance and advanced safety features. A new Toyota Grand Highlander will set you back between $44,465 and $54,940, depending on your preferred trim level and optional features.
6. Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is another fantastic full-size American SUV. It has a strong road presence and is practical for off-road use. This full-size family SUV offers high-performance SRT trims designed for challenging off-road conditions. It is one of the best in terms of adapting to smooth and harsh driving conditions. The base Durango model features a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabling it to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds.
For those seeking more power, a 4.7-liter V8 engine delivering 360 horsepower is available. This engine also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with 4WD or RWD systems. This setup reduces the acceleration time from zero to 60 mph to 6.2 seconds. While the base V6 model can tow up to 6,200 pounds, the V8 model has a maximum payload rating of 8,700 pounds.
All Durango models are capable of off-road driving and provide a comfortable ride. Driving enthusiasts looking for a thrilling on-road experience can choose the SRT trims, which offer 475 and 710 horsepower. According to the EPA, the base trim achieves 19 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway, while the V8 model achieves 14 and 22 MPG, respectively. The Dodge Durango also excels in safety and driver-assistance technology. The price range for a new Dodge Durango is between $41,265 and $55,700 for the standard models, while the SRT trims can cost as much as $108,795.
7. Kia Telluride
The Telluride is a well-rounded mid-size SUV. Its exterior, cabin, and engine are top-of-the-class. Imagine a fuel-efficient engine that can tow up to 5,500 pounds of payload. It’s a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic to power the FWD layout. You can also have it as an AWD. This big boy takes 6.8 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph and maxes at a top speed of 132 mph.
The car has great driving dynamics, precise steering, and excellent brakes. It can survive harsh off-road conditions thanks to its 8.4 inches of ground clearance and optional self-leveling rear air suspension system. The FWD setup earns 20 and 26 MPG gas mileage for city and highway driving conditions, respectively. Meanwhile, the AWD setup earns 19 and 24 MPG.
Inside, the Kia Telluride is sleek and can be improved by opting for driver’s seat memory settings, a head-up display, heated and ventilated rear seats, a rich-looking headliner, and Nappa leather upholstery. The second and third rows can be had with optional bench seats to increase the number of passengers. A 12.3-inch display serves as an infotainment and another as a digital gauge cluster. A new Kia Telluride ranges between $37,585 and $54,780, depending on the trim level and optional features.
8. Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 is only seven years old and has earned a spot among the top 10 SUVs in America. It is popular for its performance and engaging ride. The car also offers a comfortable ride and is packed with lots of modern-day technology. All CX-5s have a 10.3-inch infotainment display on the dash with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. This system can be navigated using voice commands and buttons on the steering wheel. You also get to enjoy Mazda Connected Services with access to remote vehicle functions via a smartphone app and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot.
A 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower is the standard engine. You can also opt for a turbocharged variant that makes 256 horsepower in the Turbo trims. Both engines use the same six-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system, which is standard. You also get precise electrically assisted steering and sleek chassis to ease cornering and make driving even more exciting. The base trim has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. The turbo-four has a top speed of 130 mph and smashes 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
Furthermore, the EPA estimated that the gas mileage is 26 MPG for city and 31 MPG for highway driving conditions. The more powerful turbocharged engine is rated at 22 and 27 MPG, respectively. One more thing to like about this SUV is that its center console has a deep tray at the front and a useful bin with a removable shelf. A new Mazda CX-5 will set you back between $29,990 and $42,050, depending on the trim and options.
9. Buick Enclave
The Enclave is Buick’s flagship SUV. The latest models share the same platform with Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia, but they have a new design and updated technology. The interior features three rows of seats. It feels a bit executive-level inside, with features like ambient interior lighting, automatic windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats coming standard.
Furthermore, you get a giant 30.0-inch curved display spanning from behind the steering wheel to the dashboard’s center. All Enclaves run on the same turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 328 horsepower. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and drives on an AWD layout. This car smashes 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and records a top speed of 131 mph. Also, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds of payload.
Regarding fuel economy, the car earns 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. If you enjoy thrilling off-road adventures, look somewhere else because the Enclave is designed for comfortable family rides. But it can take a long road trip. The latest Buick Enclave starts at $46,395 and goes up to $59,395, depending on your preferred trim and options.
10. Subaru Forester
The Forester is a comfortable crossover that delivers safe handling. It serves several portions of the market, which is why it ranks among the top 10 SUVs in America. Many drivers favor the car for its mildly sophisticated, roomy interior. Along with tangible cargo space, front and rear seat occupants enjoy ample head and leg room. Since it delivers a quiet and comfortable ride, many drivers favor it as a cool family vehicle.
Every generation of the Forester has had the same 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers up to 182 horsepower. This engine facilitates a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. It relies on a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to route power to the standard AWD drivetrain. This setup can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 115 mph.
Furthermore, according to the EPA, the Forester has a gas mileage of 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The latest Forester models feature a 7.6- or 11.0-inch infotainment screen incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, the Sport trim gets attractive bronze trim and exclusive wheels, including some additional creature comforts such as heated front seats and a good-sized 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. Depending on the trim and options, a new Subaru Forester ranges between $31,115 and $41,390.
Let’s Wrap it Up…
The American automobile market favors large, powerful vehicles over small ones. Drivers in these parts enjoy thrilling off-road adventures, reflected in the type of cars they drive. The top 10 SUVs in America are reliable models that possess the qualities required for American roads. Whatever features you seek in your ideal car, we have the perfect model for you. Additionally, the cars on our list are reliable, so you can pick any with no worries.
