The question of the day is; What is the best brand of SUVs to buy? The only correct answer is NONE. No specific SUV brand is the best, as there are many fantastic models from different auto-makers and different price tags. The most effective way to go about it is to review the top brands renowned for essential properties like durability, fuel efficiency, reliability, and versatility. We are happy to help you with the heavy lifting. So, just sit back and enjoy the ride with us.
The Best Brand of SUVs to Buy
SUVs are good for towing heavy payloads, going on road trips, and catering for daily family needs. an SUV will do perfectly. This versatility has made them more popular, which explains the growing number of models flooding the market yearly. We reviewed top contenders for the best brand of SUVs to buy. This way, you can easily identify reliable brands with the best SUV models. Let’s get started.
1. Hyundai
Hyundai is a top player in the automobile industry. The brand is known for offering fuel efficiency, technology, and a generous warranty package. Among its SUV models, you can get hybrid, electric, and gas-only powertrains. Furthermore, they are usually affordable, although they rank among the top offerings. Some of its gas-only models feature the same turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. It delivers different output ratings in the Venue, Tucson, Palisade, Sorento, and the plug-in hybrid Santa Fe.
Hyundai’s Santa Fe is one of the Cheapest SUVs to maintain and repair. The car is attractive inside out and has some of the best tech offerings available within its price range. It has an eight-seater interior adorned with higher-end materials. 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.
Similar to the Venue and other top SUVs from Hyundai, you get two 12.3-inch screens stretching across the left half of the dashboard. One serves for infotainment display, while the other is a digital gauge cluster. The brand’s usual SUV warranty package includes a limited warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles, powertrain warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles
2. Toyota
Toyota is a strong contender for the best brand of SUVs to buy. The Japanese brand has many iconic SUVs in its portfolio. Some of the top players are the Highlander, RAV4, Sequoia, 4-runner, and the iconic Land Cruiser. Inside these SUVs, you get the same 12.3-inch infotainment display, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and steering wheels. Also, the Toyota badge is known for reliability, and this is visible in all its cars.
One of their top SUV models is the Land Cruiser, which has recorded massive sales figures over the years. The 2024 model year features a new boxy design and a hybrid powertrain. This car embodies all the brand’s positive attributes. It is reliable, drives smoothly, and offers the best safety and driver-assistance features. An off-road capable turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with two electric motors to power this car. The same setup powers most hybrid trim levels of Toyota SUVs like the Grand Highlander.
If you’re looking for a three-row interior, the Grand Highlander is perfect for you. Its family-oriented interior can accommodate eight adults and offers the best of Toyota’s technology packages. The model has gas-only and hybrid trim levels. The gasoline engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder common among Toyota pickup trucks and SUVs. Lastly, Toyota SUVs are fuel-efficient and record impressive towing capacities.
3. Mercedes
Mercedes serves a wide range of buyers with its different divisions. Its portfolio of SUVs is insane. For the entry-level Benz division, the GLC-Class is our best SUV. We also have the Maybach GLS-Class, which offers exotic styling inside and out. Performance freaks will prefer the AMG-tuned G63 for its roar and obscene performance.
Whichever way you choose, every Mercedes SUV offers luxury, safety, and driver-assistance features. The GLC-Class is the least expensive model, yet it’s super impressive. It sports an 11.9-inch intuitive infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for displaying mechanical information. All cars in this lineup come standard with heated front seats offering memory settings and adjustable lumbar support. A power-operated sunroof and a power rear liftgate are also standard. Mercedes’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is also available for more excitement.
Mercedes recently introduced the HVAC system, touch-sensitive control buttons on the steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control as standard tech features. The best thing about Mercedes SUVs is that you can choose one that suits you perfectly.
4. Jeep
You cannot talk about fantastic SUVs without mentioning models from Jeep. The brand produces strictly SUVs/trucks and has some iconic lineups in its portfolio. Their cars are usually off-road worthy with powerful engines and four-wheeled driveline configurations. Nameplates like the Wagoneer, Cherokee, and the Wrangler earn Jeep a spot among contenders for the best brand of SUVs to buy.
If you’re in the market for an SUV that can survive harsh road conditions and still take you to the mall, get a Jeep. However, you must be willing to spend a lot on gas. The Jeep Recon EV is the best fit for drivers who prefer electric vehicles. The base Wagoneer and Cherokee are mid-size SUVs that combine performance and interior comfort. Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer can accommodate large families and serve daily needs.
The most popular Jeep, the Wrangler, is an excellent off-roader that will still perform fairly in city driving conditions. It has various engine trim levels ranging from powerful V8s to hybrids. All recent Jeeps share the same 12.3-inch infotainment screen with the U Connect 5 interface. Their interiors are comfortable and tech-savvy with cool standard features like the climate-control system. Lastly, Jeep SUVs have remarkable torque and towing capacities.
5. BMW
Although BMW is more popular for its fantastic sedans and coupes, it still makes a strong contender to be the best brand of SUVs to buy. Among their X series, you get different SUV sizes and designs. There are trims and M-variants for every model. Our favorite BMW SUV model is the X3. It’s also among the Best SUVs under $50,000. Despite this affordable price, its interior is premium, offering a near-luxury experience. It shares the same 12.3- and 10.3-inch infotainment display options as other BMW SUVs.
BMW SUVs all deliver refined ride quality and driving dynamics. They offer power-adjustable front seats with adequate cushioning for long trips. Their trunk spaces, cabin materials, and external designs are always top-notch. BMW’s iDrive interface is intuitive.
The base X1, X2, X3, and X4 run on turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while higher models have a six- or eight-cylinder engine. Rear- and all-wheel drive configurations are available, with automatic and manual transmission options.
For people who prefer electric vehicles and hybrids, BMW offers the XM, iX, and iX3 with electric powertrains. The Motorsport variants often have extra features like adaptive M suspension that enable them to deliver a more sport-like performance. Overall, every driver will appreciate driving a BMW SUV, especially on a long road trip.
6. Genesis
Genesis has just a handful of SUV models, but they are some of the best on the road. The brand offers gasoline, hybrid, and electric SUVs that run well in every regard. Many car lovers favor the GV70 over other models because it offers value for your money. With a starting price below $50,000, the GV70 offers ventilated front seats, manual rear door window shades, a premium Lexicon stereo system, and a remote parking feature standard.
Genesis is a luxury brand that knows how to make an interior appealing. You also get lots of top-tier technology packages, particularly in higher trim levels. Regarding performance, their engines are typically powerful yet fuel-efficient. They come with different impressive drivetrain and transmission options. Advanced safety features like emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning are standard for all Genesis SUVs.
The all-electric GV60 is a compact SUV that runs on rear wheels. It delivers fantastic acceleration and power but is not to be compared with the GV60 Magma that will come soon. Genesis promises lots of sporty enhancements.
7. Lexus
If you love a mix of luxury and reliability, Lexus is the best brand of SUVs for you to buy. And guess what! You don’t have to go broke to afford one. The GX and RX are the most popular SUV lineups from Lexus. The GX is a full-size SUV, while the RX and NX hybrid are midsize and compact, respectively. Furthermore, the GX feels executive inside, and the powerful engines make it ideal for challenging terrains. It can also tow heavy payloads up to 9,906 pounds.
Every Lexus SUV is roomy and comfortable inside, featuring standard equipment like semi-aniline leather upholstery, 10-way adjustable front seats with massage, heat, and ventilation, illuminated door sill plates, and second-row window shades. Furthermore, the most recent models have a 14.0-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Ride quality, transmission, and driveline are always top-class with Lexus.
Lexus’ warranty packages include a limited warranty covering 4 years or 50,000 miles, a powertrain warranty covering 6 years or 70,000 miles, and complimentary maintenance covering 1 year or 10,000 miles.
8. Porsche
Porsche SUVs offer sporty performance and interior comfort for an affordable price tag. Their most popular SUVs are the Macan, Taycan, and Cayenne. Some of their trim levels sport powerful engines that deliver insane acceleration. The cars are also tuned for performance with air-adjustable suspensions, precise steering, and sleek chassis.
The Macan is the best Porsche SUV for people seeking a typical SUV experience. It has the base trims running on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. This engine setup is impressive but less powerful than the sporty trims. Most Porsche SUVs feature the same seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission with all-wheel or rear-wheel drive options. They deliver the same smooth ride and crisp handling with standard features. Optional enhancement features include air suspensions and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).
Gas mileage for Porsches is decent, particularly in the base models. Their interiors are impressive in terms of price ranges. The standard interior equipment in Porsche SUVs are a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-speaker audio system, and power-adjustable front seats.
9. Kia
Kia focuses on reliable and affordable day-to-day cars. Their SUVs are also renowned for good fuel economy and affordable maintenance costs. Telluride, Niro, Sorento, Soul, and Sportage are popular Kia SUV options. The Telluride has a feature-rich interior and delivers good engine performance. It can tow up to 5,500 pounds of payload. The car has great driving dynamics with precise steering and excellent brakes, like other Kia SUVs. Also, it sports off-road capabilities thanks to its 8.4 inches of ground clearance and optional self-leveling rear air suspension system.
Another fantastic Kia SUV is the Sportage. Inside, the Sportage 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. A 12.3-inch display serves as infotainment, and another acts as a digital gauge cluster.
If you’d prefer an EV, opt for the Niro EV. It offers 210 miles of driving range and charges quickly. You also get decent acceleration, standard adaptive cruise control, and the best of Kia’s SUV packages. Additionally, Kia offers one of the longest powertrain warranty coverages available. This lasts for ten years or 100,000 miles.
10. Volvo
It feels like a crime to overlook Volvo when looking to crown the best brand of SUVs to buy. The Swedish auto manufacturer has some of the most well-rounded SUVs on the roads today. The XC60 is one of their top offerings, and it embodies everything you admire in an SUV. Its interior is upscaled and offers ample passenger and sizable cargo space. The Volvo takes corners well, thanks to a tuned chassis and suspension. Also, the car boasts the latest driver assistance and safety technologies.
Volvo SUVs are offered with gas-only, hybrid, or all-electric powertrains. Manual and automatic transmissions, as well as FWD and AWD systems, are available. If you’re looking for a great family hauler, look within the Volvo family. Volvo offers different engine trims and performance attributes and can, as such, serve in various application areas.
Some standard safety technologies in Volvo SUVs are forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning.
Let’s Wrap Up…
Durability and reliability are the most sought-after traits in vehicles, particularly SUVs, as they serve for heavy lifting. We considered this when outlining options that can compete for the status of the best brand of SUVs to buy. This list features auto-makers that built some of the most dependable SUVs available today. Also, their cars are top performers in power, luxury, safety, and technology. Let us know what you think in the comments.
