Best SUVs of 2025: Rankings and Buying Guide

The best rated SUVs excel in all aspects, including safety, reliability, value, and performance. Since SUVs are so diverse today, there’s a wide range of types, including compact, midsize, and full-size. We've created a comprehensive guide of the best SUVs to buy for every lifestyle, including everything from affordable everyday vehicles to high-end family SUVs. Each model was selected based on factors like price, fuel economy, and standout features.

What Makes the Best SUVs Stand Out?

With so many SUVs on the market, it's important to keep an eye out for key features like: 

• Safety ratings

• Reliability scores

• Fuel economy

• Cargo space

• Advanced technology

The best rated SUVs come with driver assistance systems and other beneficial technology to improve road safety by decreasing the number of human errors while driving. When choosing the best SUV for you, it's important to consider the initial cost vs. the long-term ownership costs. Some SUVs might be expensive upfront, but you could save money in the long run by getting good gas mileage and choosing a long-lasting, durable vehicle. The brand reputation and resale value should also play a role in your decision.

Don't forget to consider performance factors like handling, ride comfort, drivetrain system (like all wheel drive), and towing capacity to ensure the SUV meets your needs. Consumer needs vary based on lifestyle, so while some customers may want an SUV for family hauling or outdoor adventures, others may simply need it for daily commutes.

Best Compact SUVs

Compact SUVs still have more space and comfort than small vehicle types, but their size is more manageable for some people than larger SUVs. Compact and subcompact SUVs are great for first-time SUV buyers, small families, and urban residents.

2025 Jeep Compass

• Starting Price: $28,895

• Fuel Economy: 27 MPG (24 city/32 highway)

• Cargo Space: 27.2 cubic feet

• Standout Features: All-terrain tires, Active Driving Assist System, 2,000-pound maximum towing

• Learn more about the 2025 Jeep Compass

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

• Starting Price: $29,995

• Fuel Economy: 27 MPG (26 city/28 highway)

• Cargo Space: 29.8 cubic feet

• Standout Features: HD surround vision, reverse automatic braking, all-terrain tires

• Learn more about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

2025 Dodge Hornet

• Starting Price: $31,590

• Fuel Economy: 24 MPG (21 city/29 highway)

• Cargo Space: 27 cubic feet

• Standout Features: 0-60 MPH in 5.6 seconds, 288 maximum horsepower, customizable touchscreen

• Learn more about the 2025 Dodge Hornet 

Best Midsize SUVs

Midsize SUVs offer a little more space, making them great for growing families and outdoor enthusiasts. They offer the perfect balance between performance and capability.

2025 Chevrolet Blazer

• Starting Price: $37,095

• Fuel Economy: 25 MPG (22 city/29 highway)

• Seating Capacity : 5

• Standout Features: 1500-pound based towing capacity, Chevy Safety Assist

• Learn more about the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer 

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

• Starting Price: $38,490

• Fuel Economy: 22 MPG (19 city/26 highway)

• Seating Capacity: 5

• Standout Features: 6,200-pound towing capacity, 375 horsepower, rear-seat monitoring

• Learn more about the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2025 Dodge Durango

• Starting Price: $38,495

• Fuel Economy: 21 MPG (18 city/25 highway)

• Seating Capacity: 7

• Standout Features: Lane departure warning, 6,200-pound towing capacity, 710 horsepower

• Learn more about the 2025 Dodge Durango

Best Full-Size SUVs

Full-size SUVs typically appeal to large families, luxury seekers, and anyone with heavy towing needs. The increased weight and lack of aerodynamics on these vehicles make them less fuel efficient compared to smaller SUVs, so it's important to take those added costs into consideration.

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

• Starting Price: $41,030

• Fuel Economy: 22 MPG (19 city/26 highway)

• Seating Capacity: 7

• Standout Features: 6,200-pound towing capacity, 375 horsepower, adaptive cruise control

• Learn more about the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

2025 Chevrolet Suburban

• Starting Price: $64,195

• Fuel Economy: 17 MPG (15 city/20 highway)

• Seating Capacity: 9

• Standout Features: 8,400-pound towing capacity, 15-inch display, up to 13 camera views

• Learn more about the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban

2025 Jeep Wagoneer L

• Starting Price: $65,040

• Fuel Economy: 20 MPG (17 city/24 highway)

• Seating Capacity: 8

• Standout Features: 9,800-pound towing capacity, lane-keeping assistant, adaptive cruise control

• Learn more about the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L

Best SUVs for Families

Families with kids should seek dependable SUVs that are safe and spacious. The following best rated SUVs are IIHS Top Safety Pick winners and have many family-friendly features, making them perfect for road trips and everyday travel.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

• Starting Price: $42,195

• Fuel Economy: 23 MPG (20 city/27 highway)

• Cargo Space: 22.9 cubic feet

• Standout Features: Chevy Safety Assist, 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• Learn more about the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

2025 Honda HR-V

• Starting Price: $26,795

• Fuel Economy: 28 MPG (26 city/32 highway)

• Cargo Space: 24.4 cubic feet

• Standout Features: Ergonomic steering-wheel controls, collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping assist

• Learn more about the 2025 Honda HR-V

Best SUVs for Value

The most dependable SUVs can be expensive, so some customers look to save money in any way possible. The following are some of the best SUVs to buy for a good value.

2025 Chevrolet Trax

• Starting Price: $21,895

• Projected Resale Value: $10,224 in 5 years

• Fuel Economy: 30 MPG (28 city/32 highway)

• Warranty Coverage: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty

• Learn more about the 2025 Chevrolet Trax

2025 Hyundai Venue

• Starting Price: $21,650

• Projected Resale Value: $16,590 in 5 years

• Fuel Economy: 31 MPG (29 city/32 highway)

• Warranty Coverage: 5-Year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty

• Learn more about the 2025 Hyundai Venue

2025 Nissan Kicks

• Starting Price: $21,520

• Projected Resale Value: $18,232 in 5 years

• Fuel Economy: 31 MPG (28 city/35 highway)

• Warranty Coverage: 3-year/36,000 mile limited warranty

• Learn more about the 2025 Nissan Kicks

SUV Technology and Safety Features to Look For

Vehicle technology is constantly changing and advancing. Here are some great technology and safety features to look for in your new SUV:

• Automatic emergency braking

• Blind spot monitoring

• Smartphone integration

• Wireless charging

• Premium audio

• Advanced driver assistance

Having advanced features improves long-term satisfaction and resale values. Which features you should prioritize depends on your needs, preferences, and driving habits.

Finding Your Perfect SUV

With so many amazing SUVs to buy, choosing the right one can be tricky. Everyone has different vehicle needs, so it’s important to consider your lifestyle when making your decision. It's always a good idea to test the SUV you're interested in for a hands-on evaluation.

Vern Laures Auto Center in New Hampton, Iowa, has an extensive inventory of Jeep SUVs, RAM trucks, and everything in between. We have a no-pressure sales approach so you can look at and test-drive cars without added stress. Our easy trade-in process and competitive offers make buying the best SUVs a breeze. Visit Vern Laures to explore our SUV inventory.