Best SUVs | 2025 New SUV Models Rankings | CarBuzz
Over the past decade, sports utility or SUV vehicles have surged in popularity throughout the USA, so much so that they’ve single-handedly caused the demise of most small cars. The ergonomic driving position, spacious and comfortable interior, and raised ride height are some of the reasons why these vehicles are so sought-after nowadays. Additionally, SUV-type cars are also versatile, practical, and livable for everyday use, and many of these are also gifted with 4x4 capabilities for added adventuring off-road. With most brands and manufacturers vying for top honors in presenting the best SUVs of 2025, there’s also something for everyone.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.
Lincoln Aviator
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2025 Lincoln Aviator
The highest-rated SUV on our list is the Lincoln Aviator with a BuzzScore of 8.6 out of 10. This luxurious SUV comes in three trims, including the base model Premiere, and tops out at the Black Label. All three trims of the Aviator come with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that makes 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The interior can fit up to seven people, or it can be optioned as a six-seater SUV if you choose second-row captain's chairs. If you need to tow with you Aviator, it can pull to up to 6,700 pounds. This SUV can also fit up to 19.2 cubic feet of storage in the trunk, or 78.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
This is a refined, feature-packed, and high-quality SUV, although it's not the most fun car of its kind to drive.
Chevrolet Tahoe
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe - 3/4 front view
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet makes the list with a couple of SUV models. The first is the Chevy Tahoe with an 8.6 out of 10. The Tahoe is available in several different trims, with the base model LS starting at $59,000, and extending all the way to the High Country trim for a base of $78,700.
There are three engine options for this SUV. The standard powertrain for all trims except for the High Country is a 5.3-liter V8 that makes 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country's standard engine is a 6.2-liter V8 (which can be equipped with the RST, Z71, and Premier trims as well), that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. Finally, there's a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo diesel that makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. The Tahoe is a large seven-seat SUV, and has up to 122.9 cubic feet of storage behind the first row.
Chevrolet Suburban
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2025 Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe both received price hikes for the 2025 model year, but they're both still among the top SUVs available. The Suburban comes in a similar array of trim levels, with the base model LS trim starting at $62,000 and the High Country topping the list at a base of $81,700. Also, like the Tahoe, you get three engine options. Without repeating every metric we said in the Tahoe passage, you can choose between a 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8, or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo-diesel, depending on which trim you'd like. This three-row SUV can fit up to nine people, or fold the second and third-row seats down for a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet of storage space.
The Suburban is a vehicle that targets large families with heavy cargo needs. There are plenty of other three-row SUVS out there, but what makes this one different is its size. This isn't small. This isn't compact. This isn't for city dwellers. This is a huge SUV that easily handles eight people and their cargo; with only a passenger up front, you get 144.5 cubic feet of storage space. But it's roomy enough for adults to get comfortable, not just the kids, and it has a smooth ride. Road tripping in the Suburban is something to look forward to when vacation time rolls around.
- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz
BMW iX
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2025 BMW iX
One of the more luxurious new SUVs is the BMW iX. The iX xDrive50 starts at $87,250, or you can jump up to the iX M60 for a base price of $111,500. This all-electric SUV is sporty with plenty of power and enough room inside for some passengers. Powering the xDrive50 version are two electric motors that make a total of 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque. In this model, you can reach a top speed of 124 mph and accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The iX M60, however, has dual high-performance electric motors that make 610 hp and 749 lb-ft. In the high-performance version, you can hit 60 in just 3.6 seconds. Inside the iX, you can fit up to five people, or 77.9 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats down.
If you can get past its polarizing face, you'll find that the iX has one of BMW's best modern interior designs, and for an EV, it's surprisingly fun to drive.
Genesis GV80
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2025 Genesis GV80
Among the top-rated new SUVs is the Genesis GV80; this luxurious SUV combines sportiness with refinement to great effect. There are six trims to choose from, with the base model 2.5T Standard AWD starting at $58,200, and the lineup topping out with the 3.5 Prestige AWD for a base of $79,800. The base 2.5L turbo-four produces 300 hp, while the twin-turbo V6 has a meatier 375 hp to play with. The GV80 seats up to five people, and with the seats folded down, you can fit up to 84 cubic feet of storage.
Besides its smart Bentley-like design that is refreshingly different in this segment, the GV80 delivers a smooth ride and is packed with features.
Mercedes-AMG GLA 35
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2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is one of the cheapest AMG-badged SUVs on sale, with a base price of $58,050. It looks the part yet is reasonably comfortable, but you don't get as much space as in Merc's larger SUVs. Powering the GLA 35 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. With that much power, Mercedes-Benz claims this SUV can do 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. This model goes directly up against the BMW X1 M35i, which is cheaper ($50,800) and more powerful (313 hp) than the GLA 35. Still, for younger Mercedes fans, the GLA fits the bill as a stylish, sporty crossover.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
2024-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is a practical family SUV with some high-end materials and features. The GLB 250 starts at $45,800, or you can opt for the GLB 250 4Matic at a base price of $47,800. Powering either version of the GLB is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Since this is the base model, it's not particularly sporty, with a 0-60 time of 6.9 seconds. You can fit either five or seven people inside the GLB-Class, fit 12.4 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk, or fold the seats down for a maximum cargo capacity of 62 cubic feet. Third-row space is very cramped, though, so the GLB works best as a five-seater crossover with decent trunk space.
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
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2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35
The last SUV from Mercedes-Benz on our list is the AMG GLB 35. If the base model GLB-Class is not sporty enough for you, then AMG adds some cosmetic improvements to the exterior and interior, and includes more power under the hood. The AMG GLB 35 starts at $60,100; for that price, you get standard 4Matic AWD and an AMG Speedshift dual-clutch automatic transmission connected to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This version of the GLB can do 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. You can still fit either five or seven people inside, and cargo capacity is identical to the base model GLB-Class.
Audi SQ7
2025 Audi SQ7-3
2025 Audi SQ7
The Audi SQ7 is a strong combination of luxury and performance, slotting in below the brand's RS models. This SUV isn't cheap since it starts at $90,800, but you can still use it for hauling the family around, or having some fun with big power. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, which means the SQ7 is good for a 0-60 time of 4 seconds flat and reaches a top speed of 150 miles per hour. The SQ7 can fit seven people or up to 69.6 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded down.
The SQ8 shoves hard off the line to not be embarrassed by its close kin, the much more expensive and outrageous-looking Urus. The SQ7 is no different, and the Tiptronic eight-speed transmission is crisp and assuring around town and on the freeway, then snappy when exploring the all-wheel drivetrain's athleticism.
- Ian Wright, CarBuzz
Ford Explorer
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2025 Ford Explorer
The next best SUV from Ford to make our list is the Explorer. This is a versatile family SUV that can be optioned as a daily driver with some decent power. The base model Active trim starts at $39,755, but the Explorer ST has a bigger powertrain for a base price of $54,260. Powering the Active and ST-Line trims is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost that makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Standard in the ST, and optional in the Premium trim, though, is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
The smaller engine can get the Explorer from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the quicker trims get there in 5.3 seconds. No matter the trim, the Ford Explorer can seat either seven or eight passengers, and up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo with the seats folded.
2025 Nissan Armada
Best SUVs With Captain's Chairs Of 2025
These are the best SUVs if you want to give second-row passengers a deluxe experience.
Top-Rated SUV Models
Those seeking a practical people-hauler with loads of cargo-carrying capacity and a value-for-money specification list will undoubtedly be searching in this segment. With over 200 million large carriers like this in the world at present, the continued drive to expand the new SUV models list leads to ongoing advancements in performance, quality, safety, and even improvements in gas mileage.
Main Characteristics Of SUVs
If you’re shopping for a family carrier high up in the best SUV rankings, these are the common attributes to expect from the cream of the crop:
- Size: Not all SUVs are created equal, especially in terms of size. SUV models come in subcompact, compact, mid-size, or full-size configurations, but overall dimensions are generally a little larger than a standard car, with a bigger footprint to consider in parking lots and tight spaces. Primarily, SUVs tend to be a lot taller than a sedan or hatchback.
- Versatility and Space: One of the benefits of the size and structure of vehicles like SUVs is the ability to utilize the available space in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, there is more room in the cabin for passengers to be seated comfortably, and there is ample cargo-carrying capacity in the trunk, too. With new models offered in varying designs, you can also extend seating capacity to carry more people in a third row. Many also come with captain’s chairs as an option, for added luxury and comfort.
- Safety: With the popularity of these models at an all-time high among families, safety is considered a priority, too. Comparisons between rivals by consumer reports indicate that cars with comprehensive standard safety and driver-assist features score higher in the rankings, and shoppers are more likely to buy top SUVs listing more safety technology. Many SUVs earn top scores and win awards for their consignment of life-saving equipment.
- Performance: While high-performance engines are becoming more readily accessible on the market, SUVs with smaller, more efficient powertrains are also making their mark in the ratings. Hybrid utes are also a growing trend in the US. Either way, SUVs need to have sufficient grunt under the hood to get it moving without feeling lethargic and be able to haul passengers and cargo. In this regard, some of the best SUVs offer excellent towing capacity when properly equipped.
Front quarter view of Genesis GV70, parked
What To Consider Before Buying SUV Models
Pros
- Some models have true off-roading abilities thanks to 4x4
- Excellent safety and reliability ratings
- Highly versatile and practical cabin
- Better cargo space than most regular cars
- Commanding driving position provides exceptional visibility
- Luxurious interiors promote comfort
- Handsome looks and status
- Hybrid and EV variants becoming more common
Cons
- Not always as fun to drive as an equivalent sedan or hatch
- Pricier overall than traditional cars
- Less impressive fuel economy than smaller, lighter vehicles
- Bigger footprint means tight spaces can be problematic
Sources: Lincoln, Chevrolet, Genesis, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Ford
