SUV Smorgasbord
Sport-utility vehicles offer unrivaled versatility, value and convenience. They haul cargo and passengers, masterfully blend all-weather ruggedness and commuter-car civility, and do it all for a single price. How much shoppers pay determines the level of rig they’ll drive — it’s all about budget. In entry-level SUVs, additional investment can obtain more advanced drivetrains with all-wheel drive and more extravagant interior appointments. Higher-end offerings may include all-wheel-drive, more powerful engines, as well as more opulent luxury touches. The following list of new SUVs spans the spectrum from bargain-basement $20,000 examples to $200,000 rolling palaces with supercar performance.
$20,000–$30,000
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i
Starting MSRP: $21,795
The Crosstrek is a great way to start this list, because it’s a value leader that includes Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and checks in with the lowest price of the two dozen SUVs we’re covering here. The Subaru is a bit Spartan on the inside with very few luxury touches, but has solid mechanicals in the form of a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine and a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The Crosstrek is great for younger buyers who are just starting out and/or want to spend time exploring the great outdoors.
Honda CR-V LX
Starting MSRP: $24,150
The CR-V is the third-best-selling SUV of 2017, and the LX delivers the goods with a 184-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a well-rounded driving experience. It is a front-driver; upgrading to Honda’s Real Time AWD demands a $1,400 premium. The CR-V has a long list of standard equipment that adds value to the equation and Honda’s K24 engine is known for its reliability, so the CR-V will be part of the family for many years to come.
Nissan Rogue S
Starting MSRP: $24,800
Rolling on a fresh redesign, Nissan’s best-selling vehicle — and the second-best-selling SUV in 2017 — looks to broaden its appeal by offering more bang for the buck. Motivation is provided by a 2.5-liter 170-horsepower 4-cylinder engine backed by an Xtronic CVT. Increasing the Rogue’s traction potential with Nissan’s Intelligent all-wheel drive bumps the price by $1,350. The Nissan doesn’t excel in any one area but does everything well, which has apparently struck a chord with the buying public.
Jeep Wrangler Sport 2-Door
Starting MSRP: $26,995
The Wrangler is an all-new proposition for 2018, and this Jeep features mild design changes but retains its iconic silhouette and trademark grille. Wrangler is the brute of the bunch, built body-on-frame style like a pickup truck, so it’s more rugged and has more suspension travel than a typical car-based crossover. Four-wheel drive is standard fare and the redesign includes upgraded Dana axles, more ground clearance and a more refined interior. Pop the hood to reveal a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with a stout 285 horsepower on tap. Upgrading to a 4-door Sport costs $30,495.
$30,000–$40,000
Volkswagen Atlas S
Starting MSRP: $30,750
Like its name implies, Atlas is Volkswagen’s largest SUV and a fresh-sheet design. Thinking big, VW drew up three rows of seating, no less than 17 cupholders, and a wide multi-pane panoramic sunroof. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 235 horsepower in base S front- drive trim. Jumping to the V6 S with 4Motion delivers all-wheel drive and the optional 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a starting MSRP of $33,950.
Toyota 4Runner SR5
Starting MSRP: $34,410
The 4Runner is a real chart-topper, offering solid, reliable mechanicals, bold styling and a generous list of standard equipment. The base version is rear-wheel drive with a standard 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine and 5-speed automatic combo. For those who want 4-wheel drive, the SR5 Premium delivers the goods with part-time shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive for $36,285. Opting for the Limited at $44,760 delivers Toyota’s top-of-the-line full-time 4-wheel power.
Infiniti QX50
Starting MSRP: $34,650
Infiniti has a knack for blending luxury and performance in just the right ratio. The QX50 is no exception. Its 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 powerplant can trace its roots to the Nissan 370Z. The base QX50 is rear-wheel drive and its 7-speed automatic transmission features a manual shift mode with sequentially selectable gearshifts and Downshift Rev Matching that is also off the 370Z menu. Upgrading to Intelligent All-Wheel Drive bumps the bottom line to $36,450. Infiniti has a new 2019 QX50 due out in spring 2018, so keep an eye out for deals on this model.
Jaguar E-PACE S
Starting MSRP: $38,600
Meet Jaguar’s all-new SUV. The E-PACE is also the automaker’s first compact SUV. Peek under the bonnet and you’ll see a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 246 horsepower on tap. All-wheel drive is included, and a 9-speed automatic is standard fare. The E-PACE is 173 inches in length — two inches shorter than the Subaru Crosstrek. This Brit delivers a much more upscale driving experience replete with an interior trimmed to the nines.
Lexus NX 300
Starting MSRP: $35,985
This Lexus is new in design and name. Formerly the NX200t, the NX300 retains the same 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine but sports a new look. Sharply-angled headlights and the polarizing Lexus spindle grille treatment make the NX a love it or hate it proposition. Positioned as a sporty option in the Lexus crossover lineup, the base NX has the look and interior appointments, but it’s front-wheel drive. Grippier all-wheel drive increases the sticker price to $37,385, and going green with the 300h hybrid costs $38,335.
$40,000–$50,000
Volvo XC60 T5 AWD Momentum
Starting MSRP: $41,500
Remember when Volvos were boxes with wheels? No more, and the all-new XC60 illustrates why. Smaller than the XC90, the XC60 comes in three flavors. The base Momentum is very well-appointed with a leather-trimmed interior, a vast panoramic sunroof, LED lighting, leading-edge infotainment, and tons of electronic safety equipment. At $44,800 the R-Design brings a sportier suspension and interior to the party. The $45,300 Inscription, at the top of the T5 family, features an exclusive wood-trimmed interior and chrome body accents. All T5s are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 250 horsepower.
Chevrolet Suburban LS
Starting MSRP: $49,915
Boxy, bold and versatile, the Suburban is one of Chevrolet’s longest-running nameplates, dating back to 1935. With our list dominated by sophisticated engines and refined, high-society interiors, the Suburban is blunt and capable. It’s 224 inches long, built on a truck frame, runs a pushrod V8, and isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds and seating of up to nine passengers. The LS is rear drive; upgrading to four-wheel drive means jumping into the LT trim with a starting MSRP of $59,595. Looking for the ultimate American-made people mover? Here it is.
$50,000–$60,000
Ford Expedition XLT
Starting MSRP: $51,695
Speaking of large and in charge, the Expedition is Ford’s answer to the Suburban. The Expedition comes in two sizes: the standard version at 210 inches and the longer $54,385 Expedition Max at 221.9 inches, which seats up to eight passengers. Built on the F150 pickup truck frame, the Expedition takes a different tack under the hood with Ford’s high-tech EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 powerplant with 375 horses at the ready. Adding 4-wheel drive to the base XLT adds $3,000 to its bottom line.
Mercedes Benz GLE 350
Starting MSRP: $52,200
German luxury is in full effect with the GLE 350, and is most apparent in the cabin where fine materials are crafted to perfection, matched with a long list of high-end amenities. The GLE 350 is a more of a cruiser than a spirited performer — its 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 lacks the muscle of other rides in its price range on this list. Further, it doesn’t have the same focus on handling prowess that many others do. Adding Mercedes Benz 4Matic all-wheel drive to the equation bumps the GLE 350’s price to $54,700.
Jaguar F-PACE S
Starting MSRP: $59,775
The F-PACE is one of the more athletic SUVs on the road . . . in both style and substance. The lineup includes all-wheel-drive, an enthusiastic use of premium materials, and a high degree of attention to detail. The S trim is an up-level version that delivers Jaguar’s capable 380-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6. This engine makes more out of the Jag’s outstanding chassis and suspension than the entry -level 247-horsepower turbo four. Both powerplants are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a cool dial shift to toggle between drive modes and paddle shifters for when you can’t wait.
Audi SQ5 Premium Plus
Starting MSRP: $54,300
All new for 2018, the SQ5 is a high-performance variant of Audi’s Q5 midsize SUV. It brings 354 horsepower from a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive to the party.
Other sporty features include S-badged 6-piston front brake calipers, leather/Alcantara seats with S stitching, and a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster that can be personalized to meet the driver’s wants and needs for viewing navigation, audio, driving modes and more. It’s a premium SUV for those who want to stay connected.
$60,000–$70,000
BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance
Starting MSRP: $63,750
Here’s a curveball on this list — a hybrid. The BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance features a 2.0-liter Twin Power turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 240 horses on tap and an eDrive 111-horsepower electric motor that results in a total output of 308 horsepower, according to BMW. The hybrid is the fourth out of six X5 trims, only outdone by a V8 and the high-performance M Power variant. BMW has figured out the X5, optimizing it and offering distinct trims that are focused on value, commuting, luxury and performance, making it easy to pick a winner.
Porsche Macan GTS
Starting MSRP: $68,900
The GTS is a mid-trim model in the Macan hierarchy, but it delivers top-flight performance as one of the most capable canyon carvers on our list. Smaller than the Porsche Cayenne, the Macan draws power from a stout 360-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and features standard Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive. The Macan GTS also includes the performance-bred Porsche Active Suspension Management, an air suspension, 6-piston front brakes as standard equipment, and a high-performance cockpit to match.
$70,000–$80,000
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Starting MSRP: $77,000 (est.)
Named for the winding roads of Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps, this Alfa has a lot to live up to for an SUV, but it has the right stuff. Beyond its classic Italian good looks, the Alfa has the skillset to impress when the road gets twisty. Under the hood, a 505-horsepowe, 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine gets teamed with Alfa’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system. The Quadrifoglio — the highest of three Stelvio trim levels — has the most sophisticated version of Alfa’s DNA Drive Mode, dubbed DMA Pro. This advanced system not only modifies throttle response and drivetrain behavior but makes suspension adjustments on the fly. Bring it on, crooked roads!
$80,000–$100,000
Maserati Levante S
Starting MSRP: $86,250
Here’s some more spicy marinara straight out of Italy. The Maserati Levante is also named after nature — specifically a wind in the Mediterranean known for its volatility. The vehicle’s design seems to take its namesake into account; the Levante possesses one of the more sleek, aerodynamic designs on the road. The upscale S version delivers 424 horsepower from its 3.0-liter V6 powerplant — 79 horses more than the base Levante — and comes with Maserati’s Q4 all-wheel drive, as well as supple Italian leather throughout its lavish interior.
Land Rover Range Rover
Starting MSRP: $87,350
Possessing an exterior that looks ready for New York’s Fashion Week and an interior that rivals an ultimate first-class cabin on Emirates Airlines, the new Land Rover struts on the leading edge of luxury. The SUV has some of the most intricate, interesting and aggressive LED headlights on any vehicle. Beyond the facade, this Brit flexes a 340-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine and an all-wheel-drive system that earned its stripes in the deserts of the Serengeti. The Range Rover is an intoxicating blend of posh civic duty and rugged all-terrain unrest.
$100,000–$200,000
Tesla Model X P100D
Starting MSRP: $135,500
Here’s a capable outlier for your consideration: an electric all-wheel-drive SUV. In true Tesla form, the Model X is a highly-configurable and innovative slice of technology. The interior can be set up to seat five, six or seven, and the center dash gauge cluster/control center is huge at 17 inches in diameter — it looks like an iPad on steroids. Outside, the Model X offers a sleek body and wicked up-lifting Falcon Wing doors. Tesla’s standard AWD has 259 horsepower on both the front and rear motors, while the P100D performance edition has 259 horsepower up front and a 503-horsepower rear motor. Tesla claims up to 295 miles per charge. Some juice for your commute?
Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Starting MSRP: $124,600
The Cayenne Turbo is all new for 2018. The SUV sports reworked headlights and taillights and Turbo-specific front and rear fascias, 21-inch wheels, and a beefier exhaust system. The spiciest pepper currently in the Cayenne lineup, the Turbo produces 550 horsepower from its 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8. The engine is backed by an 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox, and Porsche’s Traction Management AWD system puts the power down. Inside is one of the most dynamic and sportiest cockpits on this list. Need more than 550 horsepower? A Turbo S variant is expected at the tail end of 2018.
$200,000 and up
Mercedes Benz AMG G65
Starting MSRP: $220,000
This SUV is what happens when you let Mercedes Benz Formula One race engineers loose in the design department. Yep, Mercedes’ AMG crew went straight for a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 with a walloping 621 horses on the business end. They cut back on safety stuff, and chased the roughest ride they could dial into the suspension. This rig is the best of the best. The hip-to-be-square AMG G-Wagen is turning 40 and getting a big redesign. So this layout may be on borrowed time. If you must own one, Mercedes is producing 65 Final Edition models before the redesign . . . so tap into that off-shore account quickly.
Bentley Bentayga
Starting MSRP: $229,100
This SUV is for the richest of the rich — the type of people who count how many yachts they have on two hands. The Bentayga is over the top in both opulence and raw speed. The Bentley’s 6.0-liter W12 engine pumps out 600 horsepower and looks like a diamond in a gold-laced jewelry box sitting in the engine bay. Inside, the driver enjoys a palatial interior while prodding the Bentley to its 187-mph terminal velocity . . . and yes, this makes it the world’s fastest production SUV. For those who have a bottomless budget, your SUV has arrived.
