SUVs and crossovers aren’t traditionally very “pretty,” but automakers are proving that these once boxy utilitarian vehicles can be quite the lookers.
So, for those who prefer to start their shopping experience with the most attractive cars available, you’ve come to the right place. There are attractive SUVs and crossovers at every price point, too, although a lot of the prettiest ones tend to be more upscale.
SEE ALSO: The Safest Crossovers and SUVs of 2017
Since beauty is subjective, not everyone will agree with our picks. But in alphabetical order, here are the top 10 best looking crossovers and SUVs we believe are available in 2017.
Acura MDX
The three-row Acura MDX was recently updated and it got a stylish new front end that makes it one of the best looking SUVs available. The big diamond grille, massive badge, and jewel headlights do a lot to make the new MDX look more upscale. The 2017 Acura MDX comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a Sport Hybrid model featuring a 3.0-liter V6 engine combined with three electric motors to produce a combined system output of 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Alfa Romeo’s first SUV has captured many hearts simply because of how good it looks. The signature Alfa Romeo grille translated really well onto the aggressive-looking crossover and the proportions are pretty perfect. Pricing for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio hasn’t been announced, but it will be available in three trim levels when it goes on sale: Stelvio, Stelvio Ti, and Stelvio Quadrifoglio. The standard powertrain is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Those wanting more performance will love the Quadrifoglio variant, which has 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque from a Ferrari-sourced 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.
Infiniti QX70
Infiniti’s lineup is full of crossovers and SUVs, but the unique QX70 is the automaker’s most stylish one. What’s interesting is that this design is quite old, but it has aged really well. Often described as looking like a bionic cheetah, its powerful stance and unique headlights help it stand out. Under its long hood rests a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 325 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque.
Jaguar F-Pace
Arguably the best-looking SUV available today is the Jaguar F-Pace. It’s the British automaker’s first luxury SUV and is even more affordable for the 2018 model year thanks to the addition of an entry-level 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. There’s also a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder diesel engine offering 180 hp, a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine with 340 hp, and a range-topping 380-hp model with the same supercharged V6.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Land Rover has been in the business of making luxury SUVs for decades and the new Range Rover Sport may be the British automaker’s best looking one yet. We love the Rover’s imposing stance, flat hood, and floating roof design. It comes standard with a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged engine providing 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Pricing starts from $66,645, so it’s certainly one of the more expensive options on the list.
Maserati Levante
There’s little surprise that Maserati’s first SUV is gorgeous. The Italian automaker has been in the business of designing beautiful cars since its inception and the Levante is a welcomed addition to the segment. The signature upright Maserati grille and side vents look fantastic on this mean, yet classy looking SUV and it really does look more like a sports car than an SUV. The Levante comes standard with a 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 350 hp, that’s good for a zero-to-62 mph (zero-to-100 km/h) time of six seconds flat. There’s also a diesel option as well as the more powerful Levante S with 430 hp.
Mazda CX-9
As one of the more affordable models on this list, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 is one of the stylish SUVs available today. The SUV’s swoopy lines and strong upright grille help it look more expensive than it actually is. It comes standard with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
Mercedes-Benz along with its high-performance AMG arm have been introducing new crossovers and SUVs at a rapid pace. But its best-looking SUV offering is the recently debuted AMG GLC 63, which has a grille that’s very similar to the one on the sexy AMG GT sports car — it translates nicely onto this high-performance SUV. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine that produces 469 hp on the standard model, while the GLC 63 S brings 503 hp. The S model, however, is only available as a “coupe-style” SUV, and we’re not big fans of how that one looks.
Toyota C-HR
Originally born a Scion, the Toyota C-HR’s styling might not be for everyone, but we’re fans because it gets points for originality. The funky Toyota C-HR has very exaggerated styling and is also the cheapest model on our list. It’s proof that budget offerings don’t have to look boring. The C-HR comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine providing 144 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque.
Volvo XC90
Volvo is enjoying a resurgence following a few years of financial woes and the introduction of the new XC90 certainly helped put it back on the map in the luxury segment. With a handsome and understated design, the Volvo is undeniably Scandinavian. Because of its simplicity, we think this one will age nicely, too. The XC90 offers plenty of features to go with its good looks, like the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a lovely interior.
