Best Looking SUVs on the Market

These Are the Best Looking New SUVs Available Right Now

Hey good looking, I’m talking to you. You know that car, SUV, or truck you stare at when sitting in traffic? Maybe you’re attracted to its clean and modern lines, the sparkle of its chrome, or the brand name. Do you wonder if it is as luxurious inside as it is on the outside? Yes, all of it.

There are beautiful SUVs in all price ranges. High-end luxury, from brands including Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Maserati, are mere fantasies for some, but could they be a reality for you? Head-turners that won’t break the bank include Mazda, Dodge, and Jeep. Luxury doesn’t have to sacrifice safety or fuel economy, see Volvo and Mazda. Some SUVs may surprise you. Think bold and flashy can’t be smart and safe? Consider Cadillac. A word of caution: There are cars that make you look good, and there are cars that look so good that they may make you look bad. Consider your wardrobe before taking the wheel. No sweatpants in the Maserati. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the best-looking SUVs. 

• Read the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Full Review
• See 2017 Cadillac Escalade Photos
• See Luxury Large SUVs Rankings

Jaguar F-Pace

An SUV too sexy to refer to itself as an SUV? It must be the Jaguar F-Pace. The British carmaker’s first SUV under the Jaguar brand prefers to think of itself as a “performance crossover.” Semantics aside, you’ll call it awesome.

Priced at $41,990, the upscale, five-seater F-Pace sticks to its roots with a sports-car feel, but equipped with standard all-wheel-drive to handle unpredictable weather conditions. The turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel engine produces 180 horsepower, which will go from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. Optional supercharged gasoline engines can break 60 mph in just over five seconds. The diesel engine gets the best fuel efficiency at 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.

Enjoy spacious, comfortable seating in both rows. The F-Pace has an array of standard features, but also innovative technology, including a system that recognizes street signs and will slow down the F-Pace if you are going too fast. 

• Read the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace Full Review
• See 2017 Jaguar F-Pace Photos
• See Luxury Compact SUVs Rankings

Maserati Levante

The elegant curves and lines of the Maserati Levante conjures thoughts of a masterpiece chiseled from the finest marble. The luxury SUV combines passion and performance, which is the hallmark of the Italian automaker.

The Levante, staring at $72,600 is equipped with a base 345-horsepower 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The Maserati Skyhook system allows the SUV to adjust comfort or sport-handling dynamics as road conditions dictate. The five-passenger interior is tailored in leather, with contrast stitching, and quality wood and metal accents. An optional designer Luxury Zenga package offers the finest silk and leather detailing. Maserati’s Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive system, an 8.4-inch touch screen with central control knob, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, are standard.  

• Read the 2017 Maserati Levante Full Review
• See 2017 Maserati Levante Photos
• See Luxury Midsize SUVs Rankings

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

One look at the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and you know adventure awaits. The large luxury SUV is made for the road less traveled. It has classic styling of utility vehicles of a bygone era. Sit in a G-Class SUV and imagine driving onto the set of the next Indiana Jones movie. The SUV’s strengths are in its powerful engines, off-road capabilities, and spacious interior.

The base G550 comes with a 416-horsepower V8 engine, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. The AMG G63 563-horsepower V8 engine with sport-tuned suspension and an AMG G65 with a 621-horsepower V12 engine are available. Expect poor fuel economy but generous standard features. The G-Class has an above-average reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates. Deep pockets float this SUV. With a starting price of $122,400, it is priced $32,000 higher than the next highest luxury large SUV in class.

• Read the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Full Review
• See 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Photos
• See Luxury Large SUVs Rankings

Jeep Wrangler

Some things take your mind to summer vacation, like a trip to the beach, the lake, or the mountains. In automotive terms, that is the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler doesn’t score well on comfort, fuel economy, or price, but all of that will likely be waved off as sour grapes by Jeep owners who enjoy the wind in their hair, sun on their faces, and another adventure.

The Wrangler offers four basic trims, but special edition trims are available. The Wrangler is equipped with a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Five-speed automatic is available. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway. Reviewers suggest skipping over the lower two trims and go straight to the Sahara at $30,445 or Rubicon at $33,645, for more features and capabilities. Stick to the Rubicon if you plan for more off-road adventures.

• Read the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2017 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

Mazda CX-3

The Mazda CX-3 is the definition of modern SUV. Sleek and athletic, fuel-efficient and comfortable, the CX-3 has a lot to love.

The top-ranked subcompact SUV has one engine, which is a 146-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available. Enjoy class-leading fuel economy at 29 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. The Mazda is fun to drive, due in part to precise and receptive steering.

Supportive, comfortable front seats can be upgraded with leather and suede.  Heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are also available. The back seat is cramped due to insufficient head and legroom. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the CX-3 a Top Safety Pick+ and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the CX-3 a five-star overall crash test rating. 

• Read the 2017 Mazda CX-3 Full Review
• See 2017 Mazda CX-3 Photos
• See Subcompact SUVs Rankings

Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango looks like it means business, but the midsize SUV is family-friendly with a spacious interior, good cargo capacity, and one of the highest towing capacities in its class. Take the boat or horse trailer out for the weekend and look sharp while doing it.

The Durango, at $29,995, is equipped with rear-wheel drive and a 293-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. All-wheel drive is available. Expect an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. The Durango can tow up to 6,200 pounds and up to 7,400 pounds with an available V8 engine. Good suspension adds to the Durango’s smooth, quiet ride. Upgrades include leather seats, heated and ventilated first and second row seats, and a second-row captain’s chairs. Cargo space expands up to 84.5 cubic feet with the seats down. 

• Read the 2017 Dodge Durango Full Review
• See 2017 Dodge Durango Photos
• See Midsize SUVs Rankings

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a handsome, rugged SUV that can go from hiking during the day to the opera at night. With so many ways to equip your Grand Cherokee, you can be satisfied with the power and capability this midsize SUV offers, whether on the asphalt or in the backcountry.

The Grand Cherokee, priced at $30,395, comes with rear-wheel drive and a 300-horsepower V6 engine, the most powerful base engine in the midsize class. The SUV has an eight-speed automatic, which is perfect for swift acceleration and smooth shifting, say critics. Four-wheel drive is optional. V8 engines and a diesel option are also available. The Grand Cherokee is our No. 1 off-road SUV. Get comfortable with spacious, supportive seating for five adults. Standard features include a rearview camera, parking sensors, and the Uconnect infotainment system. 

• Read the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Full Review
• See 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Photos
• See Midsize SUVs Rankings

Volvo XC90

Mesmerized by the sophisticated elegance of the Volvo XC90, it is easy to forget that the SUV has high safety ratings, a spacious interior, and great fuel economy. True to the Swedish automaker’s dedication to safety, the XC90 is equipped with advanced safety features at every level. The IIHS names the XC90 as a Top Safety Pick and the NHTSA gives it a five-star overall rating.

Choose from four trims, including a hybrid, starting at $45,750.  The base Momentum, with front-wheel drive, delivers 22 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, equipped with a 250-horsepower 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. A hybrid, 400-horsepower T8 engine, gets the best fuel economy at 54 mpg combined. The Excellence trim, at $104,900, available with the T8 hybrid, features reclining, massage-equipped seating for four. The model includes a centrally located beverage cooler and touch-screen that controls heating, reclining and the cooler’s temperature. True luxury.

• Read the 2017 Volvo XC90 Full Review
• See 2017 Volvo XC90 Photos
• See Luxury Midsize SUVs Rankings

BMW X3

The sleek BMW X3 is designed to thrill. Upscale accoutrements paired with powerful engines result in a fine balance for this luxury compact SUV. The five-seat X3 is offered in three models.

Starting at $39,250, the performance-oriented X3 offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 240 horsepower. All-wheel drive is available. Fuel economy is 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. Standard features include the BMW iDrive infotainment system, navigation, Bluetooth, and BMW Assist eCall. Split-folding seats offer flexible storage options. The BMW X3 receives a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA. It earns a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating from the IIHS.

• Read the 2017 BMW X3 Full Review
• See 2017 BMW X3 Photos
• See Luxury Compact SUVs Rankings

Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is the Bruno Mars of SUVs. It’s got the moves, flash, and attitude to let you know it’s arrived. The gold-standard of luxury, Cadillac built this head-turner to be large and in-charge.

Priced at $73,395, the Escalade is equipped with two-wheel or four-wheel drive, and a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, with eight-speed automatic transmission. Choose from four trims, and an extended-length ESV, which is 20-inches longer than the standard Escalade. Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control assures the SUV delivers a smooth, stable ride. The Escalade includes a 360-degree camera system and Safety Alert Seat, which vibrates the driver’s seat to inform you of potential hazards around the vehicle. Expect comfortable seating for up to eight in the three-row SUV, with suede, wood, and metal touches.

• Read the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Full Review
• See 2017 Cadillac Escalade Photos
• See Luxury Large SUVs Rankings

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