2020 Porsche Macan
$50,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
With the Porsche Macan, the automaker hit the nail on the head with something it does magnificently: combine sporty performance and luxurious cabin appointments harmoniously. The curvy Macan mimics Porsche’s sports cars with a sloping roofline, an athletic, hunkered-down stance, and a silhouette that looks more like a hatchback than an SUV. The Macan’s rear end features two massive tailpipes and an LED strip that connects the taillights in a harmonious manner like Porsche’s other vehicles. Opt for a sportier trim of the Macan, and the SUV comes with quad exhaust outlets.
At first glance, the Macan’s high-tech cabin may seem overwhelming with a slew of buttons dominating the center console. There are quite a few buttons, but they're logically placed and easy to reach from the driver’s seat. The ignition is to the left of the steering wheel, a Porsche touch, and an oversized tachometer sits front and center in the instrument cluster. Higher trims come with an analog-digital stopwatch on the dashboard for an even sportier touch.
The Macan comes well-equipped with tri-zone climate control, leather and suede upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and a 10.9-inch touch screen. Optional features include things like 18-way power-adjustable front sport seats, heated front seats, an Alcantara headliner, and a panoramic roof.
2020 Cadillac XT6
$52,695 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 is an all-new SUV and one of the brand’s newest additions to its lineup. While the XT6 sits towards the bottom of our ranking of luxury midsize SUVs, the Cadillac stands out for its muscular, luxurious design. Featuring Cadillac’s shield-shaped grille, slim headlights, and vertical daytime running lights, the XT6 makes a strong first impression. To be able to accommodate a third row of seats, the XT6’s greenhouse is larger than smaller SUVs in Cadillac’s lineup, resulting in a more traditional rear end.
The interior of the XT6 doesn’t have the same stylish design as the exterior. While quiet and spacious for up to seven people, the materials on the inside of the XT6 are behind those in other luxury SUVs. The XT6's cotal cargo capacity is impressive for the class, as the SUV has up to 78.7 cubic feet of space behind the front seats.
Even the base XT6’s Premium Luxury trim comes well-equipped with leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, wireless device charging, a sunroof, and heated front seats. Plenty of optional extras are available, including a rear-seat entertainment system, heated rear seats, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and ventilated front seats.
2020 Volvo XC40
$33,700 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
In our ranking of luxury subcompact SUVs, the Volvo XC40 ranks in the top three. This funky subcompact vehicle looks similar to a downsized robot in the best way possible. Blending blocky design elements with angular cues, the XC40 is the youthful model in Volvo’s lineup. Thor’s hammer headlights, a concave grille, and a squared-off front end mimic a design found on other Volvo vehicles. The C-shaped taillights, twin exhaust outlets, and angular tailgate are youthful touches on the XC40. The available R-Design trim comes with a black roof, giving the XC40 a sportier look.
Despite being one of Volvo’s most affordable vehicles, the XC40 features an elegant and tastefully designed cabin. The SUV is a lesson in minimalism with few buttons and a simple design that makes it feel like a true luxury vehicle. Interior accommodations for passengers are better than a lot of other subcompact SUVs, too, though the XC40’s seats aren’t nearly as comfortable as those in Volvo’s more expensive models.
Volvo’s standard Sensus Connect infotainment system is controlled through a standard 9-inch touch screen that resembles a tablet. Features included with the system include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, an eight-speaker audio system, and three USB ports. Wireless device charging, navigation, and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are available.
2020 Rivian R1S
$72,500 l U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
There are quite a few automakers that are coming out with electric SUVs shortly, but one of the better-looking options that we’re looking forward to is the Rivian R1S. Production of the all-electric R1S hasn't started yet and there’s a small chance that the SUV’s design could change before it officially goes on sale. Still, the R1S has a stunning design.
Mixing qualities from Land Rover and Tesla, the R1S looks like a futuristic take on an old-school SUV. The lighting on the R1S is especially unique, as the front end features oval stadium-styled headlights that are connected by one large horizontal bar. In the rear, another large horizontal bar acts as the SUV’s taillights. A luxurious box with wheels, the R1S is the prime vehicle to usher in a new age of electric SUVs.?
The interior of the R1S is a luxurious atmosphere. Going along with the R1S’ electric powertrain, Rivian utilized sustainably sourced wood and paired it with natural colors and textures to make the cabin look like nature. Two large displays dominate the dashboard, while a nearly button-less design helps the SUV look like a true luxury vehicle. A full list of features for the R1S hasn’t been announced yet, but we’re expecting the SUV to be packed with all sorts of modern goodies.
2021 Kia Seltos
$21,990 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
Because of missing safety data, the all-new 2021 Kia Seltos goes unranked in our list of subcompact SUVs. Despite not having a score, it’s easy to see that Kia nailed it with the design of the vehicle. In a segment that’s known for vehicles with cute designs, the Seltos stands out thanks to an aggressive, yet blocky design. Kia’s signature tiger nose grille makes the first impression at the front, as do the stylish headlights. While the rear end isn’t as good looking as the front, multi-colored roof options are available, highlighting the Seltos’ boxy silhouette.
Thanks to its boxy design, the Seltos has one of the more spacious cabins for the class, offering passengers in both rows a generous amount of space. Aligning with the SUV’s low price tag are several hard plastics, though they’re handsomely styled. The design of the center console is a highlight of the cabin, as it’s well organized and looks more like a luxury vehicle’s.
A well sized 8-inch touch screen is standard, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims come with a larger 10.25-inch touch screen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Available convenience features like synthetic leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless device charging, and automatic climate control also help the Seltos feel more substantial than other subcompact SUVs.
2020 Mazda CX-5
$25,190 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
The Mazda CX-5 is one of the few handsome vehicles in the compact SUV segment and it’s also one of our highest-ranked vehicles in the class. Mazda’s made a move upmarket recently by focusing on stunning designs and high-quality materials. Place a luxury badge on the CX-5 and few would be able to tell that it doesn’t match. The CX-5’s slim headlights, slender front air intake, curvy roofline, dual exhaust outlets, and sharp taillights are just a few of the athletic touches on this SUV. Chrome exterior trim pieces and Mazda’s large trapezoidal grille are the luxurious part of the equation.
Moving inside the SUV reveals one of the nicest designs for the segment. The sweeping lines of the dashboard and the pentagonal shapes of the air vents are a stylish contrast. Mazda’s roots of putting performance first are apparent with the three large circular gauges. While the front seats are spacious and comfortable, the second row is best at accommodating two adults instead of three. Premium materials, especially in the range-topping Signature trim, lead the class.
With things like Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an 8-inch touch screen, and a moonroof, the CX-5 feels just as good as it looks on the inside. The downside to the handsome design is a small amount of cargo space. In total, the CX-5 only has 59.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
2020 BMW X5
$58,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The BMW X5 has been a staple in the German automaker’s lineup for years. The design of this SUV hasn’t changed much, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As usual, BMW has done an excellent job blending its character sporty cues with luxury ones. BMW’s kidney grilles are front and center, sitting below a ridged hood that points to the SUV’s performance. The X5’s rear end isn’t that special, but the large exhaust outlets and the trim piece that connects the taillights are two standout elements at the back.
The interior of the X5 matches the stylish, athletic look of the exterior. A large 12.3-inch touch screen dominates the dashboard, sitting atop a stylish center console with clearly labeled buttons. High-quality materials are located throughout the cabin, as the SUV features synthetic leather upholstery, soft plastics, and aluminum trim.
High-end features like a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, quad-zone climate control, power soft-closing doors, heated and cooled cup holders, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and wireless device charging are available. The X5 is a tech-forward SUV, as it can come with gesture controls, allowing drivers to adjust certain infotainment settings with hand motions.
2020 Audi Q8
$68,200 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
The 2020 Audi Q8 is part of the new wave of SUVs with a similar design to a two-door sports car. The idea doesn’t sound that great on paper and we’ll be the first to admit that the majority of SUVs that fit into this category aren’t all that good looking, but the Q8 is one of the rare ones that do.
Despite its stature as a midsize SUV, the Q8 has a hunkered-down stance that really makes it look like an aggressive, high-performance vehicle. Audi’s oversized single-frame grille dominates the front end, while body winglets lead into the grille. Wide fender flares and a sharply raked D-pillar help give the Q8 its aggressive flair. The rear end of the SUV is just as dramatic with large exhaust outlets, an angular tailgate, and razor-sharp taillights.
While the exterior of the Q8 is athletic, the interior puts luxury first with a tech-forward design. The Q8 trades buttons for screens, featuring a total of three screens that range in size from 8.6 inches to 12.3 inches. Two of the screens are located on the dashboard and are used to control nearly every aspect of the SUV. Audi’s slick Virtual Cockpit system that allows the digital instrument cluster to display maps is also standard. Pair the Q8’s tech features and its upscale materials, and you have one of the nicest SUVs on the market.
2020 Jeep Renegade
$22,375 | U.S. News Overall Score: 6.8/10
The majority of subcompact SUVs have funky, sweeping designs to stand out from the competition. Jeep took another route with the Renegade, opting for something boxier and more rugged. The Renegade may be Jeep’s baby SUV, but it still has all of the same styling elements as the brand’s larger options. A seven-slotted vertical grille, short overhangs, and rugged body cladding are all on display. The SUV also has an upright design giving drivers clear sightlines out of the vehicle.
Thanks to its boxy design, the Renegade has an airy cabin, though it can really only seat four people comfortably. Despite having a lot of plastic, the SUV has a well-built cabin that doesn’t look cheap. Placing functionality and usability above styling, the Renegade has buttons and dials that make controlling features easy.
You won’t find a lot of standard safety features with the Renegade, as it puts off-roading first. Standard features include a 5-inch touch screen, a six-speaker audio system, a USB port, and Bluetooth. Available features include an 8.4-inch touch screen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
2020 Land Rover Range Rover
$90,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10
Seven years after a redesign and the Land Rover Range Rover is still one of the better-looking SUVs on the market. The large luxury SUV epitomizes everything that’s good about the segment, especially when it comes to its design. The Range Rover has an unmissable presence on the road thanks to its signature rectangle footprint and short overhangs that hint toward its off-roading prowess. The SUV’s LED headlights and daytime running lights give it a distinct Land Rover touch. “Range Rover” is written prominently on the SUV’s clamshell tailgate. For a large luxury SUV, the Range Rover has an understated design that stands out, but doesn’t draw attention to itself.
Unlike a lot of other large SUVs, the Range Rover only has two rows of seating, which means plenty of space for up to five people. Beyond its spacious cabin, the SUV features high-quality materials thanks to real wood trim and the finest leather upholstery.
The entry-level Range Rover comes with two 10-inch touch screens, a 13-speaker Meridian audio system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, tri-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats as standard. A variety of optional features are available and include things like massaging front seats, semi-aniline leather upholstery, quad-zone climate control, and 22-way power-adjustable front seats.
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
$87,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
Very few other SUVs can multitask like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Whether it’s chauffeuring passengers around in luxury, tackling an off-road course, or beating supercars in a quarter-mile drag race, the Grand Cherokee can do it all. Out of the entire lineup, the performance-oriented Trackhawk trim is the best-looking option, in our opinion.
Being the track-focused trim in the lineup, the Trackhawk comes with a host of exterior changes that make it look more aggressive than any other Grand Cherokee ever. Its aggressive stance comes courtesy of massive fender flares, a lower ride height, and enormous wheels. The nostrils on the hood and three air vents directly below the grille are hints at the 707-horsepower motor that powers the SUV. At the back, the Trackhawk looks like any other Grand Cherokee, except for the quad tailpipes.
On the inside, the Trackhawk ups the ante by bringing sporty cues to the SUV’s upscale cabin. Heavily bolstered front seats are outfitted with Nappa leather and suede upholstery. Despite the performance seats, the rest of the Trackhawk is still a Grand Cherokee, which means a spacious cabin with sturdy build quality. Every Trackhawk comes with an 8.4-inch touch screen that comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
2020 Lincoln Aviator
$51,100 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
Lincoln rolled the Aviator out as an all-new model for 2020. While Lincolns of old were criticized for simply being more upscale versions of Ford vehicles, the Aviator is so much more than just a fancy Explorer. The Aviator is a true luxury offering, and it all starts with the sheet metal.
Classy and understated, the Aviator looks like it belongs in the world of luxury SUVs. The grille, which is comprised of Lincoln’s logo, is the SUV’s most eye-catching feature. It sits in between swept-back headlights and above a U-shaped front air intake. An ever so slightly raked roofline helps the Aviator keep up with the modern SUV trend, while the quad exhaust tips and elegantly styled rear taillights that are connected by a horizontal LED bar are other nice touches.
The sloping roofline eats into headroom in the third row, making it tight for adults on long trips. Except for that issue, the Aviator is a serene oasis on the inside. The simple yet elegant design of the dashboard matches the classy exterior design and the SUV’s top-notch materials are stunning. Lincoln even focused on the small things by recording the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for musical chimes and warnings.
Lincoln packs the base Aviator with all sorts of features. A 10.1-inch touch screen, smartphone compatibility, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 10-speaker audio system, synthetic leather upholstery, and heated front seats are standard. Things like supremely comfortable 30-way power seats, massaging front seats, a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, wireless device charging, and quad-zone climate control are all available.
2020 Kia Telluride
$31,690 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
A brand-new model in the midsize SUV segment, the 2020 Kia Telluride goes against the industry trend of curvy designs with a boxier, more rugged look. Beyond the boxy footprint, the Telluride stands out with a bold design thanks to Kia’s Tiger Nose grille, rectangular headlights, and wide front air intake. The back is just as stylish with R-shaped taillights, “Telluride” written under the Kia badge, and a burly bumper. If there’s one odd element in the SUV’s design, it’s the exhaust outlets that have been pushed to one side of the body.
While some may not like the Telluride’s bold exterior, the interior is undeniably upscale. The SUV goes beyond having high-end materials by featuring a classy design that looks like it belongs to a vehicle that’s far more expensive. The layout of the center console is especially classy, with simple lines and well laid out buttons. The SUV also has spacious seating for up to eight and a generous amount of cargo space – up to 87 cubic feet of total storage.
Kia’s known for being a value-forward brand, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that the Telluride is packed with all sorts of features as standard. Even the base LX comes with an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, synthetic leather upholstery, six USB ports, and push-button start. The Telluride’s range-topping SX trim comes standard with dual sunroofs and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and can be equipped with Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated second-row seats.
2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
$130,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is fresh off a complete redesign in 2019, but you’d be hard-pressed to see that unless you know what you’re looking for. What started off as a go-anywhere-do-anything SUV for the military has evolved into one of the most recognizable SUVs on the planet. A list of the best-looking SUVs wouldn’t be complete without the G-Class.
Still as boxy as ever, the G-Class has all of the same attributes as the old-school G-Wagen from yesteryear, but with a much more modern aesthetic. The round headlights, rectangular grille, prominent brush guard, and upright windshield are distinct styling elements on the SUV. Around back, you’re getting tiny horizontal taillights and a nearly arrow-straight design. Take a closer look at the G-Class, and things like the exposed door hinges, external spare tire, and boxy fender flares are all reminders of the SUV’s roots.
Over the years, Mercedes has greatly increased the level of luxury on the inside of the SUV. High-end leather upholstery, attractive trim pieces, and high-tech features all seem out of place because of the SUV’s rugged exterior. Comfort is also a highlight of the G-Class, as five people will find the seats to be spacious.
Tech is a major upside of the new G-Class. You’ll find a large 12.3-inch display, a 15-speaker Burmester audio system, tri-zone climate control, an in-cabin air purifier, a sunroof, as well as heated front and rear seats. The G-Class may be expensive, but it has the features to stand out in the luxury segment. Nappa leather upholstery, massaging front seats, a two-tone dashboard, a heated steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a rear-seat entertainment system are available.
2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
$41,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is one of the few SUVs that prioritizes sportiness over utility. Similarly styled to the Giulia sports sedan, but with a higher ride height, the Stelvio is a gorgeous vehicle. The Stelvio has a sharp nose with a triangular grille and two large overall air intakes that sit below angular headlights. The fenders flow into the tall hood, while the roofline follows a dramatic curve to look more like a hatchback. The curvy rear windshield, triangular taillights, and large oval exhaust pipes are sporty cues at the back of the SUV.
A stylish and sporty interior is found on the inside of the Stelvio. Sharp edges coexist with smooth lines, creating a dramatic design that’s nearly as sporty as the exterior. Two large gauges, oversized paddle shifts behind the steering wheel, and oval air vents are stylish design elements. The design takes the front seat with the Stelvio, as fit and finish, material quality, and comfort aren’t on par with competitors.
As a luxury compact SUV, the Stelvio comes well-equipped with a long list of standard features. An 8.8-inch touch screen, five USB ports, an eight-speaker audio system, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and remote start are standard. Available features include a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 14-way power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
2020 Lamborghini Urus
$207,326 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
Exotic SUVs with supercar-like performance aren’t new, but the Lamborghini Urus looks to raise the bar. Having a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that makes 641 horsepower surely draws some attention, but it’s the SUV’s sharp design that will draw people in. Lamborghini is known for penning vehicles with sharp edges and unique lines, and it’s the same with the Urus.
Razor-sharp headlights sit below a sweeping hood, while the front end has a dramatic front air intake design that dominates the front of the SUV. Wide fenders and standard 21-inch wheels give the Urus an intimidating stance on the road that makes it look like nothing else on the road. The sharp roofline follows a hard edge at the back that leads into a natural spoiler that sits above the futuristic taillights. Massive exhaust outlets and a prominent rear diffuser help the Urus look like a true supercar.
Find yourself on the inside of a Urus and you might mistake the SUV for a fighter jet. It’s not just the sharp edges, but the gear shifter that looks like a jet’s throttle, the starter button that’s located beneath a red cover that has to be flipped up, and the Tamburo driving mode selector that all make the Urus’ cabin so unique. Heavily bolstered seats ensure passengers are held in place during hard driving, while the Urus is also one of the few SUVs that can be configured to seat only four people.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
If you felt love at first sight with one of the good-looking SUVs on this list, check out our new car financing deals to see what kind of deals automakers are offering this month. If you would rather lease a vehicle, our best lease deals page lays out the best lease deals.
When you’ve found the perfect SUV, be sure to check out U.S. News’ Best Price Program. It puts drivers in contact with local dealers that are offering vehicles at prenegotiated prices. Shoppers that used the program saved an average of more than $3,000 off the MSRP of a new vehicle.
The Best Looking SUVs of 2020
- 2020 Porsche Macan
- 2020 Cadillac XT6
- 2020 Volvo XC40
- 2020 Rivian R1S
- 2021 Kia Seltos
- 2020 Mazda CX-5
- 2020 BMW X5
- 2020 Audi Q8
- 2020 Jeep Renegade
- 2020 Land Rover Range Rover
- 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
- 2020 Lincoln Aviator
- 2020 Kia Telluride
- 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- 2020 Lamborghini Urus
Recommended Articles
-
14 Best-Looking New Cars of 2020
-
13 Most Comfortable SUVs in 2020
-
13 Most Comfortable Luxury SUVs You Can Buy in 2020
-
The 10 Best Roadsters of 2020
-
12 Best Holiday Car Deals in December 2020
-
Best Self-Parking Cars for 2020
-
2021 Toyota Camry vs. 2021 Hyundai Sonata: Head to Head
-
2020 Best Cars for the Money
-
Best Cars for Families
SUVs That Will Be the Envy of the Neighborhood
How good something looks is usually a subjective thing. Everyone has a different idea as to what they think looks good, but with these SUVs, that’s not the case. These 16 SUVs are just plain old good looking. As with other body styles, different SUVs have different strengths. Some wear striking designs thanks to sharp edges, while others exude luxury with soft curves. Regardless of what you’re looking for in an SUV, there’s a good chance that you’ll find something that looks good to you on this list.
This list has a good mix of SUVs. From affordable subcompacts to high-performance luxury SUVs, there’s a wide range of vehicles. Spoiler alert, an electric SUV even makes an appearance. Regardless of where it fits into the segment – size, price tag, performance, or fuel type – all of these SUVs stand out because of their good looks.
While we’ve included each SUV’s individual U.S. News Overall Score, keep in mind that the rankings and scores change based on new information. So, there’s a chance that the score you see here may not match an SUV’s score in its individual review. For the latest up-to-date information, be sure to check out our full review on the SUV.
The SUVs you see here were chosen by an informal poll of the U.S. News Best Cars staff. Keep clicking to see what SUVs we think are the best looking ones on the market.