17) Mitsubishi
Average Overall Score: 6.83/10
When it comes to brands with praiseworthy SUVs, Mitsubishi is at the bottom of our list. In fact, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the lowest-scoring mainstream SUV in our rankings, at 6.5 out of 10. It suffers from poor fuel economy, a dated cabin design, lackluster powertrains, and low safety and predicted reliability ratings. The Outlander Sport’s only redeeming qualities are its long warranty and above-average cargo volume.
Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross and Outlander aren’t far ahead, with scores of 6.9 and 7.1, respectively. The all-new Eclipse Cross features an eager engine, a nice interior, and good ground clearance. However, it has a small cargo area and frustrating infotainment controls. Test drivers noted that its steering doesn’t provide much feedback, and it exhibits obvious body roll around corners.
The Outlander (pictured above) returns good fuel economy and comes at a reasonable price. Still, it struggles to compete due to its rough ride quality, underwhelming handling, and weak base engine.
16) Fiat
Average Overall Score: 7.4/10
Fiat only offers one SUV: the 500X. Aside from its unique styling and easy-to-use infotainment system, it doesn’t provide many compelling features. For this reason, it lands near the bottom of our subcompact SUV rankings. The 500X has minimal cargo space, bumpy ride quality, unimpressive powertrains, and a shorter warranty than many rivals.
15) Dodge
Average Overall Score: 7.7/10
Dodge offers the Journey and Durango. Both are midsize SUVs that are light on standard features and have mediocre cabins.
The Durango (pictured above) sits midpack in our rankings. It offers strong engines, class-leading towing capacity, and an abundance of cargo space. However, it doesn’t handle as well as most rivals.
The Journey finishes near the bottom of our midsize SUV rankings. Its engines are disappointing, it’s short on cargo capacity, and it earns a low safety score. The Journey’s only notable advantage over most other SUVs is its low starting price.
14) Jeep
Average Overall Score: 7.84/10
Aside from the highly rated Grand Cherokee, Jeep doesn’t produce any other SUVs that score above a 7.8. The automaker’s offerings boast plenty of off-road prowess, but they don’t stack up to the competition in most other areas. The Grand Cherokee earns an average rating for predicted reliability, but the rest of Jeep’s lineup gets below-average marks. Jeep’s SUVs also receive mixed crash test ratings.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee (pictured above) provides potent engines, user-friendly tech features, and a comfortable, luxury-grade cabin. It’s outstanding off the pavement, while being easy to drive and smooth on the highway. The Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee all offer classy cabins and relaxed ride quality. However, their base powertrains leave much to be desired.
The completely redesigned Jeep Wrangler is expensive compared to rivals, returns poor fuel economy, and is unrefined in on-road situations. It’s not a practical choice as a daily driver, but if you crave impeccable off-road chops, powerful engines, and cargo versatility, the iconic Wrangler may be the vehicle for you.
13) Nissan
Average Overall Score: 7.87/10
Few automakers produce more SUV models than Nissan. Despite seven model choices, not one performs exceptionally well in our rankings. The Nissan Murano (pictured above) leads the pack with its overall score of 8.3, followed by the Rogue with an 8.1. The rest of the pack all earn scores of less than 8.0 out of 10.
The midsize Murano and the compact Rogue fare better than the rest as a result of their high-end cabins, cushy seats, and great fuel economy. They also come with intuitive tech features and active safety equipment as standard. The Rogue Hybrid is more fuel efficient than the non-hybrid Rogue and delivers a bit more horsepower. However, it’s probably not worth the extra $2,200.
Nissan offers two subcompact SUVs: the Kicks and Rogue Sport, which both place around the middle of our rankings. The all-new Kicks is inexpensive, returns terrific gas mileage, has ample cargo room, and comes with a long list of standard features. The Rogue Sport offers a generous cargo area and a smooth ride. Both SUVs are underpowered and have average predicted reliability ratings.
Nissan’s larger Pathfinder and Armada both struggle to compete in their respective classes, mostly because of low interior scores and below-average predicted reliability ratings.
12) Toyota
Average Overall Score: 7.99/10
Like Nissan, Toyota offers a healthy list of SUVs, though its vehicles have more widespread scores. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid tops our midsize SUV rankings, followed by the non-hybrid Highlander. While the RAV4 Hybrid competes reasonably well in the compact SUV class, the non-hybrid RAV4 doesn’t rank as high. Nonetheless, it’s a decent crossover. Additionally, Toyota’s Sequoia (pictured above) places midpack in our rankings and is a respectable large SUV.
At the other end of the spectrum, the all-new C-HR is one of the lowest-scoring vehicles in our subcompact SUV rankings, and the Toyota 4Runner lands near the bottom of our list of midsize SUVs.
As a whole, Toyota’s SUVs offer more standard active safety technologies than any other brand, although the 4Runner is an exception. The automaker also has a reputation for high predicted reliability ratings, and its vehicles tend to perform well in crash tests.
The Highlander Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid return outstanding fuel economy. The Highlander, RAV4, and C-HR all get gas mileage that’s on par with rivals. The 4Runner and Sequoia are far from fuel efficient.
11) Mini
Average Overall Score: 8.0/10
Mini only manufactures one SUV: the Cooper Countryman. It fares well in our subcompact SUV rankings by virtue of its engaging handling, upmarket cabin, and spacious rear seats. Its base engine is sufficient for city driving, though more powerful options are available. The Countryman costs more than most rivals, is short on cargo space, and gets poor gas mileage.
10) Chevrolet
Average Overall Score: 8.04/10
Chevrolet offers many laudable SUVs that perform well in most categories. The subcompact Trax is an exception, with its overall score of 7.4. It’s short on cargo space, has a meager engine, and delivers a bumpy ride.
The Tahoe is Chevy’s highest-ranking SUV, securing the No. 2 position in our large SUV rankings. It features strong V8 power, a relaxed ride, and a history of high predicted reliability ratings. Its larger stablemate – the Chevrolet Suburban – is pricier than the Tahoe and earns below-average ratings for predicted reliability.
The Chevrolet Equinox and Traverse were fully redesigned for the 2018 model year. Both SUVs deserve consideration due to their high-quality cabins, comfortable seats, intuitive infotainment systems, and above-average predicted reliability ratings.
9) GMC
Average Overall Score: 8.1/10
While the GMC Yukon trails behind all other vehicles in our large SUV rankings, the automaker’s Acadia is a decent option for SUV shoppers, and the Terrain is a solid compact crossover. All three SUVs receive praise for their upscale cabins, but the Yukon suffers from a cramped third row, a bumpy ride, and less cargo volume than competitors.
The midsize Acadia also falls short when it comes to cargo capacity and third-row space. However, it provides a coddling ride and comes standard with an intuitive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
The GMC Terrain (pictured above) checks many of the right boxes, with its roomy seats, excellent fuel economy, and smooth ride. Many appealing features come standard, like Bluetooth, four USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Teen Driver, and an easy-to-use infotainment system with smartphone app integration.
8) Subaru
Average Overall Score: 8.13/10
Subaru makes three SUVs that all worthy of consideration. Like most Subaru vehicles, they come standard with all-wheel drive. In addition, each SUV offers generous cargo volume, spacious seats, and a good track record for safety.
The subcompact Crosstrek receives the lowest U.S. News overall score, at 7.8. This is primarily because of its weak powertrain and middling handling. The compact Forester is only marginally more expensive than the Crosstrek and it offers two sufficient powertrains and more comfortable, supportive seats. However, the Forester lacks up-to-date tech features, and its interior is not on par with rivals.
Subaru’s all-new Ascent (pictured above) places near the top of our midsize SUV rankings. It’s powerful and fuel efficient; comes loaded with the latest tech and safety features; and provides balanced ride and handling.
7) Ford
Average Overall Score: 8.25/10
Ford offers six SUVs, ranging from the low-scoring EcoSport to the top-ranking Expedition. Ford’s brand-new EcoSport receives an overall score of 6.8 out of 10, which pulls the brand’s average down considerably. It suffers from a lackluster engine, subpar fuel economy, and an uninspiring interior. In contrast, the Expedition’s overall score of 9.4 helps to counteract the EcoSport’s struggles.
The completely redesigned 2018 Expedition is our 2018 Best Large SUV for Families award winner and boasts a perfect predicted reliability rating, three spacious rows, a massive cargo hold, and a potent engine.
The compact Ford Escape also performs well in our rankings. It offers athletic handling, a premium interior, above-average cargo volume, and a superb predicted reliability rating.
Ford’s three midsize SUVs – the Explorer, Edge, and Flex – sit midpack in our rankings. They are all good SUVs, but each focuses on different priorities. The Explorer offers lots of space and powerful engines, while the Edge earned two 2018 Best Car awards due to its value and family-friendly features. The Flex doesn’t offer any standout features, though it has a functional interior and good cargo space.
6) Volkswagen
Average Overall Score: 8.3/10
For the 2018 model year, Volkswagen introduced the brand-new Atlas and a fully redesigned Tiguan. The Atlas is one of few midsize SUVs with room for adults in its third row. The Tiguan offers a third row as well, which is rare for a compact SUV. Both vehicles have plenty of cargo capacity and come loaded with attractive standard features, including a responsive 6.5-inch touch-screen interface with up-to-date smartphone app integration. Moreover, these Volkswagen SUVs deliver a quiet, comfortable ride.
5) Buick
Average Overall Score: 8.35/10
Both the Buick Encore and Enclave secure prime positions in our rankings in their respective classes. The top-ranked midsize Enclave features a polished powertrain, a coddling ride, and a roomy, attractive interior. Additionally, it comes packed with sought-after standard features, and its current generation receives near-perfect ratings for predicted reliability.
Buick’s subcompact Encore impresses with its nimble handling and upscale interior. It fits four adults with ease and has a good amount of cargo volume for its class. To top it off, the Encore includes a Wi-Fi hot spot and a user-friendly 8-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.
3) Mazda (tie)
Average Overall Score: 8.37/10
Mazda only trails our SUV brand leader by a hair. Its crossovers are arguably the most fun-to-drive in the segment, mostly due to their sporty handling. The CX-3, CX-5, and CX-9 all receive praise for their premium cabins, fantastic fuel economy, and excellent safety scores.
The subcompact Mazda CX-3 gets updated exterior styling and more horsepower for the 2019 model year. Mazda also added blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert to the CX-3 as standard. The CX-5 places near the top of our compact SUV rankings. It has two rows of roomy, supportive seats and a decent amount of cargo space. The luxury-grade CX-9 boasts a strong powertrain and offers plenty of first-rate safety and technology features.
3) Hyundai (tie)
Average Overall Score: 8.37/10
Hyundai ties with Mazda, placing it just behind our leading SUV brands. The automaker’s SUVs feature bargain pricing, class-leading warranty coverage, and great ratings for safety and predicted reliability.
The brand-new Hyundai Kona (pictured above) commands an admirable lead in our subcompact SUV rankings. It provides agile handling and offers an energetic, available turbo-four. The Kona also comes equipped with an intuitive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai’s compact Tucson earns top marks for safety and has a quiet, comfortable cabin. The Santa Fe is fuel efficient, economical, and gets a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
2) Kia
Average Overall Score: 8.43/10
Kia is the runner-up on our list of best SUV brands and it only falls short of the leading position by a small margin. The Niro, Sorento, and Sportage all fare well in our rankings because of their first-rate predicted reliability ratings, long warranties, smooth rides, and spacious, upscale cabins.
The subcompact Kia Niro (pictured above) excels with its exceptional fuel economy and large cargo hold. Kia’s compact Sportage offers agile handling, one of the nicest interiors in its class, and two rows of expansive seating. The three-row Sorento earns top-notch crash test ratings and comes standard with an easy-to-use touch-screen infotainment system with the latest smartphone app integration.
1) Honda
Average Overall Score: 8.47/10
It comes as no surprise that Honda is the winner of our Best SUV Brand award. The CR-V is U.S. News’ 2018 Best Compact SUV for the Money and Best Compact SUV for Families. The HR-V received our 2018 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money award. While the Pilot was not a 2018 award winner, it was a finalist for our Best 3-Row SUV for Families award.
Honda’s SUVs boast coddling ride quality, impressive passenger and cargo space, and a history of respectable ratings for safety and predicted reliability. In addition, they all offer up-to-date infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as advanced driver assistance technologies.
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U.S. News’ Best SUV Brands in 2019
- Mitsubishi - Average Overall Score: 6.83/10
- Fiat - Average Overall Score: 7.4/10
- Dodge - Average Overall Score: 7.7/10
- Jeep - Average Overall Score: 7.84/10
- Nissan - Average Overall Score: 7.87/10
- Toyota - Average Overall Score: 7.99/10
- Mini - Average Overall Score: 8.0/10
- Chevrolet - Average Overall Score: 8.04/10
- GMC - Average Overall Score: 8.1/10
- Subaru - Average Overall Score: 8.13/10
- Ford - Average Overall Score: 8.25/10
- Volkswagen - Average Overall Score: 8.3/10
- Buick - Average Overall Score: 8.35/10
- Mazda - Average Overall Score: 8.37/10
- Hyundai - Average Overall Score: 8.37/10
- Kia - Average Overall Score: 8.43/10
- Honda - Average Overall Score: 8.47/10
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Which Brands Offer the Best SUVs?
A majority of new car shoppers have some preferred brands in mind when they set out to decide on a new vehicle. Still, there are a wealth of brands to choose from, and many automakers manufacture several SUVs, so the process can be taxing.
The U.S. News Best Vehicle Brand Awards help shoppers weed through the large selection of brands and vehicles to determine which choices offer the best total package. We average U.S. News overall scores for each brand’s SUVs to determine which automaker comes out on top. Our scores are based on the consensus of the automotive press, along with crash test and predicted reliability ratings.
U.S. News Best Cars’ scores and rankings change periodically with the addition of new data and expert research. For this reason, the scores in this article may differ from those in our new car reviews.
Continue reading to learn about each automaker’s SUV lineup and which brands offer the best choices for SUV shoppers.