Top-Rated SUVs of 2025

Top-Rated SUVs for 2025 You Need To See

The number one SUV of 2025? It didn’t top the charts by chance. More families, tech-focused drivers, and off-road fans picked it over every other model this year. But that kind of decision doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and if you're shopping for an SUV in 2025, you need more than a top 10 list.

That’s why we made this guide. Whether buying your first SUV or upgrading to something newer, it’ll help you make a wise, no-regrets decision based on how you drive, what you care about, and how far your budget can go.

What You’ll Learn

• The #1 overall SUV for 2025 

• The top-rated picks across every category

Overview

Determining the top-rated SUVs for 2025 depends on what you value most in a vehicle, such as fuel efficiency, cargo space, or advanced technology.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Fuel Efficiency Leaders

These SUVs prioritize miles per gallon, making them ideal for daily commutes and long road trips while saving on fuel costs.

Family-Friendly Options

These SUVs offer spacious interiors, ample seating, and entertainment systems, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone.

Off-Road Capabilities

These SUVs are designed for adventure and feature four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and robust suspension systems for tackling rough terrain.

Luxury Features

These SUVs boast premium materials, advanced technology, and superior comfort, providing a high-end driving experience.

Other Notable Aspects

Safety Ratings: Many top-rated SUVs come with advanced safety features and high crash test scores, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

All SUVs Featured in This Guide

Here’s a quick look at every SUV we’re breaking down in detail in this guide:

Top-Rated SUV Overall

• Kia Telluride

Midsize SUVs

• Kia Telluride

• Hyundai Palisade

• Honda Passport

Full-Size & Large SUVs

• Chevrolet Tahoe

• Ford Expedition

• Toyota Sequoia

Hybrid & Electric SUVs

• Hyundai Ioniq 5

• Tesla Model Y

• Rivian R1S

Luxury SUVs

• Cadillac Escalade IQ

• BMW X5

• Genesis GV80

• Audi Q8 e-tron

Safest SUVs

• Subaru Outback

• Honda CR-V

• Mazda CX-50

• Hyundai Ioniq 5

• Kia Sportage

Best for Resale & Affordability

• Toyota RAV4

• Honda CR-V

• Subaru Outback

Smart Buyers Don’t Wing It: Here’s Why This Matters

It’s easy to assume all SUVs are the same — the same general shape and job to do, right? But that kind of thinking is precisely why so many people end up stuck with a vehicle that doesn’t fit their life, budget, or expectations.

Most SUV buyers fall into the same few traps:

• Choosing a vehicle that’s too small (or too massive) for what they need

• Paying for features they barely use — panoramic moonroof, we’re looking at you

• Missing out on rebates, resale value, or better long-term financing because they didn’t plan ahead

And in 2025, SUV shopping isn’t only about size or style anymore. You’ve got hybrids with 300+ miles of range, EVs with advanced driver assistance systems, gas-powered models with high towing capacities, and luxury rides packed with voice-activated features. It’s evolving faster than ever, which means what was “best” even two years ago might not be a smart pick today.

Top-Rated SUV Overall for 2025

Kia Telluride

If there’s one SUV that keeps showing up on everyone’s shortlist — from car review sites to Reddit threads — it’s the 2025 Kia Telluride. And that’s not just hype. Overall, it’s earned its spot as the top-rated SUV by combining space, tech, comfort, and real-world dependability into a package that works for almost everyone. So, what makes it stand out in 2025?

Last Redesign and Legacy

The Telluride first hit the U.S. market in 2019, and it’s been refining its game ever since. The 2023 refresh added more rugged trims and upgraded tech. Still, for 2025, Kia leaned further into driver-assist systems, updated digital displays, and made subtle tweaks to the ride quality that make a big difference. The result? A midsize SUV that now rivals some full-size competitors in comfort, without guzzling gas.

Features That Matter

Let’s talk features — the ones that make everyday driving easier and more enjoyable:

• Standard V6 engine with enough power for family road trips and weekend towing

• Best-in-class third-row comfort, which is rare at this price point

• 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen with built-in navigation

• Advanced driver-assist suite, including lane-follow assist and adaptive cruise

• Quiet, padded cabin with real stitching, soft-touch materials, and a luxury feel without the luxury price

It also doesn’t hurt that the Telluride looks way more expensive than it is. Between the wide stance, signature LED lights, and upscale trim options, it doesn’t feel like a “budget SUV.”

Who It’s Best For

• Families who need space but don’t want to drive something massive

• Commuters who value tech and safety on long daily drives

• Adventurous types who might tow a small camper or head into the mountains now and then

• Buyers trading up from sedans and looking for something versatile with good resale value

Are you buying used or online? It’s one of the easiest models to find gently used on Carvana or certified at dealerships. Check out this step-by-step Carvana buying guide before making your move.

Fun Fact

The Telluride has developed a cult following, especially in the South and along the East Coast. Yes, you’ll see them all over suburban neighborhoods, but they’re also popular with road-trippers and even park rangers in certain parts of the country. It’s a rare SUV that bridges comfort and capability without pushing you into a luxury tax bracket.

Top-Rated Midsize SUVs for 2025

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade has carved out a strong place in the midsize SUV segment, blending luxury-lite comfort and family-focused design. For 2025, Hyundai dials things up with a smoother ride, more refined interior materials, and updated highway driving assist features that make long drives feel effortless.

Initially launched in 2020, the Palisade shares its platform with the Kia Telluride but leans more upscale. The quiet cabin, premium trims, and intuitive tech hit a sweet spot for drivers who want more than the basics without jumping into luxury SUV territory. It’s especially appealing if you’re buying online or from out of state — many certified models are available nationwide, and it’s common for dealerships to offer delivery. Just make sure you understand how dealership deliveries work before finalizing anything.

Best for:

• Families with teens or older kids who value second-row comfort

• Buyers looking for a premium feel without luxury pricing

• Drivers planning for long-term ownership and low maintenance stress

Honda Passport

Looking for something simpler and more rugged? The Honda Passport skips the third row and focuses on space, durability, and everyday practicality. Built for drivers who spend their weekends outside — but still want a comfortable daily commute — the Passport shines when you’re hauling gear, pets, or friends without needing to shuffle everyone around. 

Reintroduced in 2019, the 2025 Passport continues to embrace its trail-ready vibe with the TrailSport edition, featuring all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, and reinforced suspension. Inside, it’s minimal but smartly laid out — and always ready to go. For shoppers who live in rural areas or smaller markets, buying online and having your SUV delivered is more common than ever. 

Ideal for:

• Outdoor enthusiasts and weekend travelers

• People who prefer simpler tech with high reliability

• Drivers who don’t need a third row and want more rear-seat room instead

Top-Rated Full-Size & Large SUVs for 2025

Chevrolet Tahoe

When it comes to full-size capability with family-friendly flexibility, the Chevrolet Tahoe keeps setting the standard. The 2025 model brings even more refinement to its rugged frame, with updates to its adaptive suspension system and infotainment layout, plus the option of a diesel engine for better fuel economy on long trips.

Inside, the Tahoe offers one of the most spacious third rows in the class and more than enough cargo space behind it. If you plan to tow, the Tahoe’s powertrain lineup (especially the 5.3L or 6.2L V8) gets it done.

It’s a top pick for:

• Large families or group travel

• Boat or trailer owners — the Tahoe tows up to 8,400 lbs when properly equipped.

• Drivers who want both comfort and utility on long-distance trips

If you're buying out of state, don’t overlook the logistics of getting it home. Oversized SUVs often require special transport, and shipping your car from a dealership isn’t something you want to figure out last minute.

Ford Expedition

If you need a full-size SUV that doesn’t feel like you're driving a city bus, the 2025 Ford Expedition hits a rare sweet spot. Thanks to its independent rear suspension and refined turbocharged V6 engine, it drives surprisingly smoothly for something this big.

Available in multiple trims, from work-ready to fully loaded Platinum, the Expedition is a good fit for families who need serious space without going to a luxury model. This year’s updates include expanded driver-assist features, larger digital displays, and better trailer controls, making it one of the most well-rounded options 

Ideal for:

• Buyers looking for maximum space with a smoother ride

• Frequent haulers — towing capacity is right up there with the Tahoe

• Drivers who want an intuitive tech layout, not just extra buttons

Inventory varies by location, so if you’re sourcing from outside your region, ask your dealer about their preferred delivery options or auto transport partners.

Toyota Sequoia

Redesigned a couple of years ago, the Toyota Sequoia is back in 2025 with better fuel economy (thanks to the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain), strong towing capability, and a bold, angular design that stands out. It combines the size and strength of a traditional full-size SUV with the long-term reliability Toyota’s known for.

It’s also one of the few full-size trucks that comes standard with a hybrid setup, which gives you torque for towing and improved MPG without compromising power.

Best suited for:

• Drivers who need full-size space but want better fuel economy

• Long-distance travelers looking for fewer fuel stops

• Toyota loyalists upgrading from a Highlander or 4Runner

With high demand and limited supply in some states, many Sequoia buyers turn to regional or national dealers. If you're buying from farther out, be sure to factor in shipping timelines.

Best Hybrid & Electric SUVs for 2025

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has quickly become one of the most sought-after electric SUVs in the segment. With its bold, retro-futuristic styling and near-luxury interior, the 2025 version pushes things even further. New battery tuning means faster charging (10 to 80 percent in about 18 minutes), and the rear-wheel-drive version now delivers even more range — up to 310 miles.

The flat floor and sliding center console make the Ioniq 5 incredibly flexible, while the tech suite rivals anything twice its price. Plus, Hyundai includes one of the longest warranties in the EV space.

Best for:

• Daily commuters with access to public or home charging

• Buyers who want standout styling and premium tech

• Small families or couples upgrading from a sedan or compact SUV

Tesla Model Y

Still a top contender in 2025, the Tesla Model Y remains a go-to for drivers who want clean performance, long range, and seamless tech integration. It now comes standard with the updated “Hardware 4” suite, meaning even better camera views, lane detection, and autonomous readiness (though full self-driving is still a work in progress).

Range is strong — around 330 miles on the Long Range version — and the Supercharger network remains the gold standard for cross-country travel.

Best for:

• Tech lovers who want an all-in-one experience

• Road-trippers using Tesla’s national charging network

• Buyers already in the Tesla ecosystem

Rivian R1S

If you want an EV that can go off-road, the Rivian R1S is your pick. This electric adventure SUV comes standard with quad-motor AWD, air suspension, and off-road drive modes — and still manages a solid 316 miles of range. It’s also built to last, with a rugged interior, ample cargo space, and thoughtful touches like a flashlight tucked into the driver-side door.

It’s not cheap but built for buyers who value independence, performance, and utility over badge recognition.

Best for:

• Outdoor enthusiasts and road-trippers
  EV adopters who live outside major cities

• Drivers who want capability without gas or diesel

Most hybrid and EV shoppers explore inventory across multiple states, especially if you're targeting a specific trim or range spec. 

Many EVs ship through specialized carriers with added care for the battery systems and tech features. If you're looking for that added layer of protection, it's worth considering enclosed vehicle transport — a shipping option designed to shield your EV from weather, road debris, and long-distance wear.

Best Luxury SUVs for 2025

Cadillac Escalade IQ

Cadillac’s fully electric flagship, the Escalade IQ, will make a bold statement in 2025. It’s massive, powerful, and packed with high-end features—from a panoramic LED display stretching across the dash to hands-free Super Cruise driving on mapped highways.

The Escalade IQ is a vehicle designed to impress. It feels like a private jet on wheels, with over 450 miles of projected range, up to 750 horsepower, and a cabin lined with real wood, leather, and active noise cancellation.

Best for:

• Status-focused buyers who want cutting-edge EV luxury

• Long-distance travelers wanting range, comfort, and tech

• Drivers upgrading from traditional luxury SUVs who want to go electric

BMW X5

A longtime favorite in the luxury midsize class, the BMW X5 continues to hit the sweet spot between comfort, agility, and understated elegance. For 2025, the xDrive40i trim gets a mild hybrid system that boosts fuel efficiency, while the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e delivers electric-only range for short commutes, without giving up BMW’s signature performance feel.

Inside, it’s business-class refined, with crystal controls, ventilated seats, and BMW’s latest iDrive system for infotainment and navigation.

Best for:

• Professionals or retirees who want quiet luxury with reliable performance

• Daily drivers seeking hybrid flexibility

• Buyers who prefer subtle refinement over flash

Genesis GV80

Genesis continues to disrupt the luxury market with the GV80, offering a premium experience that exceeds its price point. For 2025, it gets a sleeker grille, refreshed lighting, and updated cabin tech — all while maintaining its class-leading ride comfort and next-level materials.

Quilted leather, massaging seats, and an elegant floating center console make the GV80 ideal for long drives, smooth commutes, and nights out. The GV80 also provides some of the most spacious accommodations in its category.

Ideal for:

• Luxury shoppers looking for serious value

• Drivers who care about comfort more than horsepower

• Buyers are open to a newer brand with strong quality scores

Audi Q8 e-tron

Quiet, clean, and capable, the Audi Q8 e-tron (formerly the e-tron SUV) gets a significant upgrade in 2025 — better range, faster charging, and a more aggressive stance. Audi’s flagship electric SUV offers standard AWD, an ultra-quiet cabin, and sharp handling that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.

It’s a strong option for drivers who want premium EV capability without going full performance mode. The digital cockpit, adaptive air suspension, and driver-assist tech all feel polished — no learning curve required.

Best for:

• Urban luxury buyers want electric confidence

• EV adopters who wish for brand familiarity and dealership access

• Families or couples stepping into electricity for the first time

If you plan to trade your current vehicle for one of these luxury models, it might be worth listing it online first, especially if you're eyeing an upgrade from a lower trim or older SUV. Here's a quick guide to selling your car on Carvana, which can simplify the process and even help you secure a better price before stepping into something new.

Safest SUVs for 2025

A big frame doesn't necessarily mean an SUV will keep you safe in the moments that count. How well a vehicle performs in real-world emergencies—from sudden braking to icy curves—and how effectively it protects everyone inside.

Below are four of the safest SUVs you’ll find on the market this year — all highly rated and all practical choices for families, new drivers, and everyday commuters.

2025 Subaru Outback

The Outback continues to be a go-to for drivers who value stability, visibility, and peace of mind. It comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist suite, which includes lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision braking. With standard all-wheel drive, it’s also built for unpredictable weather — a significant plus in regions where snow or rain are part of the deal.

• IIHS Top Safety Pick

• Best for: Families, teen drivers, long-distance commuters in variable climates

2025 Honda CR-V

Reliable, affordable, and now even safer — the CR-V has become a benchmark in compact SUV safety. It offers a wide suite of active safety tools under Honda Sensing, like collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. The 2025 model also has improved pedestrian detection and better structural crash performance.

• IIHS Top Safety Pick

• NHTSA 5-star overall rating

• Best for: Parents with kids, urban drivers, resale-focused buyers

2025 Mazda CX-50

Mazda’s CX-50 not only looks sharp — it’s also one of the safest in its class. The 2025 model earned praise for its side impact protection and comes with a full safety suite that includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and smart brake support. It feels planted, easy to handle, and more fun to drive than most other safety-first options.

• IIHS Top Safety Pick

• Best for: Young professionals, couples, and anyone who wants style + security

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Already mentioned as a top electric SUV, the Ioniq 5 also earns its spot among the safest picks of the year. It includes Highway Driving Assist II, safe exit alerts for rear passengers, and an ultra-rigid battery platform for crash absorption. Plus, it offers much visibility from the driver’s seat — something many EVs don't provide.

• IIHS Top Safety Pick

• Best for: First-time EV buyers, young families, suburban commuters

Tip for Online Shoppers

If you're browsing sites like Carvana for one of these top safety-rated SUVs, double-check the trim level and production year. Safety ratings can vary even within the same model line. 

Disclaimer: Ratings and vehicle testing data come from the IIHS 2025 ratings center and NHTSA’s official vehicle safety portal.

Best SUVs for Resale Value and Affordability

Not every SUV has to break the bank, and not every budget model will lose value fast. Some stay reliable, hold substantial resale value, and offer real practicality for everyday drivers. Whether buying your first SUV or just watching your bottom line, these picks are known for long-term value and low ownership costs.

Toyota RAV4

Still one of the smartest buys in the SUV world, the Toyota RAV4 combines fuel efficiency, Toyota’s legendary reliability, and surprisingly strong resale value. The hybrid version only sweetens the deal with 40+ mpg and minimal maintenance. For 2025, Toyota will add subtle interior upgrades and the latest version of its Safety Sense suite without raising the price much.

Best for:

• First-time SUV buyers or college grads

• Commuters looking to cut fuel costs

• Long-term owners planning to resell in 5–6 years

Also Worth Noting

For good reason, we’ve covered the Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback in detail in earlier sections. Both models consistently rank among the best in class for long-term value, thanks to their durability, low maintenance costs, and high demand on the used market. If affordability and resale matter, either is a smart move.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right SUV in 2025

Choosing the right SUV this year isn’t only about following a list of best-sellers — it’s about finding the one that fits your life. Whether you're hauling kids to school, commuting 60 miles a day, heading off-road on the weekends, or just trying to save on gas, there's a 2025 model that checks your boxes.

We’ve broken down the options that matter—the ones that hold value, keep you safe, and bring absolute comfort and flexibility to your daily drive. The guide features SUVs from the Toyota RAV4 to the Cadillac Escalade IQ because they excel in real-world scenarios, not just on paper.

Need to Ship Your Car?

Once you've picked your SUV, AmeriFreight Car Shipping can help you get it home, no matter where you're buying from. Whether you're buying from a local dealership or an online platform across state lines, AmeriFreight Car Shipping offers reliable services to deliver your new SUV safely, quickly, and affordably. We work with dealerships, online platforms, and private sellers to ensure your buying process ends as smoothly as it started.

You’ve got options. This guide just helped you narrow them down. Now it’s time to take the next step — with the right SUV and the proper support behind it.

Get a free shipping quote now! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are prices for these SUVs listed in the guide?

No, pricing varies. Check dealerships or manufacturers directly.

How often are these rankings updated?

The guide only reflects 2025 models. Rankings change; check current sources for updates.

Does this guide cover leasing vs. buying?

No, this guide focuses on features and rankings. Consult a financial advisor or dealer for more information.

Are upcoming models not listed here?

This guide only covers the top 2025 models.