Best SUVs of 2021 and 2022

Volkswagen's smallest SUV is a big deal. The all-new Taos packs in plenty of modern tech and safety features into a tidy but spacious package. It's one of the most well-rounded and family-friendly offerings in the class.

Chevy's done a great job with the latest Trailblazer. It isn't the most efficient or the best-performing vehicle in the class, but it is exceedingly competent at nearly everything it does. In the increasingly competitive class of extra-small SUVs, the Trailblazer is a half-step ahead.

The Mazda CX-30 is sporty and sophisticated and our No. 1 pick for an extra-small SUV. It has striking style, is comfortable on the road, and offers plenty of standard features for its price.

The Honda CR-V is easy to recommend since its spunky turbocharged engine and a comfortable, roomy interior with tons of cargo space make it a strong pick. There are a few mild annoyances from the infotainment system, but overall this Honda is a front-runner in multiple ways.

The Mazda CX-5 has interior quality and driving dynamics to challenge some luxury vehicles. Cargo space behind the second row isn't class-leading, but the Mazda's strengths still make it a top pick.

Nissan's Rogue scores well for the qualities most people consider priorities for a small SUV. It's comfortable, practical and comes with a lot of features for the money. There are a few issues, such as elevated road noise, but overall the latest Rogue is a smart pick.

With its mix of quality, practicality and available performance, the Sorento is an enticing option if you're looking for a small SUV with above-average versatility. Only the elevated price tag on the top-of-the-line model could be a deterrent.

The latest Outlander SUV has a smooth ride, comfortable front seats and lots of space for people and cargo. It looks pretty sharp, too. Slow acceleration is its only major drawback.

With optional seating for seven and lots of advanced safety and technology features, the Volkswagen Tiguan earns a top rank among a small group of compact three-row SUVs. A thirsty engine and stumbling transmission hurt the Tiguan's overall appeal compared to other compact SUVs.

The top-ranked Honda Passport is one of the most versatile midsize SUVs in the market. It exudes athletic qualities but also delivers a comfortable ride, tons of passenger and cargo space, and a good list of standard features. Put this at the top of your list.

To make the Cross Sport, VW took its successful three-row Atlas SUV, ditched the third-row seating and added a more rakish roofline. It's a roomy and comfortable five-passenger midsize SUV that's also stylish.

Toyota resurrects its Venza to once again compete in the midsize SUV segment. Offered solely as a hybrid, it's easily the most efficient choice in the segment, but it's also surprisingly quick. Toyota shot the moon with this one.

The Kia Telluride is our top pick for a midsize three-row SUV. Its upscale cabin is quiet, comfortable and thoughtfully designed. It comes packed with standard features and tech, and it even has adult-friendly third-row seating. For the money, there are few more appealing ways to move seven or eight people.

The Hyundai Palisade might be new to the competitive three-row SUV segment, but it's already putting its competition on notice. Packed with value, comfort, and capability throughout its trim levels, the Palisade is a great pick for a family SUV.

The Honda Pilot just makes things easy, from driving long distances to carrying a lot of people and stuff. With a smooth ride, plentiful features and smart packaging, this SUV has a lot of strengths.

The modernized Chevrolet Suburban has a smooth ride and a massive cargo space, plus heaps of available technology. You can also choose from a trio of powerful engines. There is no getting around its size, however.

The GMC Yukon is a great pick for a large SUV. It boasts a comfortable ride, roomy interior, an easy-driving demeanor and plenty of towing capability.

The Ford Expedition marries excellent design with a capable truck platform. It can seat up to eight and tow more than 9,000 pounds. Inside, the Expedition can be outfitted with all the features and toys you'd expect from a luxury vehicle.

The GLB's boxy shape gives it a distinctively rugged look while providing ample passenger and cargo space for its size. Throw in some of the best technology available on the market, and you've got one outstanding luxury SUV.

The X1 may be BMW's lowest-priced SUV, but it doesn't skimp on the things that make crossovers so desirable. You can expect ample passenger and cargo space, sporty driving characteristics and a premium cabin, all of which help make the X1 a great pick.

This second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA is a huge improvement over its rather compromised predecessor. It's comfortable and suitably refined for an entry-level luxury SUV.

It only took Genesis a few years to find its footing and produce a knockout vehicle in the form of the GV70. It's a high performer across the board and presents unmatched value in the small luxury SUV class.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class sets a high bar for compact luxury SUVs with its elegant cabin and balanced dynamics. It offers an extensive list of luxury features and a variety of available engines, but any GLC model should be a pleasure to drive.

The Acura RDX differentiates itself from the competition with edgy styling, a comfortable interior and a long list of standard features. It offers a strong engine and sharp handling, but it isn't quite as posh or elegant as more expensive luxury rivals.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is a significant step forward from its predecessor and a class leader in several respects. Materials quality and design are second to none, and the excellent MBUX tech interface sets a new industry standard.

If you find the current crop of luxury crossovers overly subdued, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe might be the cure. Its fastback profile stands out on the road, and its rapid acceleration will knock your lederhosen off. However, its sleek bodywork reduces passenger and cargo space.

The Cayenne is an athlete among luxury SUVs, and its comprehensive lineup ranges from a green-cred plug-in hybrid to a sports-car-beating all-star with a turbo V8. It's an intriguing choice for shoppers whose life circumstances preclude a 911.

The Audi Q7's combination of performance, comfort, high technology and value is hard to beat. With an impeccably built interior and sharp reflexes on the road, the Q7 is rewarding to both drivers and passengers. It could stand a bit more cargo and third-row passenger space, though.

The Acura MDX is a pragmatic choice, with a standard third-row seat and generous feature content at an attractive price. There are more luxurious and sportier options, but the MDX does just about everything well.

The new Aviator could be a prime pick for a three-row luxury SUV. Its distinctive styling, upscale interior and available hybrid model are big improvements compared to Lincoln SUVs of the recent past.

The Mercedes GLS is a fancy people- and gear-hauler that combines luxury DNA with a princely ride, remarkable performance and a commodious interior.

The Navigator is built to impress, from its incredible tow rating to its plush interior, expansive cargo space and full suite of modern technology features. This is a very convincing luxury ride.

A luxury-infused truck with presence, the Cadillac Escalade is for people who want to tow, carry a bunch of people and impress the valet, all in the same day.

The Maybach GLS is impressive in its level of luxury and high levels of refinement. It isolates you from the outside world with its smooth, quiet ride and pampers you with massaging seats and a superb climate system. It's even an odd sort of bargain compared to high-dollar rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Mercedes only needs to offer more customization options to truly flaunt the Maybach's status.

The Bentley Bentayga is at the top of the heap when it comes to super luxury SUVs. It's underpinned by powerful engines and a fantastic cabin that blends modern technology with old-world charm. You also get access to all of Bentley's extensive (and expensive) customization options.

Built with the precision of a military rifle but none of the singularity of purpose, the G-Class relies on style and emotion to justify its price rather than planning or execution.

When it comes to performance SUVs, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 is virtually in a league of its own. It's the only compact luxury SUV with a twin-turbo V8 under its hood and it has the handling chops to back it up.

The Model Y is a stylish and roomy electric SUV with strong appeal. In Performance trim, it's also extremely quick and dynamic. Unfortunately, the optional sport suspension and large wheels make for an uncomfortable ride.

The BMW X3 M dials up huge levels of performance without compromising an ounce of practicality. The engine is a near masterpiece and lays down prodigious power. But this dedication to performance comes at the cost of traditional luxury SUV strengths such as comfort.

The Urus backs up its flamboyance with stunning performance and luxury. It merges an unabashedly Lamborghini driving experience with advanced, problem-free technology. Brash and fast, or quiet and refined, at the driver's whim, the Urus is the ultimate SUV.

If you take Audi's already excellent midsize three-row SUV, the Q7, and inject it with a big dose of turbo V8, you'd end up with the Audi SQ7. It has sports car-beating acceleration with little compromise on comfort. It's almost too good to be real.

The SQ8 is a sporty spin on Audi's Q8 midsize SUV that packs a 500-horsepower V8 and too many performance upgrades to count. It's considerably more dynamic than the standard Q8 and nearly as comfortable.

The Alpina XB7 is one of the most expensive and powerful vehicles BMW has to offer. It's comfortable, well appointed, and loaded with just about every feature you could ask for. But it doesn't feel all that much better than a regular X7.