Best SUVs

The Subaru Crosstrek is essentially a lifted Impreza hatchback that offers sure-footed all-wheel drive and an impressive set of active safety features. An underpowered engine and middling fuel economy are its biggest demerits.

The pint-sized Renegade is comfortable and offers an easy-to-use infotainment interface. It can also be outfitted with some legitimate off-road gear — in fact, we think it's a class-best for off-road work in Trailhawk trim. A dim-witted transmission, a small cargo area and middling fuel economy hold it back as an all-around pick.

The Jeep Compass has above-average off-road capabilities when properly equipped, especially in Trailhawk guise. Easy-to-use technology features and an easy-to-live-with interior add to the Compass's appeal, though the engine and transmission leave something to be desired.

The Honda HR-V is the undisputed master of versatility, with a flexible cargo area and spacious accomodations for multiple adults. The engine is noisy and lackluster, but the HR-V's thoughtful design and excellent economy make it a solid choice nonetheless.

The Kia Sportage emphasizes passenger comfort and technology. The remarkably spacious back seat comes at the cost of cargo space, and the driving experience is a bit tepid, but the Sportage still has a lot going for it.

The Rogue Sport has some standout safety features and a spacious cabin, but it's hampered by outdated infotainment and so-so seating comfort. The "Sport" moniker, incidentally, is not related to the way this rig goes down the road.

The Ford EcoSport may be new in the U.S., but it's far from a new vehicle globally. That shows through in design, dynamics, and refinement that can't match better competitors. It's an underwhelming product, although it does have a big cargo area.

The Jeep Wrangler brings a rough-and-tumble character that's unique in the class. It's definitely the best choice for off-road adventures, though its on-road manners are distinctly agricultural.

The Chevy Equinox comes with great infotainment features, decent cargo space and comfortable seats, but the base engine is sluggish and cargo capacity is only average.

The Ford Escape earns high marks for sporty handling and the available Sync 3 infotainment system, but it's held back by disappointing fuel economy and an interior that's showing its age.

The Nissan Rogue excellent seat comfort along with above-average cargo space and utility. But acceleration is lethargic and visibility is poor.

The outgoing generation of Toyota's RAV4 is roomy and comes with lots of standard safety features and a reputation for reliability. It's not as refined, engaging, or attractive as rivals — issues the new model will be looking to rectify.

The GMC Terrain is a more premium version of the Chevy Equinox, and as such it's a comfortable SUV with a long list of available safety and technology features. Unfortunately, the base engine is lackluster, and the premium price tag makes its shortcomings harder to swallow.

The Nissan Murano is a family-oriented SUV with excellent seats and nice materials, making it a comfortable people mover. Poor visibility, dated-feeling technology, and some quirks in the powertrain keep it from being a top pick.

Three-row seating is now standard on the Kia Sorento, which gets high marks for comfort and technology features. Higher trims get pricey, but they come with everything you'd want in a modern family hauler.

The GMC Acadia is an all-around strong performer with excellent ride quality and a quiet cabin. The third row is for emergencies only, however, and a price that quickly pushes into luxury territory makes the Acadia a less appealing pick.

The Traverse is one of the largest vehicles in the class, with lots of cargo and passenger room. It boasts decent tech and a quiet interior, but prices are a bit high for the segment.

As a three-row SUV, the Toyota 4Runner struggles due to its cramped third row seat. But if you need that extra measure of versatility, you could do worse than a three-row 'Runner.

The Nissan Pathfinder is a competent crossover that doesn't make a strong statement. It's reasonably powerful and capable, but is definitely showing its age, especially on the technology front.

Although it's not as large as its Suburban sibling, the Chevy Tahoe can still tow like a truck and carry up to nine occupants. It's a no-nonsense SUV that makes quick work of many tasks.

The Toyota Sequoia is a massive traditional truck-based SUV with a strong V8 and plenty of towing capacity. If you're looking for modern design and efficiency, one of the Sequoia's more advanced rivals will be a better choice.

The QX30 blurs the line between hatchback and SUV with its small footprint, strong handling, swift acceleration and the option of a raised suspension with all-wheel drive. But it falls behind competitors in more ways than we have space to discuss in a blurb this short.

This outgoing Q3 model is due to be replaced, and the new generation can't come too soon. While the current model is comfortable and competitively priced, its aging platform and technology can't compete in today's market.

The XC60 is a sharp-looking SUV with a modern, clean interior that gives it immediate luxury appeal. The ultra-refined interior is perhaps a step ahead of the ride quality, but in the final tally, the XC60 is one of the most compelling entrants in this segment.

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 Audi Q5 receives high marks for its impeccably designed interior and long list of easy-to-use technology features. The Q5 also scores well for comfort, but practicality is just average for the segment.

The BMW X3 doesn't stand out for any particular trait, but makes for a capable all-rounder. It's comfortable and enjoyable to drive, but the interior is on the conservative side, and there are some frustrating quirks to the tech features.

Highlights of the new Infiniti QX50 include a roomy, comfortable cabin, a large and well-appointed cargo area and a quiet demeanor. Its groundbreaking variable-compression engine impresses with its thrust and refinement, but overall driveability suffers at the hands of a flummoxed transmission.

The Jaguar F-Pace's combination of sharp styling, impressive dynamics and handy utility puts it in a league with the top players in this segment. The Jag suffers from a troublesome infotainment system and some cheap-feeling interior bits, which hurt its overall standing.

The Velar has style to spare, with a svelte exterior and a stunning interior, but the price might be even more stunning. The Velar also loses points for its needlessly complicated user interface and overly firm ride.

The XT5 is a comfortable, smooth-driving SUV with accessible technology features and a sizable cargo area. However, some odd design choices impinge on usability, cabin space and outward visibility.

The X6 is a niche vehicle that relies on looks rather than substance. It lacks the nimble handling implied by its sportback shape, while it also lacks the utility of a boxier SUV. Having said that, it's still a very capable driver.

The Land Rover Discovery has a plush interior that pairs nicely with its sleek exterior. It offers a commanding driving experience and excellent practicality, along with above-average off-road chops. Unfortunately, the sluggish, frustrating infotainment system is a real fly in the ointment.

The Lexus GX 460 exudes solidity, but it's saddled with dated technology, a thirsty engine, limited cargo space and seats that are less comfortable than you'd expect. Also, the aggressive lower bodywork impedes the GX's otherwise standout off-road capabilities by limiting ground clearance.

An upscale sibling to the Nissan Pathfinder, the QX60 is a comfortable and quiet people mover. It lags behind competitors in terms of technology, though, and there's none of Infiniti's appreciation for performance to be found here.

The Lexus LX 570 delivers off-road capabilities that few SUVs can match, but if family-hauling and daily-driver duties are what you need, there are better choices. Poor road manners and awkward design limitations curb its everyday utility.