When it comes to SUVs, some models receive all the glory while others quietly deliver impressive performance and value without much fanfare. In this article, we shine a spotlight on 25 of the world’s most underrated SUVs that deserve more recognition. From hidden gems to overlooked powerhouses, these vehicles offer a surprising blend of features, reliability, and style. Let’s take a closer look at these standout yet often ignored SUVs.
Contents
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 stands out with its stylish design, high-quality interior, and engaging driving dynamics. It offers a refined ride and sharp handling, making it a pleasure to drive. Equipped with advanced safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system, the CX-5 delivers excellent value. Its available turbocharged engine adds a powerful performance punch, yet it often gets overlooked in favor of more well-known rivals.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester combines rugged capability with everyday practicality. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, ample ground clearance, and spacious interior make it ideal for both urban commutes and off-road adventures. The Forester also boasts top-notch safety ratings and advanced driver assistance features. Despite its many strengths, it tends to be overshadowed by flashier competitors.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a versatile midsize SUV that offers a lot for the money. With three rows of seating, a comfortable ride, and a choice of fuel-efficient engines, it’s a great family vehicle. The Sorento also includes a wealth of standard features and a user-friendly infotainment system. Its stylish design and long warranty add to its appeal, yet it often flies under the radar.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson impresses with its well-rounded performance, upscale interior, and comprehensive warranty. It offers a smooth ride, good fuel efficiency, and a host of standard features, including a high-tech infotainment system. The Tucson’s value for money and reliability make it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, though it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is a solid choice for those seeking a midsize SUV with ample space and strong performance. It offers a powerful turbocharged engine option, a smooth ride, and a quiet, comfortable interior. The Edge also features advanced safety and infotainment systems. Despite its merits, it often gets overlooked in favor of more popular models in Ford’s lineup.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan offers European styling and a well-crafted interior, making it a standout in the compact SUV category. Its spacious cabin, available third-row seating, and refined ride quality add to its appeal. The Tiguan also comes with a range of advanced tech and safety features. However, it doesn’t always receive the recognition it deserves compared to its more well-known competitors.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is an excellent choice for families, thanks to its roomy interior and three rows of seating. It offers a smooth ride, powerful V6 engine, and user-friendly technology. The Traverse also has a generous cargo space and a long list of standard features. Despite its strengths, it often gets overshadowed by more prominent models in the large SUV segment.
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano stands out with its distinctive design and upscale interior. It offers a comfortable ride, a strong V6 engine, and a host of standard features, including advanced safety tech. The Murano’s refined cabin and smooth handling make it a great choice for those seeking a midsize SUV. However, it often gets overlooked in favor of more aggressive-looking rivals.
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that combines style, comfort, and practicality. It offers a smooth ride, a choice of efficient engines, and a well-designed interior with plenty of tech features. The Terrain also includes advanced safety systems and a comfortable, quiet cabin. Despite its attributes, it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in a crowded market.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander offers a lot of value with its standard three-row seating, long warranty, and available plug-in hybrid variant. It features a comfortable ride, decent fuel efficiency, and a range of tech and safety features. The Outlander’s practicality and affordability make it a solid choice for families, though it often gets overlooked in favor of more well-known brands.
Buick Envision
The Buick Envision combines luxury and practicality in a compact SUV. It offers a refined ride, upscale interior, and a host of standard features, including advanced safety tech. The Envision’s quiet cabin and smooth handling make it a pleasure to drive. Despite its premium feel and competitive pricing, it often flies under the radar compared to luxury rivals.
Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is a capable compact SUV with excellent off-road abilities and a comfortable on-road ride. It offers a range of engines, including a powerful V6 and a fuel-efficient turbocharged option. The Cherokee also features a user-friendly infotainment system and advanced safety features. Despite its versatility, it often gets overshadowed by Jeep’s more iconic models.
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport is a rugged midsize SUV that offers a spacious interior, powerful V6 engine, and strong off-road capability. It features a comfortable ride, generous cargo space, and a host of standard tech and safety features. The Passport’s blend of performance and practicality makes it a great choice for adventurers, though it often gets overlooked in favor of the larger Honda Pilot.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV with legendary off-road capabilities and a durable build. It offers a powerful V6 engine, spacious interior, and advanced off-road features. The 4Runner’s reliability and versatility make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, yet it often gets overshadowed by more modern-looking competitors.
Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is a luxury compact SUV that offers a powerful turbocharged engine, sporty handling, and a well-appointed interior. It features a high-tech infotainment system, advanced safety features, and a comfortable, spacious cabin. The RDX’s blend of performance and luxury makes it a great value, though it often gets overlooked in the crowded luxury SUV market.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a stylish and luxurious compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, high-quality interior, and advanced safety features. It comes with a range of efficient engines, including a plug-in hybrid option. The XC60’s blend of luxury, safety, and performance makes it a standout choice, yet it often gets overshadowed by more well-known luxury brands.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is a midsize SUV that combines sporty handling with a luxurious interior. It offers a powerful turbocharged engine, refined ride, and advanced safety features. The CX-9’s spacious cabin and high-quality materials make it a pleasure to drive. Despite its many strengths, it often gets overlooked in favor of more popular three-row SUVs.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a stylish and spacious midsize SUV that offers a comfortable ride, powerful V6 engine, and a host of standard features. It includes advanced safety tech, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a luxurious interior. The Telluride’s blend of value, performance, and quality makes it a standout, though it often gets overshadowed by more established rivals.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a well-rounded midsize SUV that offers a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a choice of efficient engines. It features a range of standard tech and safety features, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a long warranty. The Santa Fe’s blend of value and versatility makes it a strong contender, yet it often gets overlooked in favor of flashier models.
Infiniti QX50
The Infiniti QX50 is a luxury compact SUV that offers a powerful turbocharged engine, smooth ride, and upscale interior. It features advanced tech and safety systems, a spacious cabin, and high-quality materials. The QX50’s blend of performance and luxury makes it a great value, though it often gets overshadowed by more prominent luxury brands.
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a powerful and spacious midsize SUV that offers a range of strong engines, including a V8 option. It features a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Durango’s blend of performance and practicality makes it a great choice for families, yet it often gets overlooked in favor of more fuel-efficient rivals.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a versatile minivan that offers excellent fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and advanced tech features. It features a comfortable ride, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a long electric-only range. The Pacifica Hybrid’s blend of practicality and efficiency makes it a standout choice, though it often gets overshadowed by more traditional SUVs.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is a capable midsize SUV that offers a powerful V6 engine, spacious interior, and a range of advanced safety features. It features a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Pathfinder’s blend of performance and practicality makes it a great choice for families, yet it often gets overlooked in favor of more popular rivals.
Ford Flex
The Ford Flex is a unique and spacious midsize SUV that offers a comfortable ride, powerful engine options, and a distinctive design. It features a roomy interior, advanced tech features, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Flex’s blend of style, performance, and practicality makes it a standout choice, though it often gets overlooked in favor of more conventional SUVs.
Lincoln MKC
The Lincoln MKC is a luxury compact SUV that offers a refined ride, upscale interior, and a range of advanced tech and safety features. It features a comfortable cabin, powerful engine options, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The MKC’s blend of luxury and performance makes it a great value, yet it often gets overshadowed by more well-known luxury brands
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
More from MyCarMakesNoise
The 20 Worst Engines to Ever Power a Car
Some car engines are notorious for their high maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns. From the Cadillac V8-6-4 to the Volkswagen 2.0L TSI, these engines have faced numerous reliability issues, leading to costly repairs and owner frustration. Read More.
23 Luxury Electric and Hybrid Cars Leading the Market
As the automotive industry embraces the shift towards sustainability, luxury car manufacturers are leading the way with a stunning array of high-end electric and hybrid vehicles. Read More.
18 Trailblazing Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars on the Road Today
As the world moves towards sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen fuel cell cars are at the forefront of this green revolution. These innovative vehicles offer a glimpse into the future of transportation, combining cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly fuel. Read More.
