Some SUVs might not grab your attention right away, but they have a lot more to offer than meets the eye. These underrated models come packed with surprising features that make them well worth a second look. From hidden luxury touches to unexpected power, they deliver serious value without the fanfare. Here’s a list of 25 underrated SUVs that prove you don’t need a big name to make a big impression.
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Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 combines sporty handling with a refined, upscale interior, making it an impressive choice in the compact SUV category. With responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension, the CX-5 offers an agile, almost car-like driving experience. Inside, high-quality materials and a sleek design give it a more luxurious feel than many of its rivals. It’s also available with a powerful turbocharged engine option that enhances performance. For anyone looking for a refined, fun-to-drive SUV that doesn’t sacrifice style, the CX-5 is a top pick.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the few compact SUVs that offers a third-row seat, making it a versatile choice for families. Its spacious interior and competitive pricing are paired with impressive tech, including an intuitive infotainment system and standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tiguan also boasts German-engineered handling that’s smooth on the road. Despite its lesser popularity, the Tiguan provides a balanced blend of comfort, technology, and flexibility, making it a smart alternative to pricier rivals.
Hyundai Kona
Small but mighty, the Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV that impresses with its advanced safety features and lively performance. Equipped with available all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine option, the Kona feels zippy and secure on various terrains. It also features high-tech amenities, such as a head-up display, wireless charging, and Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite. With its bold styling and impressive list of features, the Kona is an ideal choice for drivers who want more in a small package.
Subaru Forester
With standard all-wheel drive and a rugged build, the Subaru Forester is a capable off-roader with surprising versatility. Known for its generous ground clearance, it handles rough roads with ease and is popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Inside, it offers a spacious, practical layout with excellent visibility. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology comes standard, enhancing safety on every journey. The Forester proves that capability and comfort can go hand-in-hand, making it a standout in its class.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version makes it a unique choice in the compact SUV market, offering excellent fuel efficiency and the flexibility of electric-only driving. The Outlander PHEV boasts dual electric motors and a combined gas-electric range that’s ideal for eco-conscious drivers. It also features a third row, setting it apart from many of its compact competitors. With advanced safety tech and a refreshed interior, the Outlander offers features beyond what you’d expect in this price range.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge offers a roomy interior with two rows of comfortable seating, ideal for those who don’t need a third row but appreciate extra space. It comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assist technologies, and features like adaptive cruise control and a 12-inch touchscreen. The Edge is also available with a robust turbocharged V6 engine, which gives it an extra boost in performance. It’s a well-rounded SUV that brings practicality, power, and tech to the table.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento surprises with a third-row seat option, providing flexibility for families who occasionally need extra seating. Available with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain, it’s also one of the more fuel-efficient midsize SUVs. The Sorento’s interior is thoughtfully designed, with high-quality materials and tech features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Its compact size for a three-row SUV makes it easy to maneuver, offering a balance of utility and convenience.
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Despite its small size, the Chevrolet Trailblazer packs a punch with tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a modern option for tech-savvy drivers. It also includes a range of active safety features as standard, such as lane-keeping assist and forward collision alert. The Trailblazer’s bold styling and spacious cabin make it a versatile choice for those who want a compact, yet feature-rich, SUV. It proves that small SUVs can deliver big on value.
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is often overlooked, yet it offers a luxurious interior with comfortable, supportive seating and a quiet cabin. It features a powerful V6 engine, providing smooth and consistent performance on the highway. The Murano also includes Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, which enhances safety with features like automatic emergency braking. With a unique design and upscale materials, the Murano offers a luxury feel without the premium price.
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain delivers an upscale experience with its premium materials and intuitive infotainment system. It includes the GMC Pro Safety suite, which provides essential safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. The Terrain’s roomy cabin offers plenty of comfort for passengers, while its bold, truck-inspired styling appeals to those who want an SUV with a little more attitude. With these features, the Terrain stands out as a well-equipped choice in the compact SUV market.
Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza comes exclusively as a hybrid, providing impressive fuel efficiency without compromising performance. It has a luxurious interior, featuring premium materials and a panoramic glass roof for an airy feel. The Venza also offers Toyota’s suite of safety features and an available 12.3-inch touchscreen, making it both tech-forward and safe. This SUV is a great choice for those looking for an eco-friendly option with a refined touch.
Honda Passport
Built for adventure, the Honda Passport offers off-road capabilities and a spacious interior with plenty of cargo space. It comes standard with Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system and a powerful V6 engine, making it well-suited for both city streets and rugged trails. The Passport also includes Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assist technologies. With ample room and rugged capability, it’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and capable SUV.
Jeep Cherokee
Known for its off-road prowess, the Jeep Cherokee also surprises with a comfortable, well-appointed interior. It offers multiple 4×4 systems for enhanced capability on rough terrains and includes the Uconnect infotainment system for easy connectivity. With options like a turbocharged engine and luxurious interior trims, the Cherokee balances ruggedness with refinement, making it a versatile choice for both adventure and everyday driving.
Buick Envision
The Buick Envision provides a quiet, comfortable ride with premium finishes often reserved for luxury SUVs. Its interior features soft-touch materials and advanced tech options like a 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay. The Envision also includes Buick’s QuietTuning technology, ensuring a peaceful cabin experience. This SUV is a hidden gem for those who want a luxury feel without the luxury price.
Mazda CX-30
Stylish and agile, the Mazda CX-30 combines an upscale interior with sharp, responsive handling. It offers a turbocharged engine option, adding a performance boost to its compact frame. Inside, premium materials and a minimalist design give the CX-30 a more high-end feel. With standard safety features and an engaging driving experience, it’s a compact SUV that delivers a lot of value.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that includes a host of features, such as heated rear seats, a digital gauge cluster, and Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite. With a choice of powertrains, including a hybrid option, it offers something for every driver. The Santa Fe’s spacious interior and premium finishes make it a comfortable family SUV that doesn’t skimp on style or functionality.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport stands out with its sleek design and spacious interior, making it a stylish choice for families. It includes a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features and a user-friendly infotainment system. With ample cargo space and a comfortable ride, the Atlas Cross Sport is a practical and attractive SUV that deserves more attention.
Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks is an affordable compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on features, offering a range of standard tech and safety options. With features like Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 and Apple CarPlay, it’s well-equipped for city driving. Its small size and efficient engine make it a practical, budget-friendly choice that’s surprisingly packed with value.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers a distinctive design and a spacious, tech-friendly cabin with an easy-to-use infotainment system. It includes standard all-wheel drive on many trims, providing added stability. The Eclipse Cross also offers a host of safety features, making it a secure option for drivers seeking a reliable and unique compact SUV.
Chevrolet Equinox
Practical and family-friendly, the Chevrolet Equinox offers a range of tech and safety features, including Teen Driver mode and available all-wheel drive. Its roomy interior and smooth ride make it a comfortable choice for daily commuting and family trips. The Equinox combines convenience, safety, and affordability, making it a top choice for budget-conscious families.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid brings impressive fuel efficiency to the family SUV segment. With three rows of seating and a spacious cabin, it’s an ideal option for larger families. The Highlander Hybrid includes Toyota Safety Sense, ensuring a safe and reliable drive. It’s a fuel-saving, eco-friendly choice that still delivers on space and functionality.
Dodge Durango
With its muscular performance and spacious interior, the Dodge Durango combines power with practicality. Available with a range of engines, including a V8, the Durango offers towing capacity and strong acceleration. Inside, it includes an upscale infotainment system and available leather seating, making it a surprisingly luxurious option in the midsize SUV market.
Ford EcoSport
Compact and easy to maneuver, the Ford EcoSport offers high seating, a nimble drive, and practical features for urban driving. Despite its small size, it includes features like an 8-inch touchscreen and FordPass Connect, which provides remote access and Wi-Fi. For drivers looking for a compact, efficient SUV with modern amenities, the EcoSport is a solid choice.
Infiniti QX50
The Infiniti QX50 boasts a luxurious feel with its advanced variable-compression turbo engine, providing both power and efficiency. Its cabin is filled with high-end materials, and its spacious design ensures comfort for all passengers. With a suite of driver-assist technologies, the QX50 is a refined option for those who want performance and style in a compact luxury SUV.
Acura RDX
The Acura RDX combines sporty styling with a premium interior and tech-savvy features like a 10.2-inch touchscreen. Its turbocharged engine provides strong acceleration, while the available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive enhances handling on the road. The RDX is a great choice for those who want a luxury SUV with sporty flair and advanced tech.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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