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WILL KAUFMAN: Today we're here to help
you find the SUV that's right for you and your lifestyle.
To make things simple, we've picked only the best.
ELANA SCHERR: Everything that we're going to talk about
has been through our full rating and testing
process, which you can find out more about by clicking
here or there or over there.
Wherever they put the link, click it.
This video covers everything that we've
tested up until the point that we started shooting this video.
We aren't time travelers.
We aren't able to test cars from the future--
WILL KAUFMAN: --yet.
ELANA SCHERR: We will, though.
Anyway, they're always coming out with new SUV.
And that's why our ratings are updated in real time.
If the SUV that you're shopping for isn't in this video,
well, head over to edmunds.com for the latest updates.
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Let's start with the little guys.
Subcompacts are the least expensive crossovers
you can buy.
They aren't big and beefy, more like raised-up hatchbacks.
But they still offer an elevated driving position and more cargo
room.
Our pick in the subcompact category is the Hyundai Kona.
It may look a little funky, but the Kona is our wee winner
because it has a good grasp on all the basics
and no dramatic failings.
Strength number one?
The interior.
The cargo space is easy to access,
and there's plenty of room.
You get standard support for Android and Apple phones.
Best part for car geeks?
It's a nice ride.
We like the comfort, handling, and the turbocharged engine.
WILL KAUFMAN: The Kona isn't perfect.
But in a class full of compromises,
it brews up a great combination of strengths in a package that
feels firmly put together.
It's also available as an EV that we
happen to like very much.
If you're looking for a little more luxury,
subcompact SUVs give you that tall hatchback life
but with nicer materials, more features,
and a prestigious badge.
Our pick is the BMW X1.
It's actually really nice to drive,
and the interior is very easy to use and very well assembled.
The X1's turbocharged engine produces just
over 200 horsepower.
So it scoots around respectably for a subcompact SUV.
Despite its small size, the X1 has
plenty of space for people and luggage.
The cargo capacity is impressive,
and the lift-over height is low.
Just keep in mind that some of that cargo volume
comes from the under-floor storage
area, where a spare tire would normally be kept.
And outfitted with the M Sport options,
it looks pretty good too.
This is one "X" you won't be sad to find
waiting for you outside your house in the morning.
ELANA SCHERR: The X1 is BMW's lowest priced SUV,
but it doesn't skimp on the things you want in a crossover.
If you want something less traditional looking,
check out the Volvo XC 40, which tied the X1 in our rankings.
They are just both so good.
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Compact SUVs have reasonable pricing.
They're useful in a lot of ways.
And they're a just-right size.
It's easy to see why they've replaced midsize sedans
as the go-to family vehicle.
Our pick in small SUVs is the Honda CRV.
Since this generation's debut in 2017,
the CRV has been an easy recommendation to any shopper.
It drives well, has a ton of space,
and a smartly designed interior.
The cargo area is massive and full of clever details.
You can lower the floor for more room
or leave it flush for easy load-in.
The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The center console has multiple configurations,
allowing you to keep even large items covered and out of view.
It's pleasant to drive.
It's no race car.
But the turbocharged engine makes
passing easy and conquers hills with quiet efficiency.
WILL KAUFMAN: If you're looking for something that's
a little sharper to drive, you might want
to check out the Mazda CX5.
It tied the CRV in our ratings, thanks
to its fun-to-drive character and its near-luxury interior.
However, you do lose a little bit
of cargo space and passenger room in the second row.
ELANA SCHERR: Oh, but what if you need more seats?
Well, you can get a compact SUV with three rows of seating.
But adding a third row does not magically make it bigger.
If anything, it takes up your cargo room.
Those rear seats are going to be kid-only stuff.
Because of that packaging challenge,
there aren't a lot of three-row small SUVs out there.
Of them, the Volkswagen T1 one is your best bet
because of its advanced safety and technology features.
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WILL KAUFMAN: Luxury manufacturers
are also throwing everything they've got at the small SUV
segment and coming out with everything from stylish family
hollers to high-horsepower performance machines.
Our pick is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Now, there's one caveat to that.
A 2020 model is coming with more power and efficiency and a more
capable infotainment system.
Still, the current model is worth talking about.
And hopefully most of its strengths
will carry over into the new year.
You get a lot of choices when it comes to engines,
4- 6- and even 8-cylinder options
are available, with power and performance increasing
as you go.
There's also a plug-in hybrid version available.
The interior is roomy and functional,
although the cargo space falls a little behind some of the class
leaders for sheer cargo volume.
But that interior looks upscale and feels comfortable.
This is an elegant car with a lot of high-tech features,
just like you'd expect from Mercedes-Benz.
ELANA SCHERR: The Mercedes-Benz GLC class
sets a high bar for small luxury SUVs,
with its fancy cabin and balanced driving dynamic.
On that topic, we better give a shout out to the Porsche Macan.
It's pricier, but, woo, talk about a pleasure to drive.
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WILL KAUFMAN: If you have to move a lot of gear,
a growing family, or kids who are
outgrowing your current ride--
ELANA SCHERR: --or dogs--
like, if you have a lot of dogs, you can also
send me pictures of the dogs?
WILL KAUFMAN: --then you should probably
check out a midsize SUV.
Midsize SUVs combine the comfort and ease of their smaller
car-based cousins, with a good helping of the towing, hauling,
and people-moving capability of their big truck-based siblings.
ELANA SCHERR: The Telluride may have just debuted,
but it's already our favorite three-row SUV.
It's quiet, comfortable, roomy, capable.
And in the higher trims, it offers luxury touches
that you would normally only find in vehicles
costing thousands more.
WILL KAUFMAN: Not only is it roomy and comfortable,
with space for adults in all three rows,
but it's versatile and thoughtfully designed.
There are some nice touches you won't
find in competitors, along with plenty of cup holders
and charge points.
There's only one engine on offer,
but it's a punchy V6 that offers up
to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, if properly equipped.
The Telluride isn't the fastest SUV in the segment,
but it is smooth and quiet on the road.
Not only is the Telluride practical,
but the technology upgrades go beyond what
any other competitor offers for the money.
The Telluride really is a great value in any trim level.
ELANA SCHERR: If you need to tow more than 5,000 pounds,
check over at edmunds.com for more vehicles in this category.
Our top choice for a two-row midsize SUV
is the Honda Passport.
Two-row, or five-passenger midsize SUVs
generally run slightly smaller than
their three-row counterparts.
But they provide more passenger room.
The Passport takes Honda's excellent Pilot,
makes it a little shorter, gives it some off-road capability
and some extra personality.
Along with a spacious interior and seats
you could spend all day in, the Honda
offers a wonderful ride quality and tri-zone climate control.
Its V6 engine and nine-speed automatic
provide up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability
and strong acceleration.
From its generous door pockets to its large cargo area,
this is just a roomy SUV.
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WILL KAUFMAN: Luxury midsize SUVs
don't break down into two- and three-row categories quite so
easily, since many have the option of seating four, five,
six, or even seven passengers.
Our favorite luxury midsize SUV is another Mercedes.
The-Mercedes Benz GLE class has been totally redesigned
for 2020, and it's a big improvement
over its predecessor.
It drives well, regardless of which engine you choose.
There's an excellent array of features.
And the MBUX infotainment system is the best in the business.
The GLE offers plenty of space in its high-quality interior.
And you can opt for a third row of seating if you need it.
You can also get the GLE in a coupe-body style.
The new subclass of so-called SUV coupes
are very popular in the midsize luxury segment.
Don't be fooled by the name.
These coupes still come with four doors and a hatchback.
But you do trade a little bit of cargo space
and some passenger room for more style and sometimes even
a little more performance.
The GLE can tow up to 7,700 pounds
when equipped with a class-three tow hitch,
regardless of which engine you choose.
It can also be an aggressive performer in AMG guise.
The new Mercedes MBUX system is highly capable
and super usable.
It has intuitive controls and a new voice command system
designed to respond to you like your cell phone voice
assistant.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
ELANA SCHERR: The Mercedes-Benz GLE class
is a great choice for a luxury crossover.
Its cabin is exceptionally well executed.
And it's highly refined on the road.
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These are the classic utility vehicles,
truck-based workhorses that can tow a boat
and haul a family of eight at the same time.
Fuel economy is predictably forgettable,
at least until you get your credit card bill.
But if maximum versatility is what you need,
these big rigs deliver.
Our pick for a large SUV is the Ford Expedition.
If you have room for it, the Expedition
offers a truly cavernous interior, quick acceleration,
comfortable seats, and high-tech towing aids.
You'll need those because properly equipped,
an Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds.
The Expedition may be huge, but its turbocharged V6
makes it impressively quick and gives it that amazing towing
capacity.
There are tons of helpful technology extras,
from surround-view cameras to Ford's easy-to-use SYNC
infotainment system.
The gigantic doors give easy access to the interior.
You can just walk right into the third row.
If the Expedition size is a deal breaker for you,
the Chevy Tahoe is slightly smaller,
although it's not quite as nice or as high tech as the Ford.
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In terms of road presence, there is nothing like a large luxury
SUV.
With plenty of seating and towing capabilities,
these behemoths are as functional as they
are impressive.
When you're looking at an SUV in this category,
you want some personality on top of capability.
The Lincoln Navigator has both.
It's our Editor's Choice Award in this segment
and for good reason, style and design.
It's just charismatic inside and out,
and in a way that's different from the usual German luxury
crowd.
The widely adjustable seats are terrific.
And the yacht-like interior offers plenty of space,
especially in the extended wheelbase L variant.
It's simply giant inside.
And we like how the rear seats fold down electronically.
You get a powerful twin turbo V6 with 450 horsepower.
That is stout.
And it feels great on the road.
Just be ready.
While that big engine can run fine on 87 octane,
it performs best on premium.
WILL KAUFMAN: The Navigator is built
to impress, from its incredible tow rating
to its plush interior and complete suite
of modern technology features.
The Navigator makes a very convincing luxury ride.
To find full reviews and great deals on all the SUVs
we've talked about today, make sure to cross over
to edmunds.com.
ELANA SCHERR: For more videos like this,
subscribe to the channel and follow us
on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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