Let’s talk SUVs! You want the lowdown on the hottest rides hitting the streets and trails for 2025? Car and Driver’s got the scoop, and let me tell ya, there are some absolute stunners out there. Let’s count ’em down!
10. 2025 Mazda CX-30 (C/D Rating: 9.5/10)
Starting Price: $26,415
Fuel Economy: 25–29 MPG combined
The Skinny: Kicking things off, we’ve got the Mazda CX-30. This ain’t your grandma’s grocery-getter. It’s got killer looks, drives like a dream – seriously, Mazda still knows how to inject that zoom-zoom feel – and feels way more premium inside than the price tag suggests. It’s a bit tight on space if you’re hauling serious gear, but for driving pleasure in a crossover package? Solid choice.
9. 2025 BMW iX (C/D Rating: 9.5/10)
Starting Price: $88,425
Est. Range: 288–324 miles
The Skinny: Alright, stepping into the electric luxury zone, the BMW iX is a beast. Yeah, the price is up there, but you’re getting cutting-edge Bimmer tech, wild styling (love it or hate it!), and serious performance – up to 610 horses in the M60! Plus, over 300 miles of range means fewer stops. It’s easily one of the top electric SUVs you can park in your driveway right now.
8. 2025 Volvo XC40 (C/D Rating: 9.5/10)
Starting Price: $41,945
Fuel Economy: 26 MPG combined
The Skinny: People flock to Volvo for safety, and the XC40 delivers. But it’s more than just a tank; it’s got that cool, minimalist Scandi style inside and out, and it’s super practical. A great blend of safety, style, and everyday usability, especially if you’re looking for luxury under $45k.
7. 2025 Mazda CX-50 (C/D Rating: 9.5/10)
Starting Price: $31,720
Fuel Economy: 25–28 MPG combined
The Skinny: Another Mazda making waves! The CX-50 is like the CX-30’s slightly bigger, more rugged brother. It keeps that fun-to-drive Mazda DNA but adds a bit more capability and presence. If you want that driving engagement but need a smidge more practicality, the CX-50 is calling your name.
6. 2025 Kia EV6 (C/D Rating: 9.5/10)
Starting Price: $44,375
Est. Range: 231–319 miles
The Skinny: Look at this thing! The EV6 looks like it drove straight out of the future. But it’s not just a pretty face; this electric Kia is genuinely fun to hustle around corners, and its quick-charging capability is a major plus for EV life. Style, substance, and speed – nice package.
5. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 (C/D Rating: 10/10)
Starting Price: $44,075
Est. Range: 245–318 miles
The Skinny: Hyundai absolutely nailed it with the Ioniq 5. It’s got this awesome retro-futuristic vibe, it’s packed with value, drives great, and scoops up awards left and right. Seriously, it’s a standout EV SUV that looks cool and delivers on range and features. A total winner.
4. 2025 Porsche Macan (C/D Rating: 10/10)
Starting Price: $64,895
Fuel Economy: 19–21 MPG combined
The Skinny: Want a sports car but need SUV space? The Porsche Macan is the answer. No joke, this thing drives like a proper Porsche – sharp handling, killer grip, and engines that just beg you to push ’em. Yeah, it’s pricey, and the fuel economy isn’t stellar, but the driving experience? Pure magic in a practical wrapper.
3. 2025 Chevrolet Trax (C/D Rating: 10/10)
Starting Price: $21,895
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG combined
The Skinny: Okay, talk about a glow-up! The new Chevy Trax is a total game-changer in the budget segment. It looks sharp, offers way more space than you’d expect, and comes loaded with features for the money. Sure, it’s not gonna win drag races, but for a stylish, roomy, and seriously affordable ride? Chevy knocked it out of the park.
2. 2025 Genesis GV70 (C/D Rating: 10/10)
Starting Price: $47,650
Fuel Economy: 20–24 MPG combined
The Skinny: Genesis is crushing it, and the GV70 is proof. This compact luxury SUV looks incredible, feels incredibly premium inside, and drives beautifully, all while undercutting many German rivals on price. You get serious style, luxury, and performance without completely emptying your wallet. It’s a luxury bargain, plain and simple.
1. 2025 Honda CR-V (C/D Rating: 10/10)
Starting Price: $31,495
Fuel Economy: 28–30 MPG combined
The Skinny: And here it is, the top dog according to C/D! The Honda CR-V just does everything right. It’s spacious, comfortable, fuel-efficient (especially the hybrid!), reliable, and packed with common-sense features. It might not be the flashiest, but for an all-around, no-compromise compact SUV that nails the fundamentals, the CR-V continues to lead the pack. It’s just a gem.
