Are you in the market for a new SUV? There are many options to choose from, but according to Kelley Blue Book, these are the best models to consider.
SUVs represent one of the most versatile platforms one can purchase, combining multiple strengths such as cargo space, passenger capacity, all-terrain capability, and more. They come in many shapes and sizes as well, with each suiting different purposes particularly nicely: compact CUVs for metropolitan driving, full-size for larger families and extended road trips, and mid-size for everything in between. Moreover, modern SUVs come packed with a variety of luxury appointments and features, covering a diverse array of price-points and aesthetics. There’s generally something for everyone in this vehicle class, but which are the best of the best for 2025? Let’s have a look, running through what Kelley Blue Book deems as the best for each vehicle segment.
For this listing, we’ll be considering a number of key factors both inherent to SUVs in particular as well as broader strokes, such as safety, fuel efficiency, size and weight, and the general consensus of each vehicle over the years. Several of these models boast long histories that span decades, and with that comes a well-established philosophy and fanbase; we’ll see if the modern iterations hold up there, as well. Lastly, we’ll discuss each individual ranking and what’s judged as the vehicles’ biggest positives and negatives.
Kelley Blue book is the primary source for this article, though we won’t limit ourselves to just one publication, and also take into consideration independent reviews and side-by-side comparisons. Surprisingly, not every SUV on this list makes an appearance on the best-selling SUVs of 2025. This list, by contrast, will focus on the quality of each SUV, and discuss what makes each the best in its respective category.Subcompact SUV: Hyundai Kona (4.8 stars Expert, 3.5 stars Consumer)
This class straddles the line between an SUV and hatchback on-paper, and the second-generation 2026 Hyundai Kona is no exception. Though it may look diminutive, however, the Kona is packed with features and quirks, earning KBB’s praise and recognition. In fact, the only tangible negative KBB cites is the pedestrian 147-horsepower engine, with the reviewers preferring the power afforded by the 190-horsepower option.
Is it the smallest new SUV for sale Stateside? No — that title belongs to the Hyundai Venue. But it still utilizes every square-inch of space well considering its entry-level price tag; this is the only vehicle under $30,000 MSRP on this list. Being a subcompact, the Kona truly comes alive in places like cities and as a budget-friendly commuter car, further emphasized by that price point. Although it’s not the most fuel-efficient, with fuel economy going from 26 to 31 mpg combined depending on what engine and drivetrain option the Kona has.
Reviews often praise this latest-generation Kona for evolving the formula set by the original, evolving its design into a more mature aesthetic while retaining its most desirable features. While its exterior appearance is certainly an acquired taste, with Car and Driver calling it a «Star Wars helmet» front end, it’s still packed with all the features you’d expect of a car at this price point, with an NHTSA safety rating of four of fiv to match. Kia also produces the Hyundai Kona Electric N Line for those shopping for EVs.Compact SUV: Honda CR-V (4.
