Crossovers, often referred to as CUVs (Crossover Utility Vehicles) or SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles), are incredibly popular in today’s automotive market. It’s hard to drive anywhere without seeing models like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, or Tesla Model Y – all top-selling SUVs and CUVs in America. These vehicles blend the elevated design of a traditional SUV with the comfortable ride and efficiency of a passenger car. They offer a stylish look with everyday usability. Furthermore, SUVs and CUVs provide more interior space than comparable sedans or hatchbacks, and the market offers a wide range of choices, from gasoline to hybrid and fully electric models. Here are our top SUV and CUV selections for the 2025 model year.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors. Therefore, while vehicles on this list have similar scores, they may not necessarily compete directly against each other. Learn more about BuzzScore ratings here. These rankings are regularly updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicle information as it becomes available.
1 Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota Grand Highlander spacious interior and exterior design
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
**Base MSRP** $40,860Engine 2.4L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 Hybrid | 2.4L I4 Turbo Hybrid
Horsepower 265 hp (2.5L) | 245 hp (2.5L Hybrid) | 362 hp (2.4L Hybrid)
The Toyota Grand Highlander, boasting a BuzzScore of 8.6 out of 10, is a leading SUV CUV on our list. With several trim options available, including some with more affordable pricing compared to the previous year, the base front-wheel-drive LE model starts at $40,860.
Among the trims, buyers can choose from three powertrain options: a 2.4-liter turbo-four-cylinder producing 256 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5L hybrid delivering 245 hp, and a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid generating 362 hp. This SUV CUV is notably larger than many others in its class, offering seating for up to eight passengers and a generous cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet behind the front seats.
Toyota aimed to create a larger, improved Highlander, and they succeeded impressively. The Grand Highlander not only surpasses the standard Highlander in size but also stands out as one of the most spacious vehicles in its segment.
- Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz Editor-at-Large
2 BMW iX
Sleek and modern exterior of the BMW iX electric SUV CUV
2025 BMW iX
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
**Base MSRP** $87,250Engine Electric
Horsepower 516-610 hp
Matching the Highlander’s score of 8.6 is the BMW iX. This electric SUV CUV is available in two compelling trims, both delivering impressive performance and luxury. The entry-level xDrive50i trim starts at $87,250. Both trims feature dual electric motors and all-wheel drive, but the xDrive50i’s motors produce a combined 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the M60, starting at $111,500, unlocks even greater performance with 610 horsepower and 749 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.6 seconds. Inside, the iX SUV CUV accommodates five passengers and offers up to 77.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
The powerful acceleration is enhanced by a unique sound experience. BMW collaborated with award-winning composer Hans Zimmer to create “Iconic Sounds.” This system generates sound through the speakers when accelerating, reminiscent of the Starship Enterprise engaging warp drive, adding a futuristic element to the driving experience.
– Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz Editor-at-Large
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3 Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4 compact SUV CUV in outdoor setting
2025 Toyota RAV4
8.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
**Base MSRP** $28,850Base Trim Engine 2.5L Dynamic Force I4 ICE
Base Trim Horsepower 203 HP @6600 RPM
The Toyota RAV4 isn’t just a popular SUV CUV; it was the best-selling vehicle in the United States last year, surpassing the Ford F-150 for the first time in decades. The RAV4 stands out as a top SUV CUV for several reasons, starting with its affordable base price of $28,850. It also offers a wide variety of trim levels, along with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
The standard powertrain is a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Alternatively, buyers can choose a trim equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that delivers a combined 219 hp. The RAV4 SUV CUV offers a cargo volume of up to 69.6 cubic feet behind the front seats and comfortably seats five passengers.
4 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35
Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 high performance SUV CUV on display
2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35
8.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
**Base MSRP** $58,050Engine 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
Horsepower 302 hp
Mercedes-Benz has a strong presence in the SUV CUV category, with three models featured on our list. The highest-ranked among them is the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35. This high-performance variant of the standard GLA-Class starts at $58,050 and receives the AMG treatment, including sporty styling enhancements inside and out, and increased power. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 5.1 seconds. The GLA 35 SUV CUV accommodates up to five passengers and serves as a compelling entry point into AMG SUV ownership.
5 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class family SUV CUV in urban environment
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
8.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
**Base MSRP** $45,800Engine 2.0-Liter Turbo I4
Horsepower 221 hp
The standard Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is a comfortable SUV CUV that embodies Mercedes-Benz’s renowned luxury. The base model, starting at $45,800, features an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. For all-wheel drive, the GLB 250 4Matic starts at $47,800. Both models are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the base model seats five, a seven-seat configuration is optional, making it one of the smallest SUVs to offer three rows of seating.
6 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
2025 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
8.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
**Base MSRP** $60,100Engine 2.0L I4 Turbo Mild Hybrid
Horsepower 302 hp
For drivers seeking more performance from their GLB-Class, Mercedes-Benz offers the AMG GLB 35. Similar to the GLA 35 AMG, this is a performance-focused version of the GLB, with a base price of $60,100. This model shares the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the GLA 35, tuned to produce 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Although slightly slower than the GLA 35, it achieves 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The interior dimensions remain the same as the base GLB-Class, offering seating for up to seven passengers or 62 cubic feet of cargo space.
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7 Buick Envista
Buick Envista compact and stylish SUV CUV in studio
2025 Buick Envista
8.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
**Base MSRP** $22,900Base Trim Engine 1.2L ECOTEC I3 ICE
Base Trim Horsepower 137 HP @5000 RPM
The Buick Envista is the most compact and budget-friendly SUV CUV on this list. Despite its smaller size and lower price, it maintains a refined feel and a more upscale appearance compared to many competitors in its price range. The Envista offers three trims, all starting under $30,000, with a base price of $23,800. Given its price point, high-performance is not the focus. It is recognized as one of the slowest cars currently available, powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The Envista SUV CUV comfortably seats five passengers, and despite its compact dimensions, provides rear passengers with 37.3 inches of headroom and 38.7 inches of legroom. Cargo capacity reaches a maximum of 42 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Cabin noise is well-controlled, with minimal wind noise and good insulation, effectively preventing the three-cylinder engine’s sound from becoming intrusive. The steering, while not particularly sporty, offers adequate feedback and nimble handling. This SUV CUV is an excellent choice for buyers seeking an affordable and practical vehicle, prioritizing ease of use over exhilarating driving dynamics.
– Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz
8 Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester rugged and reliable SUV CUV outdoors
2025 Subaru Forester
8.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
**Base MSRP** $29,810Engine 2.5L Flat 4 Gas
Horsepower 180 hp
The Subaru Forester is a practical, spacious, and dependable SUV CUV choice. With standard all-wheel drive, a durable interior, and a reputation for reliability, it’s also considered one of the more adventure-ready SUVs and CUVs on the market today. Another attractive feature of the Forester is its base price of $29,995. Five trim levels are available, each varying in features and interior materials, but all are powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The Forester SUV CUV accommodates five passengers, and the base model offers 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, expanding to 74.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
9 Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V popular and fuel efficient SUV CUV in showroom
2025 Honda CR-V
7.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
**Base MSRP** $30,100Engine 1.5 L Inline 4 Gas, 2.0 L Inline 4 Hybrid
Horsepower 190-204 hp
The Honda CR-V is another reasonably priced SUV CUV known for its excellent reliability ratings. For many years, it has consistently been second only to the RAV4 in sales among gasoline-powered SUVs. The CR-V offers six trim options, including three with standard internal combustion engines and three hybrid variants.
The most affordable trim is the LX, starting at $30,100. The most economical hybrid option is the Sport Hybrid, priced from $34,650. The gasoline engine models are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrids feature a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder hybrid system with a combined output of 204 hp. The CR-V is a five-seater SUV CUV with a cargo capacity of up to 76.5 cubic feet behind the front seats.
10 Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Tucson modern design SUV CUV parked
2025 Hyundai Tucson
7.3/10
What is Buzzscore?
**Base MSRP** $28,605Engine 2.5L Inline-4 Gas
Horsepower 187 hp
The final SUV CUV on our list priced under $30,000, and ranking in the top ten with a score of 7.3, is the Hyundai Tucson. It comes in five trim levels, from the SE to the Limited, with the base SE trim starting at $28,705. All trims come standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. The Tucson is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Trim differences mainly involve styling and convenience features, but the XRT trim is an off-road-inspired version designed to compete with Toyota’s off-road models. All Tucson SUV CUV models seat five passengers and offer a surprisingly practical cargo space of up to 80.3 cubic feet behind the front seats, making it a versatile compact SUV CUV.
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Best Of The Rest
BMW X3 luxury SUV CUV showcasing design and features
2025 BMW X3
**Base MSRP** $49,500Engine 2.0L Inline 4 Mild hybrid, 3.0 L Inline 6 Mild hybrid
Horsepower 255-393 hp
Genesis Electrified GV70 luxury electric SUV CUV in elegant setting
2025 Genesis Electrified GV70
**Base MSRP** $66,950Base Trim Engine EV
Base Trim Horsepower 429 HP
Key Characteristics of Top SUV CUVs
While numerous new SUV CUV models are constantly being introduced, the distinctions between them are often subtle. These vehicles are designed to meet specific market demands, naturally sharing several common characteristics. Therefore, comparisons between top SUV CUVs will reveal many similarities.
- Maneuverability: Due to their generally smaller dimensions and lighter weight compared to traditional SUVs or pickup trucks, top SUV CUVs are typically easier to handle and drive, especially in urban environments.
- Affordability: With less emphasis on heavy-duty towing or extreme off-roading capabilities, SUV CUVs are generally more affordable than traditional body-on-frame SUVs. However, the luxury SUV CUV segment includes larger, high-end models that can exceed $50,000.
- Customization: The SUV CUV market is one of the fastest-growing globally, offering a wide array of models. This provides buyers with significant choice and customization options. Automakers aim to appeal to diverse demographics, offering each model in multiple trim levels to cater to various needs and preferences.
- Safety: Sport Utility Vehicles are recognized for their strong safety ratings, and while SUV CUVs might be less bulky, they inherit many of these safety advantages. While rollover scores might be slightly lower due to their height, their increased weight compared to sedans enhances stability, and modern SUV CUVs feature advanced crumple zones. Furthermore, as these vehicles are often marketed towards families, most new models come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies as standard safety features.
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Important Considerations Before Buying an SUV CUV
Despite their widespread popularity, SUV CUVs are not without their limitations. Like any vehicle type, they have specific strengths and weaknesses that potential buyers should consider. Even top-rated SUV CUV models share some of these characteristics. Before committing to owning one for several years, carefully weigh the pros and cons:
Pros
- More affordable than traditional body-on-frame SUVs
- Better fuel economy compared to larger SUVs
- Agile and easy to maneuver in city driving
- More practical and spacious than sedans
- Comfortable, well-equipped interiors designed for everyday usability
Cons
- Limited towing capacity compared to trucks and traditional SUVs
- Some lower-priced models may have less refined interior materials
- May lack the ultimate utility and versatility of larger, more rugged SUVs
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SUV CUV FAQs: Common Questions
What is the difference between an SUV and a CUV?
The primary difference lies in their construction. Traditional SUVs are built on truck-based platforms, resulting in their robustness, heavier weight, and off-road capabilities. SUV CUVs, conversely, utilize car platforms, leading to a smaller size, lighter weight, and improved on-road handling. Each type offers distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on driving needs.
Which brands are known for producing the Best Suv Cuvs?
Many automakers excel in the SUV CUV segment. Legacy brands like Toyota and Honda are highly regarded for their reliability, while German manufacturers are renowned for producing some of the finest luxury SUV CUVs available.
What are the top-rated SUV CUVs for 2025?
Currently, the Toyota Grand Highlander and BMW iX are among the highest-rated SUV CUVs for the 2025 model year, despite being very different vehicles catering to different needs and preferences.
Sources: Toyota, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Buick, Subaru, Honda, Hyundai
