The Best SUVs of the Year: Performance, Safety, and Comfort

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have become increasingly popular due to their versatility, spaciousness, and advanced features. For 2024, manufacturers have upped the ante with models that excel in performance, safety, and comfort. Here, we highlight the best SUVs of the year, showcasing their standout attributes and why they are the top choices for drivers.

1. Toyota Highlander

Performance: The Toyota Highlander offers a smooth and powerful ride with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower. It also features an available hybrid option, providing excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Safety: The Highlander is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. It has received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

Comfort: With seating for up to eight passengers, the Highlander offers a spacious and comfortable interior. The cabin features high-quality materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, and tri-zone climate control.

2. Honda CR-V

Performance: The Honda CR-V's turbocharged 1.5-liter engine delivers 190 horsepower, offering a balanced mix of power and fuel efficiency. The available hybrid model provides even greater fuel economy.

Safety: The CR-V includes Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features such as collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. It also boasts top safety ratings.

Comfort: The CR-V's interior is designed with comfort in mind, featuring supportive seats, ample legroom, and a quiet cabin. The cargo area is spacious, making it ideal for family trips and daily errands.

3. Mazda CX-5

Performance: The Mazda CX-5 is known for its engaging driving dynamics, powered by a 2.5-liter engine with 187 horsepower or an available turbocharged version producing 250 horsepower. Its responsive handling sets it apart from many competitors.

Safety: The CX-5 comes with i-Activsense, including features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive front lighting. It has earned excellent safety ratings.

Comfort: Inside, the CX-5 boasts a premium feel with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a refined design. The infotainment system is intuitive, and the overall cabin ambiance is upscale.

4. Ford Explorer

Performance: The Ford Explorer offers multiple powertrain options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, a hybrid variant, and a powerful 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. This variety allows buyers to choose the performance level that suits their needs.

Safety: The Explorer is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, featuring pre-collision assist, lane-keeping system, and adaptive cruise control. It has received strong safety ratings from major agencies.

Comfort: The Explorer's interior is spacious, with seating for up to seven passengers. It features an available 10.1-inch touchscreen, premium audio system, and ample cargo space, making it perfect for families.

5. Subaru Outback

Performance: The Subaru Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive, powered by either a 2.5-liter engine or a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. Its off-road capabilities and smooth on-road performance are notable.

Safety: Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The Outback consistently earns top safety ratings.

Comfort: The Outback's interior is designed for comfort and utility, with spacious seating, high-quality materials, and a user-friendly infotainment system. Its large cargo area is perfect for outdoor adventures.

6. Kia Telluride

Performance: The Kia Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower. Its smooth ride and robust towing capacity make it a versatile performer.

Safety: The Telluride comes with Kia's Drive Wise safety suite, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It has earned high safety ratings across the board.

Comfort: The Telluride's interior is luxurious, with seating for up to eight, high-quality materials, and advanced technology features. The spacious cabin and comfortable seats make it ideal for long journeys.

7. Chevrolet Traverse

Performance: The Chevrolet Traverse offers a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower. Its strong performance and smooth ride make it a standout in the midsize SUV segment.

Safety: The Traverse includes Chevrolet Safety Assist, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and front pedestrian braking. It has received favorable safety ratings.

Comfort: The Traverse's interior is spacious and well-designed, with seating for up to eight passengers and a generous cargo area. The infotainment system is intuitive, and the ride is exceptionally comfortable.

8. Hyundai Palisade

Performance: The Hyundai Palisade is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower. It offers a smooth, confident ride with impressive towing capabilities.

Safety: The Palisade includes Hyundai SmartSense, with features like forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision avoidance, and smart cruise control. It has excellent safety ratings.

Comfort: The Palisade's interior is upscale, featuring comfortable seating for up to eight, high-quality materials, and an advanced infotainment system. Its quiet cabin and smooth ride enhance the driving experience.

9. Volkswagen Atlas

Performance: The Volkswagen Atlas offers a choice of a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine or a 3.6-liter V6, providing a balanced mix of power and efficiency. Its spacious interior and smooth handling make it a family favorite.

Safety: The Atlas includes Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and front assist. It has received strong safety ratings.

Comfort: The Atlas's interior is spacious and comfortable, with seating for up to seven and a user-friendly infotainment system. The cargo area is generous, and the overall design is practical yet stylish.

10. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Performance: The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a range of powertrains, including a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter V8, and a plug-in hybrid variant. Its off-road capabilities and strong performance make it a versatile choice.

Safety: The Grand Cherokee comes with Jeep's Advanced Safety Group, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. It has excellent safety ratings.

Comfort: The Grand Cherokee's interior is refined, with comfortable seating, high-quality materials, and advanced technology features. The cabin is spacious, and the ride is smooth and quiet.

Conclusion

The best SUVs of 2024 offer a blend of performance, safety, and comfort, catering to a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly vehicle, a rugged off-roader, or a luxurious ride, there's an SUV on this list for you. These models not only provide exceptional driving experiences but also prioritize safety and comfort, making them the top choices for drivers this year.