Best SUVs Under $60K

The Nissan Murano has always gone its own way when it comes to exterior design, beginning 20 years ago when it was introduced as the brand's first-ever crossover SUV. Now, Nissan has introduced a new fourth-generation Murano for the 2025 model year, and its exterior styling is as polarizing as ever before.

While the exterior certainly gets attention, the Murano's cabin has a premium vibe with a clean, high-tech design. A large display screen dominates the dashboard, and aside from the volume control knob, there are virtually no physical controls to be found.

With seating for five passengers, the Murano fits into the Nissan lineup between the Rogue and Pathfinder; however, its price makes it one of Nissan's most expensive SUVs, surpassed only by the newly redesigned full-sized Armada. But with an extensive list of standard equipment, the Murano does not seem overpriced.

The Murano gets a new powertrain for the 2025 model year, using Nissan's innovative variable combustion turbo (VC-Turbo) technology. Power output is slightly less than the outgoing version's V6, but Nissan has improved overall drivability by replacing the CVT with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on upper trims and available on the base-level SV.

The Murano's redesign was overdue, and with its updated features and modern cabin, the crossover should prove to be stronger competition against the Honda Passport, Mazda CX-50, and Chevrolet Blazer.

Look for the 2025 Nissan Murano to arrive in showrooms by the end of the year.

After more than 10 years without a major update, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner arrives with a top-to-bottom redesign that gives it an all-new look, more power, and more technology and features throughout. This midsize SUV now rides on the same underpinnings as the recently updated Toyota Tacoma, so that means it has a sturdy steel frame and an off-road ready suspension. The new 4Runner also shares the Tacoma's engine options, so the base offering is now a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The optional powerplant is a hybrid setup that combines the base gas engine with an electric motor to boost overall output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 4Runner will be available with rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time four-wheel drive depending on the trim. One notable new feature for off-road enthusiasts is a stabilizer bar disconnect system for improved suspension articulation in rough terrain.

After years of adding incremental feature updates, the 4Runner's cabin is now available with a full range of up-to-date technology. The main dashboard interface is an 8-inch touchscreen on base models or a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with numerous USB-C power ports and digital key functionality. The gauge cluster is also updated with a 7-inch standard screen and an optional 12.3-inch screen. All models are upgraded with Toyota's latest suite of safety technology.

The 4Runner has a small, but strong group of off-road-capable competitors. Chief among them is the Ford Bronco, which also offers four doors and powerful engines. Same goes for the Jeep Wrangler which has become far more comfortable in recent years, without losing its off-road prowess.

Nissan introduced the full-size Armada 20 years ago, and it has remained the flagship SUV in the lineup. A step above the Pathfinder in size and capability, the Armada moves into its third generation for the 2025 model year, representing a significant upgrade over the outgoing version.

There are only a few full-size SUVs available in the U.S., and the Armada has never sold at the same level as more established models such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition. However, the redesigned 2025 Armada should prove more competitive with its stylish new look, completely updated cabin, new high-tech features, and improved capability.

For the first time since it launched, the Armada doesn't have a V8 under the hood. Instead, the big SUV gets a derivative of the same twin-turbo V6 that powers the extreme Nissan GT-R sports car. It doesn't have the same performance as in the GT-R, but it does put out more power than the outgoing V8 while delivering improved fuel efficiency. Maximum towing remains at 8,500 pounds.

Slightly larger than the previous version, the 2025 Armada has a more spacious interior with noticeable improvements in third-row legroom as well as cargo space. Seating is available for up to eight passengers, although higher-level trims come with the more comfortable second-row captain's chairs, limiting the cabin capacity to seven.

The Armada gets improved off-road capability with the introduction of the Pro-4X. Going head-to-head with models such as the Toyota Sequoia TRD and Ford Expedition Tremor, the new Pro-4X gets plenty of off-road goodies like a locking rear differential and all-terrain tires.

Look for the new Nissan Armada to begin arriving in showrooms before the end of 2024.

Cadillac’s entry-level luxury EV, the 2025 Optiq compact crossover, is designed to attract new customers who might otherwise turn to Audi or Volvo for an upscale, all-wheel-drive EV.

The five-seat Optiq will occupy the bottom row of Cadillac’s EV pyramid, which ultimately will be topped by the $300,000-plus Celestiq sedan. Slotting between the two models are the Lyriq two-row crossover, upcoming Vistiq three-row SUV, and the super-sized Escalade IQ.

A starting price near $54,000 puts the Optiq in the same range as similarly sized entry-luxe all-wheel-drive electric crossovers such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, Volvo EX40 and its EC40 Sportback sibling, and the three-row Mercedes-Benz EQB. The Genesis GV60 and upcoming Polestar 4 rear-wheel-drive models also are competitors in price, although moving up to the all-wheel-drive versions takes them out of the race.

Cadillac says the Lyriq will offer more cargo space than its rivals, along with more range and power than almost all likely competitors.

Though it sits slightly taller than all rivals except the EQB, the Qptiq is longer overall and has a longer wheelbase than the rest for a lean, sporty appearance.

The Lyriq won’t replace Caddy’s conventionally powered XT4 entry-level SUV, so buyers will still have a gasoline option in this segment.

Production of the 2025 Cadillac Optiq is scheduled to begin this fall.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a two-row, five-passenger SUV that fills a gap in Mazda’s lineup between the smaller CX-50 and the three-row seven-passenger CX-90. The big difference between the new model and the existing CX-90 is the CX-70 trades a third-row seat for a more efficient cargo area. These vehicles are so similar that it seems odd to market the CX-70 as a vehicle separate from the CX-90.

The CX-70 is based on the same mechanicals as the CX-90, and the two are twins in every dimension. The CX-70 offers a choice of three powertrains, two with a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine (different horsepower levels) with a mild hybrid system for added boost and efficiency. The third is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model that adds a larger battery pack under the rear seat for the ability to travel about 25 fully electric miles on a charge. You can tell the two models apart at a glance by the wheel arch flares — black on hybrid models and painted body-color on the PHEV. Mazda says the CX-70 weighs within 100 pounds of the CX-90, so ride and handling between the two vehicles is similar.

The biggest difference between Mazda’s two largest SUVs is that the CX-70 has two rows of seats instead of three. Removing the third row created more room in the cargo hold. In fact, Mazda carved out even more space by expanding the width slightly towards the rear with expanded side panels. There’s a new sub-trunk area for increased storage — away from prying eyes. The CX-70's cabin also has power-folding rear seats.

The CX-70 competes with a wide variety of two-row SUVs such as the more expensive BMW X5, Acura MDX, and Genesis GV80 at the upper end where it strikes us as a legitimate bargain. It also plays in the class a notch down in price and prestige with midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Mazda is known for producing vehicles with excellent twisty-road handling and the Hyundai and Jeep cannot match the CX-70 in that regard.

The Ford Explorer has been around for more than 30 years, and Ford says it has sold more than 8 million of these family-sized SUVs. Now in its sixth generation, the 2025 Explorer gets a major refresh with new styling, an upgraded cabin, and advanced technology.

The Explorer battles in one of the most competitive vehicle segments in the U.S.: the three-row SUV. The Explorer's strong rivals include the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. In 2023, the popular Ford outsold almost all of its competition, and there's every reason to believe that success will continue with the updated 2025 Explorer.

With seating for up to seven passengers and plenty of cargo space, the Explorer provides a high level of comfort and utility. Four trims are offered: Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum, all well equipped with a long list of standard features. Four-wheel drive is available on all versions, and Ford offers the Explorer with a choice of two powerful engines, including a 400-horsepower EcoBoost turbocharged V6.

Ford's infotainment system is greatly improved, with a new Google-based operating system. It integrates popular features such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, and is displayed on a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen. The Explorer also comes with the latest advanced driver-assist features and, for the first time, is available with Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving system.

It's surprising that it has taken Lexus this long to arrive at the three-row luxury SUV party, but the 2025 Lexus TX, now in its second year of production, makes up for lost time with a big, roomy interior, a bundle of tech and driver safety features, and a trio of gas, electric, and rechargeable powertrains. Its combination of capabilities makes it something of a unicorn, especially its hybrid options.

Slotting above the popular RX, the TX bridges the gap between that midsize crossover and the larger, truck-boned LX, itself a cushier three-row version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Lexus attempted a smaller three-row option with the RX-L, an extended body built on the standard RX's wheelbase. It offered only an extra 6 inches of overall length, which made for a cramped third row and not much cargo space.

The TX solves those problems with a longer wheelbase, plenty of legroom in both rear rows, and more cargo space than its competitors, regardless of how the seating is configured. The TX seats seven in standard configuration, but second-row captain's chairs and a rear center console are available if you don't mind reducing capacity to six. Either way, the third-row seat is no penalty box, but rather a relatively spacious area where two adults can stretch out comfortably.

A full complement of in-car tech includes a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more than a dozen standard driver-assist features. Highlights under the hood include a standard four-cylinder engine that quickly reaches its limits trying to motivate this big SUV. The 366-horsepower hybrid is better suited to the job, or you can opt for the 404-hp, V6-based plug-in hybrid that gets up to 29 mpg combined and generates up to 33 miles of electric range.

This versatility puts the TX up against an interesting array of competitors, ranging from gas-only rivals like the Acura MDX, Lincoln Aviator, and Volvo XC90 to hybrid and plug-in hybrids like the XC90 Recharge, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. And with a starting price of around $56,000, the TX should appeal to a wide swath of SUV buyers.

For over six decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has expertly blended highway civility with off-road capability. Land Cruisers are the vehicle of choice for many overlanders looking to explore the backcountry when they need a reliable vehicle that can carry people and their gear through just about any terrain. The latest generation launched as an all-new model last year, bringing more affordability and efficiency to the Land Cruiser line.

The previous-generation Land Cruiser, which left us in 2021, was equipped with a thirsty but powerful V8 engine. This one uses a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic. And like every Land Cruiser that's ever put a tire on U.S. soil, there's a competent 4WD system to take the driver and passengers deep into the rough. The Land Cruiser's body-on-frame construction is like that of a traditional SUV, with an independent suspension up front and a less sophisticated but durable solid axle in the rear. Smooth riding coil springs are at each corner, making this SUV comfortable on almost any street or trail. Lock the rear differential, shift the Land Cruiser into Low Range, and disconnect the front swaybar — the Land Cruiser becomes one very talented SUV in the dirt.

This Land Cruiser's less expensive price point means it will attract more buyers with its off-roading skills. For those looking to combine the Land Cruiser's dirt chops with a bit more luxury, power, and tow capacity, the Lexus GX 550 offers a similar package at a higher price.

The Land Cruiser is smaller and lighter than the previous-generation V8 models, but there's still plenty of room for five people. Because the SUV is a bit shorter and the hybrid system's battery pack takes up some cargo space, there's no room for a third row of seats.

Outfitted with soft-touch materials and modern tech, the modern Toyota has the drivetrain controls placed around the shifter, so everything you need is right at your fingertips. The $57,900 base price of the 1958 model provides skills in the dirt thanks to the standard electronic locking rear differential, Crawl Control (like an off-road cruise control system), and an 8-inch touchscreen with camera. The $63,900 Land Cruiser grade adds more lux and capability, including an electronic swaybar disconnect system for enhanced off-roading, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and rectangular LED headlights.

The 2025 Land Cruiser might have modern mechanicals, but the exterior design harkens back to the cool Land Cruiser FJ60 wagons of the 1980s. The whole package should catch the eye of anyone cross-shopping authentically capable SUVs like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, or Land Rover Defender.

No one really buys a three-row SUV looking to carve tight corners on open back roads. But with the 2025 Mazda CX-90, it's nice to know you can. Or at least the Mazda makes the possibility more exciting than its competitors, even if it's only the occasional cloverleaf interchange with a cabin full of nervous passengers. With its sport-tuned steering and suspension, standard all-wheel drive, and cracking turbo engines, the CX-90 is a lithe wide receiver in a class of SUV linebackers.

An impeccable interior is another of the CX-90's standout traits, with a refinement and quality that rivals many European and other luxury alternatives. Settling into any of its seats, it's easy to see why the CX-90 costs a little more than some competitors, but still rates as a bargain compared to the next price tier. Class-leading fuel economy and an available plug-in hybrid that can cover up to 26 miles on battery power round out some of the Mazda's attributes.

The CX-90 can't match its peers in overall utility, though. The interior, while refined, is smaller than most. That goes for the cramped third row and limited cargo space. The infotainment is serviceable, but dated software and the lack of a touchscreen fall short of the smoother interfaces and cloud-based operating systems in other SUVs.

The Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, and the Toyota Highlander and larger Grand Highlander all offer more space and more modern tech. Even if they're not as fun on a 270-degree on-ramp.

Built on General Motors’ Ultium platform, the 2025 Blazer EV is one of several new electric vehicles available from Chevrolet. With the Blazer EV, there are two choices for battery size and the choice between rear- and all-wheel drive. Depending on which model you choose, the Blazer EV has a maximum range of either 279 miles or 324 miles — both of which are respectable for the class.

The Blazer EV’s midsize dimensions give it a spacious interior with lots of legroom and headroom, but cargo room isn’t much improved over its compact rivals. The interior of the Blazer EV has a sleek design, with the 17.7-inch infotainment screen directed towards the driver and a number of aesthetically pleasing materials. The Blazer EV also comes standard with built-in Google, but smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are unavailable.

If you’re not a fan of the GM user interface, but you like what the Blazer EV offers on paper, you’re in luck. The Ultium platform that the Blazer EV rides on is also used for the production of vehicles Honda Prologue, which has similar range estimates and performance numbers, but different styling and interior flourishes. The Prologue also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Blazer EV is classified as a midsize SUV so it’s direct competitors are limited, but we’d recommend also taking a look at smaller EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, or larger three-row EVs like the Kia EV9.

It’s hard to climb into the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus and not say, “wow.” Beyond its squircle of a steering wheel and just below the windshield is a vibrant display that stretches from pillar to pillar. There are four design schemes with five customizable panels that feature big, easily read fonts and graphics. Controlling it is an 11.1-inch touchscreen that’s easy to reach and mercifully easy to use. That point is key, because as eye-popping as that digital acreage is, it doesn’t overwhelm or distract. In fact, we found it kept our eyes closer to the road without blinding them with shocking brightness.

There’s more to the Nautilus than its distinctive and successful tech experience. The rest of the interior is genuinely luxurious, especially in its Reserve and Black Label trims, and provides loads of space in the back for people and their stuff. Standard feature content is better than most, and many luxury brands don’t offer something akin to the standard BlueCruise hands-free highway driving-assist system.

The driving experience impresses, too. The Reserve and Black Label include an adaptive suspension that provides old-school Lincoln levels of wafting ride comfort in its Normal drive mode. Engage the Excite sport mode, and it firms up to provide impressive body control along with tighter, more responsive steering on a winding road. It’s not fun, but this dual nature is appreciated. So is the available hybrid powertrain. Not only is it powerful, but it’s surprisingly quiet, keeping the cabin free from the droning typically associated with its type of setup.

All told, the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is a midsize luxury SUV that deserves your attention. It’s not cheap, but nothing about it indicates it should be. Those looking at the Lexus RX hybrid models should pay particular notice, and those considering a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE should find the Nautilus to be a pleasant surprise. Before thinking that you’d also be supporting “the home team,” though, note that the Nautilus is built in China. Some may not care about that, some will, but it seems like an unexpected fact worth mentioning.

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale has the potential to be a small SUV that satisfies both your practical and emotional side. It’s a plug-in hybrid, boasting an estimated 33 miles of range that should be enough to cover many commutes and around-town errands. Filling up with gas could be rare. It’s also less expensive than other luxury-brand plug-in hybrids despite having abundant equipment. As for the emotional side, it’s an Alfa Romeo. Inside and outside, it’s going to make you feel more than a Lexus NX or Lincoln Corsair will.

But, the Tonale has big-time drawbacks to both its practical and emotional elements. It’s quite small, for starters, with passenger and cargo space that’s on-par with subcompact SUVs — and not especially big ones. The driving experience also isn’t as engaging as you might hope from Alfa Romeo (there’s little reminiscent about the Giulia sport sedan when you’re behind the wheel) or even when compared to other small SUVs.

Worse, though, is the plug-in-hybrid powertrain. It’s fine enough when operating only with its electric motor, but once the engine needs to be fired up, the system becomes far less refined than what you’d experience in other plug-in hybrids. There’s uncouth engine noise, wonky shifts, and a general lack of sophistication.

As a plug-in hybrid, then, the Tonale is unimpressive. As a sporty SUV, ditto. It has a lovely cabin, though, and looks pretty cool, so if you can live with its space and lack of powertrain refinement, it certainly isn’t a boring choice and is priced OK. It’s certainly more interesting than the Dodge Hornet R/T, which is mechanically identical but has different styling applied to the Tonale’s Italian-designed body work.