Safest SUVs

Subaru introduced the Forester almost 30 years ago, and since then has sold more than 2.6 million of the popular SUVs in the U.S. Now, the Japanese automaker is introducing the sixth generation of the Forester for the 2025 model year.

The 2025 Subaru Forester remains a popular light off-roader with full-time all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Subaru also offers dual-function X-Mode for increased capability in foul weather or more challenging off-road conditions. The previous generation's 180-horsepower 2.5-liter engine carries over to the new Forester, which maintains adequate power and good fuel efficiency. A hybrid version has been announced, but no details have been provided yet. Given Subaru's previous partnerships with Toyota, we expect the hybrid to be based on a Toyota powertrain.

Still easily recognizable, the latest Forester gets fresh styling, including a new flush-mounted grille that enhances a streamlined design. The grille flows into the new LED headlights with stylish LED daytime running lights above. The rear gets new taillights and the Forester name spelled out in large letters across the tailgate.

Inside, the available 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen display gives the Forester a premium vibe. Virtually all physical buttons are gone, replaced by screen-integrated controls for climate, audio, and navigation. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all Foresters, with a wireless connection on higher trims.

These updates should keep the Forester relevant in the very competitive compact crossover segment, which includes top sellers such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. We expect Subaru will add a Forester Wilderness sometime in 2025; it should provide strong competition to off-road-capable crossovers like the Ford Bronco Sport and Mazda CX-50. Details of the Forester Hybrid are expected in early 2025.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a top choice among midsize luxury SUVs. Like its competitors, the GLE is available with a number of powertrains, ranging from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine all the way up to a fire-breathing twin-turbo V8. And if that weren’t enough, there’s a plug-in hybrid model as well. It’s available with modern amenities such as massaging seats, gesture controls for the infotainment system, and an array of plush cabin materials. The GLE is thoroughly luxurious, quiet, and comfortable, and equipped with user-friendly tech features. It’s worth noting, however, that the GLE is up against some pretty heavy hitters.

Midsize luxury SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Audi Q8, Volvo XC90, and Lexus RX all offer appealing packages and virtues to rival the ritzy Benz. The Cayenne and X5 both offer more power and performance than the GLE. Even with its 603-horsepower V8, the GLE doesn’t match up with the likes of Porsche’s 729-hp top-trim Cayenne. The GLE has plenty of optional features, but it’s a bit light on standard safety features when you compare it to the XC90 and RX. The GLE’s optional third row of seating is a bit cramped, so buyers with a big family may want to also check out the larger Mercedes-Benz GLS.

The all-wheel-drive Subaru Outback was rugged before rugged was cool. Arguably one of the first crossovers, the Outback has always combined car-like handling with off-pavement image and capabilities. It’s been a very popular model for three decades and Subaru isn’t messing with its winning formula.

The 2025 Outback sticks to the script with standard all-wheel drive, an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a very comfortable cabin, and high safety ratings. It’s spacious inside and offers plenty of cargo space, but it doesn’t feel too big from behind the wheel. It’s easy to drive and park, and its cabin has a likable modern vibe. Its available 11.6-inch vertical display screen is big for this class, which includes the Honda Passport, Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, and the more off-road-capable Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Subaru’s standard 182-horsepower engine isn’t a powerhouse, but it's adequate for most buyers. Buyers who drive a lot at higher altitudes should consider paying for the 260-hp turbocharged engine, although it's less fuel-efficient. The Outback feels nimble for its size and at home on wet and snowy roads. Customers looking for more off-road capability should go with the Wilderness model, which features nearly an inch more ground clearance.

Three-row crossovers like the 2025 Subaru Ascent are red-hot with families. And for good reason: they’re spacious, packed with features, and each has a distinct personality. For the Ascent, the personality is what truly sets it apart. As a member of the Subaru family, the Ascent is expected to carry some off-road capability and a rugged demeanor. Its outdoorsy styling and standard all-wheel drive mark a clear distinction from rivals. Venture off the pavement or regularly encounter slippery conditions, and the Ascent is well-equipped for the job.

For 2025, the Ascent has some new versions, like the Bronze Edition and Onyx Edition Touring, and has done away with some old ones. But the core principles have remained the same since its 2019 debut. The Ascent offers excellent space for passengers in the first two rows, with a third row of seats best suited for children. Cargo space is also limited compared with some competitors. So the Ascent is not the highest on our list of most practical three-row SUVs — although it does come with an astonishing 19 cupholders — instead focusing on serving those with an active lifestyle who will appreciate an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard roof rails for mounting a bike rack or cargo box, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability on some models.

Subaru also equips the 2025 Ascent with a healthy set of safety features called EyeSight, a brand staple. These features and a gutsy turbo engine ensure the Ascent is value-packed on all trim levels. There are more practical choices out there, such as the all-around competency of the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Volkswagen Atlas. There are also glitzy options like the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. But the Ascent has a style and character all its own, and for the Subaru faithful, that’s more than enough.

There's a reason the Q5 is Audi's best-selling model. It hits right in the meat of the SUV market with a satisfying mix of characteristics that appeal to singles and families alike. The Q5's overall shape has mostly stayed the same over the years. However, the traditional and typical Audi style may be part of what draws buyers in.

Another reason? The 2025 Audi Q5 does just about everything well. The interior is filled with warm and inviting leather and soft materials. It's also fitted with quality switches and knobs that are satisfying to operate. Plus, the Q5 delivers its infotainment tech in a straightforward way.

The 2025 Q5 is a comfortable place to spend commutes or tackle longer road trips with supportive seats up front and a reasonable amount of space in the rear with sliding and reclining two-row seats. Larger adults riding three across that rear bench might find the space confining. The seat folds in three sections (40/20/40), a boon for families needing to pack every inch of their car while preserving space for one or more rear passengers. The Q5 is also available in Sportback form, which is mechanically identical but offers a sleeker-looking fastback roof style at the expense of cargo hauling capacity.

The Q5 has always been known for its comfortable ride and agile handling. Drivers looking for sprightly acceleration will find the base 201-horsepower engine lacking, but it's adequate for those who care little about that type of performance. The good news is there are three other powertrains, all providing more power. Buyers looking for a Q5 with the best handling and acceleration should consider the Audi SQ5, reviewed separately, with nearly 350 hp.

The 2024 Ford Expedition accommodates as many as eight people in comfort, with sumptuous seating and plenty of room for luggage and gear. Although based on the best-selling Ford F-150 pickup, the Expedition doesn't feel like a truck. In fact, its ride is so plush it is often used in limousine service. The extended-wheelbase Expedition MAX provides even more cargo space behind its third row of seats. The Expedition's well-designed interior is filled with tech, including a giant infotainment display screen. It is powered by a turbocharged V6 engine, giving it significantly better fuel economy than its V8-powered rivals. Despite its imposing size, the SUV is easier to drive than may be expected. It manages city streets and parking lots in stride, and on the highway, it makes miles melt away painlessly.

The Ford Expedition's most formidable competitor is the Chevrolet Tahoe. The two vehicles have been going head-to-head for decades now. The GMC Yukon, a Tahoe cousin in the GM family, is another key competitor. Two years ago, Stellantis' Jeep brand entered the fray with its modern Jeep Wagoneer model. And the 2023 Toyota Sequoia was completely redesigned to better challenge the large-SUV rivals.

Coming off of a complete redesign last year, the Chevrolet Traverse has gone from an also-ran in the midsize three-row SUV class to a worthy competitor. It's the largest SUV in Chevy's lineup besides the truck-based Tahoe and full-size Suburban. While those larger vehicles are competent, they're not as comfortable or maneuverable as the Traverse.

Inside, the Traverse has an advantage over some of its rivals by providing a wealth of passenger space, even for the third-row seat. Many other midsize SUVs in the class have only enough rear-seat space for children and occasional use, while the Traverse can accommodate an average-sized adult.

Behind those seats, the Traverse can handle more cargo than the Kia Telluride, and with the second and third rows stowed, cargo space expands to a whopping 98 cubic feet. That beats the Telluride and related Hyundai Palisade, as well as the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot.

While the Traverse earns points for utility, it needs to improve a bit in refinement. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces plenty of power, but under rapid acceleration, it sounds overstressed. That's why other SUVs in the class use a six-cylinder. The interior also has too much hard plastic compared to rivals that use softer and more luxurious materials.

Refinement notwithstanding, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse remains a solid practical alternative to the competitors above as well as the Toyota Grand Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Limited is one of two similar-sized Chevy SUVs that wear the Traverse name. In a move that’s sure to confuse buyers, Chevy has renamed the original Traverse the Traverse Limited while also offering an all-new 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. Both three-row SUVs fit in the Chevy crossover lineup between the compact Chevrolet Equinox and the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe.

The Chevy Traverse Limited offers buyers exceptional value, with a very spacious cabin and a long list of standard features. It’s a family-friendly midsize crossover with seating for up to eight and more cargo space than the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, or Hyundai Palisade. The big Chevy also features one of the largest engines in this class, a smooth 3.6-liter V6 that produces an impressive 310 horsepower. That gives the Traverse Limited more standard power than any of those key competitors or the Toyota Grand Highlander.

We’re big fans of the Chevy’s easy-to-use infotainment system. Although its available touchscreens aren’t huge, it has standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The upscale RS, Premier, and High Country models include adaptive cruise control and have luxurious interiors. Overall, the ChevyTraverse Limited is value-packed and an excellent choice for buyers who don’t need all the latest gizmos in their three-row SUV.

Not surprisingly, Acura's smallest and most affordable SUV is also one of its best sellers. The lithe and agile five-passenger 2025 Acura RDX sits below the larger three-row MDX in Acura's portfolio but serves a uniquely different purpose. Rather than large mass family transit, the RDX claims a smaller footprint, a strong engine relative to its size, and a sporty character not unlike its sophisticated and more expensive European rivals.

With its taut suspension, quick steering, standard all-wheel drive, and a four-cylinder engine wrung out to 272 horsepower, the RDX satisfies the practical driver who still likes to go off-leash when the cabin's empty. When you need to fill it, the RDX offers nearly 30 cubic feet of cargo space, making it one of the roomiest and versatile cabins among compact luxury SUVs. The RDX is stagnating, though. This version has been around since 2019 with only a handful of changes. For 2025, those include a new "frameless" grille, with no discernible visual border between the grill and surrounding panels. There are a few new wheel designs and a reconfigured center console that yields more small-item storage and improved access.

These aren't quite enough to lift the RDX to the same level as competitors like the BMW X3, Audi Q5 or Volvo XC60, though. All feature more classic, refined interior designs, more powerful and fuel-efficient engines, and more intuitive infotainment tech. The recently redesigned X3 is also slightly larger and roomier. Still, with its blend of performance, utility, and value, the 2025 Acura RDX remains one of today's best compact luxury SUV picks.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the sportier two-row version of the standard three-row VW Atlas. Unlike some of the "coupe-like" luxury SUVs that chop off the rear roofline and charge more to get less rear headroom and cargo space, the Cross Sport is just a bit less expensive than its three-row sibling and makes far fewer sacrifices. Rather than pose as a sportier variant, the Cross Sport remains a practical SUV for those who don't need a third row.

The Cross Sport joined the Atlas lineup in 2020 and was competitive in the class thanks to its comfortable cabin and smooth ride. This year brings a subtle styling refresh along with a new and more powerful four-cylinder engine that replaces the outgoing six-cylinder. The 2024 model also adds a few standard features that were previously options, like ventilated front seats, three-zone climate control, and adaptive cruise control.

The Atlas Cross Sport is a worthy rival to the popular Honda Passport in the two-row SUV class. The Jeep Grand Cherokee distinguishes itself with more off-road capabilities and a plug-in hybrid variant. There's also the smaller Toyota Venza, which handily beats the competition with its hybrid efficiency.

These rivals all have their distinct advantages, but the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport represents a well-rounded choice that gets most of the fundamentals right. With the exception of clumsy touch controls, it draws few notable complaints.

Just because the Q3 is the smallest and least expensive Audi SUV doesn't mean that it doesn't offer much of the same style, driving pleasure, and luxury as its larger cousins. In fact, it's packed with plenty of Audi appeal. This Q3 was last made new back in 2019, so others in the class are fresher, like the new-last-year BMW X2. Still, Audi has done a great job keeping the Q3 current throughout the years with modern features and tech. For example, Audi's trademark Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, as is Adaptive Cruise Assist, a smart cruise control system that maintains proper following distance by slowing or accelerating the Q3 without the driver's involvement.

Audi SUVs all share a strong familial resemblance, and that's not a coincidence. While other luxury manufacturers have followed radical new design paths (we're looking at you BMW and Lexus), Audi has stayed true to its brand's conservative design tradition. It's easy to spot any of these tasteful machines from blocks away. And that goes for the Q3, one of the most handsome in a class, which includes the Mercedes-Benz GLB, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, and Volvo XC40. This year's new Black Optic Plus package makes the most fashionable Q3 yet.

The Q3's interior is comfortable and features materials and tech appropriate for a luxury SUV, including supportive leather-trimmed seats. Audi loads the Q3 with an impressive catalog of standard equipment, including all-wheel drive, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and more.

The 2025 Audi Q3 is available with two powertrains. The standard engine is a 184-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The optional 45 TFSI delivers a more robust 228 hp. And every Q3 is equipped with an eight-speed automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q3 handles canyon roads with confidence and agility, yet the ride is smooth enough for rough city roads. In all, the Q3 is a fun and rewarding little SUV.

The largest SUV in Volkswagen’s lineup, the Atlas boasts three rows of seats, sizable cargo space, and a premium cabin. As the brand’s flagship SUV, the Atlas resides above the compact Tiguan and subcompact Taos crossovers. After last year's significant refresh, the 2025 Atlas continues as a strong competitor in the three-row crossover market.

The Atlas stands out from the crowd with a wide stance enhanced by an illuminated light bar and large light-up VW logo in the center of its grille. A similar treatment with a chrome strip spans the rear hatch. The quad exhaust outlets give the Atlas a powerful look until you realize that they are merely decorative.

Volkswagen offers the Atlas in a range of trim levels, and even the base-level SE comes equipped with a long list of amenities and advanced safety features. Front-wheel drive is standard with optional all-wheel drive on lower trims; higher trims get all-wheel drive as standard equipment. All variants come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering a healthy 269 horsepower, but the Atlas, weighing more than 2 tons, is a bit slow off the line.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas holds its own in the very competitive three-row midsize SUV market segment that includes such heavy hitters as the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-90. Buyers looking for a slightly sportier profile might also consider the Atlas Cross Sport two-row SUV (reviewed separately), which carries the same basic styling and underpinnings.

The Kia Telluride set buyers and rivals on notice when it debuted five years ago. Following Kia's well-honed playbook of exceeding expectations, offering more features than competitors at a lower price, the Telluride rose to the top of nearly every critic's list and has mostly held its position since. The 2025 Kia Telluride maintains course, with just a few minor enhancements and feature shuffling to keep the model fresh and competitive.

Kia's largest SUV, the Telluride slots above the midsize-ish Sorento and offers seven- or eight-passenger seating, depending on configuration, in three rows. The Sorento also offers a third row, but is small by comparison, something for occasional use or reserved for young children. The Telluride on the other hand is voluminous and spacious, with third-row seats that can accommodate adult passengers.

Telluride trim levels also range from essential and affordable to near-luxury, and even to off-road-inspired and off-road-capable. It offers some of the most legroom and largest cargo space in the class and ample in-car connected tech. Even the base model gets a 12.3-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB charging ports. The Telluride's muscular V6 engine is the most powerful among its peers, but still returns comparable fuel economy. A full slate of driver-assist features, including sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, comes standard.

But while the Telluride is arguably the best value among three-row SUVs, loaded with quality and features at a competitive price, it's worth considering others. The Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, and Toyota Highlander are staples of the class for good reason. All provide some combination of exceptionally roomy interiors, advanced tech, and competitive fuel economy. The Highlander offers a hybrid version with even better mileage, while the new Mazda CX-90 is available in both gas and plug-in hybrid forms, the latter with up to 25 miles of all-electric range. The Hyundai Palisade is essentially a Telluride in a different skin, while the Chevrolet Traverse is a bit of a dark horse with class-leading cargo capacity.

Hyundai offers an extensive range of SUVs, with models that include the entry-level Venue, stylish Kona, midsize Tucson, and recently redesigned Santa Fe, but the real head turner is the premium Hyundai Palisade. It's the automaker's largest SUV, delivering a roomy interior and plenty of utility in a stylish package.

Built in South Korea alongside its Kia Telluride cousin, the Palisade isn't changing much for 2025, instead continuing with a range of trim levels and a long list of standard premium and high-tech features. Hyundai offers hybrid versions of its Tucson and Santa Fe, but the Palisade remains un-electrified. That said, the big SUV’s V6 engine delivers good performance and respectable fuel economy with front- or all-wheel drive. Designed to carry seven or eight passengers, the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The Palisade is a great option for running around town or taking a long road trip, delivering a quiet, smooth ride, even on rougher pavement. It certainly wouldn’t be accused of being sporty, but power is more than adequate, and the big SUV feels solid and stable on the road. The Palisade’s long list of standard advanced driver-assist systems is an added bonus.

The very competitive market for three-row SUVs includes popular models such as the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Toyota Grand Highlander. But the Palisade holds its own against these worthy rivals, and is worth a test drive from drivers shopping this class of SUVs.