Top Shock Absorber Brands for a Smoother SUV Ride

Finding the perfect shock absorbers for your SUV can significantly enhance your driving experience by providing optimal comfort and stability on both smooth highways and rugged terrains. Whether you’re aiming for improved off-road capability or a smoother on-road ride, selecting high-quality brands is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best brands renowned for delivering exceptional performance and durability in their shock absorbers. Discover our curated list of top shocks for your SUV below to ensure a superior driving experience.

Illustration of shock for SUV

Best brands of shock for SUV in 2025

Bilstein

Bilstein is renowned as one of the top producers of shock absorbers, particularly for SUVs, with a global presence and a workforce of over 4,000 employees across 9 locations. The company manufactures approximately 13 million shock absorbers annually and is known for its high-performance monotube and twin-tube technologies. Bilstein's products are used in prestigious vehicles such as the Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Gallardo, and Porsche 911, highlighting its commitment to quality and performance. The brand also excels in motorsports, further solidifying its reputation. With its innovative technologies, Bilstein continues to set benchmarks in the automotive industry.

KYB

KYB Corporation is a leading producer of high-quality shock absorbers for SUVs, holding over 30% of the global off-road vehicle shock absorber market share in 2023. Known for its extensive experience in automotive suspension systems, KYB invests heavily in research and development to introduce advanced technologies such as hydraulic and electronic control systems. The company boasts a strong global distribution network and partnerships with leading vehicle manufacturers, ensuring its products meet the stringent requirements of off-road vehicles. With 34 manufacturing plants and 62 offices in 21 countries, KYB's commitment to continuous innovation and customer satisfaction drives its growth and competitiveness. In Japan, KYB holds a significant market share, including 85% of the market for concrete mixer trucks.

Monroe

Monroe is a leading brand in the automotive industry, renowned for its comprehensive coverage and high-quality shock absorbers, particularly for SUVs. With an unmatched 92% coverage in shocks and struts for all light vehicles, Monroe ensures compatibility across a vast array of vehicles, from compact cars to robust SUVs. As a premier supplier of original equipment (OE) ride control products, Monroe has manufactured over 73 million shocks and struts for OEMs globally in 2019. The brand is also preferred by technicians, as evidenced by the 2019 & 2020 IMR study in the US. Monroe's commitment to innovation and reliability makes it a trusted choice for vehicle owners and service professionals alike.

Fox Racing Shox

Fox Racing Shox, a division of Fox Factory Holding Corp., is renowned for producing some of the best shocks for SUVs, offering unparalleled performance and durability. Their Factory Race Series shocks, featuring patented Internal Bypass technology, provide multiple zones of damping control to deliver high-speed ready performance. These shocks have been race-proven over the past 30 years, with continuous innovations such as the Dual Speed Compression adjuster and Recirculating Reservoir Bridge for optimal performance. Despite challenges in the bike segment, Fox Factory's overall revenue has shown resilience, with a 5.8% increase in the first quarter of 2023 to $399.9 million. The company's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position as a leader in the suspension industry. For more details, visit their website to explore their Factory Race Series shocks.

Rancho

Rancho is a highly regarded brand for SUV shocks, particularly known for its adjustable shock absorbers that offer superior off-road capability and comfort. The Rancho RS9000XL series, for example, is popular among Super Duty and Heavy Duty truck owners due to its adjustable nature, which is ideal for heavier loads or towing. These shocks provide a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes, although they may sacrifice some handling compared to other brands. Rancho shocks are often replaced within 50,000 miles, but their performance and adjustability make them a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. With a long history in the industry, Rancho continues to be a top choice for those seeking enhanced suspension control. For more insights, check the Rancho vs. Fox shocks comparisons and real-world advice.

Gabriel

Gabriel is a renowned brand in the automotive industry, particularly esteemed for its high-quality shock absorbers and struts, making it an excellent choice for SUVs. With a history spanning over a century, Gabriel has continuously innovated and adapted to industry trends, ensuring its products meet the highest standards of performance, durability, and comfort. The brand has expanded its product line to cover over 10 million vehicles in operation, including popular SUV models like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra. Gabriel's FleetLine shocks, for instance, are designed to exceed original equipment specifications, providing optimal driver comfort and extending the lifespan of heavy-duty vehicles. The company's commitment to precision and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as a trusted name in the aftermarket parts industry. To learn more about their products, check out this Gabriel shocks review.

Old Man Emu

Old Man Emu, a brand acquired by ARB in 1988, is renowned for producing high-quality shocks, particularly for SUVs like the Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner Trailhunter models. These vehicles are equipped with Old Man Emu's position-sensitive 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks, which provide superior control off the pavement and solid load-carrying capability, essential for overlanding. The brand's shocks, such as the Nitrocharger Plus, are designed to minimize body roll, enhance steering response, and deliver a controlled ride, making them ideal for navigating rough terrain while carrying heavy loads. With a history dating back to 1976, Old Man Emu has established itself as a reliable choice for off-road enthusiasts. The brand's products are known for their vehicle-specific tuning and durability, ensuring a customized and responsive ride.

KONI

KONI, a renowned brand in the automotive industry, is highly regarded for producing high-quality shock absorbers, particularly for SUVs. Known for their adjustable and electronically controlled shock absorbers, KONI caters to both comfort and performance needs, making them a favorite among vehicle enthusiasts. For instance, KONI's products, such as the KONI Sport adjustable shock absorbers, have been well-received in the market, contributing to the brand's strong market presence. In the automotive shock absorber market, KONI is one of the key companies profiled, alongside other major players like KYB and Hitachi Astemo Ltd. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has helped it maintain a significant share in the global market.

Skyjacker

Skyjacker is a renowned brand in the off-road suspension industry, particularly noted for its high-quality shock absorbers designed for SUVs and other off-road vehicles. Since its inception in 1974, Skyjacker has been a leader in innovation, offering products like the Hydro 7000 Hydraulic Action Shock, which features velocity-sensitive valving and a leak-proof seal for superior performance and durability. These shock absorbers are engineered to handle extreme conditions, providing a smoother and safer ride. The global off-road vehicle shock absorber market, in which Skyjacker is a key player, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2023 to 2033, reaching a valuation of US$ 2.27 billion by the end of 2033. Skyjacker's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a benchmark in the off-road suspension world.

Pro Comp

Pro Comp is renowned as one of the top producers of high-performance shocks for SUVs and light trucks, offering superior quality and tuned valving that enhance both on-road and off-road driving experiences. Their products, such as the ES3000 series, feature a twin tube cellular gas design and 10-stage velocity sensitive valving, ensuring optimal handling and comfort. Pro Comp shocks are designed to handle demanding driving conditions with components like a large 5/8 inch chrome hardened piston rod and unique Teflon rebound stop. With a limited lifetime warranty, Pro Comp ensures long-term performance and reliability. Their shocks are highly regarded for improving vehicle stability and control, making them a preferred choice among SUV owners.