Top SUV Brands Redefining Adventure and Comfort

In today's ever-evolving automotive landscape, the demand for SUVs continues to surge, captivating the attention of drivers worldwide with their blend of robustness and luxury. Leading the way are brands renowned for their innovation, safety features, and off-road capabilities, making them the go-to choice for both city and adventure driving. From established automotive giants to emerging contenders, the competition is fierce, each brand striving to offer unparalleled comfort and performance. Curious about which names have made the cut as the best in the SUV sector? Explore the list below to discover the top contenders shaping the future of sport utility vehicles.

Illustration of suv

Best brands of suv in 2025

Toyota

Toyota is renowned as one of the best producers of SUVs, leveraging its heritage of reliability, innovation, and superb craftsmanship. In 2023, Toyota solidified its position as the world's largest auto manufacturer, accounting for 10.7% of the global market share. The Toyota RAV4, a flagship SUV model, has seen significant sales, with over 430,897 units sold in the U.S. as of the latest data, representing an 11.08% increase from the previous year. Toyota's SUV lineup, including models like the RAV4, Highlander, and 4Runner, is praised for its reliability and performance, with many models earning top reliability scores from Consumer Reports. These vehicles are equipped with advanced technology, robust engineering, and extensive warranty coverage, making them highly sought after by consumers. For more information, visit the official Toyota dealership.

Honda

Honda is one of the leading producers of SUVs, boasting a significant market presence in the U.S. As of 2023, Honda holds a 7.57% market share in the U.S., driven largely by the strong sales of its SUV models. The Honda CR-V, introduced in 1995, has been a best-seller, with the sixth generation selling over 717,000 units through April 2024. Other successful SUVs include the Honda Pilot, which has sold nearly 750,000 units over its generations. Honda's SUV sales are bolstered by models like the CR-V, which has consistently sold over 90,000 units per quarter. For more insights into Honda's top-selling SUVs, check out their coverage on the topic.

Ford

Ford is a leading producer of SUVs, with the Ford Explorer being the top-selling SUV in the U.S., accounting for about 9.8% of Ford's total U.S. vehicle volume in 2023, with sales of 186,800 units. Ford-brand SUVs achieved a record first half in 2024, with sales of 406,467 units, up 3% from the previous year, led by the Explorer and other models like the Escape and Expedition. The company's SUV segment has been a significant contributor to its overall sales, with trucks and SUVs combined making up 97.5% of Ford's total U.S. sales in 2023. The Ford Explorer remains America's best-selling three-row SUV, with sales totaling 104,803 in the first half of 2024. Ford's strong performance in the SUV market is a testament to its consumer-driven approach and quality products. For detailed insights, you can refer to Ford's Q2 2024 Sales Report.

Hyundai

Hyundai has solidified its position as one of the best producers of SUVs, with models like the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade receiving strong market reception. In the first half of 2024, Hyundai saw a 1.2% increase in total sales, with SUVs representing 75% of the retail mix. The Tucson HEV and Palisade set record sales in June 2024, with the Palisade seeing a 57% increase and the Tucson HEV up by 28%. Hyundai's hybrid sales jumped 39% in June, and EV sales climbed 33% year-to-date, highlighting the brand's strong performance in electrified vehicles. With a market share above 10% in the U.S., Hyundai continues to be a significant player in the automotive industry. For more information on Hyundai's strategy and goals, visit their newsroom page.

BMW

BMW is renowned as one of the top producers of SUVs, with significant sales growth in this segment. In the first quarter of 2024, BMW saw a 2.4% increase in BMW-branded vehicle sales in the U.S., with a notable surge of 63% in electric vehicle sales, highlighting the brand's strong performance in the SUV and electric markets. Globally, BMW sold 594,671 vehicles in Q1 2024, a 1.1% rise from the same period in 2023, demonstrating the brand's consistent market presence. China remains BMW's largest sales market, accounting for 32.3% of sales in 2023, followed by the U.S. with a 15.6% share. BMW's commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in its latest models, such as the BMW i4, which contributes to the brand's leadership in the SUV and electric vehicle sectors. To explore more of BMW's innovative models, visit their official page.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz stands as a leading producer of SUVs, with the GLC and GLE models being the top-selling SUVs in the USA in 2023. The company witnessed a slight decline in passenger car and SUV sales but experienced growth with an 8% increase in van sales, resulting in overall sales of 351,746 vehicles in the US for 2023. Electric vehicle sales, including SUV models like the EQS SUV, surged by 248% to 43,202 units, accounting for 15% of Mercedes-Benz's US passenger vehicle sales. The EQS SUV alone saw a remarkable 216% increase, selling 8,989 units in 2023. Mercedes-Benz's commitment to innovation and electric vehicles positions it strongly in the luxury SUV market. For more detailed insights on their vehicle sales, visit their Mercedes-Benz sales report.

Subaru

Subaru is renowned as one of the best producers of SUVs, having experienced significant growth in the US market from 200,000 units in 2009 to 722,280 units in 2022. The brand's popularity is attributed to its all-wheel drive vehicles, reputation for reliability and safety, and the success of models like the Forester and Crosstrek. Subaru's unique All-Around Safety philosophy, which includes primary, driving, preventive, and passive safety aspects, has contributed to a lower fatality rate in accidents. The brand has also seen a 5.5% increase in sales from 2022 to 2023, reflecting its strong market presence. With a focus on driving dynamics and vehicle response speed, Subaru continues to enhance its offerings. Learn more about their innovative technologies on the Subaru website.

Kia

Kia is renowned as one of the leading producers of SUVs, with models like the Sportage, Seltos, and Sorento driving its global sales. In June 2024, the Sportage SUV led Kia's sales with 48,920 units globally, followed by the Seltos with 27,223 units and the Sorento with 23,658 units. Kia's SUVs accounted for a significant portion of its sales, with the Sportage alone selling 43,105 units outside of Korea in June 2024. In the US, Kia's SUVs made up 72% of its entire sales in 2023, with the Sportage being the best-selling model at 140,780 units. Kia's strong performance in the SUV market is further bolstered by its innovative models, such as the all-electric EV9, recently named World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle at the 2024 World Car Awards.

Audi

Audi is a leading luxury car manufacturer, particularly renowned for its SUV segment, where models like the Q5 and Q7 dominate the market. In the US, Audi holds roughly 2.2% of the total car market, with the Q5 and Q7 being the top-selling models, seeing an 18% and 50% increase in sales respectively in 2023. Globally, Audi delivered around 1.9 million vehicles in 2023, with a significant increase in electric vehicle sales, up by 51% to 178,000 units. The Q5 and Q7 are also favored in other regions, contributing to Audi's strong market presence. By 2028, Audi's SUV sales are expected to continue growing, with the brand aiming for a more electrified lineup.

Volvo

Volvo stands as a leading producer of SUVs, having achieved a new global sales record in 2023 with 708,716 cars sold, marking a significant 15% increase from 2022. The brand's success is largely driven by its electrified vehicles, with fully electric cars making up 16% of total sales in 2023 and plug-in hybrids accounting for 22%. The XC60, XC40, and XC90 were the top-selling models, with the XC60 leading at 228,646 units sold. In the US, Volvo's sales rose by 26% in 2023, with Recharge cars representing 28% of total sales. The introduction of new models like the EX30 SUV has further boosted sales and market presence. For a detailed analysis of Volvo's market performance, check out the Volvo Statistics.