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The 2025 GMC Terrain is here, and it’s following in the footsteps of its Chevrolet Equinox cousin but bringing the traditional GMC twist to the party.
Its fresh design is noticeable straight away with a new front end inspired by the GMC Canyon. The front hood is substantially higher than before giving it a more muscular look, and the same bulking is evident in its emphasized fenders. An optional painted roof gives it some flash – it’s painted gray for black cars (pictured above) and black in every other case. Bigger wheels up to 20 inches in diameter are available on the Denali. And speaking of trims, there are now just three: Elevation, AT4 and Denali.
For 2025, the Elevation is the only model that will be on sale. GMC says both the AT4 and Denali models will follow later for model year 2026, and you can see a preview of those in the group photo below. They each have their own grille designs, wheel options and unique styling cues. As you’d expect from the AT4, it also features an off-road-tuned suspension, small lift (by 12 mm) all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, recovery hooks and a special “terrain” drive mode. The Denali has its own pluses like “Smart Frequency Dampers” for a better ride, tons more standard luxury equipment and the 20-inch wheels.
What is common across all trims is the powertrain. Every next-gen Terrain will be equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s the same powertrain as the new Equinox, and while GM has indicated it will move to more hybrid options, there’s no word on if the Terrain would be a candidate for that strategy. The 2025 model will be all-wheel drive exclusively, but GMC tells us you’ll be able to select a front-drive version come the 2026 model year. If you want to tow, though, you’ll need the AWD version that maxes out at 1,500 pounds.
The 2025 Terrain’s interior gets a massive overhaul that’ll remind you of other new GMC products with its tall portrait-oriented touchscreen. There’s the 15-inch screen in the center that’s accompanied by an 11-inch digital cluster, of which both are standard equipment. It runs Android Automotive software that nets you Google Maps as the native navigation system and the Google Assistant for voice queries. Both wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto remain onboard, though, as GM promised would be the case for its gas-powered vehicles.
Various new features are introduced with this generation, too, with some notable ones being a rear camera mirror, an auto liftgate (opens with keyfob presence), rain-sensing wipers, a heated wiper park zone to de-ice them, 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability and tons of additional driver assistance features – however, Super Cruise is not one of them.
Pricing isn’t available just yet, but the 2025 Terrain will launch in late 2024. GMC promises the AT4 and Denali trims will be available in the 2025 calendar year, but you’ll need to wait for the 2026 model year to come online for those versions.
We’ve known for a while now that GMC and Chevy have been working on AT4 and Trail Boss versions of their respective Sierra EV and Silverado EV pickup trucks. But we’re getting our best look yet at them with these spy photos. They give us a better idea of what body changes there will be, as well as a close-up of the tires, giving us their size and type.
Some basics of off-road trim levels are obvious to spot. Both trucks feature bright red recovery hooks up front. But beyond that, there isn’t much different from the outside of either truck compared to the base examples of each. The front bumpers are basically the same profile as the base bumpers, with the exception of the recovery hooks. The Silverado has natural black plastic fender flares, whereas the GMC has body color examples with integrated marker lights. They both get the same standard side steps, and the rear bumpers also appear unchanged. Each of these is equipped with the MultiPro/Multi-Flex tailgate.
Really the biggest change appears to be in the wheels and tires. Each of them have unique designs, but they have the same dimensions. They’re 18-inch wheels with 285/75R18 tires. That comes out to just shy of 35 inches in diameter, a good size of tire for an off-roader — and note how it doesn’t even look all that large on such big trucks. Said tires are Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT all-terrains. The gas-powered trucks come with slightly narrower (275) mud-terrain versions as standard.
Both of these trucks should start somewhere below the range-topping first edition models the two brands are currently marketing to the public, which hover between $95,000 and $110,000 depending on specification. The Silverado WT does start at just under $80,000, and we would expect the Trail Boss and the Sierra EV AT4 to come in somewhere above that, possibly between $85,000 and $90,000. Specifications are a mystery. It seems likely that at least the Silverado will get the WT’s dual motors with 510 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque. The GMC could potentially get the more powerful motors making 754 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque as a way to differentiate itself, though this is speculation. The 204-kWh battery pack is probable, though there are rumors that at least GMC is going to start offering a smaller, more affordable 170-kWh pack that could be an option. We’ll hopefully know all this in the near future, since both trucks look close to being ready.
In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Editor, Electric, John Beltz Snyder. They’re both jazzed after driving the off-road-ish and totally sublime Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato. John recently drove the new GMC Acadia, Greg spent some time in the Toyota Camry, and they also discuss Autoblog‘s long-term Subaru WRX. In the news, the Porsche 918 Cayman and Boxster are reportedly ending production, while it’s officially the end of the road for the Nissan GT-R and Volvo S60. Fisker has officially filed for bankruptcy. Cadillac has shown off a couple cool Blackwing special editions in honor of Le Mans. Finally, we reach in the mailbag and help a listener pick a sporty convertible in this week’s Spend My Money segment.
Send us your questions for the Mailbag and Spend My Money at: Podcast@Autoblog.com.
Autoblog Podcast #837
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Autoblog is now live on your smart speakers and voice assistants with the audio Autoblog Daily Digest. Say “Hey Google, play the news from Autoblog” or “Alexa, open Autoblog” to get your favorite car website in audio form every day. A narrator will take you through the biggest stories or break down one of our comprehensive test drives.
Pickup trucks are hugely popular in the United States, but most of them carry huge dimensions and huge price tags to match. That’s where the rapidly expanding midsize truck market comes into play. With options from nearly every major manufacturer in America, there are plenty of midsize trucks to consider, but the best midsize pickup trucks are more comfortable, more capable off-road or more luxurious than the rest of the crowd.
Put simply, there’s an excellent midsize truck for every buyer, whether they want to save money with a low starting price and strong efficiency, tackle technical trails, surround themselves with leather and wood or even hit the road with the wind in their hair on their way to the beach. We’ve tested all of the midsize trucks in America available for 2024 and picked out the best choices for any type of buyer. Read on to find out which option is the best midsize truck for you for 2024 or 2025 (expect more versions of the Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator in 2025, too).
If you’re needs don’t require a midsize truck, you may want to consider a compact. There are only two for sale in 2024, and we break down our rankings here.
Best midsize trucks for 2024
2024 Chevrolet Colorado
Why it stands out: Good ride, handling; powerful engines; strong towing; refined interior; Google infotainment
Could be better: Only one cab/bed combination (four door, short bed)
Suffice it to say, we’re big fans of the latest Chevy Colorado. In fact, we think the Colorado is the best midsize pickup truck in America overall. Thanks to the base WT offering, the starting price is reasonable, but the Colorado is really at its best in one of its more specialized forms. The Trail Boss expands its off-road capabilities with a suspension lift and chunky tires, the ZR2 adds an even larger suspension lift and a gaggle of off-road special bits and the ZR2 Bison tops the range with sensational Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, special bumpers and underbody cladding for rock-crawling prowess.
In between those specialist packages lie the LT and Z71 trims, which is what will make up the majority of sales. A low-power turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder making 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque is standard, while the more common engine is a more powerful version with 310 HP and 390 lb-ft. A High-Output engine option keeps the same 310 HP but boosts torque to 430 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard; four-wheel drive is, of course, available and standard on the off-road models.
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Why it stands out: Strong power and torque; enormous configurability; loads of off-road options; quiet and refined ride; manual transmission availability
Could be better: Coarse engine; on the expensive side; Limited not as plush as it could be; manual is clunky
As before, there are multiple cab and bed configurations and loads of trims, including multiple off-road versions, but the variety of options increases further for 2024. There are two suspension variants, with lower trim models getting traditional leaf-spring rear suspension, while higher trim versions get coil springs. Turbocharged four-cylinders are available across the line, replacing the naturally aspirated four- and six-cylinder options. There’s also now a hybrid as the range topper, with more than 300 horsepower and more than 400 pound-feet of torque. Two- and four-wheel drive are available, as is a manual transmission with the more powerful turbo-four.
We’ve had the opportunity to try out both non-hybrid and top-spec hybrid versions (and we also got to test out its sweet IsoDynamic seats), and they are finally strong competitors with good performance, economy and comfort. By now, we’ve driven the Tacoma enough to know that it’s finally worthy of its segment-leading sales figures. If you want to know well the latest Toyota Tacoma is equipped to do some of the day-to-day activities midsize truck owners are likely to ask their trucks to perform, read about our experiences hauling some rocks.
2024 GMC Canyon
Why it stands out: Luxurious interior in Denali; strong powertrain; good ride and handling
Could be better: No low-cost trim; only one cab/bed combination
The GMC Canyon shares most of its underpinnings with the Chevy Colorado that we rate as the best midsize truck overall. Pretty much all the good things we said about the Colorado apply to the Canyon as well, but GMC focuses more on high-end buyers than the more mainstream focus of the Chevy option. That means the average transaction prices of the Canyon are going to be a lot higher than the prices paid for the Colorado.
The good news is high-end Canyon models like the AT4X AEV and especially the range-topping Denali both look and act the part of off-road readiness and ultimate luxury, respectively. And, despite its seemingly high base price, the Denali is a surprisingly good deal when compared to the Toyota Tacoma Limited, which is more expensive and decidedly less luxurious inside than the GMC.
2024 Honda Ridgeline
Why it stands out: Great on-road ride and handling; innovative bed design; standard AWD
Could be better: Controversial design; no inexpensive base models; limited off-road
All of that means midsize pickup rides and comports itself better on the road than the Ridgeline, making it this truck’s biggest selling point. Most trucks give off the rough-and-tumble vibes when cruising around town, but in the Ridgeline, it’s so SUV-like that you may as well be driving a Honda Pilot with a bed (because that’s basically what it is). The Ridgeline’s innovative swing-out tailgate tech continues to be a segment-exclusive feature — we loved it on our long-term Ridgeline test truck. Its interior doesn’t try to overwhelm with rugged, tough-looking styling. Instead, it’s similar to the family-oriented SUVs from Honda, remaining pleasantly ergonomic and full of storage/cubbies.
As we mentioned at the outset, new for 2024 are a revised interior (it’s still very car-like and without the overt trucky tones of its competitors) and an available Trailsport trim with a unique spring rates, damper valve tuning and stabilizer bars for the suspension along with chunky General Grabber A/T Sport tires.
2024 Jeep Gladiator
Why it stands out: The only truck with a removable roof and doors; rugged off-road design; strong towing
Could be better: Rugged design means poor on-road performance; only one underwhelming engine option
The 2024 Jeep Gladiator greatly benefits from a new interior (borrowed, like most of the truck’s bits and pieces, from the ever-popular Wrangler off-road SUV), excellent infotainment and lots of cool off-road tech. New Mojave X and Rubicon X trim levels add more capability and, seemingly paradoxically, more refinement at the same time. Sadly, while the excellent 4Xe plug-in hybrid powertrain is coming to the Gladiator, it won’t be here for the 2024 model year.
Even though the 3.6-liter V6 engine, with its 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, isn’t going to set any speed or efficiency records and is clearly falling well behind class leaders from General Motors and Toyota, it’s at least decent. It’s offered with either a standard six-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic, and it sends power to all four wheels through multiple heavy-duty transfer case options.
If there’s one killer app that the Jeep Gladiator offers that none of its competitors can match, it’s the ability to completely remove the top and doors, and even fold down the windshield for ultimate wind-in-the-hair fun. If that’s what’s most important to you as a buyer, the Gladiator remains in a class of its own. For most buyers, though, a more well-rounded truck like the Chevy Colorado or Toyota Tacoma will be nicer to live with on a day-to-day basis.
BLUFFTON, S.C. — The 2024 GMC Acadia is a revamped take on the brand’s popular three-row SUV. It’s quite a bit bigger than the outgoing model, with 8.4 more inches of wheelbase and 10.6 extra inches of overall length. That’s a huge boon to cargo space (up 80%), while also adding 27% to second-row legroom. Its new looks align more closely now with the GMC Sierra pickup, granting it a brawnier personality.
While it’s in many ways quite similar to the updated 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, (including in size, now) GMC did an admirable amount of design work to differentiate the Acadia from its close relative. The tall, truck-like grille gives the Acadia more presence than before, and the C-shaped LED headlights add character. Along the side, the chunky C-pillar is hidden from sight, while the D-pillar is expanded. This provides a better view for third-row passengers, and has the added benefit of obscuring the cargo area from onlookers. Around back, we see more LED lighting, as well as quad exhaust tips GMC said were inspired by the C8 Chevy Corvette, complete with their squarish shape. The overall look is more truckish, but it still has a sporty slant.
Under the skin, much is shared with its Chevy platform-mate. It sports the same new 2.5-liter turbo four producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque and shifts via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine employs the same “ePhaser” to adjust the camshaft on the fly to advance and delay the spark according to power and efficiency needs. And just like the Traverse, the front-wheel-drive Acadia gets 20 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined, or 19/24/21 mpg with all-wheel drive.
In addition to the base Elevation trim ($43,995 including destination, with AWD costing another $2,000), the Acadia boasts the more luxurious Denali trim ($55,695 for FWD and $57,695 for AWD), as well as the off-road-ready AT4 trim ($51,395 with AWD standard). We’ll have to wait to evaluate the feature content in the Elevation, but the Denali and AT4 were on hand for us to evaluate in South Carolina.
Our first stint in the Acadia was in the Denali. Getting inside, it’s immediately noticeable that the Acadia’s interior is a big step up over that of the Traverse. Up front, the centerpiece is the tech interface standard on all Acadia trims: a portrait-oriented 15-inch infotainment screen running Google Built-In, as well as an 11-inch driver display. The Denali also comes with a head-up display as standard. One feature that helped immensely (in both Acadias we drove) on unfamiliar roads was the ability to switch the instrument panel display to donate most of its real estate to mirror the Google Maps navigation, putting our directions directly in front of us while freeing up the infotainment screen for any other functions needed along the way. And, yes, this GM product still has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The rest of the Denali’s interior design is inviting, with leather seats boasting truly attractive stitching. There are still some grainy, hard plastics to be found, but they don’t dominate the cabin. We really like the look of the open-pore ayous wood trim, complete with the Denali name etched at the far end of the dash. The fairing that covers the driver’s side of the dash is interestingly shaped, with good character for an element that would otherwise be easily overlooked both by designers and consumers. Its big center console is open underneath for convenient storage, thanks to GMC relocating the drive selector from the console to the steering column. We also appreciate the big, sturdy HVAC toggles integrated at the bottom of the infotainment screen.
Standard across the lineup is a seven-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs; there is no bench seat option. The second row is quite roomy, with seats that adjust backward and forward to offer more room or to punish whomever is sitting behind you. The third row is fairly large, though. With the driver’s seat in my ideal driver position and a comfortable second-row position behind that, I squeezed my 6-foot self into the third row and found my knees touching the seatback ahead of me. With a couple of minor adjustments from the forward seats — ones that wouldn’t be asking too much of the other occupants — I could fit in the third row fairly comfortably. A kid would be right at home for long trips. Adults would at least appreciate the decent headroom.
You could carry a good amount of luggage for all those passengers. Cargo volume behind the third row checks in at a segment-beating 23.0 cubic feet, with a large under-floor bin as a bonus. If it’s just a family of four taking the trip, flattening the third row opens that up to 57.3 cubic feet. Fold all the seats down for a maximum 97.5 cubes, and you’ve got a decent moving vehicle. There’s also 5,000 pounds worth of towing capacity if you somehow run out of space inside the Acadia.
Our particular Denali tester was equipped with the standard 20-inch wheels, not the optional 22-inchers and the “performance suspension” included in the Denali Reserve Package. That upgraded suspension uses passive, frequency-based dampers that behave differently according to input from the road. It’s probably more important to have when rolling on the bigger tires with their shorter sidewalls, but the 20-inchers with the standard suspension proved just fine for our drive. We didn’t encounter some of the tire-flattening, cratered pavement we see up in Michigan, but the imperfections we did encounter passed under tire without complaint.
GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system is optional across the Acadia lineup, and our Denali had it. It’s still a great system, reducing fatigue and inspiring confidence in its abilities as it deftly moves along with traffic — or around it with automatic lane changes. As GM adds more mileage to its map of compatible roads (about 750,000 miles now!), we were sometimes surprised by some of the smaller highways it would work on. One such stretch of road had its share of intersections with stop lights. Ahead of some of these busier intersections, the Acadia would let us know to take over steering with a red light on the steering wheel, a message on the driver display and a vibration of the seat cushion (a great way to deliver an alert without freaking out any passengers on board). Super Cruise remains one of the more advanced driver assist systems that we actually enjoy using.
The 2.5-liter turbo engine felt like a good fit for the Acadia. While it may not seem as macho as a V6, it offered plenty of power to get and keep the Acadia moving. It doesn’t sound bad, either, and what you do hear isn’t very loud. Turbo lag is at a minimum, and there’s enough power on hand to get the front wheels to spin from a stop (which is accompanied by a suggestion on the driver display to switch to AWD mode). We’ll be interested to see if the engine still feels up to the task when loaded up with passengers and a trailer in tow, but nothing so far suggests it won’t.
The next morning, I got in the off-road-leaning Acadia AT4. That comes equipped with all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels. In all, the AT4 gains about 1.2 inches in ride height over the Elevation, about two-thirds of that coming from the suspension, while the tires account for the rest. The AT4 uses a version of the optional performance suspension from the Denali, though tuned for more rugged duty, and including the same hydraulic rebound stop found in the Chevy Traverse Z71. It also gets red tow hooks, underbody skid plates, a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system and Off-Road and Terrain drive modes. The exterior brightwork isn’t exactly bright, using tinted chrome that comes off as a broody, glossy graphite-ish color. We’d be remiss to ignore the AT4’s marker lights on its wheel arches — it’s a small detail, but a neat one, nonetheless.
Inside, the AT4 doesn’t automatically get the Denali’s standard features, like a head-up display, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, one-touch-folding second-row and power-folding third-row seats, power steering column, memory settings and premium floor mats. Some of that is available, some not, but what you do get is still good and, we’d argue, suited to its purpose. The combination fabric and synthetic seats are comfortable and feel durable, and the rest of the interior design is still attractive, complete with wood trim. But despite fewer luxury trimmings, the AT4 feels even more special to drive.
The AT4 is particularly at home traversing down gravel roads at speeds that left huge plumes of dust behind us, the suspension doing an absolutely superb job of smoothing out the ruts and bumps. Once the gravel turned to fine, dry sand, the AT4 was a hoot. In Off-Road mode, it was perfectly happy to carry momentum and even accelerate fairly quickly through the loose medium. It felt a little playful, but not unruly as the front tires clawed through the sand, keeping the Acadia’s grille pointed where we wanted it. Just for fun, we switched the drive mode back to Normal mid-sand-rip, and the AT4 did indeed struggle to keep up momentum, slowing down significantly despite my inputs, as the traction control system fought against slippage. Popping it back into Off-Road mode via the (poorly placed) toggle to the left of the steering column, the Acadia was once again eager to charge forward as the AT4’s Active Torque Control AWD system allowed the wheels a little more freedom to spin.
GMC was kind enough to dig up one of the sandy roads on our drive route to let us get some wheels in the air. The AT4 was happy to creep through in Terrain mode without us having to fumble between the gas and brake pedals. Furthermore, every liftoff and touchdown of the wheels took place without drama — no noise, and managed with comfort (at least from the driver’s seat). We also turned on the vehicle’s exterior cameras, which would be useful if that portion of the trail had any turns.
Later, when we’d come back to the same spot, newly refreshed by GMC’s on-hand earth-moving equipment, the sandy ruts were deep and loose enough to get the Acadia temporarily stuck, wheels spinning to no avail. There was no need to resort to the tow hooks, though, as backing up a couple of inches, then rolling the front wheel back onto the incline and keeping a steady foot on the accelerator was enough to allow the all-wheel-drive system to sort the torque enough to get us up and out of the pit and, eventually, back onto mostly level ground.
On the pavement, the AT4 proved just about as comfortable as the Denali we had driven the day before. We were able to elicit a bit more wheel spin from the all-terrain tires when gunning it from a stop, and they gave a little bit of a roar when we called upon its lateral grip reserves when pushing through a corner. Excess body roll didn’t pose a problem from the driver’s seat, and the sweet suspension continued to level out whatever came at it on the straight parts of the road, too.
Our AT4 was also equipped with Super Cruise, which worked just as well as it did in the Denali. The only difference was that we noticed a bit more correction from the steering system, with just a slight wobble of the steering wheel on center as it cruised down the highway. That did not translate into any extra motion in the cabin, however, as everything felt calm and stable as we chugged straight ahead with our hands in our lap.
The 2024 Acadia is an attractive three-row SUV, perhaps more so than the slightly more affordable Chevy Traverse — even more affordable than that if you walk further down the Chevy’s deeper trim lineup. The Acadia’s exterior design is unique, and its interior design is a big draw over its cousin when comparing these comparable trims. Is that worth an extra few grand to you? Because beyond that, there’s not a lot, especially in terms of driving, that sets it apart from the Traverse. With that in mind, it’s simple enough to go test them back to back; they’re both in dealerships now, and they represent big upgrades over their outgoing versions.
It’s not easy to earn an “Editors’ Picks” at Autoblog as part of the rating and review process that every new vehicle goes through. Our editors have been at it a long time, which means we’ve driven and reviewed virtually every new car you can go buy on the dealer lot. There are disagreements, of course, and all vehicles have their strengths and weaknesses, but this list features what we think are the best new vehicles chosen by Autoblog editors.
We started this formal review process back in 2018, so there’s quite of few of them now. So what does it mean to be an Editors’ Pick? In short, it means it’s a car that we can highly recommend purchasing. There may be one, multiple, or even zero vehicles in any given segment that we give the green light to. What really matters is that it’s a vehicle that we’d tell a friend or family member to go buy if they’re considering it, because it’s a very good car.
The best way to use this list is is with the navigation links below. Click on a segment, and you’ll quickly arrive at the top rated pickup truck or SUV, for example. Use the back button to return to these links and search in another segment, like sedans.
If you’ve been keeping up with our monthly series of the latest vehicles to earn Editors’ Pick status, you’re likely going to be familiar with this list already. If not, welcome to the complete list that we’ll be keeping updated as vehicles enter (and others perhaps exit) the good graces of our editorial team. We rate a new car — giving it a numerical score out of 10 — every time there’s a significant refresh or if it happens to be an all-new model. Any given vehicle may be impressive on a first drive, but we wait until it’s in the hands of our editors to put it through the same type of testing as every other vehicle that rolls through our test fleet before giving it the Editors’ Pick badge. This ensures consistency and allows more voices to be heard on each individual model.
And just so you don’t think we’ve skipped trims or variants of a model, we hand out the Editors’ Pick based on the overarching model to keep things consistent. So, when you read that the 3 Series is an Editors’ Pick, yes, that includes the 330i to the M3 and all the variants in between. If there’s a particular version of that car we vehemently disagree with, we make sure to call that out. On the other hand, if there’s a special version of a vehicle that is worthy of an Editors’ Pick, but other versions of it are not (such as the GR Corolla vs. the regular Corolla), that too is called out.
Take a scroll down and through all of the Editors’ Picks as they stand today.
Pros: Best-in-class ride, handling and interior; impressive infotainment tech; extra-comfy rear seats Cons: Fewer and less advanced engine options; safety tech not standard
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The truck to beat right now. Impressive comfort and handling for a full-size pickup. It also packs the best interior in the segment. Not perfect, but better than the current competition.
Pros: Exceptional powertrains, including the hybrid and Lightning; unique and game-changing tech; well-balanced driving dynamics; Raptor! Cons: Interior design is a bit ugly; the Ram rides better
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The F-150 has an exceptional lineup in the half-ton segment. Not quite as luxurious as the Ram, the F-150 falls back on an unmatched variety of options and configurations. The game-changing Powerboost hybrid cements this as an Editor’s Pick.
Pros: Quiet and torque-rich Duramax diesel; premium interior; big touchscreen on most trims; great trailering tech Cons: Worse ride than most rivals; AT4X priced like a Raptor but doesn’t go like a Raptor
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The GMC Sierra finally has an interior and tech worth its price tag. Plus, the AT4X trim is a beast off-road, and the exterior styling in most trims is pleasing. We prefer it over the Silverado in virtually every instance.
Pros: Stellar exterior design; easy-to-use and modern tech; epic ZR2 off-road variant Cons: Interior feels cheap on lower trims; low-output engine is a bummer
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Colorado has standout styling, drives well with a great powertrain and features attractive off-road-focused variants like the ZR2 and Trail Boss.
Pros: Stellar exterior styling for all trims; punchy powertrain; outstanding AT4X off-road trims; great tech and interior amenities Cons: Only one cab/bed combination; gets expensive quick; firm ride for most trims
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The GMC Canyon and its Chevy Colorado twin are compelling trucks for the daily grind and when grinding your way over rocks. The Canyon’s higher-quality interior (including the uniquely luxurious Denali) is the main reason to consider it over the Chevy. Don’t skip these when looking at midsize trucks.
Pros: Strong power and torque; enormous configurability; loads of off-road options; quiet and refined ride; manual transmission availability Cons: Coarse engine; on the expensive side; Limited not as plush as it could be; manual is clunky
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Toyota Tacoma is a stellar midsize pickup with several configurations, off-road variants and a relatively efficient hybrid powertrain option. It’s finally the complete package..
Pros: Above average fuel economy, no real low points, great variety of trims and levels of off-road performance Cons: Interior is dated, not the style leader, ride is merely average
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Ranger is an extremely solid overall mid-size truck, with great fuel economy and solid road manners that make it the best all-rounder out there.
Pros: Great on-road ride and handling; innovative bed design; standard AWD Cons: Controversial design; no inexpensive base models; limited off-road
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Honda Ridgeline is the most comfortable, car-like mid-size truck money can buy. It’s the perfect truck for most folks who don’t often do truck things, but it’s still capable when called upon.
Pros: Rugged and attractive styling, great value, fun both on- and off-road Cons: Below average towing and payload, no extreme off-road trim like Raptor or ZR2
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Nissan’s midsize truck competes with the best of them now, as the Frontier has a great powertrain, superb looks and a modern, tech-festooned interior.
Pros: Superb off-road, body modularity (can remove roof/doors), eye-catching design Cons: Pricey, noisy/unrefined interior, small bed
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Far and away the coolest truck in the segment. It drives better than you expect given the solid front axle and off-road focus. Even the base Sport is plenty capable. Our biggest complaints are a small bed and a big price tag.
Pros: Hybrid is super fuel efficient, great value, solid tech Cons: Interior is on the cheap side, Hybrid is FWD only
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Ford Maverick offers tremendous value, efficiency, incredibly well-thought-out packaging, plenty of storage, a fairly engaging drive and ease of use, all with the utility of a pickup bed. We like the hybrid, but the EcoBoost engine and FX4 package offer more capability.
Pros: Fun and refined to drive, high-class interior, great tech, clever bed features Cons: Cramped back seat, high price, slow and inefficient base engine
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Think of it as an alternative to compact SUVs, which swaps in a pickup bed in place of the usual cargo area. High-class cabin, exceptional tech and surprisingly fun to drive.
Pros: Well-rounded, sophisticated magnetic and air suspension, user-friendly tech, great Duramax diesel option Cons: Less efficient and/or powerful base engine than rivals, weird shifter, flat seats
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Chevrolet Tahoe hits every mark that a full-size SUV needs to ace with tons of space, a comfortable ride, great towing capacity and east-to-use tech.
Pros: Extremely spacious, comfortable ride with magnetic and air suspension, great tech and good looks Cons: Less efficient base engine than rivals, odd shifter, poor efficiency outside the diesel
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Yukon is a big, comfortable and versatile SUV that has a little something for everybody, so long as you can stomach the fuel economy. It’s an excellent middle ground between the Tahoe and Escalade.
Pros: Smooth, powerful and relatively efficient engine, comfortable ride, adult-friendly third row, advanced driver assistance tech Cons: Lower-quality interior than rival SUVs, especially the upper trim levels
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: This behemoth from Ford provides oodles of space, utility and a handsome exterior. The interior design is questionable, though, and upper trims are priced well into Lincoln Navigator territory.
Pros: Grand and imposing design, hilarious and fun V performance model, supple ride, rich and luxurious interior Cons: Poor fuel efficiency outside of diesel, base models have bland interior
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Bold and unapologetic, the Escalade is a luxury and tech powerhouse with massive proportions and a loud exterior design. Poor efficiency is boosted by a diesel option, and it’s significantly more comfortable with its new, independent rear suspension.
Pros: Gorgeous interior with Black Label, stout powertrain, upscale styling Cons: Blue Cruise lags behind Super Cruise and others
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Lincoln’s flagship has one of the best interiors on the market regardless of price or class. It’s pretty handsome to look at, too. Lots of room and plenty of capability, but there’s nothing special in the tech department. We also miss that V8 soundtrack.
Pros: Ultra-smooth powerful engines, surprisingly good handling, decadent and upscale interior Cons: Infotainment usability frustrations, polarizing design, power second row leaves utility on the table
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The X7 simply does everything well. It’s exceedingly comfortable, handles shockingly well and comes decked out in the most luxury BMW has to offer.
Pros: Lovely design both inside and out, technologically advanced suspension tech for huge comfort, stout AMG performance offering Cons: Tech inside lags behind latest Mercedes offerings, not the best value
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is luxurious enough to truly qualify as the S-Class of SUVs. It’s huge, comfortable, tech-rich and brimming with impressive powertrains.
Pros: Buttery smooth drive, classically beautiful design, tech that works, great off-road Cons: You pay a Range Rover tax, tight third row
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Range Rover returns in top-notch form, acing all the categories you’d expect from the legendary SUV. It’s opulent, features buttery smooth and powerful engines and can still take a beating off-road.
Pros: Class-leading passenger and cargo space; hybrid powertrains; Lexus dependability Cons: Some frustrating tech controls; it’s basically a fancy Grand Highlander; droning TX 550h+ engine
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Lexus TX offers solid hybrid options and is plenty roomy, but there are other great hybrids in this class, and the TX falls short of the best.
Pros: Two hybrid powertrain options; exceptional cargo space; usable third row; refined and quiet ride Cons: Expensive for the segment; the lesser hybrid powertrain is noisy and slow
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Hybrid Max is the one to get, but the Grand Highlander comes highly recommended for its added space, nicer interior and fuel efficient powertrains.
Pros: Bigger-than-average third row and cargo space; user-friendly tech; extra-smart cruise control; handsome design; excellent value Cons: X-Pro ride quality; no hybrid powertrain available
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Roominess, great design and an excellent interior make the Telluride feel much more special than its price suggests. If you want a three-row ute with character that won’t break the bank, look no further.
Pros: Premium interior; more passenger and cargo space than many rivals; great tech; comfy to drive Cons: Styling went backwards for 2023; no hybrid or PHEV option
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Hyundai hit a homerun with the Palisade, and the first update only improves the SUV. It’s loaded full of great tech, excellent materials and is hugely spacious. A more powerful engine would be nice, but nothing else is missing from this three-row family crossover.
Pros: Segment-leading space; unique second-row functionality; refined ride; TrailSport is actually interesting and surprisingly capable Cons: Thirsty V6 with no hybrid or turbo alternatives; engine can feel anemic in mountains/when loaded with weight
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Pilot just doesn’t exhibit any weak points and is strong in all the areas that matter. It finally looks good, and the Trailsport is a sweet soft-roading alternative for getting a little dirty.
Pros: Luxurious interior with great tech; go-anywhere capability; refined to drive on-road; strong towing; 4xe plug-in hybrid Cons: Less interior space than many rivals; no eight-passenger version; very heavy; blah V6 and thirsty V8
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The 2022 Grand Cherokee and L are swank and much better on-road than the previous SUV. It even keeps up the Jeep tradition of being great off-road while still carrying tons of passengers and gear. The L is particularly large and utilitarian.
Pros: Lovely to drive inline-six; premium interior; will make you forget you’re driving a family hauler Cons: Limited third-row and cargo space for the segment; PHEV is rough around the edges
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The driver’s three-row SUV. Enthusiasts who need space should seek out the CX-90. It translates Mazda’s enthusiast DNA into a people hauler.
Pros: Tons of great powertrain options, attractive interior design, great tech all around Cons: Tight third row, unpleasant base engine
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Sorento is a uniquely useful size, providing a compact third row for those who might need one in a pinch. Its turbo, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, plus premium interior and excellent tech help it stand out from the crowd.
Pros: RWD-based with above-average dynamics; powerful engines; plethora of choices Cons: Pricier than most; Hybrid is only marginally efficient; cheap-feeling interior
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The diverse range of powertrains, impressive technology and superb design all combine to make the Explorer an excellent SUV. It just keeps getting better with more trims like the Timberline and ST-Line.
Pros: Massive utility, easy-to-use tech and straightforward interior design, great value Cons: Transmission can be un-smooth at times, V6 is thirsty
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Passport takes everything we love about the Pilot — a comfortable ride, a strong engine and a hugely functional interior — and wraps it in a shorter, slightly sportier package. Our big knocks are tech and a somewhat sedate driving experience.
Pros: Big two-row with large backseat and cargo area, easy-to-use modern tech, efficient powertrain offerings Cons: Design is a bit bland, in a weird value space between two-row and three-row midsize SUVs
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Santa Fe splits the difference between the Tucson and Palisade splendidly. It offers multiple solid powertrain options, and the new flashy styling is backed up by great tech and upscale interior.
Pros: Nearly endless variety; go-anywhere capability; the roof and doors come off; 4xe plug-in hybrid Cons: Refinement and on-road handling laughable by modern SUV standards; iffy safety ratings
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Wrangler has real competition now, but the vast number of variants and huge capability still makes it a superb off-road vehicle. From the 4xe PHEV to the 392, the Wrangler is one awesome ball of fun.
Ford Bronco — Read full review
Pros: Go-anywhere capability; unique style; trim level variety; two- and four-door options; strong engines; it’s a convertible! Cons: LOUD!; strange digital instruments; interior materials quality; wonky cloth roof fitment; parking the ultra-wide Raptor
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Ford’s vintage revival lives up to the hype. Nicer to drive than the Wrangler on-road and just as capable off, the Bronco checks every box you’d expect from a modern off-roader.
Pros: Superbly powerful and efficient powertrains, fun-to-drive M50i and X5 M variants, great materials and utility Cons: iDrive 8 infotainment is frustrating, value isn’t great
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The new X5 wins with style, tech and an excellent powertrain. The interior design doesn’t match some competitors, but it’s comfortable and well built. Editors were divided on steering, but we think most owners won’t mind.
Pros: Powerful and fun engines, comfy ride with solid handling, luxurious interior with great tech Cons: Value is tough argument, no more E-Active Body Control
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class triumphs with a high-class interior, dazzling tech and an array of excellent AMG performance models. Its biggest downfall is value, but it makes up for the high prices with impressive capability.
Pros: Beautiful design all around, both comfortable and sporty, straightforward but still advanced tech Cons: No performance variants, tight third row
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The stylish GV80 offers useful safety features, compelling design and sporty dynamics to push it near the top of the segment. Genesis takes risks with this aggressive crossover, and the result is a luxurious vehicle that is rewarding to drive.
Pros: Classy, clean, minimalist design, powerful PHEV powertrain available, robust standard safety and driver assistance suite Cons: While we like the design, it’s due for an update, upgrading to PHEV is costly
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The XC90 may be old now, but key updates and a timeless design ensure it’s competitive as ever. The Scandinavian interior design appeal has never faded, and now the Google-based infotainment system is fresh and snappy.
Pros: Powerful PHEV option, luxurious Black Label models, tons of tech and comfortable ride Cons: Tight third row, limited EV range with PHEV
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Lincoln’s three-row SUV is a solid entry with lots of tech and feature content, plus two compelling powertrains. The Black Label is expensive, but lower-trim models are a better value. With a few improvements, it will be one of the top offerings in the segment.
Pros: Super-good value, fun Type S variant, good-to-drive in general, classy design Cons: Powertrain is limited with low-power V6, infotainment frustrates some
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The MDX is one of the best luxury bargains in the three-row class. It has great looks, a sumptuous and sporty interior and even offers a Type S performance variant.
Pros: Stupendous to drive, massive variety of performance and efficiency, upscale interior with great tech Cons: More expensive than everybody else, requires lots of options for many luxury features
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Porsche’s cash cow is better than ever. The design looks good inside and out, drawing the best bits from the smaller Macan. The best-driving vehicle in it’s class, too. Just watch it on the options, as it can quickly send the price skyward.
Pros: Spectacular-to-drive SUV; has an interior fitting for a Lamborghini; look-at-me styling Cons: Engine isn’t particularly special; way more expensive than platform mates
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Urus isn’t the most Lamborghini of the Italian maker’s lineup, but it’s a special, performance SUV that offers decent utility and all the go you might want.
Pros: Beautiful design, tech works wonderfully, wide variety of impressive powertrains Cons: Doesn’t drive particularly sportily, value is tough with expensive price
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: It may not be outwardly sporty, but the Range Rover Sport has a killer design, gorgeous interior, buttery-smooth driving characteristics and a clean tech interface.
Pros: Variety of engine and body styles; excellent ride, handling and interior noise for an off-roader; go-anywhere capability Cons: Sub-par fuel economy for a luxury SUV; pricey trims not overtly luxurious; definitely not cheap
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Land Rover Defender provides everything you’d hope for in a modern Land Rover: superlative off-road capability, surprisingly plush on-road demeanor, abundant interior space and abundant character. The base four-cylinder is likely all you’ll need and lower trim levels provide more than enough equipment.
Pros: Lots of fun off-road, nothing else looks like it, rides and handles better than you’d expect Cons: Exorbitant price, space is tight
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Few vehicles on the road are as cool as the G-Wagen. Yes, it’s expensive and yes, the fuel economy isn’t great, but this thing makes you feel so happy that you forget the price. Powerful engines are joined by a usable interior. It’s also built like a bank vault.
Pros: Tons of choice in powertrain and trim; super comfortable and fun to drive; beautiful interior appointments Cons: Hybrid is not as smooth as it should be; exterior styling isn’t as Bentley-like as we’d prefer
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Bentayga offers a wide variety of luxury and performance. From the sportier W12-equipped Speed model to the plug-in hybrid, there’s a Bentayga for your sophisticated motoring needs.
Pros: The most luxurious of SUVs; a proper Rolls-Royce experience; no compromises in any area Cons: Brutally expensive; not a handler
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Cullinan translates the Rolls-Royce driving experience into an SUV beautifully, and it’s even capable of some light off-roading.
Pros: Shockingly good to drive; beautiful styling inside and out; no big downsides Cons: Very expensive; tech lags behind competitors
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: With attractive styling and a gorgeous yet functional interior, the V8-powered DBX is a legitimate crossover worthy of the Aston badge.
Pros: Drives supremely well and smooth, RS version is very good, pretty and modern design inside and out Cons: Coupe shape reduces utility, but not by much, expensive for its size
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Despite falling into the so-called “four-door coupe” category, the Q8 doesn’t skimp on usability like some of the competition. A handsome design and smart interior make this one of the most stylish SUVs around. Some tech issues and so-so driving dynamics hamper an otherwise pleasant experience.
Pros: Engaging and refined driving experience; luxurious interior; strong turbo engine; good looks Cons: No hybrid available; infotainment system won’t be for everyone
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Mazda CX-50 is a crossover that doesn’t penalize you for choosing a crossover. It’s engaging and fun to drive on top of being utilitarian and useful in day-to-day life.
Pros: Engaging and refined to drive; luxurious interior; strong turbo engine; good looks; top crash scores Cons: No hybrid available; infotainment system won’t be for everyone; a bit small; not as good as CX-50
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Mazda CX-5 is the clear driver’s choice in the compact crossover segment delivering excellent handling, and great power from the optional turbo engine. It’s attractive and comfortable to boot
Pros: High-quality and great-looking interior, excellent hybrid, strong safety credentials Cons: Lack of specialty options such as plug-in hybrid and off-road models
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: An all-around winner, the Honda CR-V is spcious, features easily used technology and looks better than ever. We recommend the efficient hybrid model, but the standard powertrain is a solid option, too.
Pros: All-star hybrid powertrain, excellent tech, huge cargo area, high-quality cabin Cons: Sad sack base engine, some weird interior controls, a bit blah to drive
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: A fantastic package let down by a merely serviceable standard powertrain. Spring for the hybrid and there’s really nothing to complain about, and it won’t even cost you that much.
Pros: Powerful and efficient hybrids, class-leading space, well-executed tech, distinctive design choices Cons: Slow base engine, X-Line and X-Pro are not available as the hybrid X-Pro’s firm ride
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Charging onto the scene, the new Sportage is drastically different from the old and way better in every category that counts. We recommend the Hybrid, which provides a powerful and fuel efficient mode of travel.
Pros: Stylish design, powerful 2.0L turbo engine, great hybrid and PHEV options Cons: Value is questionable, lack of control buttons
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Ford Escape’s wide array of impressive powertrain choices, including a hybrid, and respectable dynamics brings a touch of fun to a boring segment. There’s tons of space throughout the vehicle, but it suffers from a cheap interior.
Pros: Class-leading interior, comfortable ride, excellent tech, safety scores, standard AWD, available as an EV Cons: Handles like a big, heavy SUV, steering is acceptable, but gets worse in Sport mode
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Genesis’ first shot at a compact luxury crossover is a strong one that moves the segment forward and makes for an excellent alternative to one of the many other established options.
Pros: More fun than you’d expect, sporty and luxurious interior, great value for its size Cons: Could use more powerful engines, FWD model is much less fun, TrueTouch pad tech is controversial
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The RDX ticks a lot of boxes for a great price. It drives better than expected, offers excellent tech once you learn it, has plenty of room and even looks the part.
Pros: Luxurious and classy style, advanced tech, great hybrid option, great value Cons: Lack of buttons for controls, base models look lower rent
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Corsair brings a luxury experience without trying to be something it isn’t, making it a comfy, tech-filled, little crossover with great style both outside and in
Pros: Elegant styling and beautiful cabin, excellent plug-in hybrid option, solid value Cons: Middling handling, pricey and strange Polestar performance model
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Volvo XC60 is one of our favorite luxury crossovers, and the PHEV option is a killer setup. We dig the interior design, and the exterior is attractively Swedish, too.
Pros: It drives like a Porsche; highly customizable; high-quality cabin Cons: It’s priced like a Porsche; on the small side; below-average fuel economy
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Nothing drives better than the Porsche Macan, and while you pay a premium for it, there’s no other SUV that’ll be as fun as this one. Its interior tech and utility is merely acceptable, but again, that’s not the Macan’s priority.
Pros: Hybrid and PHEV are efficient and fun; sharp styling; lots of standard tech Cons: Some of that tech is frustrating to use (especially the nonsensical HUD); less back seat space than some rivals
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: While every NX is quietly competent and should represent a sound purchase, only the NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h plug-in hybrid earn our recommendation as an Editor’s Pick. Few rivals are electrified and as such their superior fuel economy, with few drawbacks, really stands out.
Pros: Compelling design; ample space for the segment; quiet and refined driving experience; punchy and efficient engine; well-equipped; low price Cons: All-wheel drive not available; armrests are a bit hard
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Envista is one of our top subcompact SUV picks. It packs tremendous value into a compelling design that looks far more expensive than it is. A homerun for Buick.
Pros: Strong value; sharp looks; surprisingly practical; engaging and even enjoyable to drive; high fuel economy Cons: All-wheel drive unavailable; no engine upgrade; hard armrests
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: You won’t find a better bang-for-your-buck small crossover than the Chevy Trax. It’s spacious, has sufficient power, features solid tech and is cheaper than practically everything else out there.
Pros: Fun to drive; wonderful interior; standard all-wheel drive; class-leading turbo power Cons: Average fuel economy from base engine; expensive relative to mainstream competitors; smartphone integration is only so-so
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Mazda’s little CX-30 is a stylish crossover with excellent car-like driving dynamics, quick Turbo option, a gorgeous interior and above average tech. Its biggest downside is limited utility.
Pros: Funky and appealing design; fun driving dynamics, excellent utility for its size Cons: Lack of AWD, no more turbo engine with DCT, no electric option
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: It’s almost impossible to describe the Kia Soul without using the word ‘funky.’ It offers good driving dynamics and a surprising amount of technology in a unique wrapper that manages to stand out in a good way.
Pros: Great tech; fun to drive; strong safety ratings; riotous Kona N Cons: Less spacious than rivals; no federal tax credit for Electric
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Hyundai has a winner on its hands with the little Kona. It’s a fun-to-drive, small crossover that offers all-wheel drive, multiple engine choices and solid tech. Its controversial design and cramped interior are the only things holding it back.
Pros: Loads of space; great technology; exuberant acceleration with turbo engine; clever design throughout; strong safety ratings Cons: Weak base engine with unusual transmission; plenty of hard plastics
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Kia stuffs a lot of value in the Seltos. It’s big for the midcompact class, offers a potent turbo engine and has tons of tech. The styling is a little busy, but you’re getting a lot of utility for the money
Pros: Huge back seat and cargo area for the segment; strong fuel economy; quality interior; functional roof rails Cons: Bland to drive with numb steering and mushy throttle response; so-so safety scores
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Taos plays bigger than its price and appearance suggests. It’s a stellar value for families looking for space, quietly attractive looks and solid technology to boot. VW even gave it some respectable driving chops.
Pros: More capable than similarly priced SUVs; good fuel economy; standard AWD; real roof rails Cons: Slow base engine; roly-poly handling; some head-scratching interior controls; Hybrid’s iffy value
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Crosstrek is a mini SUV with charming capability and an attractive design. Its one big negative is a lack of power from the base engine.
Pros: Lots of space inside, sharp design, lots of fun to drive Cons: Can feel a little cheap inside, iDrive tech is frustrating to use for certain functions
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The BMW X1 is the driver’s choice in the subcompact luxury SUV segment. Its size and abundance of tech makes it a great all-rounder for anybody’s taste, though.
Pros: Cute and functional design; efficient powertrains; a good overall value Cons: Recycled materials can feel cheap; Recharge has average EV range; doesn’t qualify for federal EV tax credit
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The XC40 is the unquestioned style leader in the segment. Its powertrain options and tech are solid, and it’s only weighed down by tight rear accommodations.
Pros: Fun to drive with great steering; potent power and torque; usable electric range; beautiful design Cons: Cramped back seat and tiny cargo area; some chintzy interior bits; other PHEVs are more efficient
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: This Alfa Romeo Tonale is one of the best-to-drive small crossovers. However, we’re not in love with the tech or its price, and its PHEV credentials could be better.
Pros: Nothing caters to the muscle car enthusiast better; utilitarian; fun-to-drive from the V6 to the Hellcat variants Cons: Ancient platform with outdated tech, very poor fuel economy, cheap interior
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Despite its age, the Dodge Charger is comfortable and enjoyable, offering V8 power and rear-drive dynamics at a bargain price, balancing out its uninspired interior.
Pros: Wild choices for enthusiasts at any horsepower level; super comfortable and utilitarian; epic styling Cons: Woefully out of date interior; lagging tech; only so-so handling
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Dodge Challenger finds a new and exciting way to make itself interesting every year. It remains true to itself and is the horsepower bargain of the century.
Pros: Great to drive, stellar style inside and out, big hatch for respectable utility Cons: Tight backseat, a GT car, not a sports car
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Stinger continues to offer a ton of performance for a bargain price. We love this car in both base 4-cylinder and top-shelf GT spec.
Pros: A leader in ride comfort, innovative technology, massively luxurious interior, lovely AMG and Maybach variants Cons: Screen setup might not be for everybody, no value play
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The new S-Class out performs and out classes every other full-size luxury sedan. It excels in every category, making it the natural leader.
Pros: Superb to drive, tech-forward interior that still feels elegant and luxurious, great variety of powertrains Cons: Design is polarizing, on the expensive side for its class
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Both the gas and electric versions of the 7 Series are stupendous efforts from BMW. They glide over the road, handle shockingly well, feature a gorgeous interior and eye-popping tech.
Pros: All the luxury you’d ever want; comfortable and fun to drive; timeless styling both inside and out Cons: Mega expensive; slightly outdated infotainment tech; PHEV leaves some refinement to be desired
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Flying Spur is still the driver’s luxury sedan of choice. We note some slightly outdated infotainment and connectivity features, but it’s still one heck of a machine.
Pros: As luxurious as it gets; wafts along the road wherever it goes; as stately a design as they come Cons: Price is nonsensical for most people; tech is on the dated side of things
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: There’s no real substitute for a Rolls-Royce Ghost, and this giant sedan doesn’t put a foot wrong. If you have the cash, we can heartily recommend one.
Pros: Analog but still high-tech interior, lovely driver with excellent ride comfort, doesn’t give up much to the Germans competitors Cons: Not as agile or fun to drive as others in the class
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Genesis G90 is now a full-size sedan without any major compromises versus its competition. It rides beautifully, features a tech-forward but still usable interior and even has a powerful and refined powertrain.
Pros: Classically beautiful styling, gorgeous interior, super-advanced tech, drives really well Cons: Expensive, touch steering wheel is frustrating; tech can be overwhelming
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The E-Class is luxury to the max, but it doesn’t scrimp on the driving experience either. From the wild tech to the incredible ride and impressive handling, this is one stellar sedan.
Pros: Perfect interior experience, tons of space, great hybrid powertrain option Cons: No more 2.0T option, exterior design is bland to some
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Honda executes the midsize sedan better than anybody. The hybrid is a great option, and its interior is both massive and a perfect user experience.
Pros: Great powertrain options, utilitarian interior with lots of space, available AWD Cons: Interior is starting to look dated, tech is subpar for the class
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Toyota Camry retains its place as one of the best midsize sedans you can buy. It comes in a variety of trims and powertrains, from the exciting TRD model to the fuel-sipping hybrid. It’s an attractive, functional and well-rounded car offering value and function.
Pros: Engaging and fun GT model, high-class interior, very stylish exterior Cons: Base engines are bland, no hybrid model
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Kia stepped it way up with the K5, putting together a stylish, comfortable and affordable sedan. The standard trims are not the best drivers, but the performance-focused GT adds a spunky and fun dimension to the picture.
Pros: Standard AWD is a big plus, decent to drive, powerful turbo engine, on the bigger side Cons: Infotainment is slow, bland styling
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Legacy brings all-wheel drive with sedan dynamics to a shrinking segment, and it does so with a competitive price, respectable tech and tons of utility.
Pros: Hilarious and fun N-Line model, upscale interior, comfortable ride, great tech Cons: Base powertrain is bland, exterior styling is hit or miss
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Combining great tech, lots of space and an intriguing design, the Sonata is a sweet midsize sedan option. Its N-Line brings a dose of fun, too.
Pros: Impressive tech, mega-luxurious driving characteristics, fun performance models with S6 and RS 6 Avant, an all-around winner Cons: Not the most agile in its class, value is merely average
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Audi is bringing a strong combination of luxury and performance with a tech-focused interior in the A6. This big, comfortable sedan is a must-drive if you’re looking to buy in this segment.
Pros: Beautiful styling, Sportback shape is utilitarian, fun S and RS variants Cons: Poor fuel economy, an expensive option
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Audi has had a winner with the A7 from the start. The sportback has a modern tech-forward interior with tons of space, a powerful variety of engines and strikes a great balance between everyday usability and performance. Its price is steep, but it’s worth your dollar.
Pros: Wide variety of powertrain and body style options; super-comfortable; classic and pretty BMW design Cons: Overpriced; drives bigger than it should
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: A fine touring car that drives bigger than its competitors — cars we generally find more compelling than this BMW. That said, any well-heeled enthusiast would not be disappointed in this fast, comfortable, eye-catching GT.
Porsche Panamera — Read full review
Pros: Both a sedan and wagon bodystyle available; drives better than anything in its class; styling is finally attractive Cons: Value proposition is poor; fuel economy is low
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Panamera in virtually every form drives brilliantly, has a useful, pretty interior and features attractive styling. Its biggest downside is value, as many other luxury sedans and wagons are significantly cheaper in comparison.
Pros: One of the best designs on sale today, easy-to-use tech, fun-to-drive electric variant Cons: Not the sportiest option, ride could be better when paired with big wheels
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Both the gas-powered and electric versions of the G80 are great midsize luxury options. Elegant styling, a comfortable ride and great tech make this one slick sedan.
Pros: A Lexus Camry is a good thing, efficient hybrid option, pretty design inside and out Cons: Infotainment package is not our favorite, there are more fun-to-drive options out there
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: It’s luxurious, attractively styled, quiet and comfortable. Its V6 engine makes plenty of power, and its optional hybrid powertrain is supremely efficient. We’re not fans of its infotainment package.
Pros: Shockingly good to drive; slick styling; solid value Cons: Infotainment doesn’t have many defenders; tight rear seat
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Acura TLX is a superb sport sedan with spectacular handling and a sweet Type S variant. The transmission is a low point, but interior quality, tech and overall design are all big wins for this well-priced four-door.
Pros: Sporty and fun styling; Prime variant is quick with great EV range; fantastic fuel economy Cons: Cargo room and rear headroom suffers from shape; gets expensive quick
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Prius is cool now. It has stellar styling, a modern and sporty interior, is relatively quick and isn’t entirely dreary to drive. Utility is still solid, but cargo area and rear headroom could be better.
Pros: Cool and well-made interior; very spacious; powerful and efficient turbo engine; well-balanced driving dynamics; Type R is one of the best cars on sale today Cons: Pricey point of entry; no hybrid (yet); Si interior is a bit tacky
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Everything we came to expect from the last Civic (exceptional acceleration and fuel economy, well-balanced driving manners, spacious interior, above-average build quality) has been elevated with cleaner and classier looks, improved tech and the overall increase in refinement. A class leader as a sedan or hatchback.
Pros: Gorgeous design; fun to drive; upscale interior; powerful engines; available all-wheel drive and engine upgrade Cons: Below-average fuel economy; tight rear seat; no high-performance variant; infotainment system won’t be for everyone
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Mazda3 is a blast to drive and has an interior that rivals entry-level luxury cars. It’s only real weakness is a slightly tight rear seat and cargo space.
Pros: Affordable at every trim; standard AWD gives big capability; attractive but not overdone styling with cool RS model Cons: Interior feels its price; infotainment is slow and frustrating; only transmission choice is a CVT
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Subaru does cheap, AWD motoring right with the Impreza, as this hatchback features tons of utility, has solid in-car tech and drives well, all for a good price.
Pros: Engaging and fun-to-drive; tons of luxury features available; solid power and great exterior looks Cons: Interior feels cheap; infuriating infotainment technology; Golf R is a rough value
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: With engaging dynamics and distinctive styling, the GTI remains the standard for enthusiast hatches.
Pros: Mega three-cylinder engine; super-fun handling and AWD system; decent price Cons: Interior is cheap feeling; poor utility
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The GR Corolla is a serious performance machine that is sure to please any enthusiast with its brilliant driving dynamics. It’s only let down by a cheap-feeling and small interior that doesn’t lend well to daily driver duty.
Pros: Smooth and potent engine; AWD system that works for conditions and added fun; solid value Cons: CVT auto option is weird as a top-performance model; infotainment is clunky and slow
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The WRX gets big upgrades where it counts, making it better to drive than before. We’re not fully sold on the styling, but it’s tough to beat if AWD performance is king.
Pros: Civic Si performance with greater refinement; sweet manual transmission; thrifty fuel economy; versatile hatchback Cons: Underwhelming base equipment; cramped rear headroom; some cheap interior bits in back; a CVT, really?
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Acura Integra sure is fun to drive with the manual, and it has tons of interior space. However, a lack of value versus the Civic and a boring CVT for all but one trim hold it back.
Pros: Powerful and entertaining to drive; luxurious interior; great tech all around Cons: Starting to show its age; value versus competitors
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: This conservative yet sporty German sedan is comfortable enough to take your folks to dinner, but exciting enough to cut loose on your favorite dynamic roads. It’s up against tough competition from Mercedes and BMW, though.
Pros: Classy styling; tech powerhouse; ultra-smooth powertrains Cons: Learning curve to all that tech; on the expensive side
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The new C-Class is a superb luxury sedan with a decadent interior, fabulous and showy tech, proper handling and mini S-Class styling cues. It’s one of the best compact sedans money can buy.
Pros: German-like driving dynamics; stout engine options; tons of value and great looks Cons: Tech could use some freshening; no extreme performance models
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Yes, it is small, but in a sport sedan segment where “sport” means increasingly less, the G70 still delivers (in part because of that smallness). It’s also incredibly well equipped for the money with excellent tech and good build quality.
Pros: Drives very well in its various trims; silky-smooth engines; high-class interior; lots of space Cons: Infotainment could be more intuitive; value is a question
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The 3 Series has few weaknesses from its efficient 330e PHEV to the mega M3 models. You get it all with great driving dynamics, impressive luxury and respectable utility.
Pros: Superb PHEV option; beautiful styling inside and out; doesn’t pretend to be sporty Cons: Infotainment can be clunky at times; internal combustion engine could be smoother
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Handsome, generally comfortable, quiet and safe. Volvo has some of the best interiors on the market, and the S60 is no exception. A firm ride on upper trims and a subpar engine hold it back from greatness.
Pros: Drives better than the rest; gorgeous Italian styling; Quadrifoglio model is dynamite Cons: Infotainment is terrible; on the small side; tech in general is behind the curve
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The best-driving small sport sedan out there. It’s not the best all-around luxury sedan money can buy, but nothing drives better.
Pros: Affordable entry point for a Cadillac; engaging steering and handling; Blackwing is incredibly fun Cons: Lackluster interior; cramped rear seat; small trunk
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Cadillac finally built a better BMW M3, just in time for high-performance gasoline-powered Cadillac sedans to disappear entirely. At least Caddy’s going out on a high note.
Pros: Stellar tech; engaging to drive; fun AMG variants, great Mercedes tech Cons: Value is lost quickly with options; AMG 35 is a strange middleground
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Mercedes has a winner with the small CLA. Every aspect of the sedan is solid, from the powertrains to the interior quality. The best value can be had with minimal options, as this car can get dizzyingly expensive quickly.
Pros: Funky but fun design; great performance machine; just as nice as a 3 Series inside Cons: Utility takes a backseat; infotainment is frustrating to use
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The 2 Series has polarizing design, but there’s no denying its fun driving characteristics, excellent tech and surprisingly good utility. Performance-oriented luxury coupes like this one deserve to be celebrated.
Pros: Great performance, especially from S3 and RS 3; pugnacious looks, great luxury value Cons: Cheap-feeling interior; odd volume knob
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Stellar exterior looks, an intriguing interior design, good handling and great fuel economy makes the A3 a splendid entry-level luxury sedan. Plus, it’s all available for a respectable price.
Pros: Unique plug-in hybrid; versatile Stow ‘n Go seats; great entertainment features; good looks Cons: No cheaper base trim; top trims and Hybrid are really expensive; less-comfy second-row Stow ‘n Go seats
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: This rating is for the Pacifica Hybrid whereas the V6-only Pacifica gets a 7. Both are blessed with compelling design and features, including great in-car tech. The V6-only model stands out with its Stow ‘N Go seats, but the Hybrid gets exceptional fuel economy that’s a huge advantage over other vans.
Pros: Stylish; great tech; trick second-row seat options Cons: No hybrid or all-wheel-drive option; comparatively small third row
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: This minivan wins big in the style and interior tech department. It’s super smooth and comfortable to drive, but the lack of powertrain items is disappointing. No matter, the positives win out, and the Carnival is a winner.
Pros: Monumental fuel economy advantage; big-kid-friendly second-row; above average handling; interior storage Cons: Not as powerful as other minivans; less advanced infotainment; cheap interior materials on lower trims
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Featuring an efficient, hybrid powertrain and solid driving dynamics, the Sienna is a minivan you’ll enjoy driving. Plus, the interior is full of thoughtful family-friendly features and surprisingly upmarket styling in its upper trims.
Pros: ‘Magic’ middle row great for parents with small kids; plush ride; Honda reliability reputation Cons: No cheaper base model; dreary to drive even for a minivan; no hybrid or AWD
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Basically the ultimate baby gadget that unabashedly favors parenting functionality over all other concerns. Its second-row Magic Slide Seat is brilliant, and the interior is awash in other clever kid-friendly details. Still, it’s dull to look at, duller to drive and other, more interesting vans are still plenty functional.
Pros: More passenger and cargo space than comparably priced SUVs; big-time ground clearance; low roof with versatile rails; fuel efficient Cons: Imprecise steering; odd power delivery; Wilderness’ on-road handling and fuel economy
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Outback is the perfect choice for a lot of people, especially if they find themselves off the beaten path. The latest generation brings upgraded tech, a quieter, higher quality interior, improved driving dynamics, a turbocharged engine option and the extra-capable Wilderness.
Pros: Great ground clearance for off-roading; excellent to drive anywhere; beautiful interior and exterior Cons: No PHEV or alternative powertrains offered; stiff ride with big wheels
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: A very useful lifted wagon that charms with all its Swedish character and pleasing driving characteristics.
Pros: One of the best-looking family cars on the road; lots of performance from the Polestar; real off-road capability with Cross Country Cons: Limited color palette on V60; Cross Country has limited powertrain choices
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: It’s a beautiful, athletic wagon with design and comfort at the forefont. The Cross Country adds another layer of capability for folks who make use of added ride height, and the Polestar Engineered gives you the performance.
Pros: Performance for days; surprisingly upscale interior; very utilitarian for a mid-engine design Cons: Row of climate buttons is controversial; no manual option
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: There’s no better performance car value available today than the Chevy Corvette. It’s a shining example of a budget supercar. No caveats for the interior or engine placement need be made. It’s brilliant from every aspect.
Pros: Best-handling option between Challenger and Mustang; vast array of powertrain and performance options; a bargain for the capability Cons: Visibility is atrocious; poor fuel economy
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Chevy’s pony car is a divisive one. It’s fast on the track, but makes some sacrifices as a daily driver. One thing’s for sure: It ain’t boring.
Pros: Stupendous engine options; above average handling; classic and appealing design Cons: Interior is on the cheap side; automatic could be a lot better
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: A burly V8 provides robust thrills with a bombastic soundtrack. Some automatic transmission glitches and cheap interior materials annoy but don’t stop the fun.
Pros: Pure fun at every corner; super-lightweight; great manual transmission; pretty design Cons: Interior is feeling its age; automatic is on the boring side of things
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Miata remains one of the most fun cars on the market with a playful chassis and peppy, rev-happy engine. A tight interior is its only drawback.
Pros: A full lineup of luxury sports cars for any occasion; no compromises needed; interior is legitimately high-tech and luxurious Cons: Price is astronomical; growing a little big for our liking
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Porsche 911 continues its reign as the sports car standard of the world. Its newest iteration mixes in modern tech to complement the superb driving characteristics that each version of the 911 offers.
Pros: Agile and responsive in the best way; the most pure of Porsche sports cars; lightweight; lots of performance levels for any use case Cons: Price is a deterrent; tech is outdated
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Phenomenal drivers that inspire confidence in every corner with a responsive engine and balanced communicative chassis. It’s even quite livable on a daily basis. We’d recommend lower trim models, since the high-end GTS starts getting too expensive for its own good.
Pros: Maximum feel through every driver control; supercar-like looks; shockingly acceptable tech Cons: High price of entry; automatic is not great; you’re going to be dealing with Lotus service
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: It’s hard to do better if you want a pure driver’s car. The Lotus Emira is a bombshell of a vehicle in every way for enthusiasts and will be a legend for years to come.
Pros: Extremely fun to drive in any situation; smooth and powerful engine; very affordable Cons: Rough ride on poor roads; interior is basic and cheap-looking
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Compromises are few when it comes to the GR86. It handles extremely well, has a reasonably powerful Boxer engine and its price is super-low. This is a sports car that is worth every penny.
Pros: More comfortable than GR86; super-fun to drive everywhere; affordable sports car Cons: Interior is basic; infotainment is lacking in features and speed
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The BRZ is finally a complete sports car with an engaging engine, perfect chassis and a super-affordable price to boot. We can’t recommend it enough.
Pros: It has a manual now, playful and full of character, sweet engines, better-than-BMW steering and handling Cons: The 2.0 still doesn’t have a manual, two seats only, it’ll be too German for some, pricey compared to Nissan Z
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The new Supra fulfills the mission of being a super fun and lively sports car. It may not be a Toyota underneath, but there’s no arguing with how great it is to both look and drive.
Pros: Silky engines with tons of power; filled to the brim with tech; a great drop-top Supra alternative Cons: Not as fun as the Supra; styling is a mixed bag; pricey versus competition
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Z4 is all about pure fun, and it accomplishes this task with glee thanks to the lovely inline-six M40i, light and agile chassis and convertible nature.
Pros: Hugely powerful engine; one of the best designs on-sale now; great tech Cons: Not as fun as a Supra; a lot of old/carried over parts from 370Z; Sport model is under-equipped
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Tons of power, excellent handling, a gorgeous design and a supremely affordable price make the Nissan Z a killer sports car proposition.
Pros: Superb performance; beautiful design no matter where you look; great engine options Cons: An expensive grand tourer; tech could use further updating
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Gorgeous to behold and fabulous to drive. This top-of-the-line grand tourer boasts elegant design, masterful craftsmanship and plenty of punch while still offering a supremely comfortable ride.
Pros: Brilliant to drive; supercar styling that shocks and awes; you’ll never ask for more performance Cons: Nothing special about the interior; tech interface is frustrating
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: An incredible machine with a ho-hum cockpit, the 720S puts a laser focus on the driver experience and delivers in spades. We’d like a bit more occasion inside, but when the road turns, you barely notice.
Pros: Visceral to drive at every moment; classic Lamborghini styling with classy restraint; the V10 will astound you Cons: Infotainment is annoying to use; an expensive proposition
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Huracan hits all the necessary targets that a supercar needs to hit. It’s exotic looking, intoxicating to listen to and performs at an extremely high level.
Pros: Beautiful design; killer engine and transmission; shockingly refined to drive with great tech Cons: Visibility is terrible; lack of safety features/driver assistance; could be a little louder
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Maserati MC20 is a mic-drop of a supercar. It’s both a total animal to drive but also comfortable and refined enough to be a luxury coupe. And those looks will never get old.
Pros: One of the most complete cars on sale today; symphonic engine; Concours-conquering design; way-fun to drive Cons: Tight trunk space; hybrid is an odd offering
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The craftsmanship and attention to detail are supreme, but it’s the driving experience that really makes this car a phenomenon.
Pros: A timeless and beautiful design; all of Mercedes’ latest tech gadgetry; oodles of performance Cons: Overpriced by a wide margin; not as fun to drive as it should be
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The revived SL is stunningly gorgeous, hugely capable and brimming with outstanding tech. It’s also very expensive, but the experience is one worth paying for.
Top-Rated Electric Vehicles
Ford F-150 Lightning — Read full review
Pros: No gas; blistering acceleration; relatively agile handling; front trunk and other innovative features Cons: Limited body style and trim variations; less range than ICE trucks; availability
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The electric F-150 Lightning is the best version of the F-150 to drive. It’s shockingly quick, rides well and features competent tech with a reasonable price. It won’t replace a Super Duty for towing needs, but it’s the right truck for tons of use cases.
Pros: Downright silly capability; excels as a “supertruck”; fun utility with roof and tons of storage Cons: Terribly inefficient; annoying to drive in tight areas; pricey for its interior
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Hummer amazes as an electric supertruck with its wild acceleration, incredible off-road capability, luxuriousness and epic utility. It’s far from a “green” eco-friendly vehicle, but that’s not the point of this technological powerhouse.
Pros: Great to drive; super-fast charging; range exceeds estimates; tons of great tech Cons: Pricey; tight backseat; small trunk
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The best-driving EV you can buy today. It’s great to look at, has a luxurious interior and is an all-around winner of a sporting grand tourer.
Pros: Super-luxurious interior; the most cutting-edge tech you can get; plush ride; fast charging and solid range Cons: Wonky regenerative brakes; questionable value; sleepy exterior design
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The S-Class of EVs lives up to expectations by offering the quietest, smoothest and luxurious cabin experience we could ask for. Its performance, range and powertrain options impress, too. We’re just not in love with the styling.
Pros: Exquisite interior design; superb performance; long electric range and quick charging; comfortable ride; whisper quiet Cons: Frustrating tech; polarizing exterior styling; desirable driving assists are options
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: This big BMW is fantastically comfortable, has an artistically beautiful interior, tons of awesome tech and is an excellent driver to boot. We’re split on its looks, but the car underneath the sheetmetal is a good one.
Pros: Comfortable and controlled ride; lightning-quick reflexes from four-wheel steering; gorgeous interior; AMG model is a hoot Cons: Not the best value in its class; exterior design is boring; could have better range and charging tech
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The EQE SUV is an ideal luxury EV with a comfortable ride, outstanding interior quality and standout features like the rear-wheel steering and epic AMG model. It’s a little pricey, but you get what you pay for.
Pros: Priced well; mega-luxurious interior; great charging tech; drives well and looks even better Cons: Cargo room is on the small side; not particularly sporting or extra-comfy to drive
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: An affordable and very luxurious electric SUV, the Lyriq checks all the boxes. We like its charging tech, range, power and interior. Plus, it’s rather sharp to look at.
Pros: Great styling with Mustang heritage; quick GT model; well-designed interior Cons: On the expensive side; charging could be quicker
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: Ford puts its best foot forward with the Mach-E, combining the idea of a Mustang with significance of an electric car. It’s capable, interesting and it is necessarily a crossover.
Pros: Drives like a quiet, refined luxury vehicle; beautiful interior design; plenty of utility in rear seat and cargo area Cons: Slow fast charging at 130 kW max; no true one-pedal driving
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Ariya has a gorgeous interior, drives like a luxury vehicle with surprising performance from the dual-motor model and is generally priced in line with its competition.
Pros: Nimble handling; strong power with dual-motor model; cool styling; spacious interior Cons: Single-motor is hard to recommend; interior has some cheap materials; manually adjustable suspension
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: This is a dynamite car. Shocking speed, sublime handling, interesting design and plenty of comfort make this EV turn heads and raise pulses. Yes, we’d pick this over a Tesla Model 3.
Pros: Just-right sizing for a lot of drivers; costs less than the EQS; crazy-tight turning circle with rear-wheel steering; comfort and quality at the forefront Cons: Strange and hard-to-modulate brakes; technology can be overwhelming; poor rear visibility
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The EQE offers all the niceties of a traditional E-Class in an electric form. Its design is simplistic and bland to a fault, but everything else about it is executed well.
Pros: Reasonable price; more passenger and cargo space than EV rivals; three years of free charging; made in America Cons: Pull-your-hair-out interior controls; some cheap interior materials; slower to charge than rivals
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: A fun-to-drive EV with plenty of range, lots of utility and slick styling. It’s let down by unnecessarily difficult-to-use tech, but nails all the other vital aspects of an electric car.
Pros: Very affordable; nice interior; solid tech; drives comfortably with decent range Cons: Charging performance is poor; not an attractive vehicle
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Leaf is holding up the mantle as one of the only truly affordable new EVs. It lags behind others in many ways, but it’s a great fit for many lifestyles on the cheap.
Pros: Extremely good value; fun-to-drive; spacious interior and cargo area Cons: Slow charging; styling is boring
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Bolt EV and EUV are excellent, affordable electric car options that offer sufficient range, fun driving dynamics and solid utility. That said, its battery recall is a huge black eye on an otherwise great package.
Pros: Futuristic styling with utilitarian design; lengthy range; rapid charging tech; surprisingly fun to drive Cons: Base model is less appealing; less useful cargo space than rival EVs
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: As far as EVs go, the Ioniq 5 is easily one of our favorites. It looks stupendous, features great electric car tech, has tons of utility and is even pretty fun to drive. This tall hatchback rocks.
Pros: Good range and rapid charging; excellent tech; top safety scores; compelling design; wild GT performance Cons: No federal tax credit; gauge design needs a rethink; GT has limited range and no power seats
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Kia EV6 does so many things right from a mechanical and tech perspective. It’s the complete package and highly competitive in the EV space. Meanwhile, its eye-turning design alone might be enough to sell you.
Pros: Fun, efficient driving; interesting design; useful tech; up to 361 miles of range Cons: Tight rear head room; small trunk; no federal EV tax credit
Why it’s an Editors’ Pick: The Ioniq 6 is the best of the E-GMP vehicles to drive, and its aerodynamic shape makes it super efficient with a long range. You give up utility versus the Ioniq 5, but the benefits will be worth it for some.
