The 2025 SUV market is exceptional. Whether you’re hauling kids to soccer practice or simply appreciating the versatility that SUVs offer, today’s models deliver impressive performance, cutting-edge technology, and efficiency that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. For buyers navigating these choices, partnering with an expert auto broker like Cartelligent simplifies the process and secures competitive pricing on your behalf.

This guide ranks six outstanding SUVs from solid performers to segment leaders, evaluating powertrain innovation, technology, driving dynamics, and value. Whether you’re searching for the best SUV 2025 has to offer for your family or simply want a vehicle that excels at everything, your next automotive match is here.

Note: All MSRP pricing excludes destination charges, taxes, and fees. See full disclaimer at the end of the article.

6. Honda CR-V Hybrid: The Dependable Contender

The Honda CR-V Hybrid is the SUV that simply works. It offers the peace of mind that comes with Honda’s legendary reliability and safety features, combined with surprisingly engaging driving dynamics and impressive fuel economy. While it may not grab headlines with jaw-dropping acceleration, this is the vehicle that delivers day after day, year after year, whether you’re managing daily commutes or weekend adventures.

Powertrain (All 2025 Hybrid Trims):

• 2.0L 4-cylinder engine + two electric motors
• 204 horsepower, 247 lb-ft torque
• Two-motor hybrid system
• Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive optional

Fuel Economy (EPA):

• FWD: 43 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 40 mpg combined
• AWD: 40 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 37 mpg combined

Key Features (Standard):

• 9-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Honda Sensing driver assistance suite
• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

Available Trims:

• Sport Hybrid: $35,630 MSRP
• Sport-L Hybrid: $38,850 MSRP
• TrailSport Hybrid: $38,800 MSRP (new for 2026)
• Sport Touring Hybrid: $42,250 MSRP

What Makes the Honda CR-V Hybrid Great?

Proven Reliability: Honda’s reputation for building vehicles that last 200,000+ miles without major issues makes the CR-V Hybrid a smart long-term investment. Owners consistently report minimal maintenance costs and exceptional dependability.

Intelligent Packaging: The CR-V maximizes interior space with clever design. You get generous legroom in both rows, a versatile cargo area, and thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin — all in a compact footprint that’s easy to park and maneuver.

Refined Driving Experience: The hybrid powertrain delivers seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The ride quality is composed and quiet, making it equally comfortable on highway cruises and city streets.

Best for: Practical families who prioritize reliability, fuel efficiency, and long-term value. Perfect for suburban parents managing school runs, grocery trips, and weekend activities who want a vehicle they can count on for years without surprises.

5. BMW X5 50e: The Performance Luxury Plug-In

The BMW X5 50e delivers serious sophistication without compromise. It offers premium comfort, generous space, and that unmistakable BMW driving dynamic — all enhanced by plug-in hybrid efficiency. You get silent electric cruising for daily drives and robust power when you need it, wrapped in luxury materials and advanced technology. It’s the SUV for those who refuse to choose between performance and efficiency.

Powertrain (xDrive50e):

• 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 engine + 194 hp electric motor
• 483 horsepower combined
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• xDrive all-wheel drive standard

Electric Range & Performance:

• Up to 38 miles all-electric range (EPA estimate)
• 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds

Key Technology (Standard):

• Curved display: 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster + 14.9-inch touchscreen
• iDrive 8.5 operating system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• LED headlights
• Parking sensors

Interior (Standard):

• Seating for 5
• Sensafin or leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Panoramic moonroof
• Automatic climate control
• Power tailgate
• Cargo: 17.6 cubic feet (60.7 cubic feet with seats folded)

Optional Features:

• Lane-change assist with Highway Assist hands-free driving
• Head-up display
• Massaging front seats
• Harman Kardon surround sound
• Adaptive air suspension

Starting MSRP:

• xDrive50e: $73,100 (Premium, Premium Plus, and M Sport packages available)

Note: BMW offers various packages and standalone options rather than traditional trim levels. Consult a Cartelligent advisor for complete package details.

What Makes the BMW X5 50e Great?

Dual Personality Excellence: This plug-in hybrid brilliantly combines zero-emissions electric commuting with long-range capability. Complete most daily drives on electricity alone, then tap into the turbocharged inline-six for weekend road trips — no range anxiety, no compromises.

Premium Craftsmanship: Every surface and control feels meticulously engineered. From the supple leather to the precise steering feel, the X5 50e delivers the refinement and luxury buyers expect from BMW’s flagship SUV.

Performance with Purpose: Despite its efficiency focus, the X5 50e accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system and adaptive suspension deliver confident handling whether you’re navigating city traffic or carving canyon roads.

Best for: Professionals with short daily commutes who want luxury without guilt. Ideal for tech-forward executives who can charge at home and appreciate both performance and environmental responsibility. Perfect for families upgrading from premium gas SUVs who want to reduce fuel costs while maintaining prestige and capability.

4. Volkswagen ID.4: The Accessible Electric Pioneer

The VW ID.4 makes going electric feel completely natural. It offers straightforward operation with no steep learning curve, familiar SUV styling that doesn’t scream “look at me,” and the practical utility you expect. Built in America with spacious seating, comfortable ride quality, and real-world range that eliminates anxiety, it’s honest electric transportation that simply makes sense.

Powertrain:

• 82 kWh battery pack
• Rear-wheel drive: 282 hp, 402 lb-ft torque
• All-wheel drive: 335 hp, 402 lb-ft torque

Range & Charging:

• RWD Pro: 291 miles EPA-estimated range
• AWD: 263 miles EPA-estimated range
• DC fast charging: 10-80% in approximately 28 minutes

Key Technology (2025):

• 12.9-inch touchscreen with improved interface (standard on all models)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• IQ Drive driver assistance suite (forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control)
• 5.3-inch digital information display
• Wireless device charging
• Navigation and voice recognition

Interior & Cargo:

• Seating for 5
• 30.3 cubic feet cargo (64.2 cubic feet seats folded)

Available Trims:

• Pro (RWD): $46,520 MSRP
• Pro (AWD): $50,420 MSRP
• Pro S (RWD): Starting around $52,000 MSRP
• Pro S (AWD): Starting around $55,000 MSRP
• Pro S Plus (AWD): $58,720 MSRP

What Makes the Volkswagen ID.4 Great?

American Made, Globally Proven: Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the ID.4 combines German engineering precision with American manufacturing. Its mainstream appeal and familiar SUV proportions make it the perfect “first EV” for families transitioning from gas vehicles.

No-Drama Electric Driving: The ID.4’s interface feels intuitive, not intimidating. Controls are where you expect them, the ride is comfortable, and the real-world range actually matches EPA estimates. Charging is straightforward with both CCS and the upcoming NACS adapter support.

Space Efficiency: Despite its compact exterior, the ID.4 offers generous rear legroom and cargo capacity that rivals larger SUVs. The elevated seating position and excellent visibility make it feel familiar and confidence-inspiring for traditional SUV buyers.

Best for: Pragmatic families making their first move to electric vehicles who want proven technology without paying luxury prices. Ideal for two-car households where the ID.4 handles daily commutes and school runs while a gas vehicle covers long road trips. Perfect for environmentally conscious buyers who prioritize substance over flash and want a reliable electric SUV that won’t break the bank.

3. Audi Q6 e-tron: The Technology Showcase

The Audi Q6 e-tron represents German engineering at its finest — purpose-built electric excellence with no compromises. It offers safety-leading technology, premium materials, and that characteristic Audi precision, all enhanced by the instant response of electric power. Built on the revolutionary Premium Platform Electric (PPE), this is what happens when engineers reimagine the luxury SUV from the ground up for the electric age.

Powertrain Options:

• RWD Premium: 302 hp (322 hp with launch control) / 321-mile EPA range (with Ultra package)
• Quattro AWD: 422 hp (456 hp with launch control) / 307-mile EPA range
• 0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds (quattro with launch control)

Charging:

• 270 kW DC fast-charging capability (260 kW for RWD)
• 10-80% charge in approximately 21 minutes
• 100 kWh battery (94.4 kWh net)
• Efficient architecture: 12 modules/180 cells

Key Technology:

• 11.9-inch instrument display + 14.5-inch center screen
• Optional 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen
• Augmented reality head-up display
• LED and OLED lighting technology

Interior & Cargo:

• Seating for 5
• Dimensions: 66.6″ tall, 187.8″ long, 113.7″ wheelbase
• Optional air-spring suspension

Safety:

• 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award

Available Trims:

• Q6 e-tron Premium (RWD): $65,095 MSRP
• Q6 e-tron Premium Plus (RWD): $69,895 MSRP
• Q6 e-tron Prestige (RWD): $72,895 MSRP
• Q6 e-tron quattro variants: Add approximately $2,000

What Makes the Audi Q6 e-tron Great?

Next-Generation Platform: The Premium Platform Electric (PPE) was designed exclusively for EVs, not adapted from gas vehicles. This purpose-built approach delivers optimal battery placement, superior weight distribution, and remarkably fast charging speeds that rival or exceed competitors.

Quattro Intelligence: Audi’s legendary all-wheel-drive system translates brilliantly to electric power. The dual-motor quattro models deliver precise torque vectoring and confidence-inspiring grip in all conditions, while the RWD model maximizes efficiency without sacrificing driving pleasure.

Technology Leadership: The Q6 e-tron introduces Audi’s latest E3 1.2 electronic architecture with over-the-air updates, augmented reality navigation overlays, and one of the industry’s most intuitive infotainment systems. The digital experience feels genuinely futuristic without being overwhelming.

Best for: Discerning buyers who want cutting-edge electric technology wrapped in understated luxury. Ideal for tech enthusiasts who appreciate German engineering precision and are willing to pay a premium for the latest innovations. Perfect for luxury SUV owners transitioning from Q5 or Q7 models who refuse to compromise on quality, safety, or driving dynamics while embracing electrification.

2. Hyundai Ioniq 5: The Complete Package

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 changes everything about electric SUVs through brilliant engineering, thoughtful innovation, and exceptional value. It charges faster than most EVs on the market — 10-80% in just 20 minutes — so you spend less time waiting. The retro-futuristic design stands out from cookie-cutter crossovers, and the tech actually works intuitively. Best of all? It’s the first Hyundai with Tesla’s NACS charging port, giving you access to 17,000+ Tesla Superchargers without adapters.

Powertrain Options:

• SE RWD Standard Range: 168 hp / 245 miles EPA-estimated range
• SE RWD Long Range: 282 hp / 318 miles EPA-estimated range
• AWD models: 320 hp / 290 miles EPA-estimated range (SE or SEL trims)
• 84-kWh battery pack (Long Range models)
• 63-kWh battery pack (Standard Range)

Charging:

• Ultra-fast charging: 10-80% in approximately 20 minutes (350-kW DC fast charger)
• Native NACS port: access to 17,000+ Tesla Superchargers without an adapter
• CCS adapter included for universal charging network access

Key Technology (2025):

• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Hands-On Detection (HOD) steering wheel
• Lane Following Assist 2
• Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2)
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (Reverse/Forward/Side)
• Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium
• Wireless Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

IONIQ 5 XRT Variant:

• Enhanced off-road capability
• Higher ground clearance (7.0 inches vs. 6.1 inches standard)
• All-terrain tires
• Terrain Mode: Snow, Sand, and Mud settings
• Aggressive bumpers and side skirts
• Dedicated 18-inch wheels
• H-Tex seating with XRT-unique patterning
• Starting MSRP: $56,875

Incentives:

• U.S.-built models eligible for $3,750 tax credit at purchase
• Leases qualify for $7,500 credit that Hyundai passes to consumers

Available Trims:

• SE (RWD Standard Range): $43,975 MSRP
• SE (RWD Long Range): $48,025 MSRP
• SE (AWD): $51,975 MSRP
• SEL (RWD): $50,975 MSRP
• SEL (AWD): $54,475 MSRP
• XRT (AWD): $56,875 MSRP
• Limited (AWD): $59,574 MSRP

What Makes the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Great?

Game-Changing Charging Speed: The 800-volt architecture delivers charging speeds that redefine EV road trips. Add 68 miles in just five minutes or charge from 10-80% in about 20 minutes — faster than most bathroom and coffee stops. The native Tesla NACS port (no adapter needed) provides access to the nation’s most reliable charging network.

Clever Space Utilization: Built on a dedicated EV platform rather than adapted from a gas vehicle, the Ioniq 5 offers a flat floor, sliding center console, and reclining rear seats. The wheelbase is longer than a Palisade’s despite the vehicle being significantly shorter, creating surprisingly generous legroom in both rows.

Distinctive Design: The pixel-inspired lighting, clean lines, and retro-futuristic aesthetic make the Ioniq 5 instantly recognizable. It stands out from generic crossover shapes while remaining practical and functional. The design feels fresh and modern without being polarizing or trying too hard.

Best for: Forward-thinking buyers who want the latest EV technology without paying luxury prices. Ideal for tech-savvy families who value innovation, appreciate thoughtful design, and take regular road trips where fast charging capability matters. Perfect for first-time EV buyers who want proven technology, extensive charging access, and a vehicle that won’t look dated in five years — all while enjoying substantial tax credits that make it one of the most affordable ways to go electric.

1. Toyota RAV4 Prime & Hybrid: The Proven Performers

The RAV4 has been America’s best-selling SUV for years because Toyota nailed the formula: legendary reliability, genuine performance, and efficiency that actually delivers. People trust it because it runs for 200,000+ miles without drama. The Plug-in Hybrid’s 5.5-second 0-60 time embarrasses many “sport” SUVs, while the hybrid delivers fuel economy that keeps adventures affordable. No gimmicks, no excuses — just engineering excellence that works year after year.

RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (2025):

Powertrain:

• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine + two electric motors
• 302 net combined horsepower
• 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
• Electronic On-Demand AWD standard

Electric Range & Efficiency:

• 42 miles EV-only range (EPA-estimated)
• 38 MPG combined in hybrid mode
• 94 MPGe combined rating

Key Features:

• 8-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

Available Trims (Plug-in Hybrid 2025):

• SE: $45,260 MSRP
• XSE: $49,130 MSRP

RAV4 Hybrid (2025):

Powertrain:

• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine + electric motors
• 219 hp combined
• Electronic On-Demand AWD or FWD

Fuel Economy:

• 41 mpg city / 38 mpg highway / 40 mpg combined (AWD)

Interior & Cargo:

• Seating for 5
• 33.5 cubic feet rear cargo volume (Plug-in Hybrid)
• 8 inches ground clearance

Available Hybrid Trims:

• LE: Starting around $33,000 MSRP
• XLE: Starting around $35,000 MSRP
• XLE Premium: Starting around $37,000 MSRP
• XSE: Starting around $38,000 MSRP
• Limited: Starting around $41,000 MSRP
• Woodland Edition: Starting around $42,000 MSRP

What Makes the Toyota RAV4 Prime & Hybrid Great?

Unmatched Reliability: Toyota’s legendary dependability means the RAV4 Hybrid consistently ranks highest in long-term reliability studies. Owners report minimal issues even after 150,000+ miles, making it the smart choice for buyers who keep vehicles long-term and value peace of mind over flashy features.

Surprising Performance: The RAV4 Prime’s 302 horsepower makes it one of the quickest compact SUVs available, with a 5.5-second 0-60 time that shocks unsuspecting sports sedan drivers at stoplights. The instant torque from the electric motors delivers exhilarating acceleration that makes merging and passing effortless.

Versatility Without Compromise: Standard all-wheel drive on the Prime, generous ground clearance, and respectable cargo space mean the RAV4 handles everything from snowy commutes to camping trips. The plug-in hybrid allows zero-emissions daily driving while maintaining unlimited range for road trips.

Best for: Smart buyers who prioritize long-term value and proven reliability over cutting-edge tech. Ideal for active families who need genuine all-weather capability and cargo flexibility for sports equipment, camping gear, and weekend adventures. Perfect for commuters who can charge at home and want to slash fuel costs while keeping the security of gas power for road trips — all while knowing their vehicle will reliably serve them for a decade or more.

Your Perfect SUV Awaits!

The SUV landscape in 2025 offers exceptional choices across multiple powertrain strategies. From the dependable Honda CR-V Hybrid to the technologically advanced Hyundai Ioniq 5, each vehicle on this list delivers compelling attributes for different buyer priorities.

The market has evolved beyond simple comparisons of gas versus electric. Today’s buyers can select vehicles that align precisely with their lifestyle requirements. As you consider which of these outstanding SUVs best fits your needs, remember that the purchasing process itself matters as much as the vehicle selection. 

Ready to buy or lease a car from this roster of the best SUV 2025? Partnering with auto experts like Cartelligent transforms the process from overwhelming to effortless. We provide insider guidance, negotiate competitive pricing, and streamline the entire process so you can focus on what really matters.

Whether you prioritize efficiency, performance, technology, or luxury — or seek the perfect combination of all four — the best SUVs 2025 for you await in this exceptional lineup. What are you waiting for? Check out Cartelligent today and discover the best way to buy a car!

Important Notice: All pricing, specifications, features, and availability are sourced from official manufacturers and are subject to change without notice. MSRP excludes destination charges, taxes, title, license, registration, and trim options. For current and accurate information on pricing, incentives, specifications, and availability, consult a Cartelligent advisor.