Now is a great time to choose from the best new SUVs! Whether you crave comfort, power or off-road performance, the new model year lineup has several strong entries from the world's best auto makers. We've evaluated most of the new SUVs hitting showroom floors to bring you our top three. For the compact SUV market, we chose the new Honda CR-V. For the mid-size SUV market, we chose the amazingly styled Nissan Murano. And for shoppers who want a large SUV for hauling family, trailers, cargo and more, we recommend the new model year's Chevrolet Tahoe. Before buying a new SUV, shoppers need to consider their needs. Do you want an engine capable of hauling heavy loads, or do you want comfortable seating for you and your passengers? Perhaps you just want a dependable, versatile vehicle that can tackle any road? Read on to learn more about the top SUVs of the new model year.
The 2018 Honda CR-V has a spacious cabin for passengers and cargo. The interior is clad with quality materials and when paired with the fit and finish, the interior of the CR-V has a higher quality than any vehicle in its class. This includes the Toyota RAV-4, Subaru Forester, and other compact SUV’s and is something that buyers should note when SUV shopping.
The 2018 Nissan Murano is available in four trim levels: the Murano S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base model Murano S is well equipped with a rearview camera, dual-zone air conditioner with rear seat vents, cruise control, and steering wheel touch controls, on the tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe recently received the J.D. Powers award as the "Highest Ranked Large SUV in Initial Quality." Not to be outdone, though, the Honda CR-V won Kelly Blue Books Best Buy Award and the Nissan Murano is named the number one SUV by U.S. World and News Report. Any of the above choices are at the top of their game in the SUV world.
Even though the Honda CR-V and Nissan Murano can tow small loads, only the Chevrolet Tahoe has the guts for the big loads. Another great SUV for towing is the 2018 Ford Expedition, which features 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Murano is limited to a towing weight of 1,500 pounds, and the Honda CR-V can handle small, boats and travel trailers. The Chevy Tahoe can pull a respectable 6,400 to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.
The top trim level of the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe is the LTZ. Chevrolet also offers the Tahoe in Special Edition models so customers can get a Tahoe that has a custom look and stands apart from the crowd. For 2017, these include the LT and Z71 Midnight Editions.
The new Tahoe has just one available engine, but it is a powerful 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 that produces 355 horsepower and 383-pound feet of torque. The Tahoe is an SUV that can haul an impressive load, yet return an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway in its rear-wheel drive configuration. Another powerful SUV is the 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which pumps out 306 horsepower and gets optimal fuel efficiency thanks to its electric motor.
Actually, our favorite affordable SUV for off-road driving is the 2018 Jeep Renegade. When purchased in its Trailhawk trim, this Jeep has everything you need for some serious off-road driving. Even in its more basic Lattitude trim, the Renegade still has everything drivers need to confidently traverse snowy, muddy or rocky roads. The other SUVs on our list are capable in harsh driving conditions, but the Renegade takes the cake for pure, off-road performance.
This one goes to the 2018 Honda CR-V. Each of the SUV's trim levels -- the LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring -- come well equipped. The Honda CR-V Touring is the top-of-the-line model and features leather upholstery, clinate cotrol, automatic navigation, and more. All Honda CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-liter, 16-Valve, DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels, or the CR-V can be equipped with all-wheel drive.