Consider the BMW X5 and 5 Series Touring as an example. In Europe, the X5 xDrive40d provides 650 liters (23 cubic feet) of storage space behind the rear seats or 1,870 liters (66 cubic feet) with the second row folded. On the other hand, the 540d xDrive Touring is listed with 570 and 1,700 liters (20.1 and 60 cubic feet) of storage capacity.
The popularity of SUVs has not always been as widespread. In 1974, Ford produced 25,824 units of the first-generation Bronco, while selling a staggering 360,688 units of the Pinto in the United States market. Another example is the aforementioned X5, which sold 50,736 units in Europe in 2004 compared to 145,358 units of the 5 Series sedan and station wagon.
Initially favored by farmers, returning GIs, hunters, and explorers, the sport utility vehicle has now become the most popular type of vehicle in the United States. In fact, SUVs accounted for 15 of the top 25 best-selling vehicles in the country last year. It’s even more surprising that an electric SUV ranked second, and in 2023, it became the best-selling vehicle in the world. However, before we delve into that, let’s focus on a compact model from the world’s largest automaker in terms of sales.
Toyota RAV4: 434,943Photo: Toyota
Introduced in 1994 with the underpinnings from the Corolla and Carina, the RAV4 is a highly successful crossover. By February 2020, over 10 million units had been sold. Since 2018, the RAV4 has been based on the TNGA-K platform for the 2019 model year and is due for a thorough redesign as a 2025 model.
Until then, Toyota’s assembly plants are working at full capacity to produce as many RAV4s as possible. In the US alone, 434,943 units were delivered last year, and global sales reached 1.07 million according to available data. This places the RAV4 between the Tesla Model Y’s 1.23 million and the Toyota Corolla’s 1.01 million.
The RAV4 is generously equipped, reliable, and offers ample space for a compact vehicle. It starts at a reasonable price of $28,675 in the US, excluding the destination charge. The hybrid variant starts at $31,725. Bridging the gap between hybrids and electric vehicles, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid is priced at $43,690.
Tesla Model Y: Approximately 400,000Photo: Tesla
According to JATO Dynamics, Tesla delivered over 1.2 million Model Ys last year, with approximately 400,000 sold in the US market. Other sources such as EVadoption claim 403,897 units were sold, while Kelley Blue Book and Automotive News estimate 394,497 and 385,900 units, respectively.
Interestingly, the Model Y achieved such high sales figures without undergoing a redesign. However, it will undergo a facelift, known as Project Juniper, which is expected to bring about changes similar to the Model 3 Highland.
The Model 3, despite offering greater driving range and faster acceleration to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour), lacks the appeal of a crossover. It can be leased for a monthly payment of $379, while its more desirable counterpart with rear-wheel drive starts at $42,990. Opting for all-wheel drive and a larger battery increases the price to $47,990. Considering the EPA’s estimated range of 310 miles or nearly 500 kilometers on a full charge, the additional $5,000 is undoubtedly justified.
Honda CR-V: 361,457Photo: Honda
The CR-V became available in showrooms a year after the RAV4. Initially exclusive to Honda Verno and Honda Primo dealerships in Japan, it was introduced to the United States market in February 1997. It’s astonishing to think that a 1997 model was sold for less than twenty thousand dollars. The 2024 Honda CR-V LX is priced at $29,500 (plus a $1,350 destination fee).
From the very beginning, the CR-V has been closely associated with the Civic, but it differs significantly from the RAV4 in various aspects, including its turbocharged engine and continuously variable transmission. Honda missed an opportunity by not offering a plug-in hybrid variant.
This generation of the CR-V is not available in Japan due to its poor sales performance, leading Honda to replace it with the ZR-V. The CR-V’s safety has been improved compared to its predecessor, with the addition of outboard seatbelt pretensioners for the rear seats and rear side torso airbags. Additionally, the rear passengers enjoy increased legroom of 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) and the ability to recline the seats up to 10.5 degrees.
Nissan Rogue: 271,458Photo: Nissan
The Rogue has always been overshadowed by its direct competitors, but Nissan managed to sell a respectable number of Rogues last year. One of the major issues with this crossover, built in Tennessee, is its three-cylinder engine known as the KR15DDT.
As if having only three cylinders wasn’t problematic enough for a vehicle weighing around 3,400 pounds (1,542 kilograms), the KR15DDT also features variable compression. The complexity of the VC-Turbo system has negatively affected its reliability. In December 2023, the NHTSA initiated an investigation into the Rogue, Altima, and Infiniti QX50 due to multiple complaints of engine knock, engine failure, loss of power, and the presence of metal shavings/chunks in the oil pan.
The KR15DDT and larger KR20DDET engines are currently being investigated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that the Japanese car manufacturer has made efforts to improve the manufacturing processes of the main bearings and L-links in order to address the VC-Turbo engine failures. However, considering that the Rogue does not offer a less complex engine option, it would be more advisable to invest your money in the RAV4 or the CR-V.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: 244,594Photo: Jeep
During the time when DaimlerChrysler was in existence, the American partner took advantage of the extensive knowledge and expertise from Mercedes to enhance the WK-series Grand Cherokee. Prior to the formation of Stellantis, the higher-ups in Auburn Hills and Turin made the decision to modify the Giorgio platform of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia sedan for the WL-series Grand Cherokee and its three-row counterpart.
The WL is the most spacious and technologically advanced Grand Cherokee model to date, making it more appealing to potential customers. It offers an optional 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. In comparison to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, the 2.0-liter Hurricane I4 of the 4xe achieves better fuel efficiency, with 23 mpg (10.2 l/100 km) in the EPA’s combined test cycle.
When the combustion engine is assisted by the plug-in hybrid system, the fuel efficiency rating improves to 56 miles per gallon equivalent. In electric mode, the vehicle can travel up to 26 miles (42 kilometers) using a high-voltage battery pack with Samsung SDI cells.
Chevrolet Equinox: 212,701Photo: Chevrolet
The previous generation Equinox did not have a favorable reputation, largely due to its turbocharged four-cylinder engines and the Hydra-Matic 9T50 automatic transmission. However, it is worth noting that GM offers a lower starting price of $26,600 for the 2024 model year Equinox, undercutting Toyota and Honda.
The 2025 model, which was unveiled in January 2024, builds upon the strengths of its predecessor with improved styling, enhanced safety features, a larger touchscreen, built-in Google integration, and an off-road-oriented trim called ACTIV. The fourth generation also comes with a revised 1.5-liter turbo engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the problematic 9T50.
The 9T50 transmission is exclusive to all-wheel-drive vehicles, while front-wheel drive models come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is unclear why General Motors decided to downgrade to a CVT, but it is important to note that CVTs are generally more efficient than torque-converter and dual-clutch transmissions.
Hyundai Tucson: 209,624Photo: Hyundai
Despite its name being derived from the second-largest city in Arizona, the Hyundai Tucson is actually manufactured at HMMA in Montgomery, Alabama. However, it is worth mentioning that this only applies to the combustion-only Tucson, as the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are assembled in South Korea.
The fourth generation Tucson, which received a facelift in November 2023, is available in the United States with a starting price of $27,250. Opting for the hybrid version increases the price to $32,325, while the plug-in hybrid variant starts at $38,475.
A stylish crossover with a concealed rear window wiper, the Tucson has its critics. For instance, the touch-sensitive buttons are not favored by everyone. Fortunately, the 2025 update showcases a revamped interior that benefits from more physical controls and fewer touch-sensitive buttons. In addition, the 2025 model has replaced the old push-button shift console with a shifter on the steering column.
Ford Explorer: 186,799Photo: Ford
While the F-Series reigns as the top-selling vehicle in America, the Ford Motor Company’s prized possession in the realm of sport utility vehicles is the Explorer. Previously a front-wheel biased crossover, the Explorer returned to rear-wheel drive in 2019 for the 2020 model year.
Regrettably, persistent concerns regarding quality and manufacturing have impeded the rollout of the Explorer. Considering the numerous recalls issued for the 2020 through 2024 models, it is no surprise that Consumer Reports has not been kind to this generation of the Explorer.
Although there are several alternatives in this segment, none of them possess the rear-biased nature of the CD6-based Ford Explorer. The Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot come to mind as viable options. The Toyota Highlander is also a formidable choice, and it comes as no surprise that Toyota sells a significant number of them in this region of the world.
Toyota Highlander: 169,543Photo: Toyota
Excluding the Grand Highlander, the Highlander achieved a sales figure of 169,543 units last year. Manufactured locally at TMMI in Princeton, Indiana, the Highlander is available as a hybrid. TMMI, once the production site for the Tundra pickup truck, now produces the TNGA-K-based Highlander and Grand Highlander, Lexus TX, and the Sienna.
Updated for the 2023 model year with a turbo inline-four engine, the Highlander entered the 2024 model year in September 2023. The highlight of this model year is the Highlander Hybrid Nightshade Edition. Offered with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive on the LE or XLE trims, the Nightshade Edition boasts numerous blackout elements.
In contrast to the 2.4-liter turbo engine found in the regular Highlander, the Highlander Hybrid utilizes a larger 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates a fuel efficiency of up to 36 miles per gallon (6.5 kilometers) with front-wheel drive, resulting in a total range of 616 miles (991 kilometers).
Subaru Outback: 161,814Photo: Subaru
From the very beginning, the Outback has been closely linked to the Legacy sedan. While classified as a mid-size SUV, the Outback is more akin to a station wagon than a sport utility vehicle. It serves as the two-row alternative to the Ascent. Additionally, the Outback can handle off-road adventures thanks to the Wilderness trim level, although it is unfortunately not available on Subaru’s largest crossover.
This model year, there are nine different versions available, starting with the Base priced at $28,895. The Wilderness falls between the Onyx Edition XT and Limited XT. Just like the XTs, this off-road variant conceals a turbocharged boxer engine with 260 horsepower. With its high-capacity fixed roof rails, StarTex water-repellant upholstery, and Yokohama all-terrain tires, the Wilderness boasts a ground clearance of 9.5 inches (around 24 centimeters).
All the other trim levels have 8.7 inches (22.0 centimeters) of ground clearance, which is more than enough for occasional off-road excursions. As expected from Subaru, all-wheel drive comes standard. The only available transmission is a CVT with a manual mode that mimics an eight-speed transmission.
According to the Source autoevolution.com