20 Best SUVs For City Driving

Despite the fact that SUVs have evolved from rugged off-roaders which never left the wilderness, mud and desert terrains, their successors are basically city vehicles. Most modern SUVs are made only to go on paved roads, highways and never to leave the comfort of the town. It is the same really since the SUV layout can offer so much more in terms of usability and driving than to be just a comfortable ride for soccer moms and big shopping trips. However, that is the market reality and the buyers are always right. That is why we have compiled a list of 20 best SUVs for city driving. There are few important aspects to consider when you are looking for an SUV which will be used in urban areas. First, the important thing is the size and a city SUV must have compact dimensions to be easy to park and maneuver in heavy traffic. Second, a city SUV must have enough room for passengers and luggage which consists of groceries or shopping bags. Third, since you are never going to leave the tarmac, you don`t need intelligent all-wheel drive systems and you are good with base front-wheel drive layout. Fourth, you don’t need a very powerful engine since you are not going to cruise or plow through the muddy rivers and jungles. All of that means that you concentrate on appearance packages and spend money on exterior options, creature comforts and infotainment systems to make your sitting in traffic more pleasant. Having all that in mind, here are 20 best city-oriented SUVs for you.

Kia Soul

The small, practical and affordable Kia Soul is a starter city SUV model. It features two economical four-cylinder engines, with 131 or 160 hp powering front wheels through an automatic transmission. With its compact dimensions, the Soul is easy to drive and has enough space for all daily tasks. The trim levels are good and the best thing is the price. For $16,900 you can get 131 hp Soul with an infotainment system and 7-speed automatic.

Honda HR-V

The newest Honda’s compact SUV is a quite appealing, reasonably spacious and great handling HR-V. Under the hood is a 141 hp, 1.8-liter engine with CVT transmission, good performance, and fuel economy. At $20,000 base price, HR-V is affordable and in standard equipment, you will get 17-inch wheels, a backup camera, and Bluetooth system.

Mazda CX-3

With great design, good handling and a 146 hp engine, Mazda CX-3 is one of the best compact SUVs. It even has respectable performance and decent space inside. For $20,900 base price you will not only get a potent 2.0-liter engine but also a cool looking interior, sports suspension, and a 6-speed automatic.

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass was always a pretty competent urban SUV but when it finally received Grand Cherokee styling, the package was complete. Under the hood is an 180 hp four cylinder which powers front wheels (AWD is optional) and you can get a 6-speed manual or automatic. The base equipment is pretty good and the base price of $20,950 is acceptable considering the available space, design, and quality.

Toyota C-HR

Toyota’s compact SUV in form of the new C-HR with somewhat strange design and limited space due to low roof line is pretty hard to put in regular SUV class. It is a driver-oriented model with a 144 hp engine and automatic transmission. The trunk has decent space and its selling points are great equipment and modern interior. For $23,500 base price you will get a sporty looking SUV but without traditional qualities like lots of space or conventional design.

GMC Terrain

The new Terrain has dimensions in compact SUV class which could be a problem as well as its advantage. The biggest dimension means it takes most parking space, but also means it is the most comfortable and spacious. It is also among the best equipped with a very high level of creature comforts as standard. The power comes from 2.4-liter 182 hp engine but you can upgrade to 301 hp V6 power plant. Base price for this upscale compact SUV is $25,000.

Nissan Juke Nismo

If you are looking for performance in a compact SUV segment then Nissan Juke Nismo is the car for you. It has a 188 hp or 215 hp engine, good performance and aggressive look which make it look faster than it really is. The Juke is great for driving around town, small and responsive but you might find the space in the interior limited. For $25,700 MSRP there aren’t many SUVs that look this good and perform as well.

Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Tiguan is a great compact SUV since it offers a decent amount of space, great styling, quality interior and materials, as well as respectable power. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 200 hp and significant performance for the class. The interior equipment is pretty good as well, and the price is totally acceptable. The $25,800 MSRP will buy you a Volkswagen Tiguan in base trim level.

Mini Cooper Countryman

It may be hard to comprehend that Mini is an SUV but in Countryman version it is. And it’s a quite good SUV at that. All the Mini’s sharp driving characteristics are preserved, along with more space and comfort for passengers. It may not be the most spacious compact SUV on the market but it is one of the coolest. The power comes from 121 hp engine but you can option for performance Cooper S and John Cooper Works version with more than 240 hp and all-wheel drive. The base price is slightly less than $27,000.

Infiniti QX30

The new QX30 introduces stylish and premium design in the compact SUV market with elegant design and upscale materials. The QX30 is available with all-wheel drive and the power comes from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which delivers 208 hp and makes the QX30 a pretty agile car. The suspension set up makes this Infiniti drive like a regular hatchback and just by driving it you would never tell it is an SUV. The prices start at $30,000 for this luxury compact model.

Mercedes GLA-Class

Basically, the Mercedes GLA is CLA sedan with lifted body, fifth door and SUV looks. That is not a bad thing since that platform is pretty good but the cars made on it are not the most spacious and comfortable ones around. It is also the case with the GLA. It is a cool looking compact SUV but there isn’t much space for the passengers and it could be considered a hatchback with an SUV body. Under the hood is a 208 hp engine and all-wheel drive is optional. The base price is somewhat high at $34,000.

Audi Q3

Audi is getting famous not only for its lineup of premium sedans but for its lineup of quality SUVs starting with compact but highly equipped Q3. It is powered by 200 hp turbocharged engine with optional Quattro system. The base price is $33,000 and for that, you will get infotainment system, leather interior, LED headlights, heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

Lincoln MKC

Based on the Ford Escape platform, Lincoln MKC is an upscale compact sedan with good comfort and space paired with elegant design and decent performance. The 240 hp base engine is powerful enough to fulfill every task and still return good fuel economy. The base price is $34,000 which is appropriate for this luxury compact SUV.

GMC Acadia

Another interesting GMC product comes in form of the Acadia. This vehicle is bigger than Terrain and it offers more usability and space for 7 passengers with third-row seats. For just $30,000 you will have plenty of space, very good standard equipment, and a 200 hp engine. More power is available as an option as well as an all-wheel drive system.

Nissan Murano

Interesting and sporty design coupled with powerful 260 hp engine and lots of space makes the Murano a cool urban SUV that’s able to complete any task. With a luxurious interior, leather seats and a host of electronic gadgets it is hard to comprehend that the base price just $31,000.

BMW X1

Despite the fact that the BMW X1 is the smallest BMW`s SUV, it has the best driving characteristics due to its compact size and a powerful engine. The 2.0-liter turbo engine delivers 225 hp and great performance. The more powerful engines are available as well as all-wheel drive. The interior is reasonably comfortable and the base price is $35,000.

Range Rover Evoque

Luxury compact SUVs don’t get much better than the Evoque. With two body styles, two and four doors, convertible option and 240 hp base engine coupled with 9-speed automatic, Evoque is not only fast, but also very stable on the road. The interior is luxurious with quality materials but the lack of space compared to the competitors could be a problem. Of course, luxury is never cheap and Evoque prices start at $42,000.

BMW X4

The cool looking BMW X4 combines several interesting things: compact SUV body, sporty design with powerful engines, everyday usability, and reasonable comfort. You might think of it as an SUV coupe with four doors. The base engine has 240 hp but the 300 hp turbocharged six cylinder is optional. The base equipment is pretty good with leather interior and heated seats but the base price is pretty high at $47,000.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

In order to compete with the big boys on the SUV market, the newcomer Alfa Romeo introduced the Stelvio and equipped it with a 2.0-liter, 280 hp engine and intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. The 505 hp QV version is also available but the base model is more than enough with great comfort, design, and space. The base price is $42,000 which is acceptable considering the performance and equipment.

Porsche Macan

The city SUV hot rod, in short, that is the description of the new Porsche Macan. With compact body, solid comfort and space, Macan excels in driving with all-wheel drive as standard, 252 hp engine, and 7-speed automatic. The 340 and 360 hp engines are available as well as a long list of additional extras and in the most powerful GTS version, Macan can accelerate to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. That is pretty fast for an SUV and with this car, you will be the king of stop light races. The base price is $48,000 which is pretty high but still understandable.

20 Best SUVs For City Driving

Despite the fact that SUVs have evolved from rugged off-roaders which never left the wilderness, mud and desert terrains, their successors are basically city vehicles. Most modern SUVs are made only to go on paved roads, highways and never to leave the comfort of the town. It is the same really since the SUV layout can offer so much more in terms of usability and driving than to be just a comfortable ride for soccer moms and big shopping trips. However, that is the market reality and the buyers are always right. That is why we have compiled a list of 20 best SUVs for city driving. There are few important aspects to consider when you are looking for an SUV which will be used in urban areas. First, the important thing is the size and a city SUV must have compact dimensions to be easy to park and maneuver in heavy traffic. Second, a city SUV must have enough room for passengers and luggage which consists of groceries or shopping bags. Third, since you are never going to leave the tarmac, you don`t need intelligent all-wheel drive systems and you are good with base front-wheel drive layout. Fourth, you don’t need a very powerful engine since you are not going to cruise or plow through the muddy rivers and jungles. All of that means that you concentrate on appearance packages and spend money on exterior options, creature comforts and infotainment systems to make your sitting in traffic more pleasant. Having all that in mind, here are 20 best city-oriented SUVs for you.

20. Kia Soul

The small, practical and affordable Kia Soul is a starter city SUV model. It features two economical four-cylinder engines, with 131 or 160 hp powering front wheels through an automatic transmission. With its compact dimensions, the Soul is easy to drive and has enough space for all daily tasks. The trim levels are good and the best thing is the price. For $16,900 you can get 131 hp Soul with an infotainment system and 7-speed automatic.

Ultimate List of the Best SUVs of 2017

The SUVs started as dressed-up off-roaders with better road manners and nicer interiors for people who wanted rugged looks with the driving feel of a regular car. At the moment, nobody thought that they would evolve into what they are today. Fast forward a couple of decades and SUV class is the most populated, highly competitive and very interesting. In fact, the SUV class is so hot at the moment that there are no less than 124 cars on the North American market! One hundred and twenty-four SUVs on sale at the moment which is an amazing number. There are small and affordable compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, full-size SUVs and even sporty and luxury SUVs. Basically, there is everything. From Kia Soul at $16K up to Bentley Bentayga at $231K, there is an SUV for every buyer and every purpose. You can get front-wheel drive only models, capable all-wheel drive SUVs, gasoline powered, turbocharged, supercharged, hybrids and even fully electric models. It just goes to show how wide the spectrum is and how the SUV segment is truly the most competitive and most interesting car class in the world today. In fact, the popularity of the SUV affected the almost ruined minivans, station wagons and is even breathing down the necks of regular sedans. So, it was pretty hard to complete the list of 28 best SUVs for 2017. We looked at all those 124 cars on sale at the moment, picked up the best and lined them up for you. We have covered everything from the cheapest to the most expensive SUVs on the market and here you will find the most comprehensive list on the net. So, let`s start.

Jeep Renegade

One of the cheapest SUVs you can buy, Jeep Renegade starts at just $19,000. For that amount, you will get compact dimensions, cool boxy design with recognizable Jeep fascia and a relatively small interior and trunk. But, the Renegade comes with the optional all-wheel drive system and lots of off-road potential. It is quite remarkable for such a small SUV to have such great traction but small weight, compact dimensions and Jeep`s AWD drivetrain makes all the difference. So, if you are looking for a cute, compact, cheap and capable SUV, this is your choice.

Mazda CX-3

Modern and sporty looking CX-3 is among the best designs in the compact SUV class. It has a decent amount of space, 2.0-liter engine with 184 hp and a six-speed automatic with nice performance and great road holding. All in all, the CX-3 is a very good and elegant looking car for the base price of around $20,000. All-wheel drive is optional and even then, CX-3 is not exactly a perfect car for rock crawling and going through the jungle. However, it is perfect for urban jungle and needs of the modern buyers.

Honda HR-V

The HR-V is a newcomer to the segment and it offers not only fresh looks but pretty good driving dynamics and equipment. Of course, not to forget Honda`s signature quality, fit and finish. For little over $20,000, you will get the 1.8-liter engine, 141 hp which equals not too lively performance but is still good enough for normal everyday driving. The available space is good and the ride is comfortable.

Dodge Journey

The Journey is not the newest model in mid-size SUV segment but it is very cheap and with lots of room which makes it interesting to buyers who want the most for their money. The base price is just under $23,000 and you will get tons of space, even third-row seating, engines with 171 or 283 hp and lots of equipment. This is an affordable, comfortable and even fast family SUV with optional all-wheel drive and acceptable looks.

Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester is on almost every “Best SUV” list since it is good looking, affordable, offers plenty of space and also comes with two distinctive features. One is Subaru`s signature boxer engine with 170hp or 250hp in turbocharged form and other is permanent intelligent four-wheel drive system which is among the best and most advanced in class. So, for $23,450 MSRP you will get a spacious, capable, good looking and safe mid-size SUV with an all-wheel drive which is an offer you can`t refuse.

Kia Sportage

Fresh design, great driving dynamics, high-quality interior and affordable price make Kia Sportage one of the best mid-sized SUVs currently on sale. Priced at around $24,000 it offers almost upscale interior quality and equipment as well as 181 hp and 240 hp engines. The base model is the front-wheel drive but you can get all-wheel drive version and lots more from the long options list.

Honda CR-V

The CR-V is among the most popular Honda`s products and for good reason. It is well executed, quality made, nicely equipped and spacious SUV with good handling and 190 hp engine. For just under $25,000 it is a great deal and often among the Top 10 vehicles in its class. Honda`s quality is widely recognized which is important but we wish for more powerful engines and slightly better performance.

Ford Escape

Despite its compact size, Escape is one capable SUV. There’s a decent amount of interior space, a long list of options and engines and overall sense of quality. The range starts with 168 hp four cylinder and goes all the way up to turbocharged 245 hp unit making compact Ford Escape quite a performer. Equipped with that engine, Escape can tow up to 3500 pounds which is quite an achievement for a compact SUV.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

In a world dominated by soft SUVs that are competing in road manners and comfort, Wrangler is alone in delivering true off-road capabilities combined with decent drivability and comfort. That, in fact, makes it very desirable along with the classic Jeep design and ruggedness. The prices starts at just under $29,000 for this iconic model and true off-road SUV with capabilities that the rest of the modern SUVs can only dream of.

Volkswagen Atlas

This is the SUV that the market has been waiting for a long time. Volkswagen`s mid-size, third-row SUV with bulky design, fantastic equipment and comfort. The base engine is 235 hp with front-wheel drive and you can get 276 hp and all-wheel drive as an option. The base price is just over $31,000 which is affordable considering the quality, space and the equipment.

Mazda CX-9

Once again, Mazda has a great product in the SUV class, this time in the mid-size segment. The CX-9 combines Mazda`s elegant design with lots of interior room, third-row seating for up to 7 passengers, 250 hp engine, and lively performance. Not to forget 8-speed automatic transmission, optional all-wheel drive and a base price of around $32,000. All of this makes CX-9 a very reasonable proposition if you need a big vehicle on the inside but still reasonably compact on the outside.

BMW X1

Despite the compact dimensions, limited interior space regarding the price, the BMW X1 is a sports car among the SUVs. With a 228hp turbocharged engine, quick transmission and perfect road holding, X1 can bring the smile on your face in twisty turns and on more demanding sections. However, at $34,500 base price, it is still expensive for an SUV with less space than a hatchback.

Lexus NX

Lexus has a lot experience in SUV class and one of the newest entries is the NX, a very specific looking model, with aggressive design and well-appointed interior. It looks like the NX is a sports SUV but in fact, it is a very comfortable cruiser with 235 hp and six-speed automatic. The prices start at around $36,000 which is a reasonable sum for Lexus quality, good standard equipment, and decent performance.

Cadillac XT-5

Cadillac`s XT-5 is an interesting model which has all the brand`s virtues in modern looking compact package with lots of space as well as a lot of style. With 310 hp engine and optional all-wheel drive, it is quite a performer and a very elegant SUV. The prices start at $40,000 and the Caddy SUV is well worth the asking price.

Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar`s first SUV is among the best in class with perfect styling, superb driving dynamics, and powerful engines. The interior has decent comfort and well-appointed dashboard, and engine choices go up to fire-breathing 380 hp supercharged engine. The base price of $42,000 seems appropriate if you look at all the features of the new F-Pace.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Another sporty looking mid-size SUV is the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio. It is the newest addition to Alfa`s efforts to regain popularity on the American the market. It comes with 280 hp turbocharged engine, nice interior, and design for a base price of $43,000. However, you should wait for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio with 509 hp and aggressive looks.

Acura MDX

Elegantly styled, powered by 290 hp engine, equipped with the third row of seats and still offering remarkable driving dynamics and road-holding, the Acura MDX has achieved quite a lot. That is why this SUV is on our list. For $45,000 you will get one of the best mid-size SUVs on the American market with lots of space and signature Acura`s quality.

Nissan Armada

If space is what you are looking for, the Armada has it. In fact, it can seat up to 8 people and still tow up to 8500 pounds. Nissan`s SUV has full-size dimensions, a big engine with 390 hp and a lot of features. The price seems appropriate at $46,000 but the only thing that could be a problem is poor fuel economy.

Volvo XC-90

The elegant Swede is one of the best looking SUVs and also one of the best equipped and safest. It has a lot of space for its occupants and luggage and a wide arrange of options. Also, there is a nice lineup of powerful engines and you can get up to 400 hp from the turbocharged mill. The base price of almost $47,000 is not cheap but you`ll get an astonishing car with great potential.

Ford Expedition

Expedition was one of the models that started this whole SUV craze. Now, it is still pretty much relevant but modernized and redesigned for the current market. It is a big and spacious full-size SUV with modern construction, great road manners and with up to 365 hp. This is one versatile SUV and it can carry up to 8 people, cruise highways in comfort and tow up to 9200 pounds!

Chevrolet Tahoe

Similar to the Explorer, the Tahoe is one of the classics of the SUV world. Big body-on-frame SUV with an enormous amount of space, powerful V8 engines and pulling power is the king amongst the smaller import models. The prices start at below $50,000 mark and for that money, you will get a big, strong and capable SUV with 355hp, a good selection of standard equipment and a long list of optional extras.

Porsche Macan

When Cayenne was first introduced, the motoring world was in shock that thoroughbred sports car manufacturer is producing an SUV. Today, we have a smaller but equally good SUV in form of the Macan. It is a sporty mid-size SUV with great performance and handling which is praised by the car magazines. The available space is not so great but the features are premium. The prices start at $48,500 for the base 252 hp version.

Lexus GX

The GX is a very interesting product because it combines luxury features, sturdy chassis and body with a powerful engine. Basically, this is an off-roader dressed up for the opera. For the base price of $52,000, you will get a full-size SUV with 301 hp V8 engine and all-wheel drive as standard. This is the perfect SUV for people who want to cross deserts in ultimate luxury.

Lincoln Navigator

For almost two decades, Navigator was the symbol of SUV luxury and class. For 2017 it is redesigned and better than ever. That means bigger, more spacious, luxurious and equipped than ever. Expect the new model to arrive this fall with the base price of around $65,000 and ultimate luxury and style.

Range Rover Sport

Another classic from the segment, the Range Rover is still the quintessential SUV. Combining luxury with powerful engines, upscale interior and off-road capabilities made the Range Rover a well-rounded and usable vehicle. The prices start at $66,500 and the base engine is a 254hp diesel unit. However, you can also get a 340hp supercharged V6.

Maserati Levante

Even high-end exotic manufacturers got caught up in the SUV craze, hence the Maserati Levante. The beautiful Italian sporty SUV comes at a high price of $74,000 but you will get unmatched style and performance from either 345hp or 424hp engine. The Levante is an elegant alternative to the BMW X5 or Audi Q7 and what it lacks in interior space it makes up with Latin charm and style.

Tesla Model X

With all-wheel drive, space for 7 occupants and their luggage and numerous features, Tesla Model X is a true SUV. However, it comes from future with a futuristic interior, fully electric power and awesome falcon rear doors. But, all of this comes at a pretty steep price of $83,000. The greatest thing about the Model X is not all the features or the looks, it’s the performance and this family car can launch itself to 60 mph in crazy 3.3 seconds!

Bentley Bentayga

On the very top of the SUV food chain, we have the Bentayga, a $231,000 uber-luxury SUV with 600hp, crazy performance and ultimate luxury and style inside and out. It is big, it is comfortable and it is like a presidential suite that can travel 184 mph. Of course, you can`t expect to see Bentayga going through the mud and forest, but with intelligent all-wheel drive and traction aid, it is capable even for that.

Ultimate List of the Best SUVs of 2017

The SUVs started as dressed-up off-roaders with better road manners and nicer interiors for people who wanted rugged looks with the driving feel of a regular car. At the moment, nobody thought that they would evolve into what they are today. Fast forward a couple of decades and SUV class is the most populated, highly competitive and very interesting. In fact, the SUV class is so hot at the moment that there are no less than 124 cars on the North American market! One hundred and twenty-four SUVs on sale at the moment which is an amazing number. There are small and affordable compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, full-size SUVs and even sporty and luxury SUVs. Basically, there is everything. From Kia Soul at $16K up to Bentley Bentayga at $231K, there is an SUV for every buyer and every purpose. You can get front-wheel drive only models, capable all-wheel drive SUVs, gasoline powered, turbocharged, supercharged, hybrids and even fully electric models. It just goes to show how wide the spectrum is and how the SUV segment is truly the most competitive and most interesting car class in the world today. In fact, the popularity of the SUV affected the almost ruined minivans, station wagons and is even breathing down the necks of regular sedans. So, it was pretty hard to complete the list of 28 best SUVs for 2017. We looked at all those 124 cars on sale at the moment, picked up the best and lined them up for you. We have covered everything from the cheapest to the most expensive SUVs on the market and here you will find the most comprehensive list on the net. So, let`s start.

Jeep Renegade

One of the cheapest SUVs you can buy, Jeep Renegade starts at just $19,000. For that amount, you will get compact dimensions, cool boxy design with recognizable Jeep fascia and a relatively small interior and trunk. But, the Renegade comes with the optional all-wheel drive system and lots of off-road potential. It is quite remarkable for such a small SUV to have such great traction but small weight, compact dimensions and Jeep`s AWD drivetrain makes all the difference. So, if you are looking for a cute, compact, cheap and capable SUV, this is your choice.