If you're looking for a car, chances are an SUV is on your shopping list. And if that's the case, you're spoiled for choice. Whether you're looking for a subcompact or full-size model, or anything in between, SUVs exist at pretty much every price point imaginable and in every shape, size, and powertrain configuration you can think of.
Here, we've ranked the best SUVs for 2021 in every segment based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.
SUV stands for 'sport utility vehicle,' a term that originated from the definition of these models as recreational-use vehicles for off-roading with extra utility when compared with a sedan or a pickup truck. In more descriptive terms, SUVs are vehicles that have generous interior space and cargo capacity, perform well in a variety of different driving environments, and ride higher than sedans while, in many cases, still delivering car-like handling. That combination of characteristics has made SUVs the most popular type of vehicle in the United States.
As a blend between a sedan and a truck, the benefits of SUVs are that they can be versatile, comfortable, and practical—all at the same time. While modern SUVs are generally more comfort-focused than they used to be, many still offer reasonable off-road and towing capabilities. Many people buy SUVs for family transportation, as they can generally carry up to five passengers comfortably. Some mid-size and most full-size SUVs also offer three-row seating, which can accommodate an additional two or three people.
There are many different kinds of SUVs, as they come in many shapes and sizes ranging from station-wagon-like crossovers to massive truck-based three-row luxury land yachts. Subcompact and compact crossovers and SUVs are the smallest breeds and can offer a bit more versatility and interior space than a sedan. Mid-size SUVs are the next step up in size, providing significantly more interior space, higher cargo capacities, and often the option of third-row seating. Full-size SUVs are the largest, offering the roomiest interiors, the most cargo capacity, and the highest tow ratings. There's quite a bit of variability within those segments, as some SUVs are designed for off-road prowess, while others prioritize luxury and comfort.
For more than 60 years we've been answering the objective questions—How fast? How quick? How much grip?—comprehensively, and with an authority based in experience that our readers have come to rely on. Read on for the full details on how we collect more than 200 data points on the roughly 400 vehicles that we test every year.
Dave VanderWerp has spent more than 20 years in the automotive industry, in varied roles from engineering to product consulting, and now leading Car and Driver's vehicle-testing efforts.
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