In every category of the automotive industry, some cars receive much recognition while others slip through the cracks without grabbing the attention of the buyers. Whereas the latter may not be class leaders, we often forget that not all long queues in a movie theatre always point at an Oscar, so are the most "hyped" vehicles. You'd think due to their assertive stance, SUVs wouldn't go unnoticed, but many have despite them being roomy and practical.
Still, some carmakers rely on their popularity to tug at the buyers' emotions, while others let their reputation speak for themselves and fail to do proper marketing. Unfortunately, this strategy doesn't always work because the marketplace is more inclined to promote an image than substance. On other occasions, and for no good reason, some slip from the buyers' radar and thoughts, yet they've got a lot to offer.
Here are some of Japan's most underrated SUVs on the market.
10 Mitsubishi Outlander
For some reason, the Outlander is neither publicized as some of the more popular brands nor receives the most coveted recommendation by Consumer Reports. Yet, it's one of the most underrated SUVs that you'd have to dig deep to find a problem. The Outlander offers an enviable 10-year/100,000 miles powertrain warranty to back its reliability and superior engineering.
With a seating capacity of seven pax, the Outlander is an excellent choice for families on a tight budget. It offers a standard 2.4L inline-4 engine with incredible gas mileage of 25/30 mpg city/highway for daily runs. With an impressive fuel economy (20/27 mpg city/highway), the 3.6L V6 in the Outlander GT comes in handy when you have a full passenger load for those long trips.
9 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Also known as Mitsubishi Montero, there was a time when the name Pajero was highly valued, but over the years, the popularity has significantly dwindled. Designed to compete with Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is underrated but oh-so capable.
Since its introduction, the Pajero has received several engine upgrades and facelifts. For instance, the 2020 model year received a completely new front fascia that offers a dual-layer headlight configuration while retaining the same engine as the outgoing model. In addition, the beautiful seven-seater provides enough head and leg-room for its occupants. And with the foldable rear seats, you can fit a whole kennel for your dog.
8 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Some of us might struggle to name a single car by Mitsubishi if we're truthful. Yet, the carmaker offers unique and stylish vehicles that are competitive to other mainstreams. For instance, the Eclipse Cross is an excellent alternative to Honda CR-V, Hyundai, and Kia. But it's often underrated, probably because it's relatively new. Still, the impressive 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty indicate the automaker's confidence in the new offering.
Powered by a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, the Eclipse can tow up to 1,500 pounds. Available is subscription-based connectivity (Mitsubishi Connect) that offers remote lock/unlock, automatic collision, location alerts, among other cool features. The Eclipse might be oddly styled, which may be appealing to enthusiasts and appalling to others.
7 Toyota Sequoia
The beefy machine is one of the most underrated SUVs in the Toyota family. It could be because its name is derived from a tree, but we think it's due to its aging design, outdated infotainment, and poor fuel economy.
Still, if you are looking for a sturdy and luxurious SUV that can haul a whole clan and some more, then this is the go-to vehicle. The brawny 3-row SUV features a powerful 5.7L V8 engine producing 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque suitable for towing large loads and off-road capabilities.
6 Mazda CX-5
Not only is the CX-5 a reliable SUV with ample space to fit small families, but it's also habitually underrated. But going by the number of recalls it's had compared to its rivals, it is proof that the CX-5 is highly reliable. Moreover, the good-looking Mazda CX-5 is engaging to drive and practical, and its interior is at par with many premium options.
The first-generation CX-5 debuted at a Los Angeles Auto Show in 2012. It featured a direct-injected 2.0 L Skyactiv-G inline-4 engine producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Whether in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the CX-5 has an excellent fuel economy of 26/35 mpg and 26/31 mpg city/highway, respectively.
5 Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is easily overlooked and underappreciated. Okay, we agree it's a thirsty SUV, but so do some in every mainstream carmaker. Although it had a rough year in 2017, with sales dropping by 18%, it's a stylish mid-size SUV with excellent handling manners but often flies under our radar. The 2021 Murano is refreshing compared to the aging Nissan Murano with comfort and refinement.
It offers all-wheel drive for excellent all-weather traction. Under the hood is the muscular 3.5L V6 engine pumping out through its veins 260 hp and 240lb-ft of torque. Indeed, the Nissan Murano is an impressive family SUV with comfort and enough space for passengers and cargo.
4 Subaru Forester
For some reason, the Subaru Forester doesn't receive enough credit compared to its competitors. Of course, it could be due to its relatively unchanged exterior over the model years. But, any family man (or woman) shouldn't be deceived by the seemingly uninspiring exterior. Underneath, the Subaru Forester has consistently stuck to its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that enhances traction and helps reduce hydroplaning during adverse weather conditions.
An assurance that the SUV can hold its own in nasty weather. True, the Subaru is a fuel guzzler due to the added system but safety first. You don't have to worry about the vehicle's condition during off-road excursions. Subaru offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
3 Isuzu VehiCROSS
Intended as a limited edition, the Suzuki VehiCROSS was underrated probably because of its aggressive external body styling, frowny look, and titanium "fangs" in the grille, but who knows. Sure, VehiCROSS can be classified as an ugly car, but there is more to be offered in the SUV. Notably, its scarcity makes it an excellent collectible. The VehiCROSS was available in either 3.2L or 3.5L V6 engine mated with a 4-speed automatic transmission and pumping out 215 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque.
In addition, the VehiCROSS offered a Torque on Demand (TOD) system with 12 sensors for wheel-spin detection for the US version. The feature redirected power to the wheels, enhancing VehiCROSS's traction on icy and wet roads. Another impressive feature is the spare tire that sticks out the back, but it's only accessible from the inside.
2 Lexus UX
Based on Toyota's Global Architecture Compact (GA-C) platform, the Lexus LX is a subcompact luxury SUV introduced at a Geneva Motor Show in March 2018. The 4-cylinder engine powers the Urban Explorer (UX) with front-wheel drive while the gas-electric SUV delivers with all-wheel drive.
In addition, the UX comes with impressive safety features ranging from the blind-spot monitor, radar cruise control, the LATCH for the child safety seat, among others. However, another overlooked feature is the provision of grocery bag hooks. The Lexus UX is bold and stylish, but despite these outstanding features, it's often underrated. Hopefully, it'll get the credit it deserves in due time.
1 Toyota Land Cruiser
The favored vehicle of the United Nations seems to be disappearing from America. It's underrated and barely sells in the US, but it's more appreciated in the arid areas of Africa for its off-road prowess. It seems like Toyota basked in its glory of the 1960s and forgot to update or market the Land Cruiser in the United States.
The Land Cruiser shares some fundamental underpinnings with the luxury Lexus LX, but its price is way up there compared to LX. The price (above $80,000) should be declared illegal for a vehicle that spends little-to-no money on marketing. Okay, enough of that. Powered by a V8 engine that's paired to a 6-speed transmission with a four-link rear suspension, the Land Cruiser is a powerhouse that'll take you to every corner of the planet.