The Sport Utility Vehicle was introduced to the American auto marketplace to fill the gap between the traditional family station wagon offering adequate passenger space but less than adequate cargo area, and the pickup truck or cargo van that delivered an abundance of cargo hauling capacity.
While SUVs have been around for some time, beginning with the Willys Jeep Station Wagon in the 1940s, their popularity hit an all-time high during the 1990s, when low gas prices encouraged people to buy gas-guzzling Chevy Suburbans and the like.
Since then, SUVs have evolved into their own category with numerous variations from budget compacts to large luxury versions. Most popular in recent years is the crossover SUV, which is a hybrid between a car and a truck, offering the interior space of an SUV but with less hauling capacity.
Traditional SUVs have been constructed with a body-on-frame design like that used on a pickup truck. Crossovers often are built with unibody construction, similar to cars.
The advent of crossovers and SUVs in the automotive marketplace has encouraged the development of the ultra-capable performance vehicle that demonstrates sports car characteristics, devouring winding roads, race tracks, and any other performance-challenging obstacle placed in its path. In today's marketplace where the SUV options seem endless, a select subgroup offers levels of jaw-dropping performance.
Here are 14 SUVs that provide features that make them worth every penny and 11 SUVs that aren’t worth a dime (or more) invested.
25 Worth Every Penny: 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser is an off-road vehicle legend, known everywhere in the world, from the Sahara Desert in Africa to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. From its beginning as an army vehicle in the 1950s, it has evolved into one of the toughest and most reliable body-on-frame designed SUVs ever made.
A 381-horsepower V8 engine powers the Land Cruiser with an acceleration from 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 114 mph.
That performance does not come cheap. The Land Cruiser is rated at 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. Passenger seating capacity is eight people and, with the second- and third-row seats folded, the cargo area expands to 82 cubic feet of space. New or used, the Toyota Land Cruiser brings value for the money.
24 Worth Every Penny: 2018 Lexus RX 450H
The premium interior, smooth ride, plush seats, standard V6, and reasonable starting price are just a few reasons why the Lexus RX is the best-selling luxury SUV of all time. Although the RX V6 has more than adequate performance, the RX 450h's hybrid powerplant is much more fuel-efficient and provides even better performance.
In addition to the 31 miles per gallon fuel-efficiency in the city, the sleek and stylish RX 450H boasts all-wheel-drive that includes the Lexus' electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT).
At a starting price of over $53k, the RX 450H is nearly $10k more expensive than the best-selling RX 350. A 15-speaker sound system, 360-degree camera, hands-free power liftgate, and a panoramic moonroof can be added as options. Although the RX 450H is more expensive than the traditional model, long-term savings in fuel consumption makes the investment worthwhile!
23 Worth Every Penny: 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Porsche reached its one-millionth 911 sold after 53 years of production. Since its launch in 2002 Porsche has sold over 770,000 Cayennes (15 years) and will probably reach the million mark by 2021. The Cayenne SUV was one of the first luxury brands to step into the performance SUV market and has become an enormous success for the company.
The third-generation Cayenne looks a lot like previous Cayennes, but the redesign continues the Porsche tradition of combining sports-car-like handling with exceptional performance into a luxurious sport-utility. The SUV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reaches the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 178 mph.
The Cayenne is an excellent choice for the buyer who wants performance and utility. As the advertisement claims: “Porsche, there is no substitute!”
22 Worth Every Penny: Tesla Model X
While the most distinctive feature of the Model X is its falcon doors, which pivot up from the center of the roof, it is the unparalleled performance that makes the Tesla stand out. The only all-electric utility vehicle sold in the U.S. in 2018, the SUV crossover comes standard with all-wheel drive and is available in five- or seven-seat versions. The range rates from 238 to 295 miles with 200 miles considered a minimum even if driven at high energy-consuming highway speeds.
The Model X offers three flavors: the 75D has a 75-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the 100D provides a 100-kWh pack, and the P100D includes the 100-kWh pack but more powerful motors.
With an acceleration of 0-60 mph in a lightning-fast 2.9 seconds this SUV will blow the doors off a Lamborghini! With better performance than most SUVs, the Tesla is easily worth every penny.
21 Worth Every Penny: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
A supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 that produces 707 hp (shared with the Hellcat), Brembo Brakes and race-inspired seating, make the Trackhawk one of the best-performing SUVs on the market. It reaches the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds, which is faster than a 2018 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport!
Designed for off-roading, the Trailhawk is only available in four-wheel drive and comes standard with 18-inch off-road wheels and all-terrain tires. Handling is enhanced with features such as a traction management system, Selec-Speed hill-ascent control, and an adjustable air suspension system.
The exterior is adorned with a Neutral Grey roof rack and power-folding side view mirrors. The interior features leather and suede Trailhawk seats, the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with a navigation system and SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Link, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system.
Exceptional off-road performance makes the Trailhawk a good buy at any price.
20 Worth Every Penny: 2018 Volvo XC90
Volvo states, “Vision 2020 is about reducing the number of people that die or are seriously injured in road traffic accidents to zero. Protecting and caring for people is at the heart of Volvo Cars’ philosophy and this is our commitment to saving lives.”
The XC90’S City Safety system is full of safety features including ultra-strength steel, a front crash prevention system, and a mechanism to detect pedestrians and cyclists while driving in urban areas. The feature alerts drivers to people in the area, and it automatically applies the brakes for a slow-reacting driver. A rear collision warning system uses radar to warn the driver of an impending rear-end crash while automatically tightening the seatbelts and applying the brakes.
For safety reasons alone, the Volvo XC90 may be the best SUV one can buy.
19 Worth Every Penny: 2018 Honda Pilot
One of the best family SUVs on the market, the Honda Pilot almost seems like a minivan in disguise. The kid-friendly interior, high seating position, and vast cargo space give the Honda Pilot lots of appeal to suburb-dwelling parents. Eight people are seated in three rows, and the reconfigurable interior offers several options for carrying cargo, people, or a combination of both.
The 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC V-6 with variable cylinder management is smooth, powerful, and relatively efficient. The 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque provide a towing capacity that is ample for most buyers.
The Elite 4dr trim includes all-wheel drive and a full roster of active safety systems. The Honda Sensing package adds: Adaptive cruise control; Lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning; and Automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning.
18 Worth Every Penny: 2018 Honda CR-V
U.S. News selected the 2018 Honda CR-V for two awards: Best Compact SUV for the Money for its combination of overall quality and value in its class and Best Compact SUV for Families for its spacious cabin, safety features, and positive feedback from automotive writers.
In addition to all-new exterior and interior styling for the 2018 model, improvements included a 190 hp turbocharged engine option. The power source delivers more punch while providing better fuel economy at 28/34 mpg city/highway than other CR-V engine options. An upgraded suspension provides a more comfortable ride with improved handling. The 2018 version also adds an extra five cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The infotainment system has features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
17 Worth Every Penny: 2018 Bentley Bentayga
When Bentley introduced their first SUV, the Bentayga in 2018, it was everything anyone would expect: a typical British luxury vehicle. With a base model price of $230,000 it instantly became the most expensive SUV on the market.
At first glance, the Bentayga exterior displays the same broad-shouldered elegance and grace of Bentley’s coupe and sedan models, a perfect fit for the stable of high-priced, high-luxury automobiles. On the inside, the Bentayga exhibits an opulence like the Continental and the Mulsanne.
Bentley offers two powertrains: 542-horsepower turbocharged V8; and the more powerful twin-turbo 6-liter 600 hp W12 which drives all four wheels to a maximum speed of 187 mph. The Bantayga may be the perfect blend of unrivaled luxury and high-performance. The price alone eliminates many prospective buyers for the Bentayga, but for those looking for luxury without limits, it is worth every penny.
16 Worth Every Penny: 2018 BMW X1
While the BMW X1 is more expensive than other SUVs in its class, it justifies the additional cost with a powerful yet fuel-efficient engine, dynamic handling, and high-quality interior materials.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, drive either the front or, optionally, all four wheels.
Both powertrain combinations are lively yet smooth, and the X1 can accelerate to 60 mph in a class-leading 6.5 seconds.
We like the M Sport package which includes a sport-tuned suspension, comfortably shaped sport seats, panoramic sunroof, a racy M-branded steering wheel, and blacked-out window trim and roof rails. The X1 accommodates four adults with ease, and its cargo area leads the class.
15 Worth Every Penny: 2018 Audi Q7
In the midsize luxury crossover SUV class, the Audi Q7 ranks near the top. Offering an exceptional combination of comfort, technology, and performance, its interior is built with high-quality materials and superior semiautonomous driver-assistance features that distinguish the Q7 from its rivals.
The all-wheel-drive offers two engine options: a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder and a lively supercharged V-6.
Standard features include pedestrian detection, forward collision warning with automatic braking, a rearview camera, and parking sensors. A 360-degree parking camera and a blind-spot monitor give the driver unparalleled vision. The Audi Virtual Cockpit infotainment system replaces the traditional gauges with a high-definition screen featuring a display of maps via Google Earth.
The Audi Q7 is an excellent choice for the buyer seeking a midsize luxury SUV with all the latest tech toys and advanced safety equipment.
14 Worth Every Penny: Subaru Forester XT
The Subaru Forester has won the Motor Trend SUV of the Year award two times. It delivers a great balance of power, handling, comfort, and practicality. The XT version comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque giving it a powerful straight-line performance. However, XT is also a capable mountain-road vehicle. The standard sports suspension provides excellent handling capabilities.
The Forester XT has more than 8 inches of ground clearance making it an ideal off-road vehicle for rock climbing and the occasional trail run.
Recommended options include the 7.0-inch touchscreen which provides phone and audio connectivity and Subaru’s EyeSight system. It provides lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking. The Forester XT is a lot of SUV at a starting price under $24,000.
13 Worth Every Penny: 2018 Lincoln Navigator
Even before its redesign in 2018, the Lincoln Navigator was one of the leading luxury SUVs in its class; a versatile SUV capable of comfortably transporting plenty of people and cargo while also towing a heavy load.
The new Navigator maintains its superior truck-based towing feature at 8,700 pounds. However, passenger comfort has jumped up a full notch. All occupants benefit from the roomy cabin with extraordinarily supportive seats, while passengers riding in the front can lounge in Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position seats with massage. Like the previous model, cargo space abounds, especially in the Navigator L, a longer version with additional cargo capacity.
Powered by a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 450 hp, a new 10-speed automatic transmission makes shifting almost unnoticeable while the additional gearing improves both acceleration and fuel economy.
12 Worth Every Penny: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Selected as one of Edmunds’ Best Luxury SUVs for 2018, the exquisitely crafted cabin and attention to detail of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class make it a standout in its class.
From the metal speaker covers to the open-pore wood trim and ample leatherette dash, every interior aspect has been meticulously crafted. The interior exudes a luxurious feel even more so than interiors of most other luxury crossovers.
However, the GLC-Class is more than a passenger-comfort vehicle, it is also fun to drive. The hot-rod AMG version offers up to 469 horsepower providing exceptional acceleration, a sport-tuned air suspension, and bigger brakes. Alternatively, the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid provides better fuel-efficiency at a respectable 25 mpg combined city and highway driving.
11 Not Worth A Dime: 2018 Toyota RAV4
J.D. Power awarded the 2018 RAV4 an above-average predicted reliability score of four out of five, designating it as one of the most reliable SUVs on the market.
The RAV4 comes with a peppy, albeit medium-performance, 2.5-liter, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine (the only powertrain available) and a six-speed automatic transmission, that generates 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 Adventure trim includes a towing package and produces enough power to pull up to 3,500 pounds.
The front-wheel-drive RAV4 rewards occupants with a smooth, and stable ride. However, with its 6.1 inches of ground clearance and optional all-wheel drive, the RAV4 also handles well during the occasional off-road adventure.
Despite its reliability, the disappointing power puts the RAV4 in our “Not Worth A Dime” category.
10 Not Worth A Dime: 2019 Lamborghini Urus
In a market obsessed with SUVs, Lamborghini had no choice but to offer their own version. In typical Lamborghini style, the Urus matches its aggressive exterior appearance with a high-performance powertrain and superb handling characteristics.
A 641-hp version of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 used in the Porsche Panamera, high-end Audis, and some Bentleys, the engine is a Volkswagen product. Assembled in Hungary, it is shipped to Lamborghini as a complete unit. The power plant produces 627 lb-ft of torque between 2250 and 4500 rpm, endowing the Urus with brawny responsiveness as only a Lamborghini can.
The interior is true to Lamborghini style. Even the starter button is hidden by a small red flap in the center console, giving the driver the feel of a rocket launch.
At more than $200,000 base price, we think your dime is better spent on less exotic SUV.
9 Not Worth A Dime: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Although the powertrain is considered by most to be an unrefined and underperforming four-cylinder engine, the Crosstrek compensates by providing a host of special features.
Built on the same platform as the Impreza, the base 2.0i trim level comes equipped with all-wheel drive, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with a backup camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto support.
The top “Limited” trim package delivers Subaru’s “Starlink” connected service, fog lights, keyless entry with push-button start, heated front seats and mirrors, automated headlights that swivel when turning, and 18-inch wheels. The automatic transmission is a requirement if you want the option for Subaru’s EyeSight suite of active safety features, which includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and a few other systems for $1395.
The underperforming Crosstrek powertrain relegates it the “Not Worth A Dime” category.
8 Not Worth A Dime: 2018 Porsche Macan
The 2018 Macan is Porsche’s entry-level compact luxury crossover that places a priority on handling and performance rather than passenger comfort and cargo space. Although the cabin hosts a “cozy” back seat and small cargo hold, it is trimmed in high-quality materials that make other luxury compact SUV owners jealous.
The rear-biased all-wheel drive, sporty suspension tuning, and adaptive dampers make the Macan one of the best-handling vehicle in its class, even when riding on low-grip all-season tires.
Five powerful engine options, from 252 hp to 440 hp, and a quick-shifting seven-speed transmission give all the Macan trim levels high-performance characteristics. Calibrated more for a winding mountain road than for a dirt path, if properly equipped, the Macan performs respectably under off-road conditions as well.
Lack of passenger comfort and cargo space make the Macan fall short of expectations.
7 Not Worth A Dime: 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Although the Bentley Bentayga briefly held the top spot as the most expensive SUV on the market when introduced, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan supersedes it at a base price of $325,000. Named after the world’s largest uncut diamond, deliveries of the Cullinan are expected later this year.
The most lavishly appointed off-road-capable vehicle ever built, the SUV is powered by a twin-turbo 6.75-liter V12 with standard four-wheel drive.
The luxury features in the cabin are too numerous to list but press the Off-Road-labeled button on the center console, and the Rolls will lift its skirts in preparation for gravel, snow, sand, wet grass, mud, rough tracks, and water up to 21 inches deep. However, the Cullinan will also do 155 mph at the top end while passengers ride in the lap of luxury.
All the luxury features of the Cullinan, however, are not worth all the dimes required to purchase one.
6 Not Worth A Dime: 2018 Acura MDX
Acura MDX is a unique three-row crossover with abundant standard features that make it one of the most compelling SUVs in its class. All trim levels offer excellent handling characteristics, but the hybrid is the most intriguing.
Derived from Acura’s NSX supercar, the MDX Sport Hybrid powertrain combines a 3.0-liter V6 that generates 257 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque with three electric motors and lithium-ion batteries.
The front engine electric motor produces the equivalent of 47 hp 109 lb-ft of torque, while the dual rear electric motors each generate 36 hp 54 lb-ft of torque. Total output is rated at 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque.
Although the MDX Sport Hybrid is not offered with an Idle Stop option, the EPA fuel rating is a decent 26 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.