According to the data of global automotive sales charts, there’s a significantly increasing demand for SUVs from all over the world. People are getting more attracted towards modern-day SUVs as compared to premium sedans, hatchbacks, and minivans, especially youngsters. Anyways, as the sales chart says, there’s a neverending search going on nowadays which ends with a decision of buying the best value for money SUV in 2022.
Following the latest market trends, many renowned car manufacturer brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, and Tesla are facing a tough rivalry among each other on a wide scale in the premium SUV market. As of now, SUVs are the best option to consider when it comes to practicality, as they offer ample space and great safety options as well. Presently, there are more than a hundred types of SUVs for sale alone in the United States, no matter if it’s a subcompact, compact, crossovers, full-sized, or mid-sized SUVs.
Now you all might be wondering “what makes the best value for money SUV in 2022.” Well, you can consider a few crucial points like the lowest monthly lease payment or the lowest sticker price as it may save you some money initially, however, it could end up even worse; costing you more money over the long term in maintenance, insurance, repairs, and fuel costs.
So today we’re here presenting before you a list of the best value for money SUV in 2022.
Aston Martin DBX
Starting Price: $180,571
Aston Martin is a renowned British premium luxury and sports car manufacturer brand which is best known for supplying James Bond with his customary set of beautiful Aston Martin vehicles. The newest contender in the SUV game, the Aston Martin DBX sets the legendary British sports-car lineup apart from an astounding as well as elegant SUV. The Aston Martin DBX is supposed to be the manufacturers’ first initial introduction to the SUV market. The vehicle can also be a tough rivalry to the Lamborghini Urus, Range Rover Velar, Cadillac Escalade, and the BMW X6 into the high-end family commuter segment. The Aston Martin DBX was built to deliver an extravagant charm of its own brand of beauty. Hiding under the beauty is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 powerplant sourced by Mercedes-AMG along with a nine-speed automatic transmission as well. The power generated from the engine is calculated to be around 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque; technically enough to take it off-road and tow heavy loads, which is what’s expected of ultra-expensive luxury crossovers.
Lexus NX
Starting Price: $38,157
The 2022 Lexus NX is unquestionably worth a look in case you’re looking for a mid-sized as well as the best value for money SUV in 2022. Yes, the 2022 Lexus NX 300 is a good luxury mid-sized SUV that has many great qualities with appreciable fuel economy, but it still falls behind when straightly compared with other mid-sized SUVs in its segment. The Lexus NX houses a large and calm two-row cabin finished with premium materials. This SUV has a fabulous anticipated unwavering quality rating that includes its comfortable seats and a delicate ride. All of that runs on a standard 235 hp turbocharged engine that responds amazingly on the streets as well as the highways with decent verve. There are tons of active safety features too, loaded into the vehicle.
However, the 2022 Lexus NX lacks cargo space, as well as the NX’s distracting touchpad infotainment controls, may frustrate you to an extent. Due to this, the Lexus NX is shortly getting outshined by its newly depicted rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, particularly regarding infotainment usability.
Mercedes-Benz G Class
Starting Price: $134,120
The one and only reason for which the Mercedes-Benz G Class is still serving in the global markets is its classic boxy design that has been carried forward with little advancements for more than 41 years now. However, this might be the reason behind its low sales numbers as the design language of the G-Wagen requires to be changed since its debut in the global markets in 1979. Mercedes-Benz G Class is one of the rarest SUVs that arguably offer the best on-road and off-road performance along with the luxurious appeal. The interior section, however, isn’t that spacious as the one we get to observe inside the Land Rover SUVs at this price point. The fit and finish inside the cabin looks quite stunning with premium materials and a large 12.3-inch digital gauge display as well as media infotainment held together. More on offer is a wireless smartphone charging feature which now comes as standard on the AMG edition.
Talking about the power; well the Mercedes-Benz G Class brings in two variants on offer. The G550 variant bumps with its 416-horsepower that comes from a twin-turbo V-8, whereas, the AMG G63, delivers 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque from an especially developed version of the V-8. Both the variants are only available in four-wheel drive with three locking differentials and a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
Nissan Pathfinder
Starting Price: $33,000
The Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer Nissan has recently revised its one of the most successful SUVs, the Nissan Pathfinder. The vehicle now comes equipped with a far more modern and lively interior design as compared to the dated styling of the last generation. As we all are very well aware of the fact that Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row SUV, then what’s new that? Well, now you can choose to switch between the standard second-row bench seat for captain’s chairs as an optional feature in this SUV along with other luxuries such as heated and ventilated front & rear seats, semi-aniline leather upholstery, power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, Bose 13-speaker sound system, and wireless smartphone charger.
Nissan has also provided more storage space inside the cabin this time around, which includes a big bin below the center console that’s accessible by the driver or front-seat passenger. The power to the wheels is generated from the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 284-hp via a new 9-speed automatic transmission. This SUV comes loaded with an all-wheel-drive system that Nissan calls “Intelligent 4WD.” This “Intelligent 4WD” has the capability to shift up to 50% of the 257 lb-ft of torque to the rear axle, then all of that available torque to one single rear wheel with more grip.
GMC Terrain
Starting Price: $28,500
Refreshing looks and bulky appeal counts this compact crossover SUV in a healthy value-for-money deal at one glance. However, this isn’t the case, GMC Terrain missies out on several features that its topmost competitors offer in this price range such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Mazda CX-5, or Honda CR-V. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine on offer significantly lacks the punch that’s expected by the buyer when he hits the pedal to the metal. The all-wheel-drive Terrain’s response system isn’t that great either. Getting inside the cabin is where the car actually turns your expectation down. The build quality is terrific with a mix of different materials. Also, there are many difficult-to-use controls inside the cabin, which makes it quite frustrating to operate the vehicle while driving.
If we keep all that apart for a while, GMC Terrain still counts among the best value for money SUV in 2022. A completely new set of LED headlamps & taillamps, updated upholstery, touchscreen infotainment, various driver-assistance features, a thoroughly revised grille & front bumper, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto functionality, and new 18- and 19-inch wheel designs is all that you get as standard on the GMC Terrain. Now let’s talk about what you get on the top trims. Buyers can think about the chrome-laden finished Denali model which offers a head-up display as standard, however that top-spec variant comes with a near-luxury price tag. This SUV offers plenty of space with a comfortable and cosseting ride.
Fiat 500L
Starting Price: $24,000
The Fiat 500L is a good SUV for someone who’s interested in serious cargo space. Anyways, that’s the only reason to consider this crossover SUV or should we say mini wagon. Both front, as well as rear-seat passengers, will find ample space to accommodate themselves inside the Fiat 500L’s cabin. Well, it’s not space that’s required, after all, the seats and the padding aren’t that comfortable for longer travels. This SUV offers a good amount of outward visibility from large windows and an optional panoramic sunroof that provides an airy feel to the cabin. Driving the Fiat 500L in traffic pops up as big stress to the driver as well as the passengers due to tepid built quality, cheap quality elements, and terrific ride and handling balance.
The adequate feedback required from the steering is something that will always disappoint you while driving this SUV. Fiat 500L comes powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 160-hp to the front wheels. This engine comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that sometimes feels clumsy to downshift. Fiat 500L feels good to drive if you can somehow manage that turbo lag from the motor and even the body roll while pushing it into corners. Also, you won’t get any modern driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control, which you’ll get to see on its substantial competitors including the Mazda CX-3, Nissan Kicks, and Kia Soul. In terms of infotainment and connectivity; Fiat 500L comes with a Beats audio system as standard along with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.
Volvo XC60
Starting Price: $43,400
After marking the lines of success for the past-gen XC60 as Volvo’s best-selling car as well as best-selling vehicle its segment in Europe, Volvo has recently introduced a new generation of the XC60. This mid-size crossover SUV comes forward as the best value for money SUV in 2022 from Volvo. The new-gen XC60 is far more refined than before this time with a better suspension and mechanical as well as technological advancements. Counting on improvements, the Volvo XC60 also brings in best-in-class driver assistance packages and incredible safety features, slightly better than its top competitors such as Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Performance from the motor relies on 2.0-liter mild and plug-in hybrid engines available in both petrol and diesel. The Volvo XC60 is even available with an all-wheel-drive as well as a front-wheel-drive powertrain option which comes into play with some form of electrical assistance from the plug-in hybrid motor. Technically, the new-gen XC60 is like a reduced variant of XC90 which is more agile than the XC90 due to the missing third row of seats. The interior is where the XC60 sheerly outshines its rivalry with a cabin feel not less than a Stockholm boutique hotel bar.
Subaru Outback
Starting Price: $26,800
Searching for the best value for money SUV in 2022 that’s highly capable of off-road adventures yet still comfortable for driving around town? Well, the Subaru Outback can be a good choice with plenty of cargo space and active safety features. Subaru Outback can easily accommodate up to five adults inside with ample space for everyone to stretch out in both rows. The cabin has more than enough head and legroom along with supportive as well as comfortable ventilated seats, and high-quality materials such as Nappa leather upholstery. The outward visibility is decent from the cabin due to those slim roof pillars.
Subaru Outback is a great off-roader that offers a relaxed ride and you might get surprised to know that this SUV is one of those few vehicles in its class that are available with all-wheel drive as standard. Also, it’s one of the most affordable wagons you can buy in the SUV market. This SUV comes with two engine options; (a) a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182-horsepower, (b) a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 260-horsepower. Both the engines respond admirably in combination with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). However, it’s the 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that fairly feels punchy to drive and the power is accessible all across the rev range to provide quicker acceleration. The steering is extremely responsive as well.
Subaru Outback additionally offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance and comes standard with hill descent control and X-Mode off-road driving, which optimizes the vehicle for driving in mud, snow, and ice. Opting for the top-of-the-line Onyx Edition XT trim will get you dual-mode X-Mode off-road driving with a deep snow and mud setting.
Acura RDX
Starting Price: $38,600
The Acura RDX is one of the least expensive luxury SUVs in its class. This SUV is a perfect example of a well-rounded small luxury SUV that’s reasonably priced. The overall cost of a fully feature-loaded RDX is somewhat similar to the base versions of its competitors. So, you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money to own a luxury SUV like the RDX. The cabin is par spacious; finished with high-quality materials and resembles an interior design similar to Acura’s NSX supercar. Acura RDX is priced very aggressively in the market with features that you only get to see on high-end luxurious SUVs. This SUV comes equipped with a 12-speaker premium audio system, blind-spot monitor, Navigation system, Two USB ports in the back row, Rear cross-traffic alert, and Front and rear parking sensors to alert you from obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle while parking the vehicle.
Driving the Acura RDX is a tireless experience with excellent ride and seat comfort. All thanks to the all-wheel drive, the car feels invincible to drive on almost any terrain, Acura calls it SH-AWD for increased traction and sportier driving dynamics. In addition to the driving experience, this SUV offers various driver assistance features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation, and Lane Departure Mitigation.
Competitor SUVs do offer more powertrain choices and individual options. However, the RDX is not offered in trim variants. Acura RDX is available in a single base variant with three optional packages: Technology, A-Spec, and Advance. All the three optional packages are wrapped up on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but you can opt for an all-wheel drive.
Chevrolet Trax
Starting Price: $23,800
The subcompact crossover segment is gaining a lot of attention these days loaded with tons of features and safety equipment. Chevrolet Trax is another decent example of a subcompact crossover SUV. However, this SUV isn’t that up to date in terms of equipment and anyone can easily find better options in this price range including from Chevrolet itself.
The Trax offers good fuel economy, is highly maneuverable, and has recently scored a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Along with all that, this vehicle comes equipped with OnStar connected safety services, 10 airbags, and various active driver assistance features including rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Although, the response from the motor is too sluggish; producing 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The six-speed automatic transmission feels slow to shift as well. All the power is transferred to the front wheels as standard and all four wheels on optional trims.
While driving the Trax into corners, you’ll get to observe too much body roll and lack of control. Even the cabin feel isnt that great either with the poor build quality and extensive utilization of plasticky materials. The cabin houses a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Cost-cutting has been done on a large scale both on the inside and outside of the Chevrolet Trax where the cabin misses out on built-in navigation and the seven-speaker Bose premium setup offered last year.
Fiat 500X
Starting Price: $24,800
Many people consider crossovers over hatchbacks, and that’s the reason you see almost every car manufacturer leveling up the game by introducing their crossovers in the markets more than hatchbacks. The Fiat 500X is another such sweet crossover that finds its buyers from its in-demand style and individuality. This car is only available with FWD and also misses out on a 4WD powertrain as well as a diesel engine.
The interior section is quite bearable for someone who prefers quality on top. The cabin features a completely new infotainment and connectivity system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Also, you’ll get to experience new seat fabrics and better equipment including advanced driver aids. If we talk about its performance, disappointingly there’s nothing to boast about. The Fiat 500X comes with two new petrol engines on offer. First is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 120bhp of power. Second is another four-cylinder of 1.3 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 150bhp mated to a fully automatic dual-clutch transmission as standard.
Range Rover Velar
Starting Price: $56,900
The all-new Range Rover Velar runs along the lines of the new-gen Range Rover Evoque and the mighty Land Rover Discovery Sport. The new-generation Range Rover Velar comes equipped with Land Rover’s latest range of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, along with a stunning drive experience. The cabin feel is highly charismatic, which comes in combination with Land Rover’s all-new ‘Pivi’ and ‘Pivi Pro’ systems. The infotainment interface now comes with brilliantly tuned graphics and a much more responsive touchscreen. Range Rover Velar offers a built-in internet connection as well, to keep the car’s software automatically updated without interrupting your driving pleasure.
The Range Rover Velar has remained to be the best value for money SUV for many years, in addition to that, Range Rover Velar recently introduced a new hybrid model. This model houses the same P400e hybrid system that was recently revealed in Land Rover Defender plug-in hybrid model. The P400e hybrid system combines a 300hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with a 143hp electric motor to develop a total of 404 horsepower. Apart from that, the P400e hybrid system is capable enough to drive for around 33 miles just using battery power. The Range Rover Velar’s plug-in hybrid models hold a 17.1kW underfloor battery pack that can be recharged from 0% to 80% full in just half an hour using a 50kW public fast charger. However, you can even use a 7kW wall charger to perform the same task in one hour and 40 minutes.
For people who are interested in more raw power from the engine than an electric motor, well the good news is here for you. The Range Rover Velar will also be available with a set of newly tuned 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines. There are a total of two 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines on offer; the P400 petrol engine produces 400hp, whereas the D300 diesel produces 300hp of power. Both the engines come equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that utilizes a compact electric motor to provide the engine with an instant boost while accelerating and help reduce fuel consumption when cruising at a constant speed. These engines additionally offer Air suspension as a standard feature on the new Range Rover Velar. Although, you can get this as an optional feature on the 204hp four-cylinder 2.0-liter diesel engine (D200). This same 48V mild-hybrid tech will also be used on the D200 204hp four-cylinder 2.0-liter diesel engine that sits under the hood of the baseline Velar.
Volkswagen Touareg
Starting Price: $51,000
The Volkswagen Touareg is supposed to be VW’s most advanced and technologically enhanced flagship production. This vehicle is now in its third-generation avatar and has a lot to vocalize from its hi-tech premium SUV aspect. The Volkswagen Touareg is definitely the best value for money SUV in 2021 as its shares its DNA with the most exquisite and capable SUVs ever developed under VW’s supervision, including Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, and Audi Q7. Built off the highly flexible ‘MLB Evo’ parts matrix, the Volkswagen Touareg gets a fully aluminum suspension, and largely aluminum chassis and platform architecture. Also, weight shaving has been conveyed to the majority of equipment including the seats, cooling system, exhaust, electronics, powertrain, etc.
The Volkswagen Touareg directly meets in competition with the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Porsche Cayenne, and Audi Q7. Compared to all the previous-gen Touareg’s, the new-gen Touareg is massively 44mm wider and 77mm longer in terms of size. In terms of design, the new-gen Touareg has been precisely worked upon. The silhouette is sharp and aggressive with tons of modern tech appeal. The storage space inside the cabin has also increased to an extent, up 113 liters to 810 in total without folding the rear seats. The cabin itself boasts to be the biggest cabin overhaul from VW in decades. However, a little cost-cutting has been done inside the cabin to justify the cost of an amazing dual-screen display and heaps of tech artillery.
Now if we discuss about the tech artillery, the all-new Volkswagen Touareg offers a ‘Night Vision’ camera to detect humans or animals in darkness via a thermal imaging camera, along with a Roadwork Lane Assist feature to steer, brake, and accelerate for you up to 37mph. Apart from that, you’ll even get to see a four-wheel steering, active roll stabilization, and a head-up display that gets projected directly onto the windscreen.
Jaguar F-Pace
Starting Price: $46,600
The Jaguar F-Pace looks like an elder brother of the brand’s one and only road-legal Supersports production vehicle the Jaguar F-Type. The F-Pace SUV marks itself to be the best suitable alternative among compact luxury SUVs with all of the most modern connectivity and infotainment features. So what makes it the best SUV in its segment? Well, the Jaguar F-Pace is entirely a sporty driver’s car that’s decidedly built to last for enthusiast drivers who value driving dynamics above everything else.
Jaguar has recently revised its F-Pace flagship with a new facelift for 2022. The new facelift includes a refreshed grille, a redesigned hood, and a slightly improved exterior design. Getting inside the cabin feels inspiring, where we get to see a huge upgrade in the form of Jaguar-Land Rover’s new Pivi and PiviPro infotainment systems. The Pivi platform dissolves beautifully well inside the cabin with high-end graphics that are projected on a big 11.4-inch curved-glass infotainment screen mounted on the dashboard above the climate controls. Apart from that, the new Jaguar F-Pace even houses heated seats and a 14-speaker Meridian surround stereo system that now comes as standard across the lineup. Other features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, traffic-sign recognition, enhanced navigation, and Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity.
The powertrain options are now available with a new turbocharged-and-supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that uses a 48-volt starter-generator hybrid system and produces 335 to 395 horsepower. There’s also a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine on offer that makes 246 horsepower. All of the Jaguar F-Pace powertrain options are only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Cadillac Escalade
Starting Price: $78,700
The highly anticipated American automobile manufacturer brand Cadillac has completely redesigned its humongous Escalade SUV with countless changes in compliance with the latest modern tech. The Escalade is now much longer and wider than the previous-gen Escalade and has more cargo space as well as passenger room. The cabin has also been improved to an extent with additional technical features, such as Cadillac’s Super Cruise, which is by far counted among one of the best semi-automated driving systems ever seen to date. The new-gen Cadillac Escalade comes with a sharp display that covers almost 60% to 70% of the dashboard.
The Escalade runs on a new independent rear suspension that additionally offers a much luxurious ride experience than the previous-gen solid-axle design language. Under the hood comes a new 6.2-liter V8 engine as standard. This engine suits better on such a big and heavy SUV than the optionally available turbocharged diesel V6 engine. The all-new Cadillac Escalade particularly cannot be the best value for money SUV in the market, however, it’s worth checking out alongside the Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GLS in rivalry.
Audi Q7
Starting Price: $59,500
Audi has done a brilliant job in making improvements to the Audi Q7. Audi has significantly redesigned the Q7 while keeping every curve of style, luxury, and practicality in mind. The improvements made to this glamorous midsize luxury SUV include a dynamically refreshed interior and exterior styling pattern, enhanced technological advancements, and a highly capable turbocharged V6 motor that urges to be pushed harder to its limits. Audi Q7 even provides a standard all-wheel-drive system to pay more attention towards the Q7’s offroad capability. The built quality hasn’t been compromised as well with high-grade materials and demanding features on offer. With all that, the Audi Q7 competes right in the heart of the luxury SUV segment, where it gives tough competition to its top executive rivalry, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and BMW X5. However, you can even take a glance at the Volvo XC90 as it gives good competition to the Q7. But, the Volvo XC90 largely misses out on the ride quality that the Audi Q7 has to offer.
Bentley Bentayga
Starting Price: $198,900
The Bentley Bentayga is by far counted among the largest and most exclusive luxury SUV from Bentley as a Volkswagen-owned British automaker. It’s even one of the most expensive as well as luxurious vehicles spotted on the road today. And why shouldn’t Bentayga be the best value for money SUV in 2022? Well, the answer is quite simple to elaborate this beauty. The Bentley Bentayga is the only real competitor to the Grand Luxurious SUV saloon, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. This SUV is just a head-turner masterpiece and is outfitted with high-quality materials both on the inside as well as outside of the vehicle. Also, Bentley has recently revealed a new plug-in hybrid variant of the Bentayga which comes equipped with a V6 engine and hybrid system underneath. This plug-in hybrid variant is capable to run an EPA-estimated 18 miles on battery power before switching over to regular gasoline operation. However, the Bentley Bentayga Hybrid doesn’t pack as much power as the V8 and 12-cylinder engine models do.
Ford Escape
Starting Price: $27,100
The largest renowned American automobile manufacturer Ford is now shifting its center of attention more towards the electric as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies. Ford has recently introduced an all-wheel-drive family car that’s capable to go almost anywhere across the terrain as per its manufacturer. We are talking about the Ford Escape crossover SUV. The Ford Escape is offered in four various powertrain options including hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems as optional. These electric and hybrid systems further assist in reducing fuel consumption and produce extra electric-powered boosts whenever required for this compact SUV. Now, you can ask for the hybrid powertrain as a piece of optional equipment for the SE and SEL trims. This same hybrid powertrain comes as standard on the top-spec Titanium model.
Apart from that, you’ll get to experience heaps of tech-adopted features such as the adaptive cruise control and a traffic-sign recognition feature on the optional Co-Pilot360 Plus package; a hands-free power liftgate and memory settings for the driver’s seat and exterior mirrors are available on the Technology package; and a keyless-entry keypad, LED exterior lighting, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat can be spotted in the Convenience package. Ford has even introduced a new 19-inch set of wheel designs as optional equipment on the Titanium model. Along with that, there’s a Class II Trailer Tow package available all across the Escape lineup with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The cabin is stylish and merges well with its smooth-edged exterior styling. However, the most affordable models heavily miss out on appropriate quality standards.
Now, let’s talk about the best value for money SUV in 2022. Well, the most value for money SUV in the Escape lineup is the mid-range SEL trim with front-wheel drive. The SEL trim comes with an ocean of features that are a must for compact SUV buyers. These features include a memory settings feature for the driver’s seat and exterior mirrors, rear parking sensors, fake leather upholstery, remote start, a hands-free power liftgate, roof-rack side rails, fog lamps, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Ford Escape unquestionably continues to be a good option to checkout in the compact SUV segment, although, competitors such as the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan offer a much better deal with great levels of refinement, high-quality furnishings, and better driving pleasure for the same amount of money.
Kia Seltos
Starting Price: $21,990
Distinct design, premium built quality, and an airy cabin loaded with mass tech makes the Kia Seltos a considerable choice among other subcompact SUVs. There’s plenty of passenger as well as cargo space with two rows of adult-friendly seating. However, the handling and acceleration response from this SUV isn’t that convincing when compared with other good choices in its class, such as Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona. The cabin feels good and roomy though there is too much plastic all around. Apart from that, the cabin is rich with the latest features such as Bose premium surround sound system, touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple Car Play, head-up display, and much more.
The Kia Seltos offers decent powertrain options that are productively fuel-efficient as well. Kia offers a naturally aspirated engine on all the baseline variants of the Seltos. This engine feels tedious to drive over long roads and even lacks power. However, the optional turbocharged engine offers more power and is worth the money. This turbocharged motor comes mated to a dual-clutch transmission that’s quite inconsistent and slow to shift.
Volkswagen Atlas
Starting Price: $31,500
Volkswagen deserves a respectful appreciation for making such a brilliant SUV, both in terms of design as well as equipment. The Volkswagen Atlas is known for its impressive and muscular design. The Atlas itself conquers to be the best value for money SUV, particularly in the midsize SUV segment. Now if we talking about the midsize SUV segment, this SUV is available in two- and three-row variants and both the variants aren’t compromised with seating space and cargo room. There’s ample of space inside the cabin with top-notch safety and driver assistance features such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. The Volkswagen Atlas additionally provides an easy-to-use infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The ride quality is extremely plush, though, the engines on offer need more power to move such a big vehicle. Disappointingly, the Volkswagen Atlas still offers the same powertrain options as it used to offer in the past-generation Atlas. However, buyers can now ask for an all-wheel-drive as optional equipment even with the four-cylinder turbocharged 235-horsepower engine. There’s also a six-cylinder engine that produces 276 horsepower.
Keeping all that aside, the Volkswagen Atlas is still a thoughtful competitor among three-row family SUVs or you can even check out its other competitors including Chevrolet Traverse, Mazda CX-9, and Kia Telluride.
MINI Cooper Countryman
Starting Price: $29,500
The MINI Cooper Countryman is a beautifully designed version of little cars that made this British brand popular for manufacturing exceptionally fun-to-drive cars. However, don’t get mistaken by the name, the MINI Cooper Countryman isn’t that small either. It’s a decent-sized luxury subcompact crossover that comes loaded with some phenomenal features on offer as well as a premium cabin appeal. Along with that, the Countryman comes equipped with amazing powertrains options that are highly fuel-efficient as well. Although, the cargo space is not that great when compared to its other potential competitors. This car can definitely be your best value for money SUV if you have a small family that likes going on adventurous trips every weekend. It offers the largest amount of cargo-and-passenger space ever found in any Mini vehicle.
The MINI Cooper Countryman runs along the lines of every other car made by Mini Cooper. One can easily recognize the Countryman as a Mini’s model due to its bold and beautiful design language that is only exclusive to Mini Cooper. The exterior design of the all-new Countryman houses quite exemplary LED lighting elements to promote its British heritage through a Union Jack motif on the taillights. The facia has also been revised with a more modern representation of the brand’s one and only luxury subcompact crossover SUV. The interior section looks quite premium as well, with an aroma of the latest technology advancements and plenty of personalization options. Yet, it heavily misses out on a smooth ride and handling balance as well as driver assistance features, something which you’ll get to see on almost every possible rival in the lineup.
This SUV is now also available with Amazon Alexa voice assistant along with a completely new version of the fancy MINI Yours Interior Style. The MINI Yours Interior Style package further includes a new range of leather trims and interior surfaces, as well as a newly optional digital gauge cluster that’s mounted on the steering column. Apart from that, you’ll even get to see other interesting features on offer, including an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, head-up display, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, passive entry, forward-collision warning, and automated emergency braking.
If we talk about the performance of this machine, the countryman comes equipped with a three-cylinder engine as standard. However, you can even opt. for a bigger turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out 55 horsepower more than the standard three-cylinder engine. The MINI Cooper Countryman is also accessible with an optional ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.
Mazda CX-9
Starting Price: $35,700
Emphasizing style and performance over outright utility, the rakishly penned and turbocharged 2022 Mazda CX-9 is alluring and upscale for a three-row midsize crossover SUV. Sure, it gives up some cargo and third-row passenger space in exchange for its attractive looks, but if you don’t need the maximum measurements for either metric, the trade-off might prove worthwhile.
This year, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 adds new infotainment technology, while the top-of-the-line Signature trim level moves deeper into premium territory with a fancy new grille and quilted leather seats. A more affordable alternative is the new CX-9 Carbon Edition, which gets a blacked-out look combined with unique paint, exclusive interior appointments and plenty of equipment.
As is true of any Mazda, the 2022 CX-9 is enjoyable to drive, a rarity in this segment. Be sure to examine our in-depth Expert Rating to learn all of the pros and cons of this appealing SUV.
When Mazda last redesigned the CX-9 for the 2016 model year, we decided to perform a one-year test of the family hauler. Over the course of 22,000 miles, we learned plenty about what’s great about the CX-9, and what’s not. Be sure to dive deeper into our everyday experiences with the Mazda CX-9, which impressed us more than it depressed us.
