Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have become one of the most popular vehicle categories worldwide, offering a blend of practicality, versatility, and often, capability. This comprehensive list celebrates the 100 best SUVs of all time, spanning several decades of automotive innovation. These vehicles have been chosen based on their historical significance, technological advancements, performance, design, and cultural impact.
1. Jeep Wrangler (1986-Present)
The spiritual successor to the original Willys Jeep, the Wrangler has maintained its iconic design and off-road prowess for decades.
2. Land Rover Defender (1983-2016, 2020-Present)
An icon of rugged utility, the Defender has conquered terrains worldwide and recently been reimagined for the modern era.
3. Toyota Land Cruiser (1951-Present)
Known for its reliability and capability, the Land Cruiser has been a global favorite for both civilian and military use.
4. Range Rover (1970-Present)
The original luxury SUV, combining off-road capability with on-road comfort and prestige.
5. Ford Explorer (1990-Present)
One of the vehicles that popularized the SUV segment in America, the Explorer has been a consistent best-seller.
6. Chevrolet Suburban (1935-Present)
The longest-running automotive nameplate in production, the Suburban pioneered the full-size SUV segment.
7. Mercedes-Benz G-Class (1979-Present)
Originally designed as a military vehicle, the G-Wagen has become an iconic luxury SUV while maintaining its off-road capabilities.
8. Porsche Cayenne (2002-Present)
The SUV that saved Porsche, proving that sports car manufacturers could successfully enter the SUV market.
9. BMW X5 (1999-Present)
One of the first luxury crossovers, the X5 brought BMW’s driving dynamics to the SUV segment.
10. Honda CR-V (1995-Present)
A pioneer in the compact crossover segment, known for its practicality and reliability.
11. Toyota RAV4 (1994-Present)
Another early compact crossover that has become one of the best-selling vehicles worldwide.
12. Jeep Grand Cherokee (1992-Present)
Combining Jeep’s off-road heritage with more luxurious appointments, the Grand Cherokee has been a popular choice for decades.
13. Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2005-Present)
A more dynamic take on the Range Rover formula, offering impressive on-road performance without sacrificing off-road capability.
14. Audi Q7 (2005-Present)
Audi’s first SUV, known for its refined driving experience and advanced technology.
15. Volvo XC90 (2002-Present)
A pioneer in SUV safety technology, the XC90 has set new standards for family-oriented luxury SUVs.
16. Lexus RX (1998-Present)
One of the first luxury crossovers, the RX helped establish Lexus in the SUV market.
17. Subaru Forester (1997-Present)
A popular compact SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive and practicality.
18. Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero (1981-2021)
A capable off-roader with a strong rally heritage, popular in many global markets.
19. Nissan Patrol (1951-Present)
A long-running SUV known for its ruggedness and popularity in Middle Eastern markets.
20. Hummer H1 (1992-2006)
The civilian version of the military Humvee, offering unparalleled size and off-road capability.
21. Ford Bronco (1965-1996, 2021-Present)
An iconic American SUV recently revived to much fanfare, known for its off-road capability and removable top.
22. Chevrolet Tahoe (1995-Present)
A popular full-size SUV offering a more manageable size compared to the Suburban.
23. GMC Yukon (1992-Present)
GMC’s version of the Tahoe, often offering more luxurious trim levels.
24. Kia Telluride (2019-Present)
A recent entrant that has won numerous awards for its value, design, and features.
25. Hyundai Palisade (2019-Present)
Hyundai’s flagship SUV, competing closely with its corporate cousin, the Kia Telluride.
26. Mazda CX-5 (2012-Present)
Known for bringing a more engaging driving experience to the compact crossover segment.
27. Tesla Model X (2015-Present)
One of the first all-electric SUVs, known for its falcon-wing doors and impressive performance.
28. Lamborghini Urus (2018-Present)
Lamborghini’s first modern SUV, bringing supercar performance to the segment.
29. Rolls-Royce Cullinan (2018-Present)
The first SUV from Rolls-Royce, setting new standards for luxury in the segment.
30. Bentley Bentayga (2015-Present)
Bentley’s first SUV, combining ultra-luxury with surprising off-road capability.
31. Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001)
A landmark vehicle that helped popularize the modern SUV format.
32. Suzuki Jimny (1970-Present)
A tiny but capable off-roader with a cult following worldwide.
33. Isuzu Trooper (1981-2002)
A rugged SUV that was popular in many markets and sold under various brand names.
34. Acura MDX (2000-Present)
One of the first three-row crossovers, combining Honda’s reliability with premium features.
35. Infiniti QX56/QX80 (2004-Present)
Infiniti’s full-size luxury SUV, known for its bold styling and powerful V8 engine.
36. Lincoln Navigator (1997-Present)
One of the first full-size luxury SUVs, recently revitalized with distinctive styling and features.
37. Cadillac Escalade (1999-Present)
A full-size luxury SUV that has become a cultural icon, known for its bold styling and presence.
38. Volkswagen Touareg (2002-2018)
A capable luxury SUV that shared a platform with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7.
39. Dodge Durango (1997-Present)
A midsize SUV known for its optional V8 power and more recently, high-performance SRT variants.
40. Ford Expedition (1996-Present)
Ford’s answer to the Chevrolet Tahoe, offering a full-size SUV experience with car-like amenities.
41. Toyota 4Runner (1984-Present)
A rugged, body-on-frame SUV that has maintained its off-road focus throughout its lifetime.
42. Nissan Xterra (1999-2015)
A capable off-road SUV that offered a more affordable alternative to some competitors.
43. Land Rover Discovery (1989-Present)
A versatile SUV that bridges the gap between Land Rover’s utilitarian and luxury offerings.
44. Jeep Renegade (2014-Present)
A subcompact SUV that brings Jeep’s styling and some of its capability to a smaller, more urban-friendly package.
45. Mazda CX-9 (2006-Present)
A three-row crossover known for its more engaging driving dynamics compared to many competitors.
46. Subaru Outback (1994-Present)
While technically a wagon, the Outback has evolved to compete in the crossover SUV market with its raised ride height and all-wheel drive.
47. Buick Enclave (2007-Present)
A premium three-row crossover that helped redefine Buick for the modern era.
48. Hyundai Santa Fe (2000-Present)
A popular midsize crossover that has grown more premium with each generation.
49. Kia Sorento (2002-Present)
Kia’s midsize crossover offering, available with three rows of seating in recent generations.
50. Audi Q5 (2008-Present)
A popular luxury compact crossover known for its refined driving experience and technology features.
51. BMW X3 (2003-Present)
BMW’s compact luxury crossover, bringing the brand’s sporting pretensions to a smaller SUV package.
52. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (1997-Present)
Originally known as the M-Class, this midsize luxury SUV has been a strong competitor in its segment for decades.
53. Lexus LX (1995-Present)
Lexus’ flagship SUV, based on the Toyota Land Cruiser but with added luxury features.
54. Acura RDX (2006-Present)
A compact luxury crossover that has become one of Acura’s most popular models.
55. Volvo XC60 (2008-Present)
A compact luxury SUV known for its Scandinavian design and safety features.
56. Porsche Macan (2014-Present)
Porsche’s compact SUV, known for bringing sports car-like handling to the segment.
57. Range Rover Evoque (2011-Present)
A style-focused compact luxury SUV that brought Range Rover luxury to a smaller package.
58. Jeep Compass (2006-Present)
A compact crossover that has evolved to offer more of Jeep’s traditional styling and capability.
59. Volkswagen Tiguan (2007-Present)
VW’s compact crossover offering, known for its European driving dynamics and available third row in its second generation.
60. Nissan Rogue (2007-Present)
A popular compact crossover that has become one of Nissan’s best-selling vehicles.
61. Ford Edge (2006-Present)
A midsize two-row crossover that offers a balance of comfort and practicality.
62. Chevrolet Equinox (2004-Present)
A popular compact crossover that has been a strong seller for Chevrolet.
63. GMC Terrain (2010-Present)
GMC’s compact crossover offering, often featuring more premium options than its Chevrolet counterpart.
64. Toyota Highlander (2000-Present)
A popular midsize crossover known for its reliability and family-friendly features.
65. Honda Pilot (2002-Present)
Honda’s three-row crossover offering, known for its practicality and ease of use.
66. Mazda CX-30 (2019-Present)
A subcompact crossover that brings Mazda’s upscale design and driving dynamics to a smaller package.
67. Jaguar F-Pace (2016-Present)
Jaguar’s first SUV, combining the brand’s sporting character with SUV practicality.
68. Maserati Levante (2016-Present)
Maserati’s entry into the luxury SUV market, offering Italian flair and performance.
69. Alfa Romeo Stelvio (2017-Present)
Alfa Romeo’s first SUV, known for its sporty handling and distinctive Italian design.
70. Tesla Model Y (2020-Present)
Tesla’s compact electric SUV, bringing the brand’s technology and performance to a more affordable package.
71. Ford Mustang Mach-E (2020-Present)
Ford’s first purpose-built electric SUV, controversially wearing the Mustang name.
72. Rivian R1S (2022-Present)
An all-electric luxury SUV from startup Rivian, focusing on adventure and capability.
73. Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2021-Present)
While technically a crossover, this electric vehicle brings distinctive retro-futuristic styling to the segment.
74. Kia EV6 (2021-Present)
Kia’s electric crossover, sharing a platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 but with its own distinctive design.
75. BMW iX (2021-Present)
BMW’s flagship electric SUV, showcasing the brand’s future design direction and technology.
76. Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV (2022-Present)
The SUV version of Mercedes’ flagship electric vehicle, bringing S-Class luxury to an electric SUV format.
77. Audi e-tron (2018-Present)
Audi’s first purpose-built electric SUV, offering the brand’s trademark luxury in an EV package.
78. Volvo C40 Recharge (2021-Present)
A coupe-styled version of Volvo’s electric XC40, showcasing the brand’s commitment to electrification.
79. Polestar 3 (2022-Present)
The first SUV from Volvo’s electric performance brand, combining Scandinavian design with advanced technology.
80. Genesis GV80 (2020-Present)
The first SUV from Hyundai’s luxury brand, making a strong entrance into the premium SUV market.
81. Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer (1963-1991, 2022-Present)
An iconic American luxury SUV recently revived to compete in the premium full-size SUV segment.
82. Toyota Venza (2008-2015, 2021-Present)
A midsize crossover that returned as a hybrid-only model in its second generation.
83. Buick Encore (2012-Present)
One of the first subcompact luxury crossovers, helping to popularize the segment.
84. Chevrolet Trax (2013-Present)
Chevrolet’s entry into the subcompact crossover segment, offering affordable urban-friendly transportation.
85. Honda HR-V (1998-Present)
Honda’s subcompact crossover, known for its versatile interior and “Magic Seat” system.
86. Toyota C-HR (2016-Present)
Toyota’s style-focused subcompact crossover, bringing bold design to the segment.
87. Nissan Juke (2010-2019, 2019-Present)
A subcompact crossover known for its distinctive styling, recently renewed for a second generation.
88. Dacia/Renault Duster (2009-Present)
A budget-friendly compact SUV that has found success in many global markets.
89. Lada Niva (1977-Present)
A rugged, compact Soviet-designed SUV that has maintained its basic design for decades.
90. SsangYong Korando (1983-Present)
One of the longest-running model names from the Korean manufacturer, evolving from a Jeep-like off-roader to a modern crossover.
91. Great Wall Haval H6 (2011-Present)
One of China’s best-selling SUVs, showcasing the growing capabilities of Chinese auto manufacturers.
92. Tata Nexon (2017-Present)
A popular compact SUV from India, also available in an all-electric version.
93. Mahindra Scorpio (2002-Present)
A rugged, Indian-made SUV that has found success in several international markets.
94. UAZ Patriot (2005-Present)
A rugged Russian SUV known for its off-road capability and affordability.
95. Škoda Kodiaq (2016-Present)
Škoda’s first large SUV, offering practicality and value in the European market.
96. SEAT Ateca (2016-Present)
SEAT’s first SUV, bringing Spanish flair to the compact crossover segment.
97. Haval Jolion (2020-Present)
A modern compact SUV from China’s Great Wall Motors, showing the brand’s global ambitions.
98. Proton X70 (2018-Present)
A collaboration between Malaysia’s Proton and China’s Geely, representing the globalization of the auto industry.
99. VinFast VF 8 (2022-Present)
An electric SUV from Vietnam’s first global automaker, showcasing the country’s automotive ambitions.
100. BYD Tang (2015-Present)
A hybrid and electric SUV from one of China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, named after a Chinese dynasty.
Conclusion
This list of the 100 best SUVs of all time spans several decades of automotive innovation, from early pioneers like the Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Defender to modern electric SUVs like the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S. It includes iconic off-roaders, luxurious cruisers, family-friendly crossovers, and high-performance models.
Each of these vehicles has made a significant impact on the automotive industry and society at large. SUVs have transformed from niche off-road vehicles to become the dominant passenger vehicle type in many markets. They’ve influenced everything from urban design to fuel efficiency standards, and have become deeply ingrained in many cultures.
The evolution of SUVs reflects broader technological and social trends. Early SUVs were rugged, utilitarian vehicles, but over time, many have evolved to offer car-like comfort and advanced features. The rise of crossovers shows how consumer preferences have shifted towards vehicles that blend the practicality of SUVs with the comfort and efficiency of passenger cars.
More recently, the SUV market has been at the forefront of the shift towards electrification. Electric SUVs are not just changing how these vehicles are powered, but also introducing new design possibilities and features that weren’t possible with internal combustion engines.
Looking to the future, SUVs are likely to continue playing a vital role in personal transportation. As technology advances, we can expect to see further developments in electrification, autonomous driving, and connectivity in the SUV market. At the same time, there’s a growing focus on making these vehicles more environmentally friendly, with improvements in aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and alternative powertrains.
Whether you’re an SUV enthusiast, a family looking for a practical vehicle, or simply someone who appreciates the impact these vehicles have had on our world, this list offers a comprehensive look at the SUVs that have shaped the automotive landscape. From humble off-roaders to high-tech luxury vehicles, each of these SUVs has earned its place in automotive history.
