Consumer Reports analysts have taken the time to help car shoppers find the best new SUVs that may be too good to pass on due to their determination that these 10 high-scoring models do well in performance, reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction.
Related article: Consumer Reports Most Popular New Cars and SUVs Should Come As No Surprise to New Car Shoppers Focused on Reliability and Cost
Why American Shoppers Predominantly Choose SUVs
“SUVs are the primary vehicle choice for new-car buyers in the U.S. because of their commanding view of the road, available all-wheel drive, and mostly roomy and family-friendly interiors. Many of them, particularly hybrid versions, also get fuel economy that’s on a par with midsized sedans,” explains the recent newsletter.
CR analysts compiled this list of SUVs ranked through an evaluation of their top Overall Scores per CR’s rigorous testing and analysis which includes:
- Road tests with over 50 detailed evaluations.
- Reliability surveys from their consumer database.
- Owner satisfaction reports from current owners of their new vehicles.
- Extensive safety testing.
Each model comes standard with automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that works at highway speeds, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW), except if noted otherwise.
Here is a summary of the full list of this month’s CR best new SUVs listed below that includes their price range, miles per gallon fuel efficiency, and current rating within their vehicle category type.
1. 2025 Subaru Forester
Price Range: $29,995 - $43,295
CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 20 / Hwy 39 mpg
#1 of 32 Compact SUVs
Safety Features: Pedestrian and cyclist detection are standard, BSW and RCTW are not available on the base trim and are optional on the Premium trim.
2. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
Price Range: $44,265 - $48,135
CR MPGE: Overall 34 / City 29 / Hwy 39 mpge
#2 of 32 Compact SUVs
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection, highway-speed AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard equipment.
3. 2025 Subaru Outback
Price Range: $29,995 - $44,730
CR MPG: Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
#1 of 16 Midsized SUVs
Safety Features: BSW and RCTW are optional.
4. 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
Price Range: $39,730 - $47,440
CR MPG: Overall 31 / City 27 / Hwy 38 mpge
#3 of 32 Compact SUVs
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection, highway-speed AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard equipment.
5. 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
Price Range: $34,650 - $41,100
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 31 / Hwy 33 mpg
#2 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Safety Features: Unlike the regular CR-V, the Hybrid comes standard with the key driver safety systems.
6. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Price Range: $28,850 - $40,205
CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 41 mpg
#6 of 32 Compact SUVs
Safety Features: BSW and RCTW are standard on all except the base trim.
7. 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Price Range: $39,520 - $53,675
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 27 / Hwy 41 mpg
#2 of 23 Midsized SUVs 3-row
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection, highway-speed AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard equipment.
8. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Price Range: $37,800 - $49,650
CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 29 / Hwy 38 mpg
#1 of 23 Midsized SUVs 3-row
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection, highway-speed AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard equipment.
9. 2025 Subaru Forester Ascent
Price Range: $39,995 - $52,050
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg
#4 of 23 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row
Safety Features: For 2025, Premium is the entry-level trim, resulting in BSW and RCTW being standard across the line.
10. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Price Range: $26,560 - $33,360
CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 20 / Hwy 41 mpg
#1 of 15 Subcompact SUVs
Safety Features: Both BSW and RCTW are available only on higher trims.
For Additional Recent Consumer Reports Recommendations
Be sure to check out the "Best Used Cars: Consumer Reports' Top Picks for June 2025" in case you might be weighing the option of buying a used car over a new one.
But if it’s a new model you really want, here is a recent one about 10 Cheap New Cars That Consumer Reports Recommends for Saving Money article.
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
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