4 Best SUVs According to TrueCar
SUVs have been on a constant rise in popularity, supplanting sedans as the vehicle of choice for many drivers. In fact, automakers have now retooled the majority of their lineups, with sedans being aggressively filtered out. With such a crowded market, how can you know which is right for you? We’ve narrowed down TrueCar’s Best SUVs of 2023 to this list of four.
1. Kia Sportage
The newly redesigned Sportage SUV stands out among its competitors for its extroverted styling, comfortable ride quality, more cargo space, and a bevy of tech features. As it enters the fifth generation for the 2023 model year, Kia Sportage comes with a sharper, more angular design and a slightly longer wheelbase for more interior space.
Inside, the Sportage packs a thoughtful and user-friendly cabin that doesn’t sacrifice its functionality for style. It accommodates up to five passengers with 38.2 cu-ft of cargo space, expanding to 76.1 cu-ft with the second row folded down.
Best of all, the Sportage offers a trio of powertrains to fit your performance and fuel economy needs. You can choose a standard 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the hybrid 227 hp turbocharged 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine, or a plug-in hybrid variant that makes 261 hp with its combination of turbocharged four-cylinder and electric motor. Owning the Sportage will cost you an estimated starting MSRP of $27,285.
2. Toyota Sequoia
The three-row Toyota Sequoia has been in production since the 2008 model year and is still relevant in the 2023 SUV lineup. It shares the same platform as the Tundra full-size pickup truck. Still, it retains its rugged performance capability while offering a luxurious interior trim with comfort and convenience amenities you would expect from a Toyota vehicle.
The Sequoia comes with an ample 9310-pound towing capacity provided by the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that pushes power through the standard rear wheels, with all-wheel drive as an option.
According to TrueCar, 2023, Sequoia’s setup is significantly fuel efficient for its size, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. It can accommodate up to eight passengers with a standard bench seat in the second row or seven with the optional captain’s chairs in the second row. The model starts at a competitive MSRP of $59,960.
3. Kia Sorento
The 2023 Sorento is a practical family hauler and a strong value proposition falling under Kia’s midsize SUV lineup. It seats up to seven passengers and combines excellent practicality with generous standard features, including a long list of driver assistance technology. Its three-row setup provides more comfort without sacrificing cargo space, with 75.5 cu-ft of total storage when the second and third rows are folded down. The Sorento’s design is a nice blend of sharp angles and subtle curves, while its interior offers a thoughtful and intuitive user interface.
Under the hood, you can choose from multiple engine options such as the standard 191 hp 2.5-liter inline-four engine, the turbocharged 281 hp 2.5-liter inline-four engine, and a hybrid variant that makes 227 hp with its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and electric motor combination.
Even better, according to Edmunds, Kia Sorento EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are a respectable 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Drivers will have to shell out an estimated MSRP of $31,285 to get their hands on the Kia Sorento.
4. Hyundai Tucson
When style, value, and features meet in one well-rounded package, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson wins the attention of many. It offers plenty of room for five passengers and a bold, angular exterior design that stands out from the crowd. The LED daytime running lights fair into the characteristic cascading grille, creating a rugged but sophisticated look. On its rear, the Tucson exhaust pipes integrate perfectly into the bumper, giving it a sporty feel.
The 2023 Tucson offers a simple modern cabin with a spacious interior and smart storage solution. Expect a sharp set of technology features such as an 8-inch or 10-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, a digital instrument cluster, and plenty of driver assistance features.
Powering the 2023 Tucson is a lineup of engine variations, including a standard 187 hp 2.5-liter inline-four, a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Tucson’s EPA-estimated fuel economy rating is 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. One can expect to pay an estimated MSRP of $31,285 for the base model, with all-wheel drive being optional.
