While there’s always something fun about driving a new SUV, deriving the most enjoyment from a new SUV requires choosing one that fits your style. For example, carving canyon roads in a high-performance SUV with sportscar-like handling may give you the most pleasure. Or you may prefer the quiet, comfortable ride of a luxury-oriented model. Finally, some prefer the open-air freedom and rugged capabilities of an off-road-oriented SUV. Whatever your preference, one of these five new SUVs will fit your style.

The 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the most fun to drive

Leading the pack of Autotrader’s fun-to-drive performance SUVs is the $46,200 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The base model features a turbocharged 280 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder and legendary Italian style. However, if you’d prefer more power, you can opt for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio featuring a 505-horsepower “Ferrari-derived twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6” with 443 lb-ft of torque. While it costs about $40,000 more than the base model, it’s hard to stop smiling when you go from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. 

The 2023 Hyundai Kona N features a turbocharged engine

The 2023 Hyundai Kona N features Hyundai’s performance-oriented 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 276 horsepower and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission complete with paddle shifters. While not powerful as the Stelvio Quadrifoglio above, the Kona N delivers solid performance and a firm suspension “aimed at fast cornering” for less money. Unfortunately, the Kona N’s stiff suspension tuning provides more fun than comfort.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 is luxurious and fun to drive

If luxury brings you joy, look at the 2023 Genesis GV70. While the Genesis GV70 features luxurious exterior and interior styling, it doesn’t lack performance features either. The GV70 features standard all-wheel drive, and its base turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 300 horsepower. However, the optional 375 horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 better suits the GV70’s luxury and style. 

The 2022 Ford Bronco is a fun-to-drive SUV that’s ready for the trails

If an open-air cabin and off-road capability factor into your fun ratio, the 2022 Ford Bronco offers that and more. Featuring an “advanced 4WD system” and 11.6-inches of ground clearance, the Ford Bronco can take you to the end of the road and keep going. In addition, the available 400-horsepower Bronco Raptor offers enough power to pull your cheeks into a smile even if you try to frown. And when the weather cooperates, take off the Bronco’s doors and roof to enjoy some fresh air or a refreshing shower if the weather turns wet. 

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler is a new SUV with off-road capabilities

An icon of off-road capability, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler offers a wide array of options to suit nearly anyone. While the 2023 Wrangler doesn’t offer as much comfort as the other SUVs on this list, it does feature Jeep Wrangler’s legendary off-road prowess along with a “fully removable top and doors” and “more creature comforts than previous generations.” 

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler is also the only new SUV on this list that includes hybrid options. Buyers seeking fun with better fuel economy can choose either a mild hybrid option or the plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe.

Which new SUV is the most fun to drive?

OK, all these SUVs are fun to drive; that’s why they’re on the list of “Most Fun-to-Drive SUVs.” Choosing the right one for you will take research and test driving one or all of the models listed here, perhaps others. Maybe that is the most fun of all?