There Was a 4-Way Tie for Best 2023 SUV From U.S. News
Today, the most popular vehicles on the road are SUVs, but not all are created equal. There are luxury, electric, three-row, midsize, or offroad models available to meet the varying personalities and demands of American consumers.
U.S. News recently reviewed the models currently on the market to determine the Best SUV of 2023. The competition was fierce, and the auto reviewer could not decide which new cars deserved the No. 1 spot, so instead, they called it a four-way tie.
The best crossover SUVs for 2023
While deciding on the best crossover SUV of the year, U.S. News assigned an overall score of 8.7 out of 10 to four 2023 SUVs, with each vehicle having unique features, specs, advantages, and disadvantages.
Here are some of the things they liked best about each model and why they selected the crossover SUV for first place.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The popular hybrid SUV has more cargo space than most other vehicles in its class, offering 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a cavernous 74.8 cubic feet of cargo carrying capacity with the seats folded down.
The refreshed upscale interior cabin features cutting-edge technology with plenty of amenities to keep all five passengers comfortable. The Tucson offers an impressive array of standard safety features and has an energetic powertrain that generates 226 hp to 261 hp, depending on the trim, while allowing for a balanced ride.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has an MSRP of $30,900 for the base model. Crediting its “impressive combination of quality and value,” U.S. News called the Tucson “one of the best hybrid SUVs on the market,” proclaiming it is a “tremendous value that should be at the forefront of your shopping list.”
2023 Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai hit it out of the park this year, with another one of their SUVs making it to the No. 1 spot. The Palisade features refreshed exterior styling for the 2023 model year with the debut of a new XRT trim and enhanced interior tech amenities that include a user-friendly infotainment system.
The reliable SUV offers a plethora of standard features and an upscale cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The powerful V6 engine allows for impressive performance and handling.
2023 Mazda CX-5
Also receiving an overall score of 8.7 from U.S. News is the 2023 Mazda CX-5, which they claim “offers a blend of comfort, athleticism, and interior refinement that helps elevate this SUV from practical people-mover to near-luxe transportation.”
The CX-5 starts at $26,700 and gets an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. There have been no significant changes for the 2023 model year, but the crossover still makes it to the top of the list with a premium interior, quick acceleration, loads of standard safety features, and poised handling.
2023 Kia EV6
The 2023 Kia EV6 may scare away consumers looking for a bargain; it costs between $48,700 and $61,600. But, despite its high cost, U.S. News selected the Kia EV6 as one of its top picks due to its impressive long driving range, fun and engaging driving dynamics, high safety ratings, and vast array of modern tech features. They claim, “If you can get past its high price, it makes a solid case as a capable daily-use EV.”
There is not much to dislike about the EV6, with a driving range of 300 miles from an electric motor that generates 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Providing smooth acceleration and generous power, the rear-wheel-drive models can hit 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 115 mph.
Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line 2023 Kia EV6 GT trim can reach 161 mph, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.
