Today’s SUVs come in all shapes and sizes, with options ranging far beyond the original concept of a large, rugged vehicle built for life on the wilderness trails. The best modern models combine high levels of interior comfort with advanced technology and impressive performance to make the SUV format more attractive than ever, whether you’re looking for a daily urban drive or rugged off-road adventuring. But which of the many current SUV models is right for you? The 2023 model year sees several favorites updated and enhanced, along with some new arrivals that set fresh standards for luxury and high-end engineering. Here are five of the most important new releases to keep an eye on over the coming year.
5. Honda CR-V: Updated and Improved
The Honda CR-V is a stalwart of the modern SUV scene, but with its last major upgrade dating back to 2016, the model risked being overtaken by more modern rivals. Thankfully, Honda has extensively refreshed and upgraded this SUV for the 2023 model year, and its new features seem sure to maintain its best-selling status. Available with a gas-powered turbo engine making a healthy 190 horsepower, this SUV has the grunt available to handle any everyday driving task. However, if you’re looking for even more, an all-new hybrid powertrain makes its first CR-V appearance and delivers a throaty 204 horsepower and 247lb-ft of torque, adding a distinct sports edge to this firm family favorite.
4. Hyundai Venue: Built for the City
The 2023 Hyundai Venue shows that not all SUVs need to be large, domineering models bursting with gas-guzzling power. Built to a neat subcompact design, the Venue offers economical agility that’s perfectly formed for everyday driving, navigating crowded streets and tight parking slots with nimble ease. And while the Venue may be one of the smallest SUVs on the market in 2023, the interior has a level of comfort to rival many much larger vehicles. Heated front seats and an 8″ infotainment touchscreen set the upscale tone, while an extensive suite of active driver-assist features mean every journey is as safe as it is comfortable.
3. Cadillac Lyriq: All-Electric Luxury
The 2023 Lyriq from Cadillac is an all-electric SUV that blends exceptional performance with all the style and luxury you’d expect from a Caddy. The standard rear-wheel-drive model directs a huge 340 horsepower to the pavement to create surging acceleration at the touch of the pedal, but that’s far from the end of the performance story. Switch to the all-wheel drive option, and the dual electric motors deliver a combined output of 500 horsepower, one of the most impressive figures for any SUV available today. The Lyriq also features a dramatic amount of technology in the cabin, based around a 33″ LED screen that combines a digital instrument cluster and advanced infotainment functions in one crystal-clear, high-definition display.
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee: Off-Road Excellence
There’s no other automaker with quite the reputation for off-road excellence enjoyed by Jeep. The 2023 Grand Cherokee is their latest take on combining rugged performance with high-end comforts, and with features including all-wheel drive as standard, it’s undoubtedly an SUV that’s capable of venturing far from the pavement. However, the Grand Cherokee also makes an excellent everyday family choice. A serious amount of power under the hood combines with a roomy seven-seater interior to make this SUV a versatile all-rounder.
1. Ford Expedition: Full-Size Power and Performance
For the ultimate in family SUVs, it’s hard to look further than the newly updated 2023 Ford Expedition. Its strikingly spacious cabin seats up to eight in genuine comfort, with masses of technology, including a rear-seat entertainment system to keep even the most restless family members occupied. The Expedition packs a punch under the hood, too. Built around a 3.5L twin-turbo engine creating a mammoth 400 horsepower, this is an SUV that’ll never leave you wishing for an extra edge of performance. The SUV format continues to dominate today’s auto market, and these five models show why that’s unlikely to change in 2023 or beyond.