9 Best SUVs for Daily Driving (incl. Sports, Luxury, Off-Road)
SUVs with various outstanding qualities for everyday use – sporty, off-road prowess, spacious, and fuel thrifty – fill the ultra-competitive segment.
While luxury SUVs are perfect for those on bigger budgets, plenty of affordable mainstream models make excellent daily drivers – new or used.
Best SUV Daily Driver (Compact SUV)
#1 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is perfect for those wanting an affordable yet capable SUV for daily use.
Although compact 5-seater SUVs are aplenty, the CR-V tops with segment-leading interior and cargo room, excellent fuel economy, and sporty handling, solidifying its status as one of the best mainstream SUVs for daily driving.
The CR-V’s cavernous interior is excellent news for families who want maximum room for comfort and utility.
The front-wheel-drive model is efficient, clocking around 30 mpg combined, while the all-wheel-drive version only sacrifices 1-2 mpg.
Besides, it has precise steering and enough athleticism to rival the Mazda CX-5 – the best of the lot in driving engagement – so the Honda CR-V is the total daily-driver package for an affordably-priced SUV.
Opting for the CR-V also means driving a safe vehicle that offers peace of mind.
The extensive list of IIHS awards the CR-V received:
| IIHS Award | |
| 2022 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick |
| 2020 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick |
| 2019 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick |
| 2018 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2016 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2015 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2014 Honda CR-V | – |
| 2013 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick |
| 2012 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick |
| 2011 Honda CR-V | – |
| 2010 Honda CR-V | – |
| 2009 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick |
| 2008 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick |
| 2007 Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick |
Best SUV Daily Driver (Midsize SUV)
#2 Hyundai Santa Fe
While midsize SUVs can seat the same number of passengers as compact ones, they offer more interior room and cargo space.
It is one size larger than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Still, the Hyundai Santa Fe’s starting price is merely one thousand dollars higher, with a roomier interior and cargo, making it the best value-for-money midsize SUV for everyday use.
Its other daily-driver qualities include:
- Strong fuel economy – mid-20s mpg combined, including with the turbocharged engine.
- Good visibility – even out the back with the decent-sized rear window.
- Plenty of space in both rows – legroom in the back row is above an inch more than in the compact-class-leading Honda CR-V.
- One of the least expensive midsize SUVs.
- Many standard features and industry-leading warranty.
A hybrid-powered and plug-in hybrid Santa Fe models have been available since 2021 and 2022, respectively. They can achieve a 5 to 6 mpg improvement in overall fuel economy over the standard gasoline-only model.
Crucially, the plug-in hybrid version is capable of 30 miles of electric-only range, offering the possibility of doing away with fuel entirely if you drive short distances daily.
Depending on how much second-row room and storage space you need, these Hyundai SUVs offer excellent value for money and an economical daily driver:
- Hyundai Tucson (small).
- Hyundai Palisade (midsize).
Best SUV Daily Driver (Luxury SUV)
#3 Genesis GV70
Car buyers expect to pay a premium for luxury vehicles with excellent ride quality and interior opulence to match the price.
Suppose you don’t expect to ferry more than a couple of passengers or still desire a luxurious ride; the Genesis GV70 would be the best small luxury SUV for daily driving as it offers a plush ride in a roomy compact body.
You can opt for a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged V6 for added grunt, although both can accelerate from 0 to 60 mpg in six seconds or less – AWD is standard.
The quiet cabin adds to the overall luxurious experience for up to five passengers.
These European models are more established than the GV70:
- BMW X3.
- Mercedes-Benz GLC.
- Audi Q5.
- Volvo XC60.
But still, the Genesis can rival them in luxury and performance for less.
The Acura RDX matches Genesis GV’s price, but the latter is newer and has a longer warranty that helps lower running costs.
#4 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Posh 3-row SUVs are less common than smaller 2-row models, so the elongated wheelbase with higher hauling capacity is ideal for larger families or smaller ones wanting extra space.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a compelling premium SUV for daily use, seating up to seven in a roomy interior and luxurious comfort.
Compared to most rivals, the GLS offers better outward visibility, thanks to large windows all around, while its 20 mpg combined fuel economy is impressive considering its heft.
Rear headroom and legroom are marginally more than its direct competitor, the BMW X7.
If every inch of legroom matters for your second and third-row passengers, opt for the 3rd-generation GLS, which debuted in 2020. It has 3.4 inches more legroom than the preceding models.
That said, the 5-seater Audi Q8 (logically) enjoys slightly better knee room, so if you want to trade the additional seats for a roomier two-row, the Audi Q8 is the more suitable family hauler for everyday driving.
Best SUV Daily Driver (Sports SUV)
#5 Porsche Cayenne
Most recently released premium vehicles gear towards comfort and luxury at the expense of driving engagement, but Porsche family cars buck that trend.
The Porsche Cayenne is the best sports SUV for daily driving, expertly combining exquisite interior quality and athletic handling.
It’s probably the best-performing midsize SUV built for thrills, with impressive acceleration, even with the base engine, plus superior cornering grip.
Available powertrain options include turbocharged V6, turbocharged V8, and plug-in-hybrid versions of both, while all-wheel drive is standard.
Cayenne’s 20 mpg overall is commendable considering its capabilities and decent for the segment.
The ride is firm but comfortable in a serenely quiet cabin, another Porsche hallmark.
Although its interior space is best for four, opt for one of these midsize luxury SUVs if you need slightly bigger room in the second row:
- BMW X5.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
- Audi Q8.
Or, if you have a small family and don’t want to spend $70k for a Cayenne, the compact $55k Porsche Macan SUV is equally thrilling to drive.
Best SUV Daily Driver (4×4 for Off-Road)
#6 Jeep Wrangler
The iconic Wrangler is massively popular among off-roaders and drivers of all ages pursuing a rugged SUV for style and rocky terrain prowess.
Despite the mediocre on-road demeanor and daily driving credentials, the Jeep Wrangler is probably the best four-wheel-drive SUV with superior off-road ability that you can drive every day if you’re after a compact model.
It oozes rustic charm and distinct proportions in a body-on-frame construction, although the latest-gen Wrangler has a more comfortable interior with extensive customization options.
The Wrangler’s towing capacity is also higher than the competition, rated at 3,500 lbs, versus 1,500 lbs to 2,000 lbs in popular models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson.
Four-wheel-drive is standard across all Wrangler trim levels, a testament to its off-road DNA.
Still, those seeking a more comfortable ride in a roomier interior should consider the next 4×4 SUV on this list.
#7 Ford Bronco
The famous Ford Bronco nameplate has a history of two halves: the first was a burly, gas-guzzling two-door that ceased production after 1996, while the second saw a 2021-revived version with a more pleasant on-road ride comfort.
As Ford’s answer to the ever-popular Wrangler, the Bronco is a midsize SUV with improved daily-driver qualities than the Wrangler, making it one of the best 4×4 SUVs for everyday use and off-roading.
Despite the body-on-frame construction, the Bronco rides reasonably well, with stable and predictable steering at higher speeds, thanks to an independent front suspension, making long journeys less tiring.
However, the removable hardtop makes the interior noisy regardless of the speed – similar to the Wrangler – a common issue with this type of vehicle.
If a quiet ride is crucial in your daily commute, the Honda Passport is worth considering. While it isn’t as off-road capable as the Bronco or the Jeeps, its rugged look, quiet cabin, and above-average off-road credentials will appeal.
The Subaru Outback also deserves mention for its comfortable ride and off-road ability than surpasses the average midsize SUV.
Best SUV Daily Driver (Cheap Used SUV)
#8 Toyota RAV4
Regularly trading top-selling positions with the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4 is a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment.
Due to its decades-long production run and Toyota’s trusted reliability, the RAV4 makes an excellent used SUV for everyday use, as it checks all the boxes of a frugal and inexpensive daily driver.
RAV4 qualities that individuals and small families can count on include:
- Spacious interior – above-average, behind only its Honda and Subaru rivals.
- High cargo capacity – consistently near the top of the class. Only the CR-V boasts more storage space.
- Smooth and comfortable ride – the suspension absorbs bumps and surface imperfections reasonably well.
- Optional all-wheel-drive – handy for enhanced grip; available since the first-gen RAV4.
- Excellent fuel economy – around 30 mpg combined in the latest models. Still, older RAV4s are typically efficient, never returning worse than low-20s mpg overall.
- Impeccable crash safety – top marks by NHTSA and IIHS.
IIHS awards the RAV4 received include:
| IIHS Award | |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2019 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | – |
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | – |
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | – |
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | – |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
If you desire high fuel efficiency, the RAV4 Prime plug-in-hybrid has been available since 2021, with a near-40-mpg average.
Due to its affordable pricing and pioneering presence since the mid-1990s, the Toyota RAV4 is also an excellent used car for a family of four or five if a lower-riding sedan doesn’t appeal.
These used RAV4 models are available:
- Ten-year-old RAV4: between $10,500 and $13,900.
- Fifteen-year-old RAV4: between $6,000 and $8,500.
Best SUV Daily Driver (Electric SUV)
#9 Volkswagen ID.4
Going electric is smart as fuel remains expensive and EV prices fall with greater production numbers, making electric vehicles more accessible to the masses.
It’s a few thousand dollars pricier than similar offerings from Hyundai (Kona Electric) and Kia (Niro EV).
Still, the Volkswagen ID.4 is budget-friendly and one of the best electric SUVs for everyday use – a mainstream EV that doesn’t wear the costly Tesla badge.
Essentially, the ID.4 is a compact SUV that has more substantial interior and cargo room than the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV – its closest competitors – including respectable EV performances:
- Available AWD for enhanced wet-weather grip.
- Impressive 280-mile range in the base RWD model – 250 miles with the AWD.
- Roomy interior – 130 cubic ft. compares favorably to Kona Electric and Niro EV’s sub-120 cubic ft.
- Good visibility – the large windshield and sloping hood provide an unencumbered forward view.
- Superior versatility – approx. 30 cubic ft. of storage behind the rear seats and over 64 cubic ft. with the seats folded.
This family-friendly EV from the German brand is quick, quiet, and fairly roomy for up to three in the backseat – ideal for a family of three, four, or five.
References:
https://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars-for-sale
