What exactly is an "SUV" these days? Body-on-frame construction is pretty much over, and that will only increase with electrification and versatile powertrain platforms demanding within-chassis room for propulsion. See: Rivian. AndRivian as an "influencer" in design has to be brought up, because they're really riffing off earlier designs, like Land Rover, the Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser, all the way back to the International Scout—and forward,to the reborn Scout brand itself.
Boxy cars are back in part because they just work. They not only can (but don't always) offer more interior utility. Their sight lines can (but, again, not always) offer greater outward visibility. ABMW 2002 is an object lesson in boxy elan. TheAudi Quattro that came a decade later was just as awesomely angular. So bubbly and smooth-sided is out, at least among these marques, and we think the refresh button wakes up all the following rigs. What's "boxy" and what's just harder-angled is a bit open to interpretation, however. Here, we rank these in order of dramatic change from soft-shouldered to sharp-edged—and not necessarily in terms of merit for that shift.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers. We are also referencing our own experience testing all the vehicles listed, save those that have yet to be available to the automotive press.
Top Boxy SUVs For Big & Small Budgets
Believe it or not, boxy cars still exist in today's market, and they look good. Here are 13 of them.
8 Kia Sorento
A Softer Kind Of Boxy
- Base Trim Engine
- 2.5L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- 191 HP @6100 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
- 181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
- 23/31/26 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
- Lead acid battery
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sorento
We recently talked aboutdesign trends with John Buckingham, VP head of exterior design at Kia, and Tom Kearns, chief designer at Kia. We asked, straight out, why carmakers are going back to boxy. Buckingham put it down to wanting to stand out.
"The automotive design space is cyclical. Customers are now trending towards wanting to stand out, and definitely, in the U.S., we are enjoying a time of wanting to project ruggedness and capability. At the end of the day, people are looking for more character."—John Buckingham, VP head of exterior design at Kia
The 2025Kia Sorento definitely has more character than the outgoing model, and manages to be both more muscular and more stylish, rather than "brawn-forward."
Sorento Highlights That Matter
- Huge price range ($31,990—$47,390) makes it both affordable and, potentially, thrifty on gas
- Gas, Hybrid, and PHEV
Gas EPA Combined | Hybrid EPA Combined | PHEV Combined |
up to 26 MPG | 34-36 MPG | 33 (+ 31 miles EV-only) |
Gas/Hybrid Powertrain | 191-281HP / 261 HP | 195-311 LB-FT / 258 LB-FT |
- Compact size still seats seven
- 6.9 to 8.2 inches of ground clearance
- Strong Cargo Capacity
Cargo Behind 1st Row | Behind 2nd Row | Behind 3rd Row |
75.5 Cubic feet | 38.5-45.0 Cubic feet | 12.6 Cubic feet |
The big deal about the Sorento is that it's a rare, three-row crossover that can be had at about the price where a lot of two-row crossovers sit.
That cheapest, $31,990 gas-only base model Sorento LX, is more like a tall wagon, with front-wheel drive and lower ground clearance, but you're still getting the extra space you're after.
You can also get the Sorento as both a hybrid and a PHEV. On the hybrid front, either the FWD model (combined 36 EPA fuel economy) or the AWD model (34 combined EPA fuel economy) are fairly frugal on gas and run between $40,355 and $42,585. You have to spend another $6,200 to get the PHEV—which can travel 31 miles on electric propulsion alone.
As for its boxiness, the Sorento has been evolving towards a more chiseled look, rather than undergoing a full plastic surgery makeover in a single swoop. But go back a half a decadeand you'll definitely see how much more amorphous and rounded the rig was.
We think the Sorento offers excellent value, and although the third row is relatively tight, this Kia makes the most of its big bones, offering just enough room for growing families who will sometimes need that last row of seats.
What Does The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Offer For The Money
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid plays its value cards really well, offering a lot of electrified goodness for your hard-earned cash.
7 2025 Toyota 4Runner
More 4Runner-y Than Ever
- Base Trim Engine
- 2.4L Turbo Inline-4
- Base Trim Transmission
- 8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- 278 hp
- Base Trim Torque
- 317 lb-ft
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- 4Runner
- Segment
- Midsize SUV
Thelatest version of the 4Runner is now 3.6 inches longer, and 4.1 inches wider than the last generation, and it rides a wheelbase that's also grown longer. All of that means that a 4X4-capable off-roader that was always a bit tight is now finally a good option for small families who still want to tow, and do other outdoorsy stuff—or just look the part.
4Runner Highlights That Matter
- Price range: $40,770—$66,900
- Gas, Hybrid
Gas EPA Combined
Hybrid EPA Combined
up to 22 MPG
23 MPG
Hybrid Powertrain
326 HP
465 LB-FT
- Now has third-row seating
- 8.1 to 10.1 inches ground clearance
- Strong Cargo Capacity
Cargo Behind 1st Row | Behind 2nd Row | Behind 3rd Row |
90.2 Cubic feet | 48.4 Cubic feet | 12.1 Cubic feet |
Note where the Toyota 4Runner starts pricing vs. the Sorento. These aren't really in the same category, however, as the 4Runner is bent toward far more rugged applications—and even the base model can tow 6,000 pounds, which puts the Sorento's max of 4,500 pounds to shame.
Also note that the 4Runner's hybrid system is far more powerful, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. That system isn't stupendous on gas, but it is actually far more economical than the outgoing V-6's thirsty numbers and middling output.
2025 Toyota 4Runner: The Comeback Of The Classic Gas-Powered SUV
The all-new SUV is modern and relevant but still emphatically a Toyota 4Runner.
The boxiness index couldn't really rise that much on the 4Runner, since it was already a brick on stilts. But the added space, seating for three (in a relatively cramped third row), and the fact that Toyota reverted to a way-back window that dumps directly into the tailgate to let the breeze cut right through the cabin when you hit the trail all heighten the 4Runner's utility.
6 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
A Tweener In Every Way
- Base Trim Engine
- 3.5L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
- 9-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- 284 hp
- Base Trim Torque
- 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
The revisedPathfinder is a lower-riding, three-row family hauler that doesn't bear much likeness to its ruggedness of yore. But the Rock Creek version at least lifts the ride height by half an inch and includes more rugged rubber.
Pathfinder Rock Creek Highlights That Matter
- Price: $44,490
- Gas
Gas EPA Combined
21 MPG
Gas Powertrain
295 HP
270 LB-FT
- Has third-row seating
- 7.7 inches ground clearance
- Good Cargo Capacity
Cargo Behind 1st Row | Behind 2nd Row | Behind 3rd Row |
80.5 Cubic feet | 45.0 Cubic feet | 16.1 Cubic feet |
If you're noticing a trend here, the first three entries have just enough length to put a person on the way back. Or two persons, if they're relatively small. Like the Sorento and the 4Runner, the Pathfinder has a third row, but not really for full-sized adults.
It trails maximum ground clearance of both the Kia and the Toyota, but as a family car, you might not want the skyscraping 4Runner, but you may want some of the rugged looks of theRock Creek Nissan—and it matches the Toyota with 6,000 pounds of towing capacity.
The Pathfinder Rock Creek drives and handles well, and the digs are well-appointed. But note that the Nissan lacks a hybrid option and trails both of those rigs' better fuel economy—and the Sorento hybrid gets far superior fuel numbers and manages to undercut the Rock Creek's price.
5 2024 Honda Pilot
More Brawn And More Brains
- Base Trim Engine
- 3.5L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
- 10-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- 285 hp
- Base Trim Torque
- 262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Honda wisely rebooted the Pilot a few years ago and gave it more of a legit SUV look. While they were at it,they also made it a more legit three-row family hauler. Sharper angles make the Pilot more distinctive, though it's a little more show than go for serious off-roading.
Honda Pilot Highlights That Matter
- Price range: $41,650–$56,030
- No hybrid option
Gas EPA Combined | Hybrid EPA Combined | |
up to 21 MPG | N/A | |
Powertrain | 285 HP | 261 LB-FT |
- Seats up to eight
- 7.3 to 8.3 inches ground clearance
- More aft legroom/good cargo capacity
Cargo Behind 1st Row | Behind 2nd Row | Behind 3rd Row |
87 Cubic feet | 48.5 Cubic feet | 18.6 Cubic feet |
The 2025 Honda Pilot Is An Affordable Family SUV For People Who Don't Like New Cars
The Honda Pilot feels kind of old, but not in a bad way. If you're tired of new car gimmicks, this SUV may be a good fit.
A fewstandout spec details of the Pilot include more space behind the third row of seats, and what's not in there, which is that the Pilot offers pretty decent third-row legroom and seating for up to eight passengers. Also, what's not there: The Pilot drives well. It's not quick, it's not supremely sporty, but it is confidence-inspiring. The Trailsport version gives you a modest beefing up of off-road cred, with ground clearance climbing to meet the minimum of what the 4Runner offers—but if you're after doing more than bombing fire roads, the 4Runner's optional 10.1 inches of ground clearance could be more important.
4 2025 VW Tiguan
Mid-Sized And Mid-Market
- Base Trim Engine
- 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- 201 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
- 206 lb.-ft. @ 1900 RPM
- Make
- Volkswagen
- Model
- Tiguan
- Segment
- Compact SUV
Volkswagen doesn't give the Tiguan three rows, even now that this rig is more chiseled,because that's the Atlas's job. But like the new Subaru Outback, the revisedTiguan gets more power, and a lighter, more rigid structure that it shares with the GTI. That should make the Tiguan a bit sportier than rivals like the Toyota RAV4, which is crucial for Volkswagen to stand out from the mid-size crossover pack. Also:There's now a souped-up, Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo.
VW Tiguan Highlights That Matter
- Price range: $30,920–$41,180
- No hybrid option
Gas EPA Combined | Hybrid EPA Combined | |
up to 28 MPG | N/A | |
Powertrain | 201 HP/268 HP | 221 LB-FT/258 LB-FT |
- Seats five
- 7 inches ground clearance
- Roomier for humans, but only so-so cargo capacity
Cargo Behind 1st Row | Behind 2nd Row |
26.5 Cubic feet | 58.9 Cubic feet |
A long time ago,Volkswagen made the Touareg, built on a chassis shared with the original Porsche Cayenne. It was incredibly capable off-road—and overbuilt for the job of ferrying kids to soccer practice. The Tiguan meets today's challenges more directly, and while we don't yet know how much VW will charge for the SEL R-Line Turbo that drops this fall, we bet they'll find fans who find this segment a bit boring.
2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo Has More Muscle Than a GTI
Adding a major horsepower boost to the newly launched Tiguan should entice new buyers to the midsized crossover.
Already, we bet that the underpinnings of the refreshed Tiguan make it more engaging to drive than the bulk of the crossover category, and it sure doesn't hurt that the Tiguan also looks sportier. Oh, and for the kids in the second row, there are acres of legroom, too. Even adults will be comfy. Which means Volkswagen has finally built a Tiguan for Americans!
3 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
A Boxy Value
- Base Trim Engine
- 2.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
- 8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- 277 hp
- Base Trim Torque
- 311 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
- Fuel Economy
- 20/29/24 mpg (FWD) | 20/28/23 mpg (AWD)
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Santa Fe
- 0-60 MPH
- 6.2 seconds
Like its Kia Sorento cousin, you can get theSanta Fe as a hybrid or gas model. But there's no PHEV. On the other hand, the base engine puts out 277 horsepower, a lot more than the 191 horsepower base engine in the Sorento. True, the Hyundai starts out four grand pricier, so there's that.
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlights That Matter
- Price range: $35,775–$49,325
- Gas, Hybrid
Gas EPA Combined
Hybrid EPA Combined
up to 24 MPG
36 MPG
Gas/Hybrid Powertrain
277 HP /231 HP
311 LB-FT / 271 LB-FT
- Decent third-row legroom
- 7.0 to 8.3 inches ground clearance
- Decent Cargo Capacity
Cargo Behind 1st Row | Behind 2nd Row | Behind 3rd Row |
79.6 Cubic feet | 40.5 Cubic feet | 14.6 Cubic feet |
One thing here: There's no question this could've been considered the boxiest conversion on our list, as the prior Santa Fe really looked doughy. And, to our eyes, the reborn Santa Fe is a looker, with not just a granite-like build, but a handsome one. Hyundai's use of LED lighting is also more interesting and cool than the tacked-on feel of other brands.
As for the goodness underneath, it's hard to argue with the base horsepower value, especially when you consider that the Tiguan S R-Line Turbo isn't going to be that muscular and will cost as much as $10,000. Then again, cargo room behind the second row of the Hyundai is relatively tight, which is surprising given the squared-off hatch. Is the Santa Fe good? We called it the best SUV of this past year. Yes, it's great!
TopSpeed's Best SUV Of The Year: 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Brilliantly executed, well-rounded, and outstanding value, the new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe wins our SUV of the Year award.
2 2026 Subaru Outback
A Break From The Past
- Base Trim Engine
- 2.5-liter four boxer
- Base Trim Transmission
- CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- 180 hp
- Base Trim Torque
- 178 lb-ft
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Outback
- Segment
- Midsize Wagon
There's pretty much no argument that Subaru's entirely redesignedOutback/Outback Wilderness are massive departures from three decades of Subaru history. The Outback is in many ways the O.G. crossover. And if you pile in the recent Wilderness editions, the Outback has also been one of the more capable off-roaders. But unlike a bunch of lifted SUVs, the Outback's on-pavement manners have always been placid.
Subaru Outback Highlights That Matter
- Price range: $35,000 –$50,000 (estimated)
- No Hybrid
Gas EPA Combined
up to 28 MPG (est.)
Gas Powertrains
180 HP /231 HP
260 LB-FT / 277 LB-FT
- Expect improved second-row legroom
- 8.7 to 9.6 inches ground clearance
- Strong Cargo Capacity
Cargo Behind 1st Row | Behind 2nd Row |
77.6 (estimate) Cubic feet | 34.6 Cubic feet |
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Gains Adaptive Dampers, 360-Degree Camera
The rugged variant of the new Outback will be available in early 2026.
In addition to getting blockier, the Outback got a little longer, leading to more cargo capacity and, we're guessing, better second-row legroom. That pits it squarely (hah!) against the now blockier Tiguan, where power and roominess for people are on par—but the Subaru will swallow more stuff. With more ground clearance, we also bet the Subie will perform better on dirt. However, the Tiguan might corner more sharply on tarmac. Which makes these two a good cross-shop for sure.
1 2024/2025 Lexus GX 550
The Luxury Land Cruiser Looks Even Better
- Base Trim Engine
- 3.4L V-6 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
- 10-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- Four-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- 349 HP @4800 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
- 479 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
- 15/21/17 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
- Lead acid battery
- Make
- Lexus
- Model
- GX
It's almost impossible not to gawk at the rebooted GX. This wins our "boxing match," hands down, especiallybecause the GX 550 is so much more attractive than what it replaces.
Theoriginal GX shared a platform with the Land Cruiser; later versionstwinned with the Toyota 4Runner. What insiders knew about all generations of GX is that you could get posh digsand tremendous off-roading chops. The new GX again shares a platform with the Land Cruiser, and beyond blocky looks, is a practical, if pricy family hauler with,yes, excellent off-road capability.
Lexus GX 550 Highlights That Matter
- Price range: $65,285–$81,750
- Hybrid to Come Later
Gas EPA Combined
17 MPG
Gas Powertrain
349 HP
479 LB-FT
- Strong Third Row Legroom
- 8.7 to 9.7 inches ground clearance
- Average Cargo Capacity
Cargo Behind 1st Row | Behind 2nd Row | Behind 3rd Row |
76.9 Cubic feet | 40.2 Cubic feet | 10.3 |
2024 Lexus GX 550 Interior and Exterior Picture Gallery
The Lexus GX has been reimagined for 2024 and it now combines rugged off-road capability with refined comfort, while also offering great performance.
You know what's interesting? The GX, with a body-on-frame chassis shared with the Land Cruiser, still isn't lifted more than an Outback/Outback Wilderness. Still, because it comes with a shiftable low range and a suspension designed specifically for off-roading, it'll go places you might not want to challenge in a Subaru. Also, the luxury digs are way more upscale. If it falters, the GX's truck-based chassis compromises on cargo capacity, so the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Pilot win that capaciousness battle. Even if this Lexus buyer is never making that comparison.
