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Three-quarter front view of a 2023 blue Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Buyers Guide: The Best SUVs for 2023

Sport Utility Vehicles for Different Needs, Budgets and Tastes

The SUV market is vast and dynamic, with endless alternatives and intense rivalry. SUVs have won the hearts of drivers worldwide, whether they use them on rocky routes or crowded city streets. The spaciousness, design, and practicality provided by these vehicles are unparalleled.

Today, we’re diving into the bustling marketplace of SUVs, where innovation, performance, and luxury redefine the automotive landscape. We’ve compiled the very best that this segment offers, spotlighting the SUVs that are setting the bar high in terms of design, technology, and all-around experience.

  1. 2023 Subaru Forester
  2. 2023 Tesla Model Y
  3. 2023 Honda CR-V
  4. 2023 Chevrolet Traverse
  5. 2023 Audi RS Q8
  6. 2023 Toyota RAV4
  7. 2023 Jaguar F-Pace SVR
  8. 2023 Kia EV6
  9. 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
  10. 2023 Ford Bronco Sport

2023 Subaru Forester

Three-quarter front view of a 2023 blue Subaru Forester

Via Subaru

Specifications

  • MSRP: $27,600 USD / $30,900CAD
  • Engine: 2.5L Flat-4
  • Power / Torque: 182 hp / 176 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: AWD
  • 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 26 MPG combined / 7.4L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

Drivers seeking a compact off-road crossover will love the Subaru Forester. Subaru’s class-leading all-wheel drive, mud-resistant cabin, 7-inch ground clearance on most versions, and 9.2 inches on the Wilderness trim make it a formidable off-roader.

Its huge cargo area and sturdy interior make it perfect for hauling hefty items. The 2023 Subaru Forester received the highest safety rating of five stars from the NHTSA.

2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD

Three-quarter side angle of a 2023 red Tesla model Y

Via Tesla

Specifications

  • MSRP: $46,600 USD / $59,900CAD
  • Engine: Dual Motor
  • Battery: 80.5-kWh Lithium-Ion
  • Power / Torque: 384 hp / 386 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: AWD
  • 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 122 MPGe combined / 531 kms (per charge)
  • Basic Warranty: 8-Year / 100,000-Mile

Our Take

Regarding performance, the 2023 Tesla Model Y SUV is unparalleled. It’s quick and agile, making the ride quiet and comfortable.

The Model Y benefits from a low center of gravity, making it easy to control and maneuver in tight spaces. It also has excellent traction on icy and snowy surfaces. Acceleration from 0-60 mph occurs in 4.4 seconds in the Model Y Long Range and 3.5 seconds in the Y Performance.

2023 Honda CR-V

Three-quarter rear view of a Honda CR-V

Via Honda

Specifications

  • MSRP: $29,000 USD / $34,700 CAD
  • Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged I4
  • Power / Torque: 190 hp / 179 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: FWD
  • 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 30 MPG combined / 8.4L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

The CR-V is available with a standard gas engine or a hybrid powertrain. Both options offer excellent fuel economy, with the hybrid model getting up to 40 mpg in the city. It also has one of the most spacious interiors in its class. 

The CR-V seats five passengers comfortably and offers plenty of cargo space. It also has advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure

2023 Chevrolet Traverse

Side view of a 2023 brown Chevrolet Traverse

Via Chevrolet

Specifications

  • MSRP: $34,500 USD / $41,200 CAD
  • Engine: 3.6L V6
  • Power / Torque: 310 hp / 266 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: FWD
  • 0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 20 MPG combined / 11.8L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

The Chevrolet Traverse is a good three-row family SUV with lots of space for seats and cargo, good looks, and a level of agility that belies its size. 

The 3.6-liter V6 engine from GM provides plenty of power, and the nine-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and can be used with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Overall, the 2023 Traverse is a compelling SUV that offers good value for money.

2023 Audi RS Q8

Three-quarter front view of a 2023 Audi RS Q8

Via Audi

Specifications

  • MSRP: $127,000 USD / $136,200 CAD
  • Engine: 4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8
  • Battery: 48V
  • Power / Torque: 591 hp / 590 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: AWD
  • 0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 15 MPG / 15L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 4-Year / 50,000-Mile 

Our Take

The Audi RS Q8 is a mild-hybrid (MHEV) SUV with cutting-edge technology. It’s simply the best Audi SUV ever made because of how well it handles and performs.

Along with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, a 48-volt mild hybrid system helps the engine. The end result is an SUV that is incredibly fun to drive, fierce, and powerful. Audi wanted more than just speed from this SUV. The RS Q8 also offers innovation and convenience.

2023 Toyota RAV4

Three-quarter front view of a 2023 white Toyota RAV-4

Via Toyota

Specifications

  • MSRP: $27,575 USD / $32,150 CAD
  • Engine: 2.5L I4
  • Power / Torque: 203 hp / 184 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: FWD
  • 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 30 MPG combined / 8.5L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 isn’t the most exciting compact SUV to drive, but its high practicality and proven reliability give it a competitive edge over some of its rivals. 

The base model is cheap but lacking in features, while the higher trims have several amenities that shoppers in this price range will value. The RAV4 is an excellent option for anyone looking for lasting value because it is functional, stylish, and inexpensive.

2023 Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Three-quarter rear view of a 2023 orange Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Via Jaguar

Specifications

  • MSRP: $90,600 USD / $101,400 CAD
  • Engine: 5.0 Supercharged V8
  • Power / Torque: 550 hp / 516 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: AWD
  • 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 17 MPG combined / 11.7L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 5-Year / 60,000-Mile 

Our Take

If you want an SUV that behaves like a sports car with a powerful engine, sleek design, advanced tech, and safety features, the F-Pace SVR is the way to go. The SVR has a powerful supercharged V8 engine that works with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The F-Type SVR’s steering and suspension system makes it a capable vehicle car on a variety of surfaces, such as roads, cobblestones, and dirt, even when it’s wet. 

2023 Kia EV6

Front view of a 2023 silver Kia EV6

Via Kia

Specifications

  • MSRP: $23,475 USD / $47,995 CAD
  • Engine: AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor
  • Power / Torque: 167 hp / 258 lb-ft
  • Battery: 58.0 kWh Lithium-Ion
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 117 MPGe combined / 475 kms (per charge)
  • Basic Warranty: 5-Year / 60,000-Mile 

Our Take

Aesthetically, the EV6 crossover is a step into the future. Although heavy, it handles curves in the road with the same grace as many other electric vehicles. 

Constantly available power is especially notorious in the sporty GT trim, and the driver may adjust the level of regenerative braking to suit the driving conditions. The EV6 has decent, if not best-in-class, range and charging capabilities. Kia excelled with the sporty and fashionable EV6. 

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Three-quarter front view of a 2023 blue Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Via Hyundai

Specifications

  • MSRP: $32,600 USD / $40,900 CAD
  • Engine: 1.6L Turbocharged I4
  • Power / Torque: 226 hp / 258 lb-ft
  • Battery: 1.5-kWh Lithium-Ion 
  • Drivetrain: AWD
  • 0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 37 MPG combined / 6.4L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 5-Year / 60,000-Mile 

Our Take

It’s true that the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid drives as well as it looks. This small SUV gets good gas mileage, rides smoothly, and has many tech features. Its hybrid engine has been improved, which translates into better acceleration. 

You can’t go wrong with the Tucson Hybrid for the price since it offers more value for money than its competitors paired with an excellent base warranty.

2023 Ford Bronco Sport

Side view of a 2023 green Ford Bronco Sport

Via Ford

Specifications

  • MSRP: $31,000 USD / $35,900 CAD
  • Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged I3
  • Power / Torque: 181 hp / 190 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 8.9 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 26 MPG combined / 8.6L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 

Our Take

Ford’s Bronco Sport isn’t the best at anything, but it’s unique. It boasts a retro look and a comfortable interior with off-road prowess. 

The Bronco Sport’s firm but comfortable ride, dynamic handling, and intuitive controls mean it’s not compromised on pavement. The cabin feels plasticky, but Ford makes it attractive through various finishes. Though small, the Bronco Sport has plenty of appeal.