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Jul 05, 2023

10 Most Underrated SUVs Of 2023

In a market saturated with countless crossovers and SUVs, here are 10 underrated models that have flown under the radar and are worth looking at Almost any market segment in the US that involves the

In a market saturated with countless crossovers and SUVs, here are 10 underrated models that have flown under the radar and are worth looking at

Almost any market segment in the US that involves the letters S-U-V, can be considered a crowded one. The increased demand for SUVs has convinced automakers to produce multiple models in different sizes to satisfy every possible niche in the market. Demand has been so high that Ford announced it was seizing to manufacture passenger cars to focus on trucks, SUVs, and crossovers.

And with popular luxury car manufacturers like Lamborghini, Maserati, and now even Ferrari getting into the mix, there are brands that are undoubtedly overshadowed by the clout of more popular automakers' offerings. The regular SUVs from automakers like Nissan, Chevrolet, and even Land Rover have to up their game to claw back interest in their offerings in the segment.

This doesn't mean the less popular choices aren't as good. And in a lot of cases, may even be the perfect choice for a prospective buyer. But because of how marketing and brand popularity work nowadays, these market offerings tend to be unnoticed. In a market segment that is swelling with options, here are some less popular SUV choices that still bring good value to the table and that you can buy today.

RELATED: 10 Best Midsize SUVs of 2023, Ranked

A contender in the subcompact SUV segment, the Jeep Renegade is the only offering in the segment with real off-road capabilities. Drawing from its four-wheeling heritage, the 2023 Renegade does away with the previously offered front-wheel drive option and is now sold with four-wheel drive only. The baby Jeep is one of the more spacious in its class. With almost 100 cubic feet of passenger space, 19 cubic feet for cargo, and flat-folding rear seats, the Renegade is cleverly practical.

Engine

1.3 liter, SOHC 16-valve, four-cylinder turbocharged

Transmission

9-speed automatic

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive

Power

177 horsepower

Torque

200 pound-feet

Fuel Efficiency

23 city / 29 hwy / 26 combined

Seating Capacity

5

Cargo Capacity

19 cubic-feet

Only offered with a turbocharged 1.3-liter gasoline engine, the Renegade is by no means a quick vehicle, but the small displacement does mean it is reasonably fuel-efficient with a combined consumption of 26 mpg. Its compact size, small efficient engine, and off-road capabilities are reminiscent of the Suzuki Jimny that isn’t available in the U.S. The Renegade might just be the next best thing.

A direct cousin to the Chevrolet Equinox, the GMC Terrain is the smallest SUV that GMC sells. Loaded with features at par with its contemporaries in the compact SUV class, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wifi hotspot are all standard features in terms of infotainment. As for driver assistance features, the GMC Terrain offers, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning as standard while adaptive cruise control is an available option.

Engine

1.5 liter 16-valve four-cylinder turbocharged

Transmission

9-speed automatic with manual mode

Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive / All-wheel drive

Power

175 horsepower

Torque

203 pound-feet

Fuel Efficiency

21 city / 26 hwy / 23 combined

Seating Capacity

5

Cargo Capacity

30 cubic-feet

Powering the GMC Terrain is a slightly anemic 1.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder that gets a small bump of five additional horsepower for 2023 bringing the horsepower number up to 175 with 203 pound-feet of torque. The Terrain may be the smallest SUV in the GMC stable, but it is no less comfortable than its bigger siblings.

The Nissan Pathfinder has been around for a while, but its Rock Creek trim is new for 2023. The new trim level gives the Nissan eleven more horsepower, increasing power from 284- to 295-horsepower from the same 3.5 liter NA V-6 engine, and comes standard with all-wheel drive. It also gains a few inches of ground clearance from a lifted suspension and different 18-inch wheels wearing all-terrain tires. Nissan also swaps the previous CVT gearbox for a nine-speed automatic across all trim levels.

Engine

3.5 liter 24-valve naturally aspirated V-6

Transmission

9-speed automatic

Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive

Power

284 horsepower / 295 horsepower (Rock Creek only)

Torque

259 pound-feet / 270 pound-feet (Rock Creek only)

Fuel Efficiency

20 city / 25 hwy / 22 combined (FWD) 20 city / 23 hwy / 21 combined (Rock Creek)

Seating Capacity

6-7 (depending on second-row seats)

Cargo Capacity

17 cubic-feet

When optioned with all-wheel drive, the Pathfinder receives a drive mode selector, optimizing its hardware to overcome the terrain. The mid-size Nissan is also capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds when selected with the right options and can seat up to eight people. Leather and Premium packages are available, but standard driver assistance features include front and rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic monitoring, and lane-departure warning.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need A Fast SUV

Though a less practical design style for a utility vehicle, the Coupe SUV style is surprisingly popular. A trend jump-started by BMW with its X6, with the Macan and Cayenne Coupe from Porsche and Mercedes-Benz GLC series, just to name a few; this sub-segment of SUVs is definitely fashionable among buyers. And that is why the Atlas, Volkswagen's mid-size SUV in coupe form, is surprisingly underrated.

Engine

2.0 liter 16-valve four-cylinder turbocharged or 3.6 liter 24-valve naturally aspirated V-6

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive / All-wheel drive

Power

235 horsepower / 276 horsepower

Torque

258 pound-feet / 266 pound-feet

Fuel Consumption

20 city / 24 hwy/ 22 combined (FWD) 18 city / 24 hwy / 20 combined (AWD)

Seating Capacity

5

Cargo Capacity

40 cubic-feet

The Atlas Cross Sport has the same understated aesthetics as other Volkswagens, this time dressed in a sport coat instead of a tuxedo. The lower roofline means one row less of seating, a fair trade for the sportier styling, especially when you don't really need the third row. Cargo space doesn't really suffer either with the Cross Sport, still able to hold 40 cubic feet of luggage.

The interpretation of Mazda’s flowing KODO design philosophy is what brings attention to the CX-9. After close to eight years since the redesigned SUV was released, its distinctive styling is still as pleasing today as it was in 2016. Albeit with subtle changes, the Mazda CX-9 has aged well as it possibly nears the end of its life cycle.

The Mazda stands out in its class because it is well-appointed with features. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking are all standard in the Mazda flagship. Many of these features are cost-plus options for its rivals in its class.

Engine

2.5 liter 16-valve four-cylinder turbocharged Skyactiv

Transmission

6-speed automatic

Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive

Power

250 horsepower

Torque

320 pound-feet

Fuel Efficiency

20 city / 26 hwy / 23 combined

Seating Capacity

6

Cargo Capacity

14 cubic-feet

The Elegance of the CX-9’s styling can be misleading because Mazda’s heritage of sports cars is clearly engineered into the driving characteristics of its mid-size SUV, and it provides an engaging drive for a vehicle of its size.

Beautiful styling and a roomy cabin aren’t all the Buick Enclave has going for it. The mid-size premium challenger from the American luxury automaker is also loaded with features. A sleek 8.0-inch infotainment screen displays Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in-car Wifi hotspot, leather seats, and as many as six USB ports to keep all passengers happy. The Enclave boasts the most spacious interior in its premium mid-size SUV class.

Engine

3.6 liter 24-valve naturally aspirated V-6

Transmission

9-speed automatic

Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive

Power

310 horsepower

Torque

266 pound-feet

Fuel Efficiency

18 city / 26 hwy / 21 combined (FWD) 17 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined (4WD)

Seating Capacity

7

Cargo Capacity

24 cubic-feet

Although there are details that make the Buick feel cheap, the interior is comfortable and the ride is as expected from a big SUV. More features by way of Driver Confidence Plus as Buick calls it gives drivers lane-keep assist, blind spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring, parking sensors, and automatic high-beams all come standard. Best of all, the Buick Enclave scores a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA for the four-wheel drive models and four stars for the front-wheel drives.

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Typically Italian in style and character, the Stelvio is achingly beautiful. And just like the scenic driver’s road made popular by Top Gear, the Alfa Romeo is also a driver’s SUV if there ever was one. Standing toe-to-toe against the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan, the Stelvio is an engaging drive.

Engine

2.0-liter 16-valve four-cylinder turbocharged or 2.9 liter 24-valve V-6 twin-turbocharged

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive or All-wheel drive

Power

280 horsepower / 505 horsepower

Torque

306 pound-feet / 443 pound-feet

Fuel Efficiency

17 city / 23 hwy / 19 combined (RWD) 22 city / 29 hwy / 25 combined (AWD)

Seating Capacity

5

Cargo Capacity

19 cubic-feet

Powered by a 280-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter, or the twin-turbo 505-horsepower V-6 found in the Quadrifoglio high performance model, the Alfa can hold its own against its competition and trumps them when it comes to design and styling. It doesn’t forget that it’s a practical SUV either, with compliant suspension that takes road imperfections gracefully. Although not the most spacious nor the most fuel-efficient, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is definitely not one to overlook, especially if fun is a must for a daily driver.

The premium mid-size Caddy seems slightly conflicted, which may slip it within someone's radar. This upscale offering from Cadillac slots below its full-size Escalade and somehow is slightly sporty, offered in Sport and AWD Sport trims. The XT6 is well-equipped despite its interior materials, a little lacking for a premium SUV, from a premium brand.

Engine

2.0 liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder, turbocharged or 3.6 liter 24-valve naturally aspirated V-6

Transmission

9-speed automatic

Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive / All-wheel drive

Power

237 horsepower / 310 horsepower

Torque

258 pound-feet / 271 pound-feet

Fuel Efficiency

21 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined (FWD) 18 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined (AWD)

Seating Capacity

6 or 7 (depending on the second row)

Cargo Capacity

13 cubic-feet

This Cadillac is powered by either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine that makes 237 horsepower or a naturally aspirated V-6 that's good for 310 horsepower. Available with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive, the XT6 only comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Undoubtedly, the XT6 is a good-looking SUV, and with three-row seating, and a large cargo space when the rear seats are tucked down, this SUV Caddy is a handsome hauler.

Sharp and aggressive best describe the styling of the Acura MDX. Even in its base level trim, it emphasizes the “sport” in sport utility vehicles. The 290 horsepower from its naturally aspirated V-6 motivates the MDX quite well for its size. Zero to sixty is over and done within 6.4 seconds. The Type S trim that comes with 355 horsepower from a turbocharged V-6 gets to 60 mph in an even quicker 5.5 seconds. For a three-row SUV, the MDX is nimble, leaning again towards sporty-oriented handling.

Engine

3.5 liter 24-valve naturally aspirated V-6 or 3.0 liter 24-valve turbocharged V-6

Transmission

10-speed automatic

Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive / All-wheel drive

Power

290 horsepower / 355 horsepower

Torque

267 pound feet / 354 pound-feet

Fuel Efficiency

19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined (FWD) 17 city / 21 hwy / 19 combined (AWD)

Seating Capacity

7

Cargo Capacity

16 cubic-feet

Inside, Acura has updated its flagship SUV with more tech and features for 2023. Two 12.3-inch screens now live in the dash, one as the driver’s digital gauge cluster and the second being the infotainment screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. Audio is the care of ELS Studio offering 12-, 16- and 25-speaker systems depending on trim level. The MDX is a sporty premium option worth looking into.

RELATED: 2023 Mazda CX-9 Vs. 2024 Mazda CX-90

Heavily oriented as a luxury family off-roader, the 2023 Land Rover Discovery has its shortcomings, but its true off-roading capabilities, high-tech features, and affluent leather-clad interior make up for them. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wifi hotspot are standard as expected in a luxury SUV. The features that set the Disco apart from others are its off-road driving assistance features like its 360-degree camera system that can be utilized for off-roading, and its Wade Sense that monitors water depth when river crossing just to name a few.

Engine

2.0-liter 16-valve four-cylinder turbocharged or 3.0-liter straight-six turbocharged

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Drivetrain

Standard four-wheel drive

Power

295 horsepower / 355 horsepower

Torque

295 pound-feet / 369 pound-feet

Fuel Efficiency

19 city / 22 hwy / 21 combined (2.0 4cyl turbo) 18 city / 24 hwy / 21 combined (3.0 6cyl turbo)

Seating Capacity

7

Cargo Capacity

9 cubic-feet

Powered by a 296-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and only available in four-wheel drive, the Land Rover is decent power-wise, but it does have a bigger engine option available, a 355-horsepower turbocharged straight-six that’s paired to a 48-volt hybrid system.

Known as the classic car enthusiast, Jarro loves classic Porsches, Toyotas and everything in between. Although he used to manage a local speed shop and had a short stint with a race team, he now prefers a brisk therapeutic drive over the adrenaline of racing.