Our 10 Highest-Rated SUVs Of 2018 (2024)

10. 2018 GMC Acadia

VERDICT: 6.0/10

Buyers in the market for a premium, midsize SUV have a ton of options to choose from; most of which are made abroad. Fortunately, the GMC Acadia is one of the best luxury crossovers America has to offer.

Outside of its stylish redesign for 2018, this crossover is loaded with tech. The eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system gets high marks for its swift responses, clear graphics, and straightforward menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and you’ll also find a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, as well as OnStar.

Read Our Review:

2018 GMC Acadia Review: The Premium Choice

9. 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

VERDICT: 6.5/10

"A big deal," indeed. The three-row VW Atlas is one of the best three-row SUVs we’ve tested all year (so far). It has a big focus on tech, and both an eight-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are available. But it’s also safe, with a number of state-of-the-art passive and active safety features available throughout the model line.

For being such a big SUV, the Atlas drives pretty well. The range-topping 3.6-liter V6 – capable of producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque – has plenty of power in this application; peak torque arrives at a low 2,750 rpm. Competitive towing (5,000 pounds), and available all-wheel-drive ups the ante.

"Being a family vehicle, the Atlas won’t win you over with poshness or its ability to induce a grin in turns, but it’s remarkably skilled at the things we used to buy minivans for without any of their stigma."

Read Our Review:

2018 Volkswagen Atlas Review: A Big Deal

8. 2018 Volvo XC40

VERDICT: 6.5/10

The Volvo XC40 may be the smallest SUV on this list (at least if you’re judging by cargo capacity),but boy is it mighty. The tiny Swede gets high marks in connectivity; its tablet-like, portrait-style, nine-inch touchscreen is one of the largest setups anywhere. It also scores big in safety, with a suite of safety systems that include features like a pre-collision warning system, a lane-mitigation system, and rear-cross-traffic alert.

But the biggest selling point of the XC40 is undoubtedly the way it looks. Its contrasting roof and sharp, Swedish styling gives it an edge over competitors like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and others.

"All told, the XC40 has a very cool design that appeals more to the eye than some other models in its class."

Read Our Review

2019 Volvo XC40 Review: A Winning Formula

7. 2018 Toyota Highlander

VERDICT: 6.5/10

The current Toyota Highlander has been around since 2014, with only some minor improvements along the way. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a good, safe choice in a crowded segment. The Highlander gets high marks in safety, with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite standard on all trims, from the lowly $31,230 LE to the luxury-lined $45,400 Limited Platinum.

But the Highlander falls short in a one key area: technology. Dated graphics on the infotainment screen, and the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto caused the Highlander’s score to fall here.

Still, "though it may be a bit old, the Highlander is far from irrelevant."

Read Our Review:

2018 Toyota Highlander Review: A Safe Bet

6. 2019 Subaru Ascent

VERDICT: 6.8/10

Subaru still has the ability to surprise, particularly with its brand-new, three-row Ascent. In a market ripe with options, the Ascent is "coming in strong," noted Associate Editor Jeff Perez.

Though it may be more focused on family hauling, the Ascent gets high marks for performance and handling. The new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque – that’s more torque than both the V6-powered Volkswagen Atlas and Chevy Traverse. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology is another high point: adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, and lane keep assist come standard on all trims of the Ascent.

The Ascent is "a huge step up in every respect from the Tribeca that came before it."

Read our review:

5. 2018 Nissan Murano

VERDICT: 7.0/10

Even though it may be one of the most stylish SUVs of the bunch (thank its floating roof feature and swooping body lines), the Nissan Murano doesn’t sacrifice substance. As noted by EIC John Neff, "there are still many things about the Murano that traditional SUV shoppers will like."

One of those likable features is its technology. The Murano comes standard with a large eight-inch touchscreen with navigation. Nissan, then shoehorns a second seven-inch screen within the Murano’s gauge cluster. The graphics are nothing special, but the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto add to the system’s available capabilities.

Read Our Review:

2018 Nissan Murano Review: Style With Substance

4. 2018 Buick Enclave

VERDICT: 7.0/10

Somewhere between subtle and stylish, the Buick Enclave makes a surprising showing on our list of top-10 SUVs of 2018 (so far). It gets high marks for interior, tech, and safety, with features like Buick’s patented QuietTuning treatment, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a standard safety suite on the Premium trim-level we tested helping the Enclave keep up with the competition.

"...If you think an American brand can’t compete with the best from Japan, you’d be wrong," noted EIC John Neff.

Read Our Review:

2018 Buick Enclave Review: Tasteful Luxury

3. 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Diesel

VERDICT: 7.0/10

A compact diesel crossover may sound like a strange concept, but the Chevy Equinox makes it feel normal. The punchy 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel produces 130 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, and yields a tow rating of up to 3,500 pounds – one of the best figures in its class.

The Equinox Diesel is safe, too. Fit with upgraded Chevy’s Confidence and Convenience package (on the Premier trim), the crossover offers automatic braking, a forward collision-alert system, automatic lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, a following-distance indicator, a vibrating seat alert system, and more.

"...Being the only diesel option available – right now, at least – [the Equinox is] the uncontested king of long-distance road trips."

Read Our Review:

2018 Chevy Equinox Diesel Review: Going The Distance

2. 2018 Volvo XC60 T8

VERDICT: 7.0/10

"Modern Marvel" is a perfect summation of the 2018 Volvo XC60, as noted by EIC John Neff. The midsize SUV scores highest in the tech department, thanks to Volvo’s Sensus Connect infotainment system, a Tesla-like vertical nine-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The XC60 also gets high marks for safety features and running costs. The Swedish SUV lives up to its reputation of being one of the safest vehicles on-sale today, courtesy of its long list of standard and available passive and active safety features. Opt for the plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid T8 option we tested, and you’ll be able to drive up to 18 miles on electricity alone.

"It’s an astonishing machine that achieves these two, seemingly irreconcilable, stats: the equivalent of 59 miles per gallon and 400 horsepower," noted Neff.

Read Our Review:

2018 Volvo XC60 T8 Review: Modern Marvel

1. 2018 Ford Expedition

VERDICT: 7.2/10

At the top of our star rating is the 2018 Ford Expedition. The new-and-much-improved SUV gets high marks for interior quality and comfort, with strong selling points like an expansive third row, 121.5 cubic feet of cargo room with all three rows folded flat, and optional active noise cancellation.

The Expedition also scores big on technology, with features like a standard eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and wireless charging. Not to mention it looks good; the Expedition scored an impressive eight out of 10 in the design and exterior department – one of the highest grades of any SUV to date.

Editor-in-Chief, John Neff, said that it "arrives with nary a flaw compared to the old model."

Read Our Review:

2018 Ford Expedition Platinum Max Review: Fresh, Fantastic

The Runner-Ups

These four sedans could easily crack our top ten. Unfortunately, we haven’t spent enough time with them to give them a star rating. Once we spend more than a few days in the driver’s seat, expect them all near the top of the leaderboard.

2019 Acura RDX

RATING: N/A

We’ve driven the Acura RDX (the sporty A-Spec trim, in particular) more than once. But thus far, the compact crossover hasn’t received a full star rating. Instead, we put it head-to-head against the Infiniti QX50. In that comparison, the RDX got high marks for its infotainment system and affordable asking price, but it fell short in a few other areas.

Read Our Comparison:

Acura RDX Vs. Infiniti QX50: The Best Of Their Brands

2018 Infiniti QX50

VERDICT: N/A

Like the RDX, the Infiniti QX50 hasn’t received a star rating, but there’s no doubt it has the potential to be a top 10 – or top five — choice. It bested the RDX in a head-to-head comparison thanks to its comfortable cabin, sophisticated design, and available ProPilot safety system, which we noted was "one of the best safety systems out there."

Read Our Comparison:

Acura RDX Vs. Infiniti QX50: The Best Of Their Brands

2018 Lamborghini Urus

VERDICT: N/A

We haven’t spent enough time in the Lamborghini Urus to quantify its merits on a star review (hopefully that changes). But our U.K. team spent time with Lambo’s second SUV, where its performance and style impressed us mightily. Unfortunately, the Lambo falls short in cargo space and passenger room because of it.

Read Our Review:

2018 Lamborghini Urus First Drive: Raging Bull Meets SUV

2019 Mazda CX-9

VERDICT: N/A

The Mazda CX-9 is another head-to-head competitor that hasn’t received a full star rating (yet). Even though it was slightly outgunned by the Subaru Ascent, the sharp-looking Mazda SUV excels in areas like performance and handling and style. Unfortunately, its shapely design forced Mazda to sacrifice cargo room in the name of style.

Read Our Comparison:

Subaru Ascent Vs. Mazda CX-9: Substance, Meet Style

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17 / 17

Sep 13, 2018 at 4:26pm ET

Motor1.com Team

By: Motor1.com Team

SUV and crossover sales are climbing – or more accurately, skyrocketing. In the past few years, we’ve seen sedans and wagons booted from entire lineups (i.e. Ford) in place of SUVs. And thus far in 2018, we’ve driven a lot of them.

Almost 50 SUVs and crossovers have crossed our path since January 1st. Most of them do respectable jobs carrying passengers and cargo, as well as returning reasonable gas mileage and being decent to drive.Ten of them, however, made more of an impact with us based on their rating.

Every vehicle we drive undergoes the same testing process and gets ranked. They are scored in seven different categories, which are weighted based on each segment. Towing, for instance, is weighted more for crossovers and SUVs than for sedans, where it doesn't factor at all. The full list of categories we score are as follows:

  • Pricing
  • Design & Exterior
  • Interior & Comfort
  • Technology & Connectivity
  • Performance & Handling
  • Safety Features
  • Running Costs & Fuel Economy

Lastly, we don't break down our vehicle segments into separate categories based on size or price. This means that all crossovers and SUVs are judged against all other crossovers and SUVs, no matter their size and price. Somewhere in there is the ideal vehicle, which we think the following 10 come pretty close to achieving.

Check out more SUV reviews

2018 Nissan Kicks Review: A Shoe-In

2019 Subaru Ascent Review: Reaching New Heights

Join the conversation

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@motor1.com

Our 10 Highest-Rated SUVs Of 2018 (2024)

FAQs

Which SUV is the most reliable in 2018? ›

Most reliable large SUVs
  • Volvo XC60 petrol/hybrid (2017-present) ...
  • Honda CR-V (2018-2023) ...
  • Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014-2021) ...
  • Volvo XC60 diesel (2017-present) ...
  • Alfa Romeo Stelvio (2017-present) ...
  • Audi Q5 petrol (2018-present) ...
  • BMW X5 (2018-2023) ...
  • Mazda CX-5 diesel (2017-present) Reliability rating 94.6%
Mar 29, 2024

What is the best SUV for no problems? ›

The Most Reliable SUVs
  • 2024 Kia Seltos: J.D. Power Reliability Score: 87/100.
  • 2024 Chevrolet Blazer: J.D. Power Reliability Score: 88/100.
  • 2024 GMC Terrain: J.D. Power Reliability Score: 88/100.
  • 2024 Nissan Murano: J.D. Power Reliability Score: 89/100.
  • 2024 Chevrolet Equinox: J.D. Power Reliability Score: 90/100.

What's the most dependable SUV out there? ›

Read our story here.
  • 2021 Chevrolet Traverse - Most Reliable SUVs. ...
  • 2021 Chevrolet Traverse - Most Reliable SUVs. ...
  • 2021 Toyota Highlander - Most Reliable SUVs. ...
  • 2021 Toyota Highlander - Most Reliable SUVs. ...
  • 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe - Most Reliable SUVs. ...
  • 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe - Most Reliable SUVs.

Which large SUV has the least problems? ›

The most reliable large SUV is the Toyota Land Cruiser with a 9.9 out of 10 reliability score. The Toyota Sequoia is the second most reliable large SUV with a rating of 9.7 out of 10. The average reliability score for the large SUV category is 9.2, with 2 models scoring above average for reliability.

What is the most reliable 10 year old SUV? ›

Best 10-year-old used SUVs (2024):
  • Lincoln MKX: $1,481.
  • Buick Encore: $1,550.
  • Honda Pilot: $1,654.
  • Toyota Sequoia: $1,703.
  • Mazda CX-5: $1,719.
  • Acura MDX: $1,876.
  • Toyota 4Runner: $1,908.
  • Toyota RAV4: $1,927.
2 days ago

What SUV has the longest life expectancy? ›

The longest-lasting cars, trucks and SUVs to reach 250,000 miles and beyond
Top 14 SUVs Most Likely to Last 250,000+ Miles – iSeeCars Study
RankModel% Chance of Lasting 250,000+ Miles
1Toyota Land Cruiser47.9%
2Toyota Sequoia47.1%
3Honda Pilot42.7%
12 more rows
May 20, 2023

What is the best second hand SUV to buy? ›

Best used SUVs to buy in 2024
  • Mazda CX-5. 8/10. ...
  • Jaguar I-Pace. 8/10. ...
  • Nissan Qashqai. 8/10. Nissan Qashqai review. ...
  • Hyundai Tucson. 7/10. Hyundai Tucson review. ...
  • SEAT Ateca. 7/10. SEAT Ateca review. ...
  • Ford Kuga. 7/10. Ford Kuga review. ...
  • Toyota RAV4. 8/10. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid review. ...
  • Dacia Duster. 6/10. Dacia Duster (2017-2024) review.

What used SUV has the least amount of problems? ›

Most Reliable Used SUVs
  • 2019 Hyundai Tucson: J.D. Power Reliability Score: 90/100.
  • 2018 Buick Envision: J.D. Power Reliability Score: 90/100.
  • 2020 BMW X6: J.D. Power Reliability Score: 90/100.
  • 2019 Kia Sportage: J.D. Power Reliability Score: 91/100.
  • 2020 Nissan Armada: J.D. Power Reliability Score: 91/100.
Mar 28, 2024

What SUV has the highest customer satisfaction? ›

It Helps to Have SUVs to Sell

Subaru is not new to this honor and has topped this ranking as recently as 2021. and just last March, another J.D. Power study showed Subaru ranking the highest of all mass market brands in their Customer Satisfaction Survey.

What is the most reliable SUV in America today? ›

Most reliable SUVs
  • Honda HR-V. CarMax owner rating. 4.3. ...
  • Kia Telluride. CarMax owner rating. 4.9. ...
  • Lexus NX 200t. CarMax owner rating. 4.8. ...
  • Kia Niro. CarMax owner rating. 4.6. ...
  • Hyundai Palisade. CarMax owner rating. 4.8. ...
  • Mazda CX-3. CarMax owner rating. 4.3. Price range* ...
  • Cadillac XT5. CarMax owner rating. 4.6. Price range* ...
  • Nissan Rogue Sport.

Which midsize SUV has smoothest ride? ›

Most Comfortable Luxury Midsize SUVs
  • Lincoln Nautilus 83.1″
  • Lexus TX 350 83″
  • INFINITI QX60 82.9″
  • Mercedes-Benz GLE 82.6″
  • Jeep Wagoneer L 82.2″
Feb 17, 2024

What vehicle has the least amount of problems? ›

What is the most reliable car brand?
  • Lexus. The son has dethroned the father from the top of the reliability rankings. ...
  • Toyota. Even though it was knocked to second place by Lexus, Toyota is not complaining. ...
  • Mini. ...
  • Acura. ...
  • Honda. ...
  • Jeep. ...
  • Volkswagen. ...
  • Rivian.
Apr 2, 2024

What is the best SUV according to mechanics? ›

Top crossover SUVs according to mechanics include the Toyota Highlander and Lexus GX luxury SUV. The GX was named Consumer Report's most reliable vehicle in 2022.

Which compact SUV has the least problems? ›

Most reliable small SUVs
  • Suzuki Ignis (2016-present) Reliability rating 99.4% ...
  • Mazda CX-3 (2016-2023) Reliability rating 98.3% ...
  • Hyundai Kona (2017-2023) Reliability rating 98.2% ...
  • Audi Q2 (2016-present) ...
  • Toyota Yaris Cross (2021-present) ...
  • Mini Countryman (2017-present) ...
  • Honda HR-V (2015-2022) ...
  • Volkswagen T-Cross (2019-present)
Mar 16, 2024

What is the #1 most reliable SUV? ›

The Acura MDX ranks #1 for the most reliable luxury crossover SUVs (9.3 reliability rating). The most reliable three-row SUV is the Toyota Land Cruiser (9.9 reliability rating) and the most reliable luxury three-row SUV is the Lexus LX 600 (10 reliability rating).

What brand of SUV lasts the longest? ›

Longest-lasting SUVs
  • Toyota Land Cruiser, 47.9%
  • Toyota Sequoia, 47.1%
  • Honda Pilot, 42.7%
  • Toyota 4Runner, 41.0%
  • Acura MDX, 29.2%
  • Honda Element, 27.8%
  • Honda CR-V, 27.5%
  • Subaru Outback, 22.3%
Jun 15, 2023

What car has the highest reliability rating in 2017? ›

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more
RankMake and modelScore
1Lexus CT 200h (2011-present)100.0%
2Honda Civic hatchback/Tourer (2012-2017)94.5%
3Hyundai i30 hatchback/Tourer (2012-2017)91.7%
4Ford Focus (2011 - present)90.4%
24 more rows
Oct 31, 2017

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