The Car Connection's Best SUVs To Buy 2015 (2024)

With dozens of nameplates in the fold, and whole car brands devoted to them, the SUV is more than just a popular vehicle type. The sport-utility vehicle is the station wagon of the modern era, and it's an ever-growing part of new-car sales.

Buying a new SUV can be a confusing prospect. Do I really need this much vehicle? What's the difference between an SUV, a wagon, and a crossover vehicle? It's even more difficult when you consider the price span of new SUVs--everything from $20,000 to more than $150,000 (and soon, $300,000).

Which new SUV should you buy? The Car Connection has some help. Finding your way to the best new SUV can be as time-consuming as studying a few of those important factors and letting them lead you through the process.

Or you can take this shortcut.

We've looked at the data, we've considered the ratings we apply to every new vehicle we review--and have come up with this buying guide, to help you find the best SUV you can buy more quickly.

Two quick notes: because there are so many SUVs now on the market, we've raised the bar a bit when it comes to qualifying scores. And for simplicity, we're including all wagon-bodied vehicles with available all- or four-wheel drive. In other words, some wagons and hatchbacks may be SUVs here, even if some enthusiasts don't consider them to be for arcane technical reasons.

And so-called "crossover" vehicles? We count them as SUVs or wagons or hatchbacks, sometimes all of the above.

To qualify as one of our Best SUVs To Buy 2015, a pickup must:

must score higher than an 8.0 rating on The Car Connection's full review
must have a base price of less than $100,000--twice the amount we allow for our Best Car To Buy competition
no reported score lower than four stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Keep in mind, these SUVs may finish with higher scores than our annual Best Car To Buy winner. That vehicle is chosen from a shorter list of brand-new or significantly changed vehicles in a model year. These rankings pit all vehicles against each other, regardless of how many years they've been on the market, and they're open to every vehicle on sale during the current model year.

After vetting all the SUVs offered for the 2015 model year, we've narrowed it down to the following set of vehicles, and given our insight in the bottom line from our original review. They're ranked in the order of scoring as of our latest update. Since our reviews are updated frequently for safety data, late model changes, or fuel-economy revisions, the order may change occasionally.

By these standards, these vehicles stack up as the best SUVs on the road today:

TCC Score:9.2

2015 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2015 Range Rover is the most advanced and luxurious model yet from Land Rover, combining modern styling and convenience with classic ruggedness and off-road prowess. Read more »

TCC Score:9.0

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4WD 4-door SE Side Exterior View

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport takes the last part of its name very seriously, offering the best driving dynamics yet from the famed off-roading brand. Read more »

TCC Score: 8.8

2015 Ford Flex

2015 Ford Flex

If you're looking to make a statement while you shuffle the kids around, it's hard to beat the 2015 Ford Flex--though recent safety scores are missing. Read more »

TCC Score: 8.6

2014 Lincoln MKT

2015 Lincoln MKT

Not everyone loves the unique look of the MKT, and recent safety scores are missing. But if it's your style there's plenty to like, including a muscular available turbo V-6, plenty of infotainment tech, and a comfortable, spacious interior. Read more »

2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class offers the most Mercedes luxury to the most people, with a pleasant ride and easy driving dynamics to boot. Read more »

2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML63 AMG)