Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have become a favorite choice for female car buyers due to their practicality, comfort, high seating position, power, advanced tech, and wide range of safety features. The top SUVs and crossovers possess everything a woman loves in a vehicle, but some are better than others. So, the question is, which is the best SUV for women?
Well, just like men, women also have their own taste when it comes to choosing their set of wheels. However, they highly regard exterior looks, interior comfort, entertainment tech, and safety amenities more than power and off-roading capabilities. That said, young women aren’t afraid to hit the beaten path and spend nights in the wilderness.
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What’s the Best SUV for Women
Keeping in mind the needs of females, here are the seven best SUVs for women. Our list follows the U.S. News overall rating, Car & Driver Editor Choice, and J.D. Power reliability score.
Best SUV for Women – Compact Class
2022 Honda CR-V
The 2022 Honda CR-V gets the top score of 8.8 out of 10 from the U.S. News for its excellent gas mileage, upmarket interior, great cargo capacity, and roomy, comfortable seats. In other words, the five-seat SUV, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive, has everything female drivers need in a vehicle.
The 39.2 Cu. Ft of space behind the rear seats and 28/34 city/highway fuel economy is something every woman appreciates for practicality and frugality. The 84/100 predicted reliability score from J.D. Power and five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) further add to its merits.
We recommend ditching the entry-level trim to enjoy a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a nine-speaker premium stereo, wireless device charging, and navigation.
Give consideration to the Hyundai Tucson and the Mazda CX-5 as well when you are out to purchase the best SUV for women.
Best SUV for Women – Luxury Compact Class
2022 BMW X3
With an 8.4/10 overall rating at theU.S. News and 81/100 J.D. Power predictability score, the 2022 BMW X3 is very hard to beat in the luxury compact segment. It has everything modern female drivers would expect from an SUV – fun-to-drive nature, adept handling, user-friendly infotainment, roomy seats, excellent boot space, and a long list of standard safety tech.
The best thing is an array of standard features women value, including a 10.25-inch touch display, navigation, a 12-speaker stereo, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and much more. The 23/29 mpg city/highway fuel economy, 248 to 503 horsepower rating, 28.7 cubic feet of cargo room, and a towing prowess of 4,400 pounds add to the luxury SUV’s all-around ability.
Besides, it enjoys the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and an overall safety rating of five out of five stars from the NHTSA.
Other compact luxury SUVs you should check include the Mercedes GLC Class and Acura RDX.
Best SUV for Women – Subcompact Class
2022 Mazda CX-30
The new Mazda CX-30 dominates the subcompact SUV segment courtesy of its sporty looks, first-rate cabin, well-mannered ride, agile handling, and a bevy of standard features. The first thing women like about this SUV is its compact size, which looks small from the outside but is roomy inside with plenty of modern techs.
There are plenty of things the CX-30 does right, such as:
- Standard infotainment includes an 8.8-inch display, an eight-speaker sound system, Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay
- Near-premium cabin pitting it against the likes of Audi Q3 with pricing aligned to mainstream subcompacts
- 20.2 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats
- Two engine choices, creating power between 186 hp and 320 hp
- Standard all-wheel-drive
- Reliability rating of 75 out of 100
- Five-star score from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- A long list of standard driver assistance features includes a driver attention monitor, forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, etc.
Other subcompact SUVs worth considering include Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul.
Best SUV for Women – Luxury Subcompact Class
2022 Volvo XC-40
For females who love a fashionable SUV with ample engine power, a luxurious cabin, and spacious seating, the 2022 XC-40 fits the bill perfectly.
The U.S. News rating of 8.4/10, the J.D. Power reliability score of 76/100, and securing a position in the Car&Driver Editors’ Choice list are a testament to its premium quality, reliability, and desirability.
While a portrait-angled 9-inch touch screen, an eight-speaker sound system, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are standard, most women would prefer the higher trim levels to enjoy navigation, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless device charging, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and push-button start.
The horsepower rating of 248 (T5), boot space of 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 23/34 mpg city/highway fuel economy (T4), and up to 3,500 pounds towing capacity make it a handy subcompact SUV.
Last but not least are the safety credentials – the 2022 XC-40 earns a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. Besides, the luxury SUV comes with an array of driver assistance facilities.
The BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 are also worth a look in this segment.
Best SUV for Women – Midsize Class
2022 Kia Telluride
The midsize SUV segment is dominated by Kia, with an overall 8.6/10 rating from the U.S. News and a reliability score of 85 from J.D. Power.
Women particularly like the Kia Telluride for its family-friendly features. For that, this SUV has received the 2022 Best 3-Row SUV for Families award from U.S. News. Furthermore, it is the winner of the 2022 Best 3-Row SUV for the Money honor, thanks to its roomy seating for up to eight, lots of cargo room, well-rounded performance, and a vast list of standard features such as a 10.25-inch touch screen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and highway driving assist.
While the EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway fuel ratings are about average for a midsize SUV, we can’t complain much about having a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
Both Front-Wheel and All-Wheel drive options are available with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The driver assistance amenities are aplenty, and so are standard features as you move up the trim ladder. If you are a woman who likes to load up their ride with all the niceties for extra comfort, entertainment, and safety, we highly recommend opting for the range-topping Telluride SX.
Do not forget to check out the Hyundai Palisade and Honda Passport as well while shopping for the best SUV for women.
Best SUV for Women – Large Class
2022 Jeep Wagoneer
With an overall U.S. News score of 9.0/10, the new Jeep Wagoneer is the best large SUV on the market. It’s all new for the 2022 model year, and it is roomy enough to accommodate eight passengers, powerful enough to tow up to 10,000 pounds, and powerful enough to deliver a punchier drive.
If you fancy hauling your family along with the camping gear to a trailhead, the Wagoneer, with its 8.3-inches of ground clearance (which can be increased to 10 with optional Quadra-Lift air suspension) and a range of available off-road upgrades, won’t pose any trouble in your commutes.
The standard equipment for the mid-level Series II (our recommendation) includes a 10.1-inch touch display, a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, eight USB ports, push-button, and remote start, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Pay more to make your journeys more pleasureful and safe by adding leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling ability, a heated steering wheel, second-, and third-row bench seats, a hands-free power liftgate, a Class IV tow hitch, a limited-slip rear differential, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, a rearview camera, and rear seat alert are also optional for the Wagoneer Series II.
The Ford Expedition and the Chevrolet Tahoe are also worth a look in the large SUV segment.
Best SUV for Women – Hybrid SUV
2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The all-new Tucson Hybrid SUV came and conquered the segment thanks to its lively powertrain, stellar interior quality, excellent room for passengers and luggage, composed ride and handling, and high safety score.
The female hybrid SUV customers are choosing this crossover for its quality and reliability (J.D. Power score of 88 out of 100) as well as for its modern styling, roominess, and comfortable ride. It has also won the 2022 Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for the Money award from U.S. News (overall rating: 8.9/10) and earned C&D Editor’s Choice Award, which shows how critics review this compact hybrid. Additionally, it is the finalist for the 2022 Best Hybrid SUV for families.
Here’re some of the features that make the 2022 Tucson Hybrid a class leader:
Available 10.25-inch display (with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless device charging
- Interior quality matching luxury SUVs
- 38.8 cubic feet of space after the back seats and 74.5 cubic feet with the back seats folded
- A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor yields 226 horsepower for the hybrid and 261 horsepower for the plug-in hybrid version
- Standard All-Wheel-Drive for improved grip on the road
- 37 mpg city and 36 mpg o highway fuel economy
- PHEV’s all-electric range of 33 miles
- The towing capacity of 2,000 pounds
- A Top Safety Pick+, the IIHS highest award
- A five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Other mainstream hybrids worth seeing are the Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid and the Honda CR-V hybrid. For luxury hybrid fans, we highly recommend Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, Lexus NX Hybrid, and Lexus RX Hybrid.
What is the Best SUV to Buy?
Women often seek spacious and easy-to-operate vehicles, considering their lower body postures. Among the notable choices for 2024, the Honda CR-V stands out with its 190 horsepower, smooth ride, and user-friendly design, addressing the needs of female drivers. Safety is a priority with advanced features. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-30 offers a more compact option with agile handling.
The Hyundai Kona impresses with a crisp driving experience, while the Kia Soul’s unique design sets it apart. The Nissan Versa provides practicality and value, and the Volkswagen Taos offers roominess and affordability. The Volvo XC40 combines style with functionality, while the Kia Forte offers sporty options. The BMW X1 combines fun and practicality, and the Hyundai Tucson provides a cost-effective, spacious choice. These SUVs are tailored to suit the diverse preferences of female drivers in 2024.
What are the Most Reliable SUV Brands?
When it comes to assessing the reliability of SUVs, J.D. Power stands as a prominent authority. Their Quality and Reliability ratings offer valuable insights, combining initial owner feedback with longer-term ownership experiences. In 2023, several SUVs have proven themselves to be dependable choices. The 2023 Subaru Forester, with a J.D. Power Reliability Score of 84/100, excels in practicality and off-road capabilities, although its four-cylinder engine may lack some punch.
The 2023 Lexus RX 350, scoring 85/100, impresses with a redesign, strong predicted reliability, and ample standard tech, though its infotainment interface can be a bit cumbersome. The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, also at 85/100, offers luxury and safety features but falls slightly short on cargo space. Finally, the 2023 GMC Terrain, boasting a J.D. Power Reliability Score of 86/100, stands out for predicted reliability, cabin space, and user-friendly infotainment despite its higher cost and modest acceleration. These SUVs represent a range of options for those seeking dependable rides in 2023. The SUV reliability data for 2023 shows Lexus, Kia, and Chevrolet are the most reliable SUV brands.
What is the Best Looking SUV?
Car enthusiasts and shoppers are increasingly leaning toward SUVs and crossovers due to their enhanced cargo space, spacious interiors, and elevated driving positions. These SUVs have evolved beyond utilitarian origins, showcasing stylish designs with sculpted bodies and advanced lighting features.
While selecting the most attractive SUV is daunting, the Genesis GV70 stands out. Genesis, a relatively new brand, impresses with its sleek designs, tech innovations, strong warranties, and competitive prices. The Genesis GV70 boasts dual-stripe headlights, a distinctive grille, and a sporty profile. It offers a choice of potent turbocharged engines, a luxurious interior with a 14.5-inch infotainment screen, and a remarkable 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Which is the Best Sport Utility Vehicle?
In the ever-growing world of SUVs, automakers constantly expand their lineup to cater to diverse consumer interests. From small, budget-friendly options to performance-focused models, the SUV market offers a wide array of choices. There cannot be one best sport utility vehicle in the sea of SUVs.
For instance, among the subcompact SUVs, the 2023 Hyundai Kona stands out as a practical and enjoyable ride, with an optional turbocharged engine that adds some excitement to its nimble handling. The 2023 Kia Niro, with its eco-friendly hybrid options, brings a fresh look and sustainable materials to the table. The 2023 Kia Soul combines practicality with affordability for those who embrace uniqueness. On the other hand, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 excels in driving pleasure and offers a more upscale cabin compared to rivals.
Volkswagen’s Taos impresses with its fuel efficiency and cargo space. Each of these subcompact SUVs has its own charm, catering to various tastes and needs in the SUV market.
