The Best SUVs To Buy In 2022

SUVs currently form the backbone of American vehicular life, hauling commuters to the office, crews to worksites, kids to school, and enthusiasts to off-road adventures. Eminently practical, SUVs (or crossover SUVs, if you prefer) are variously available with two or three rows of seating, electric or hybrid powertrains, high-performance engines, the latest in-car entertainment and safety technology, big towing ratings, and more. The best SUV models come in all manner of sizes and levels of luxury, and here at MotorTrend, we've tested and driven them all. If you're looking for the top-rated 2022 SUVs, read on for our favorites and picks in every segment.

Subcompact: Mazda CX-30

Although the 2022 Mazda CX-30 is close in size to the CX-3 SUV, it's a more modern—and hugely desirable—offering. It borrows its styling, interior design, and powertrain from the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, and adds a slightly lifted suspension that gives it an SUV-like feel (albeit barely) from behind the wheel. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder provides adequate power and can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive; a far more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter is optional and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Chevrolet Trailblazer L

The all-new 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer subcompact SUV is the cheapest new SUV you can buy today — and by a considerable margin. The base L trim level is powered by a 137-horsepower, turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that works with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Despite its comparatively low price, the Trailblazer comes standard with useful tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and important active safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist.

Compact SUV: Toyota RAV4

If you tried to distill down what the average new car buyer wants these days into a single vehicle, you might well end up with something very much like the Toyota RAV4. In fact, the RAV4 happened to be the best-selling vehicle that wasn’t a pickup truck in America last year; Toyota moved more than 448,000 of them off dealer lots from January 1st to December 31st.

Buick Envision

The Buick Envision is all-new for 2022 and with this new model comes a distinct shift to compete with European luxury models. The outside features an aggressive, high tech form with slim LED headlights leading the way for a low, wide stance that gives the Envision a very sporty look while a splash of chrome brings in the luxury feel. On the inside, there are standard nicities in all trim levels, but the top-of-the-line models will feature quilted leather and technology that comfortably rivals the best from Europe. All Buick Envision models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sends 228 horsepower towards all four wheels by means of a 9-speed automatic transmission.