Sport Utility Vehicles have come a long way from being a rough truck to the luxury vehicles they are today and a standout in any garage. Prices shown reflect the MSRP of base models.
An All Purpose Beemer
BMW X1 xDrive28iWhile BMW is well known for luxury sedans, it also has a line of full-featured SUVs that includes the X1. Powered by a 241-horsepower, two-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission and speed-sensitive power steering, the xDrive28i’s all-wheel-drive and compact dimensions makes it suitable for city driving as well as on snowy roads to the ski slopes. It combines expected BMW luxury with sensible capabilities.
A Classic Reborn
Ford Bronco
The four-door Big Bend Bronco has seating for five, powered by a 330-horsepower six-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Unlike most SUVs, the Bronco can be ordered with a manual transmission. The High-Speed Off-Road Suspension linked to an independent front suspension helps ensure a firm grip in muddy or icy conditions. The cargo area won’t hold furniture, but can accommodate plenty of luggage or the weekly groceries with ease.
Plus-Sized
Chevy TahoeThe Tahoe may be a candidate for those who prefer a larger SUV but don’t have garage space for an “extra-large” model. Notable aspects include three rows of seating that accommodates adults, a large cargo area, and ride height that provides a commanding view of the road ahead. A 5.3-liter V8 engine and ten-speed automatic transmission is standard, with the optional turbo-diesel engine providing impressive fuel economy and towing capacity.
A Practical Scandinavian
Volvo XC40Volvos are known for being sensible vehicles, and the XC40 is no exception. Engineered to be eminently practical, this compact SUV combines a comfortable passenger cabin with a roomy cargo area, plus safety features such as all-wheel-drive, blind spot, and cross-traffic alerts, and the ability to brake to avoid a collision or steer back into the correct lane if the vehicle inadvertently strays into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
A Georgia Peach
Kia TellurideBuilt at Kia’s factory in Georgia, the Telluride proves a SUV doesn’t have to be huge to have big features. Powered by a 291-horsepower V6 engine, the base model has seating for eight, 5,000-pound towing capacity, plus a blind-spot, rear, and side collision avoidance alert system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, rear parking sensors, dual zone air conditioning, 18-inch alloy wheels, one-touch sliding/folding second-row seats, and a cavernous cargo section.
