Toyota usually dominates best SUV lists, but it didn’t make much of a recent list. Which Toyota landed on this list of the best SUVs of 2023? You’d be right if you guessed the RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle. Don’t worry; There are many good options for this year.
One of the best SUVs of 2023 is the Toyota RAV4
When Kelley’s Blue Book selected their best SUVs of 2023, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 came out on top. The RAV4 is a popular compact SUV with plenty of cabin space for everyone else. 2023 brought a larger infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and more standard safety features. Pricing starts at $27,575 for this year.
Every 2023 Toyota RAV4 gets the most updated Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 system. That includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. On top of that, the RAV4 is equipped with Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the 2023 RAV4 a five-star safety rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has already named it a Top Safety Pick Plus winner.
Price range: $27,575 – $37,195
The Kia Seltos entered the list of the best SUVs of 2023
For those looking for more for their money, the 2023 Kia Seltos does it all at a reasonable price. Kelley Blue Book ranked it at the top of its list of the best SUVs of 2023 for a number of reasons. It gets 29 mpg combined, and the 2.0L engine gets 146 hp. The Nightfall Edition gets a turbocharged engine, increasing horsepower up to 175 and fuel economy up to 27 mpg.
Kia included many safety systems in the 2023 Seltos, such as the lane departure warning system, pedestrian detection system, and whole-cabin airbags. The Seltos has 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space to carry everyone’s belongings around town.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2023 Kia Seltos a four-star safety rating. While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety made it a Top Safety Pick winner, that only goes for the SX Turbo trim with the LED reflector headlights.
Price range: $23,140 – $28,640
Don’t Overlook the Almost Luxurious 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe took home several Kelley Blue Book awards this year, including Best Buy Midsize Two-Row SUV for 2023. It offers plenty of value for buyers and starts at just $28,200. Buyers can opt for all-wheel drive for an additional $1,700 if it doesn’t come in their preferred trim level.
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto comes on both models, and the new hands-free power liftgate is a useful feature on the SEL model. Forward Collision Warning and Blind Spot Monitoring help keep the driver safe on the road.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe its Top Safety Pick Plus award.
Price range: $28,200 – $43,750
While Toyota still has plenty of good SUVs, competition is heating up across the segment. Automakers are stepping up to add more standard safety systems and features at a lower price, which is good for buyers.