The 2025 MotorTrend SUV of the Year competition reached an exciting milestone with the recent announcement of its finalists. This year, nearly 40 SUVs representing 29 different nameplates were rigorously evaluated to identify the models that excelled in performance, design, innovation, and excellence.
The ten finalists showcased a diverse range of vehicles, including electric and hybrid options, as well as luxurious and rugged off-roaders, highlighting the versatility and advancements in the SUV segment.
Each finalist underwent a series of demanding tests in the Mojave Desert, alongside real-world driving scenarios, to assess their capabilities under various conditions. The evaluation criteria encompassed off-road performance, road manners, cabin flexibility, safety features, and technological advancements.
Following meticulous analysis by the judges, the winner was revealed on October 24th, marking a significant moment for the industry. These SUVs not only represent the pinnacle of current automotive engineering but also set the benchmark for future innovations in the segment.
1. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox stands out with its rugged design and value proposition. This versatile SUV combines affordability with impressive capability, making it a strong contender in its segment.
The latest model offers a range of advanced safety features, a user friendly infotainment system, and a comfortable interior. With multiple engine options, including a fuel efficient turbocharged four cylinder and a more powerful V6, the Equinox caters to diverse needs.
Its spacious cabin and ample cargo space make it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike. Equinox’s blend of practicality, performance, and affordability has earned it a spot among the finalists.
2. 2025 GMC Hummer EV SUV
The 2025 GMC Hummer EV SUV is a bold statement in the electric vehicle market, combining off-road prowess with futuristic design. Known for its impressive powertrain, the Hummer EV offers remarkable torque and acceleration, thanks to its electric motors.
With a range of advanced off road features, including adaptive air suspension and four wheel steering, it is designed to tackle the toughest terrains. The SUV’s distinctive styling, featuring a robust front grille and high ground clearance, exudes strength and capability.
Inside, the Hummer EV boasts a luxurious cabin with cutting-edge technology, making it a top contender in the electric SUV segment.
3. 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe impresses with its new look, third row seating, and advanced technology. This midsize SUV has been redesigned to offer a more spacious and comfortable interior, with high quality materials and modern amenities.
The Santa Fe’s powerful engines and smooth ride make it a joy to drive, whether on city streets or highways. Advanced safety features and a comprehensive infotainment system enhance its appeal to families. Santa Fe’s blend of style, performance, and practicality has earned it a well-deserved place among the finalists.
4. 2025 Lincoln Nautilus
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is known for its luxurious interior, advanced features, and refined driving experience. This midsize luxury SUV offers a quiet and comfortable ride, with a range of powerful engines and sophisticated suspension systems.
The Nautilus’s interior is adorned with high quality materials, including leather upholstery and wood accents. Its advanced infotainment system and driver assistance features provide convenience and peace of mind. The Nautilus’s combination of luxury, performance, and advanced technology makes it a standout in its class.
5. 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser continues to excel in off-road performance and durability. This iconic SUV is known for its robust build and legendary reliability, making it a favorite among adventurers. The Land Cruiser’s powerful engines and advanced four wheel drive system ensure it can tackle the toughest terrains with ease.
Its spacious and well appointed interior offers comfort and convenience, with modern amenities and advanced safety features. The Land Cruiser’s blend of rugged capability and refined luxury has earned it a place among the finalists.
6. 2024 Rivian R1S
The 2024 Rivian R1S combines off-road prowess with cutting-edge technology, making it a strong contender in the electric SUV segment. This electric SUV offers impressive range and performance, thanks to its advanced electric powertrain.
The R1S’s off road capabilities are enhanced by features such as adjustable air suspension and a robust all wheel drive system. Inside, the R1S boasts a modern and luxurious cabin, with high quality materials and advanced infotainment features. The R1S’s blend of sustainability, performance, and technology makes it a standout among the finalists.
7. 2024 Lexus GX
The 2024 Lexus GX is known for its robust build and off-road capabilities, earning it a spot among the finalists. This luxury SUV offers a powerful engine, advanced four wheel drive system, and sophisticated suspension setup, making it capable of tackling challenging terrains.
The GX’s interior is a blend of luxury and practicality, with high quality materials and modern amenities. Its advanced safety features and driver-assistance technologies enhance its appeal to families. The GX’s combination of off-road capability and luxury makes it a standout in its class.
8. 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class remains a symbol of luxury and off-road excellence. Known for its timeless design and robust build, the G-Class offers a powerful engine, advanced four-wheel-drive system, and sophisticated suspension setup.
Its interior is a blend of opulence and modernity, with high quality materials and cutting edge technology. The G-Class’s advanced safety features and driver assistance technologies enhance its appeal to luxury SUV buyers.
The G-Class’s combination of performance, luxury, and off-road capability makes it a standout among the finalists.
9. 2024 Kia EV9
The 2024 Kia EV9 showcases the future of sustainable mobility with its impressive range and features. This all electric SUV offers a powerful electric powertrain, an advanced infotainment system, and a spacious and comfortable interior.
The EV9’s advanced safety features and driver assistance technologies enhance its appeal to families. Its modern design and cutting edge technology make it a standout in the electric SUV segment. The EV9’s blend of sustainability, performance, and practicality has earned it a place among the finalists.
10. 2024 Toyota Crown Signia
The 2024 Toyota Crown Signia is a new addition to the Toyota lineup, blending luxury and performance. This midsize SUV offers a powerful engine, an advanced suspension system, and a range of high tech features.
The Crown Signia’s interior is a blend of luxury and comfort, with high quality materials and modern amenities. Its advanced safety features and driver assistance technologies enhance its appeal to families. The Crown Signia’s combination of luxury, performance, and advanced technology makes it a standout among the finalists.
