Best SUVs of 2026
It’s certainly no secret that SUVs and crossovers have rapidly grown in popularity in recent years. Popular with those living active lifestyles and those with growing families, SUVs appeal to drivers searching for impressive versatility, go-anywhere performance capabilities, and proven passenger-carrying abilities. With so many options to choose from, making the right decision can seem like a daunting task at first. Fortunately, the team at Basil Family Dealerships is here to help simplify the process. We’ve created this in-depth guide that highlights the top choices in the SUV and crossover segment. Once you see our selections, you’ll have no trouble finding the right SUV or crossover that’s perfectly suited to your lifestyle and driving habits.
Buick Encore GX
2026 J.D. Power Most Dependable Mass Market Brand
2026 Buick Encore GX
Starting at $26,200 MSRP
Driving an SUV doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice efficiency or a compact footprint. A perfect example of this concept is the Buick Encore GX, a popular choice from the brand named most dependable among mass market brands by J.D. Power. With seating for up to 5 passengers and a maximum cargo capacity of up to 50.2 cubic feet with its 60/40 split fold rear seats lowered, the Encore GX has the versatility to help you make the most of your weekend.
The Buick Encore GX is powered by your choice of a potent yet economical ECOTEC 1.2L Turbo engine or a more muscular 1.3L Turbo engine and can be equipped with the confidence of intelligent All-Wheel Drive with StabiliTrak. Helping you stay connected while on the road is a standard Buick Infotainment System featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Safety innovations available on the Encore GX include a Rear Vision Camera, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and OnStar® Emergency Services. Drivers searching for the right compact SUV should look no further than the impressive Buick Encore GX.
Cadillac VISTIQ
2026 German Luxury Car of the Year
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ
Starting at $77,395 MSRP
Searching for a luxurious midsize SUV that balances jaw-dropping efficiency with eye-catching style? Look no further than the all-electric Cadillac VISTIQ – named 2026 German Car of the Year. Examples of groundbreaking safety technologies offered on the VISTIQ include Forward Collision Alert, Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Night Vision Assist, and Lane Keep Assist. If keeping your loved ones protected from the unexpected is a priority of yours, the Cadillac VISTIQ sets the benchmark for safety within its segment.
Standard seating for up to 7 passengers along with an expansive 80.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity means that you’ll have plenty of room to get out and chase your next adventure. From carbon fiber materials to exotic woods, the interior trim combinations of the VISTIQ are truly world-class. The standard curved 33-inch diagonal LED display infotainment system featuring Google built-in system serves as your centralized location for all infotainment and multimedia features. Flexible charging solutions and a range of individual powertrain choices help you make the switch to the all-electric revolution with the premium Cadillac VISTIQ.
Chevrolet Suburban
Car & Driver Editors’ Choice Award
2026 Chevrolet Suburban
Starting at $63,700 MSRP
A longtime favorite of the Chevrolet lineup, the Suburban was named to the prestigious Car and Driver Editors’ Choice list. This body-on-frame SUV has all the interior space you could possibly want and a towing capacity of up to 8,200 lbs. Three different engines are offered: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.3-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel. All of these are excellent for towing and have earned the Suburban a lot of praise. Available air suspension gives you an incredibly smooth and comfortable ride.
In addition to the 144.5 cubic feet of interior cargo space, you will find the interior a very comfortable place to be while driving. Adding to this are options like heated and ventilated seats, wireless charging, and a 17.7-inch infotainment screen. For those long road trips, there is an available rear-seat entertainment system with two 12.6-inch screens mounted on the backs of the front seats.
Ford Expedition
2026 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award – Full Size SUV
2026 Ford Expedition
Starting at $62,700 MSRP
Commanding, capable, and connected – the Ford Expedition is an excellent option for those searching for a full-size SUV. If you need further proof, the experts at Kelley Blue Book certainly agree. They have awarded the Ford Expedition with a 2026 Best Buy Award in the Full-Size SUV segment, highlighting the tremendous value found on every trim level. Thanks to an independent rear suspension, all-aluminum body construction, and a powerful 3.5L EcoBoost® twin-turbocharged engine – the Expedition has the ability to help you and the whole family get out and explore.
Inside the spacious interior of the Expedition, drivers will have access to cutting-edge tech features such as FordPass Connect™ with 4G LTE Wi-Fi, wireless charging, Ford+Alexa, and Waze. Three-row seating for up to 8 passengers makes it simple to transport the whole team across town for soccer practice. Buyers can choose from a total of four distinctive trim levels ranging from the value-packed Active to the luxurious King Ranch and Platinum.
GMC Yukon
2026 Car & Driver Editors’ Choice
2026 GMC Yukon
Starting at $69,900 MSRP
When considering your next SUV, it’s only natural that you’d prefer a vehicle with a stellar reputation and the GMC Yukon is certainly that vehicle. It was named in the 2026 Car & Driver Editors’ Choice awards for its excellent engine options and refined road manners. Thanks to its body-on-frame construction, the Yukon offers a luxurious ride that’s both comforting and durable enough to conquer the toughest obstacles standing in your way.
GMC Yukon Denali models set the benchmark for all full-size luxury SUVs with heated and ventilated driver and front-passenger seats, heated steering wheel, Bose® Active Noise Cancellation, and a multicolor Head-Up Display. No matter if you choose the standard 5.3L V8 engine with 355 horsepower or the optional 6.2L V8 engine with 420 horsepower, the Yukon has enough muscle to bring even your biggest toys along for the journey. There’s even an optional 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel Engine available for maximum towing capability.
Toyota RAV4
2026 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award – Compact SUV
2026 Toyota RAV4
Starting at $31,900 MSRP
With more and more drivers making the switch to hybrid or electric vehicles, the hybrid SUV segment has rapidly expanded as well. If you’re searching for a versatile SUV that’s also engineered with exceptional efficiency, the Toyota RAV4 is certainly worth a look. A leader in terms of safety, the RAV4 stands out with plenty of class-leading technologies that help you stay ahead of danger. It’s only part of the reason why the RAV4 received a Best Buy Award from Kelley Blue Book. Unlike most hybrid models, the RAV4 offers impressive interior cargo space with a total of 60.5 cubic feet.
The RAV4 is powered by a standard 2.5-liter Toyota Hybrid System Gen 5 engine which produces a combined system total of 226-236 horsepower. Not only is it the most efficient RAV4 model in the lineup with up to a 43 MPG city fuel economy rating, it’s also the fastest. Available all-wheel drive lets you go where other hybrid SUVs fear to travel. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) adds peace of mind and confidence from knowing that you and your passengers are protected from the unexpected. No other SUV helps you go the distance quite like the Toyota RAV4.
Volkswagen Atlas
IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award
2026 Volkswagen Atlas
Starting at $39,310 MSRP
SUVs remain a smart choice for those with growing families thanks to their spacious seating arrangements and go-anywhere performance capabilities. Thanks to its standard third-row seating, selection of driver-assistive features, and plenty of room for car seats – the Volkswagen Atlas has received some impressive recognition from critics. In fact, the Atlas received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – their highest honor. Drivers can choose from a total of five trim levels, making it simple to find the Atlas that’s a perfect fit for your family.
For the ultimate in performance, choose the standard 2.0-liter TSI Turbo 4-cylinder engine to receive 269 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque paired with the confidence of optional 4MOTION® all-wheel drive with Driving Mode Selection. Innovative tech features offered on the Atlas include Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and MirrorLink® within the VW Car-Net App-Connect system. All occupants can enjoy the optional Climatronic® 3-zone automatic climate control with air vents for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rows to personalize temperature settings.