The Best Cars, Trucks and SUVs Why We’re Grateful For Them
Everyone has their first love. These are ours, but we want to know which is yours?
What’s the first thing you do after prepping the holiday dinner, orchestrating the dishwashing, and perusing the Black Friday sales? Set your alarm for an early morning of bargain hunting.
As everyone else sleeps, you’ll grab your favorite coffee mug and head out. What you won’t think about is how grateful you are for your car. It’s there, tank filled, cabin warm, and music soft, scooting you away toward glorious deals of the season. Later in the day, you might sit in your car and soak up the sun to counter the winter wind, finish reading a favorite newsletter, or listen to one more chapter of your audiobook.
Our cars are our havens, and we are grateful. But some cars are more special than others—for what they did first, best, or most. We asked our friends and writers to tell us which cars they are most grateful for, and why.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Kristen Loves Her Subaru Forester, For Good Reason
“I bought it when I was 23 and about to go to college,” says Kristen Brown, getting rid of her well-worn Nissan Maxima. “I wanted something more reliable, AWD, and appealed to mine and my now husband’s–he was just a boyfriend when I bought it—lifestyle.” She took it to and from college, countless road trips, and credited it with saving her “from crashing into the back of a school bus during a surprise snow storm on all-season tires.
It also brought both of her babies home from the hospital, moved the family to Oregon, then back to California, and to them some crazy cool places along the way. But “having the police lieutenant I used to babysit for tell me it’s one of the safest cars I can buy cemented it,” she says.
It’s been so reliable, Kristen says, that she suspects her kids will probably be driving it when they’re in high school, like those old Subaru commercials.
The Original Hybrid SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
For me, it’s the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. I needed an SUV with AWD and 3 rows of seating, and the price of gas was killing me; I was spending $50 a week on gas for my Jeep Grand Cherokee, having to stop twice a week to fill up, so I’d set up carpools and run around with the kids’ schedules.
But when I heard that Toyota was adding the same hybrid system to the Highlander that it had developed for the Prius, I was in. The biggest bonus was that I only had to fill my tank every other week, but the hidden advantage? By reducing my gas bill so dramatically, I could say yes to extra dance classes or pit stop, because it allowed me to cut my fuel usage in half and spend more money on dance classes for my kids. That meant everything to me.
The Ultimate Fun Machine: Mazda Miata
The Mazda Miata does it all: It’s fun, sporty, and reliable. It turns an average run to the grocery into a special moment, and makes a drive through the mountains or on a Spring day a special treat for two. Terri Marshall learned this firsthand when it seemed like everyone in her family was buying a Miata. First her parents, then her brother, and of course, she had to get one, too.
The Miata plays on the fun roadsters of the past, such as MGs, Triumphs, Alfa Romeos, and Fiats, and is designed to make the driver feel part of the machine. Then, thanks to Mazda’s pristine design and manufacturing, it’s reliable and easy to maintain, unlike the roadsters of the past.
“We all love the idea of driving a luxury exotic sports car, but most of us don’t have the budget for a Ferrari,” Terri said. “The Mazda Miata MX-5 brings us a lightweight sports car that’s fun to drive, dependable, and affordable. What’s not to love about that?”
The Go-To For Gratitude: Subaru Outback
Terri’s love for her car shifted gears a few years ago when, after returning from a trip to Antarctica, she and her husband landed at a snow-deluged JFK airport. They retrieved their VW Passat, a sedan they’d had for a little over three years and that had served them well.
“But, on this particularly snowy day, we got stuck on the Upper West Side in our desperate attempt to get home, having already been delayed eight hours. That’s the day we decided something more capable than a sedan was in order. By the time autumn rolled around again, we’d be making our leaf-peeping treks in a Subaru Outback.
The move was magical; Terri and her husband are on their third Subaru and plan to keep the trend going.
Style, Handling, and Space: Why I Love the Acura MDX
Kim S. has a thing for style: It matters in everything. And for that, as well as for the luxury touches, precision handling, and premium experience, she loved her Acura RDX. But when baby No. 2 made her entrance, Kim and her family needed a larger SUV. So she did the right thing: She test drove a minivan and realized instantly that the RDX’s style and luxury were something she couldn’t give up.
“Opting for the Acura MDX, despite its larger size, didn’t mean sacrificing the driving experience,” she said. “In fact, the MDX managed to retain the sedan-like driving feel thanks to its SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive). It also provides more power with its 10-speed automatic transmission and V6 engine,” she said. The MDX’s advanced technology and convenience features made it a seamless transition. But the real allure? “The MDX Advance package struck the perfect balance, providing all the necessary upgrades I was looking for,” Kim said.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV Makes the Best of EV Driving Affordable
EVs came out of the gate at a pricey gallop, quickly running prices up to $70,000 and beyond. For many, even though they wanted to go for an EV, it wasn’t feasible. Chevrolet answered the call with the Equinox EV, priced from about $34,000 before any specials or incentives. And that got the attention of Liv Leigh, an EV enthusiast who has owned several.
“A sharp mix of traditional and modern, the Chevrolet Equinox EV is an eye-catching SUV that doesn’t scream electric,” she said. “But it is, and it’s completely different from the gas-powered version. Hints like the blue E (for electric) in the Equinox badge on the side, aerodynamic angles, and flush door handles whisper at the electric efficiency.”
“I’m not going to mince words. The Chevrolet Equinox EV is a cracking good EV by its own right, and, for the price, it’s also an absolute steal. I feel comfortable saying that because, after spending a week with it for this review, I went out and leased one for myself.”
A Pickup Truck Is Truly a Blessing: Ford Ranger
Who hasn’t wanted a pickup truck? Not just those days when you have things to move and the prospect of renting a worn and not so lovely truck from Home Depot is a bit sad, but when you crave a higher view of the road, you’d relish the power to haul a trailer or when a surprise snow storm leaves your small crossover laughing at the prospect, a truck seems like such a practical choice.
“I’m grateful for my 1991 Ford Ranger with only 38,000 miles that was left to me in a family friend’s will,” said Allison Barfield. “I always wanted a box truck, but prices got kinda crazy, and it’s hard to find one in good condition.” The Ford Ranger itself was a great choice and just what she wanted. But that it became hers was kismet. “In the will, it said, “Give the Ranger to that little truck girl.” I like that title!”
The Most Inspiring Off-Roader Ever: Jeep Wrangler
If there’s ever an SUV to be grateful for, it’s the Jeep Wrangler. And not just Wrangler or 4WD drivers, but all of us who appreciate all it’s inspired: Adventures SUVs from nearly every car maker; advanced SUVs like the Ford Bronco, Rivian R1S, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Defender, and the like, all benchmarking the Wrangler’s capability and mastery of any and all trails.
The Wrangler is built on the original military GPs, or general purpose vehicles, and that tradition continues—exploring both new trails and more ways to conquer them.
The Original SUV: Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer was the result of a bold idea, or maybe the idea of a legion of moms who knew there was a better way: can’t we just fill in the bed of a Ford F-150 pickup truck with seats, and heat, and windows and doors and comforts and accommodate everyone?
That brainchild led to the introduction of the Ford Explorer, the first SUV to be built on a platform of a pickup truck, and it was a revolution: 3 rows of seating, 4WD, cargo space, tow capacity, and room for a roof box. IT changed how we lived our lives for daily drives—carpools, family outings, and more — and weekends and holidays: Camping, boating, skiing. Life hasn’t been the same since, and for that, we’re grateful, too.
The First Luxury Crossover SUV: Lexus RX350
Everyone said it was an insane idea to turn an SUV into a luxury car. No one needed it. It’s a funny-looking concept. No one would buy it. Luxury buyers like cars. But always willing to take a chance on making its customers happy, Lexus came out with the RX 350 in 2007 and changed the game. Now, to be fair, Mercedes-Benz was the first to introduce a true luxury SUV.
And Porsche had added the Cayenne to the lineup a few years before, but both were more hard-core SUVs, not the softer crossover style of the Lexus RX. The Lexus approach was to blend what buyers loved about their cars with the higher ground clearance, AWD, and better visibility of an SUV, but still deliver a great drive experience, one that is quiet, easy, and fun.
Buyers loved it: the car-like drive experience, the luxe interiors, the reliability that meant drivers would spend less money maintaining and repairing it, and more time driving it. The Lexus RX became one of the most imitated SUVs on the road, inspiring the look and feel of so many to follow over the years, and still, its hourglass front grille, advanced technology, and sporty drive are a must-have for buyers.
No Wonder New Parents Are Drawn to Volvo: The XC90 Is the Ultimate Cocoon
You might think of Volvo as safety, evolved. The company made its reputation on the strength of its steel and the superiority of its safety systems. Then, they added things like safety systems for dogs, built-in booster seats, and more driver-assist systems.
The result is a reputation forged in steel, literally, and it’s where the company is set apart from its competition. Volvo pushed the industry, certainly, and we’re glad. But we’re also grateful for the company’s continued mission to get better at all it does. We are especially thankful for cars like the Volvo XC90, which wrap luxury, safety, comfort, and technology with a pretty bow.
Tesla Changed the World, and the Tesla Y is Still a Dream Car
Tesla was, simply put, a total game-changer. Developed by engineers who believed that it could be done, the company defied every rule and norm of business and built a company in the most challenging business on earth. And it changed the world. It’s sort of shocking to think that millions of Tesla buyers bought these cars without public charging stations on every corner, Superchargers at highway rest stops, yes, but for around town, they’d have to be a bit craftier.
Prices were high, but so was the reward. And Tesla leaned into the challenge with its owners, gamifying the challenges, adding Easter eggs and fun little details, and creating a culture of not just Tesla owners but an entire EV subculture. The Tesla Y continues to be a sought-after, comfortable, and fun-to-drive car and one that we’re all grateful for.
Toyota’s RAV4 Brought the World, and Cameron, a Reliable, Affordable SUV
“Grateful might be an overstatement,” says writer Cameron Aubernon, “but I am happy enough with my 1997 Toyota RAV4. COVID made it very difficult to get a ride anywhere, even after vaccinations arrived. In fact, it was easier to get an order from Arby’s via DoorDash than it was to get a ride to the airport via Uber or Lyft.”
So, she says, “I found my pain machine on CarGurus for $2,000 in March of 2021. I would be its fourth owner, after spending a total of 20 years with the same family. In hindsight, I should’ve let it go after seeing the windshield and rear window wipers.” Which, she cautions, is a bad omen for buyers. Still, Cameron fixed the rear brakes, exhaust pipe, HVAC, springs and shocks, fuel gauge, battery, and more. A lot more.
“So yeah, I spent way more on this RAV4 than what I paid to buy it,” she said. “And yet, I am thankful to have this machine in my life. Mom doesn’t drive, so I drive her to and, increasingly, from work, plus a few other spots around town.” And it still needs work, jobs Cameron is planning to do until the RAV4 is clearly past the point of help. And then? She hopes to “sell the Toyota to a 24 Hours of Lemons team looking for a new machine to race in the hopes that it goes out in a (possibly literal) blaze of glory.” What a fitting end to a 200K+ mile life in the OG SUV!
The OG Minivan, All Grown Up: Chrysler Pacifica
When Dodge first introduced the minivan, the sun shone just a bit brighter around the world: So many issues were solved—no one had to ride backwards in the station wagon anymore. So many solutions were offered—cupholders for everyone, no rubbing elbows with your brother on a road trip, no carsickness thanks to tall, wide windows. These spacious, upright, convenient family vans changed the way we travel.
There have been a lot of iterations in minivans since; some adopted bullet shapes for better fuel economy, others tried to reinvent the interior as a living room on wheels. Yet others tried desperately to be cool, rather than just leaning in on what they are: A hauler of people and things that can reduce a big bear of a man into a puddle of love for how it protects his offspring.
The most modern iteration of that original Dodge is the Chrysler Pacifica. Chrysler, each year, continues to lean in on the family van with more features and conveniences, even adding a plug-in hybrid, AWD, and an off-road Grizzly Peak concept designed for overlanding and camping that we hope the company will build and sell; it might be the most badass minivan ever designed.
So now, tell us, what car are you truly grateful for?
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