The “family truck” used to be much more of a truck than a family car: bold, rugged and capable of everything except … a comfortable ride. The industry has gotten savvy to the needs of customers and now, the SUV can be all things to all people: Sporty, luxurious, comfortable and still, a truck. But can just one be any or all of those things and still be named the Best SUV of Texas?
That’s the mission of the Texas Truck Rodeo, which takes place every fall in Denton, Texas, just outside of Fort Worth. 50 or so writers from the Texas Auto Writers Association gather to drive SUVs on the streets and across an off-road course and evaluate each against rigorous criteria, considering handling, acceleration, off-road capability, on-road comfort and more.
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. No AI was used.
What Does it Take to Be Considered the Best SUV?
Each year the vehicles under consideration change based on new or newly redesigned SUVs, or a new trim that qualifies in one of the five categories. This year in particular there are more off-road trims than ever, a reflection of growing interest in off-roading and overlanding.
Here are the contenders for the Best SUV for 2025, what we thought when we drove it and the categories each is competing in.
The Sporty, Elegant Genesis GV80 Coupe
Best SUV Categories: Midsize SUV, luxury; priced from $79m950
The Genesis GV80 Coupe luxury SUV brings an elevated sense of sophistication and a rugged sportiness to the full-size SUV category. We love the sleek silhouette and pampering leather interior, and the fact that this SUV starts out where its traditional GV80 SUV leaves off: The less powerful 375 HP engine is the entry level in the coupe but the top of the line in the SUV.
Or, buyers can choose the more powerful hybrid that puts out 409 HP. From there the Genesis GV80 Coupe takes everything over the top: Heated and vented front and rear seats, biometric starter, digital key and a mood curator to reduce the tension of a challenging drive.
The OG of Family Trucks: Honda Pilot
Best SUV Categories: Midsize SUV, off road; priced from $40,200
The Honda Pilot is a 7 or 8 passenger SUV and a go to for so many families for the ample room and tow capacity up to 5,000 lbs, multiple drive modes including snow mode, a powerful 285 HP engine and the option of AWD. And the top trim comes with a convertible center row bench; the middle seat can be removed to create captains chairs — a detail we can’t love more.
But the Honda Pilot Trailsport edition won us over with center row captains chairs, hill descent control, intelligent AWD, all terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and a panoramic sunroof so you can really let nature into the car.
The Go-Anywhere Electric SUV, Honda Prologue
Best SUV Categories: Midsize SUV, electric; priced from $47,400
The Honda Prologue is the first collaborative electric car from Honda and General Motors, and that’s why the Prologue and Chevrolet Blazer share a few commonalities, including a battery-powered all wheel drive system with a range of 296 miles and up to 288 HP.
The Honda Prologue is all Honda inside and out, despite the shared powertrain. That means buyers can choose from EX, Touring and Elite trims, and t things like Honda Sensing and wireless Apple CarPlay are standard.
The Boxy, Classic and Now 3-Row Hyundai Santa Fe
Best SUV Categories: Midsize SUV; priced from $34,200
Hyundai calls the Santa Fe a compact SUV and we beg to differ: With seating for 7, lots of cargo space and room to stretch out, it’s anything but compact. Though it doesn’t feel huge behind the wheel at all.
Filled with clever (though optional) details including a biometric starter, a UV cleaning box and phone-as-key, the redesigned Kia Santa Fe feels posh. But it’s the boxy classic SUV shape that has really won fans over. That and the XRT line that is designed for light off-roading so you can really go where you need to.
Everything Classic is New Again: Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon
Best SUV Categories: Midsize SUV luxury, luxury, off road; priced from $75,100
The backstory alone is enough to put this one on your wish list: This old-school off-roader is the brainchild of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, billionaire and founder of chemical and petrol company Ineos. Ratcliffe came up with the idea for the Ineos Grenadier after lamenting the demise of the Land Rover Defender; he wanted a proper off-roader so he built one. He loved it so much he thought other people might to, so he built a company to produce it.
Fast forward and the Ineos Grenadier is one of the most sought-after luxury trucks on the road—with luxury also being a code word for “the luxury of having the mountain top all to yourself.” And you’ll get there with its 6-cyinder BMW built engine that produces 282 HP, 4WD and locking differential and can wade through up to 30 inches of water.
The Best SUV to Beat: Jeep Wrangler
Best SUV Category: off road; priced from $31,995
No matter the trim, from the basic Sport model to the over the top Rubicon 392 Final Edition, a super-powered version of the Jeep Wrangler, this is the off-roader to beat at the Texas Truck Rodeo or any off-road competition.
And you’ll see a lot of Jeep Wranglers on the trails, especially the 4xe hybrid model, which we love for its ability to silently climb rocks, trails and cruise through dunes and not scare away the wildlife. Remove the doors, the roof and event the front windshield for an even better view.
The Modern, Electric Family SUV: Kia EV 9
Best SUV Categories: Midsize SUV, electric; priced from $54,900
If you can find Kia EV9 to drive, drive it. First, because it is one of the best-selling EVs on the road. And second, because it’s like driving right into the future. It’s dynamic, it’s inventive and it’s clever.
And, you’ll love the zippy but quiet performance of this 3-row 6 or 7 passenger SUV. The Kia EV9 delivers up to 304 miles on a single charge, 215 to 379 HP and in the upper trim models, lounge seats and a panoramic sunroof.
Kia Sorento Brings on the Truck Vibes with X-Line and X-Pro
Best SUV Categories: Midsize SUV, off road; priced from $31,990
Kia isn’t letting grass grow under its feet; the company has been busy innovating its vehicles across the board and delighting buyers in the process. The most recent delight is the Kia Sorento, which got a bossy makeover giving it a more prominent SUV-like shape and the addition of two new trims that make it even more capable off the pavement: X-Line and X-Pro.
Still, the Kia Sorento is a 3-row 6 or 7 passenger SUV with comfortable seating for all, lots of 3rd row leg and headroom and if you’d like, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid for savings on fuel. We love the interior details, all that you get for the price and Kia’s top notch multimedia system.
The Super Luxe Off-roader is Back: Lexus GX 550
Best SUV Categories: Midsize SUV, luxury, off road; priced from $64,250
This is the redesign we’ve all been waiting for. And waiting and waiting. The Lexus GX finally made its debut and it’s a huge win. So much so that it’s nearly impossible to buy (just check your TikTok feed for unhappy shoppers who can’t find one).
What makes this luxury truck so popular? The Lexus GX maintains its original character and off-road capability, but with details that are updated and modernized. It still looks like a Lexus GX but it feels light years smarter and more capable. And there’s a model for every9one: The Overtrail edition has all the off-road gear, the Luxury model has captains chairs, and there’s a 3rd row option for those who really need it.
The Family Luxury SUV: Lexus TX
Best SUV Categories: Midsize SUV, luxury; priced from $55,050
We thought Lexus had the 3-row SUV category locked up until we saw this one: the full-size 3-row Lexus TX, with luxury seating for 6 or 7. What makes the TX different from the GX and LX is the headroom, legroom, ease of getting in and out, and all the tech at your fingertips. It’s really everything a we love about a minivan in a luxury Lexus package.
So what does that package include? The Lexus TX includes leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, premium sound and a 14” screen with the newest multimedia system and “hey Lexus” voice activated assistance. Buyers can also opt for the 4-cylinder turbo that produces 275 HP, a more powerful 4-cylinder that puts out 366 HP or a plug-in hybrid that takes HP up to 404 (and, adds 33 miles of all electric driving!).
The Cutest SUV in the Pack: Nissan Kicks
Best SUV Categories: Subcompact; priced from $21,830
This little cutie had us at “sneakerhead,” which is its inspiration. The Nissan Kicks was redesigned for 2025 with a more sneaker-like style inside and out, more power, more features and more tech.
But still a very affordable price, even when AWD is added for $1,500 which is a new option for the 2025 model. We really love the color combinations, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 driver assist and safety systems, all of which are standard on all models. The safety features will be invaluable to both young drivers who find the Nissan Kicks irresistible or for those who are downsizing from a larger SUV and jut too tempted by the Kicks 141 HP.
The Elegant Toyota Crown Signia Simplifies Luxury
Best SUV Categories: Midsize SUV; priced from $43,590
Toyota made this one easy: There are only two Toyota Crown Signia choices: Great and greater. Replacing the Venza, which we really loved, the Crown Signia brings more features and details to both models, starting with a hybrid power train (that gets 38 MPG), all wheel drive, leather seating, heated seats, a 12” multimedia touchscreen, wireless phone charging and plenty of rear seat legroom and cargo space.
This elegant compact crossover also brings the style game: Based on the Crown sedan, the Crown Signia’s posture is a bit taller and its silhouette is a bit more elegant. For about $4,400 more the Limited model adds more tech, premium sound and a panoramic sunroof. But either way, the standard AWD and hybrid powertrain have you covered on the road or on the trail.
The OG is BACK! Toyota Land Cruiser
Best SUV Categories: Midsize SUV, off road; priced from $55,950
If you’re starting to think that Toyota has been on a roll, you’re right. And the crest of that wave is the Toyota Land Cruiser, one of the most anticipated redesigns of the year. Packed with off-road chops such as multi-terrain drive modes and crawl control, this SUV is designed to go anywhere.
What did Toyota deliver with the 2024 Land Cruiser? A heritage SUV with modern details and top Toyota function, all delivered in a fun to drive, exciting to ride in SUV. Built on the platform of the uber-capable Toyota Tacoma, the Land Cruiser delivers 326 HP from the 4-cylinder turbo hybrid engine, though keep in mind the hybrid is more about power than fuel savings; the Land Cruiser is estimated to get about 23 MPG.
Not all SUVs are represented at the Texas Truck Rodeo this year; some car makers chose not to compete, others are waiting for next year or new models. The winners of the Best SUV of Texas will be announced later this fall, but until then you can follow along on social media with the hashtag #txtruckrodeo24.
