Buy This Not That: The Best SUVs—and Trucks and Minivans—When Your Dream is Out of Reach
You know the drill: You drool over your neighbor’s minivan (yes, I just said that) for the space, the comforts and the ease her kids have getting in and out without much help. Her double stroller fits. So does her Costco haul. And she can see out the rear window, something even the best SUV can often miss when packed to the gills.
So you search. And search. And search. And every dealer you call is happy to put you on the wait list … because they are sold out.
Time to pivot and think about another minivan, or SUV or sedan. For every dream-machine out there, there’s an equal but under-the-radar model that will make you just as happy. Here’s what to shop for when the SUV (or truck or minivan) you’re dreaming of is simply out of reach.
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.
This: Toyota Sienna Minivan, Which is STILL Sold Out in Many Places
We can’t say enough about the Toyota Sienna minivan: Hybrid fuel economy, the option of all wheel drive, rear seat entertainment, reclining center row seats and seating for 7 or 8 passengers. It’s easy to drive and with a recent makeover, it now offers a built in vacuum, cool box, updated multimedia technology and an even more attractive cabin. No wonder buyers are still waiting for theirs.
That: Kia Carnival Hybrid, a Chic, SUV-Like Do-it-All Minivan
You might not even call this one a minivan; many people mistake the Kia Carnival for an SUV for its bold looks and squared corners. It’s not until those center doors slide open that you realize, hey, wait, that’s a minivan.
For 2025 Kia added a hybrid powertrain that is estimated to get about 33 MPG, very close to the Sienna’s fuel economy. And with reclining center seats, a great multimedia system, rear entertainment and speakers that allow all 7 or 8 passengers hear each other from the far row, this one is a happiness pod on wheels, too.
This: Ford Maverick, the Most Popular Small Truck
Ford really drove up the envy factor when they introduced the Maverick with a hybrid powertrain and all wheel drive. And it’s an outlier; no other truck can match those features at the $30,000 price. Added to its cute looks, manageable size and solid set of features, we can see why it’s so darn popular.
That: Hyundai Santa Cruz: the Other Outlier
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the other outlier: Priced starting around $28K and offering AWD, great technology and an easy-to-drive size (that’s also easy to park, an anomaly for a pickup truck). It has a nicely sized bed that’s perfect for bikes and such, and buyers can get a built-in bed cover that locks. Hybrid isn’t an option yet, but we have hopes for the future of this cutie pie.
This: Kia Telluride’s Popularity Never Seems to Fade
The Kia Telluride is still considered one of the the best SUVs and still demanding a premium over the MSRP, astonishingly. This SUV has gotten better over the few years since it made its debut, with an updated look and now, X-Pro model that is so capable off-road it competed in the Rebelle Rally. Kia increased production, so the wait lists are shorter now, but still people are settling for different trims and colors for their dream SUV. We get it; it’s large, capable and comfortable for families on the go.
That: Hyundai Santa Fe May Turns Heads and Hearts
That the Hyundai Santa Fe isn’t sold out is the only surprise here. This newly redesigned SUV is making many of the best SUV lists and comes at a lower price range, about $3000 less, than the Telluride. With tons of space and comforts, it can be ordered with an off-road package that accommodates snow, rutted roads and light off-roading (but not the sand-dune crawling and rock climbing that the top of the line Telluride X-Pro can conquer). We love all the interior options, clever design details and the open feel of the cabin, too.
This: GMC Terrain, a Perennial Favorite
People and waiting and waiting for the 2025 GMC Terrain, often considered one of the best SUVs on the road, to finally hit dealerships and the ’24 models are disappearing quick, leaving GMC fans disappointed. Those who wait will get a brand new multimedia system and cabin experience, a redesigned front and rear end and a whole new look. Those who can’t wait will have to shop its competitors.
That: Chevrolet Equinox, the Hidden Gem in the Chevy Family
I can’t say enough about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. It was just redesigned and it looks great, taking truck-like cues from Chevy’s pickups. It has a large multimedia screen that does everything but the dishes; it has great new interior and paint choices. And it has the option of all wheel drive so it can handle all the snow, gravel and mud you throw its way.
This: Ford F-150 Pickup Truck, the Most Popular Pickup On the Road
The Ford F-150 pickup is popular for good reason: great passenger space, great technology and great power and towing. Plus, all those trims: Tremor, Raptor, King Ranch—there are 8 choices in all.
This truck can do it all, giving its drivers the confidence that they can do it all, too. Unfortunately, buyers are reporting paying more than MSRP, sometimes as much as 8% more and on a pickup that, while it starts at just under $39K, can run over $100K. That’s a big chunk of change.
That: Ram 1500, Now Hurricane Powered
2024 saw the redesign of the Ram 1500 pickup and the introduction of a new engine, dubbed Hurricane. More powerful, more fuel efficient and designed to tow and haul all the things, we loved the new Ram 1500 on our test drive.
We also loved the new interior, the updated multimedia system and the new look on the outside, and in the Tungsten edition, the leather upholstery is simply swoonworthy.
This: BMW X3, the Best SUV to Start Your Luxury Car Journey
Who can argue with the BMW X3 as your ideal first luxury car? It got a makeover for 2025 adding a new more powerful engine, a bold new look with a wider, more distinct front grille and all new technology inside. Priced from about $50,000 and available in a more powerful M edition, it sits on the affordable side of true luxury and will deliver; this SUV will make you feel worthy.
That: Audi Q5 is a Luxury Staple Filled with Elegance and Tech
Audi’s SUVs are favorites for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the tech that Audi fills them with, and the Audi Q5 is no exception, often pegged as one of the best SUVs on the road. The Audi Q5’s digital cockpit, MMI multimedia system, enhanced phone antenna and great drive experience are just the start.
Go with our favorite, the sleek sportback model, or upgrade to the Audi S Q5 and get Porsche-like driving dynamics in an Audi package.
This: Toyota CorollaCross Hybrid Quickly Became a Fan Fave
We couldn’t agree more, and have recommended the Toyota CorollaCross Hybrid many times over. Great fuel economy, a delightful interior, a cute hatchback shape and nearly 50 more HP than the standard CorollaCross makes this little crossover one of the best SUVs and a true happy place. And with a starting price of $28K, it’s an affordable happy place—until it gets marked up due to demand.
That: Subaru Crosstrek Delivers a Ton of Fun
The Subaru Crosstrek, with its cute hatchback shape, fun color choices, great interior and standard all wheel drive, is possibly the perfect option to the Toyota, other than it is no longer offered as a hybrid. But does it need a hybrid system for fuel economy? The Crosstrek is estimated to get nearly 30 MPG from the 4 cylinder engine that produces 152 HP, though the more powerful Wilderness model, which generates 182 HP, gets about 27 MPG.
Aren’t the choices of alternatives good? Now, the only issue is which alternative to go with!
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