The popularity of SUVs in America has surged in the past few years: sport utility vehicles account for over half of vehicle sales in the U.S. A study by Volkswagen found that nine out of ten SUV owners planned to stick with them for life. It revealed that safety and comfort are the main reasons buyers gravitate towards sport utility vehicles. Interestingly, the survey also uncovered that SUVs have become places of family bonding.
With demand high, automakers are scampering to cash in. To get ahead in the market, automakers have to innovate, leading to the production of better products. Consequently, buyers are spoiled for choice as many brilliant sport utility vehicles flood showrooms. To help you shop for your next SUV, we’ve prepared a detailed feature on 10 upcoming SUVs we’re excited about in 2024.
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10 2024 Buick Envista
MSRP: $23,495 – $29,695
Under the hood of the Buick brand’s stylish Envista crossover lies a small turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing a modest 136 horsepower. All trims – Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir – come with front-wheel drive. Given the Envista’s comparatively low power output and lack of off-roading features, it doesn’t perform well off the beaten path, not that it was designed for it to begin with. It is best that you stick to the pavement with this one.
Performance Specifications
(Data sourced from Buick)
Having said that, its combination of good fuel efficiency, ample space for groceries, and small size make it an ideal daily driver SUV for the city. The Envista also packs a healthy dose of standard driver-assist features and an infotainment system running on Buick’s latest software.
Pros
- Affordable starting price
- Simple, classy interior
- Frugal engine
Cons
- Lacks off-pavement capabilities
- Only one powertrain option
- Limited rear headroom
9 2024 Hyundai Kona
MSRP: $24,100 – $31,650
Despite its slightly rugged demeanor, the all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona can be best described as a soft-roader. Its base engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine good for 147 horsepower. You can opt for a turbocharged 1.6-liter power unit, the standard engine on higher trims. Thanks to a longer body and stretched wheelbase, the new-gen Kona has more passenger room.
Performance Specifications
(Data sourced from from Hyundai)
Hyundai also created more space for the rear passengers by developing slimmer front seats. The Kona’s tech-heavy cabin has a serene, futuristic feel. Lower trims feature a 4.2-inch (12.3-inch on higher trims) digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
Pros
- Frugal base engine
- Eye-catching design
- Increased cargo and passenger space
Cons
- Underpowered base power unit
- Costs more than the previous-gen model
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims
8 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
MSRP: $31,995
The Crosstrek Wilderness is a new rugged trim featuring a 2.5-liter power unit delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, from the base model’s optional engine. The Wilderness, as the name suggests, is tuned for off-road action. Sitting on taller, longer travel shock absorbers and coil springs, the Wilderness has a higher ground clearance than the base model.
Performance Specifications
(Data sourced from Subaru)
Other features of the track-ready Subaru include all-terrain tires, an aluminum skid plate, selectable off-road driving modes, interior and exterior copper accents, and beefy black wheel arches. Furthermore, the front bumper, which features exclusive fog lights, splits into sections, facilitating cheap and easier replacement.
Pros
- Plenty of standard off-roading features
- 3000-pound towing capacity
- A roof rack that increases payload capacity
Cons
- Questionable exterior styling
- Underpowered engine
- Plasticky interior
7 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Starting MSRP: $32,000 (Estimated)
Hyundai’s new Santa Fe looks markedly different from the model it replaces. Gone are the curves of the previous generation, replaced with an angular, boxy design reminiscent of retro SUVs. The H-shaped rear and front lighting elements mirror the automaker’s ‘H’ logo. Inside, the Santa Fe gains a third row of seats, an addition Hyundai made possible by increasing the SUV’s length.
Performance Specifications
(Data sourced from Hyundai)
The extra length also means more cargo space; the larger liftgate opening should ease loading and unloading. H-shaped elements line the Santa Fe’s handsome dashboard, which also features a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a similar-sized infotainment system screen.
Pros
- Increased cargo and passenger volume
- Handsome interior and boxy exterior
- Ultraviolet sanitizing tray
Cons
- Considerably heavier than the previous model
- Lacks off-roading features
- Cramped rear seats
6 2024 Chevrolet Traverse
MSRP: $39,000 – $52,000 (Estimated)
Chevrolet ditched the old V-6 from the previous-gen Traverse for a more potent 2.5-liter turbocharged power unit producing 19 percent more torque. The automaker will offer four Traverse trims: LS, RT, Z71, and RS. Off-road enthusiasts should gravitate towards the Z71 variant, which Chevrolet has optimized to tackle the toughest trails.
Performance Specifications
(Data sourced from Chevrolet)
Z71 features include skid plates, red tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and a twin-clutch rear differential. The new Traverse rides on a similar platform as the last-gen car. However, Chevrolet made it wider, taller, and longer to facilitate the inclusion of an off-road variant.
Pros
- Many standard driver aids
- Huge touchscreen infotainment system
- Acres of cargo space
Cons
- Dull interior
- Only one powertrain option
- Reduced passenger capacity in the RS, Z71, and RT trims
5 2024 GMC Acadia
Starting MSRP: $39,000 (Estimated)
The longer, taller, and wider GMC Acadia sits on the same platform as the Chevrolet Traverse but has a slightly more powerful engine than its Chevy sibling. The extended dimensions translate to more cargo and passenger volume; a storage area beneath the rear seats provides more luggage space.
Performance Specifications
(Data sourced from GMC)
Inside, the Acadia features high-quality materials, a far cry from the plasticky interior of the previous-gen SUV. The rugged AT4 variant features all-wheel drive as standard and, with features like underbody skid plates, is perfectly suited for off-roading.
Pros
- Classy-looking interior
- Massive 15.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Improved visibility for third-row occupants
Cons
- Likely to be more expensive than the previous-gen offering
- GMC offers only one powertrain
- It may take some time to get familiar with the new infotainment system
4 2024 Mazda CX-90
MSRP: $39,595 – $59,955
The Mazda CX-90 replaces the outgoing CX-9. It features a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six hybrid powertrain that produces 280 or 340 horsepower, depending on the trim. The CX-90 has room for eight passengers; passenger capacity reduces by one if the buyer opts for captain’s chairs on the second row.
Performance Specifications
(Data sourced from Mazda)
Compared to higher trims, which get niceties like leather, the base trims feature a functional interior. The lower variants also get smaller gauge clusters. Cargo space is abundant in the CX-90, especially with the rear seats folded. It lacks off-road features, but the all-time all-wheel drive system should get you out of sticky situations.
Pros
- Gorgeous looks
- Modern, uncluttered interior
- Many standard driver assists
Cons
- Poorly-equipped base trims
- Complicated infotainment system
- Cramped third row
3 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
MSRP: $55,000 – $65,000 (Estimated)
Toyota took its time redesigning the new Land Cruiser. The automaker’s patience and effort paid off – the upcoming Land Cruiser is a lot prettier than the discontinued model: a boxy, retro body replaces the bloated exterior of the binned model. All Land Cruiser variants will feature a turbocharged 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain and eight-speed transmission.
Performance Specifications
(Data sourced from Toyota)
Built on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, the new Cruiser features the same basic suspension system as the outgoing car. With power going to all wheels at all times, the Land Cruiser should prove to be a competent off-roader. Other off-roading features include Downhill Assist Control and a Crawl Control system.
Pros
- Snazzy, retro looks
- Wide range of off-roading features
- Potent powertrain
Cons
- Lacks a third row of seats
- Poorly equipped base model
- Heavy-duty 300 series unavailable stateside
2 2024 Lexus TX
MSRP: $55,050 – $72,650
Sharing a platform with the Toyota Grand Highlander, the Lexus TX is significantly more spacious than the RX-L model it replaces, a relief to third-row seat passengers. It has an understated interior laden with high-quality materials and standard luxury features, including heated front seats and ambient interior lighting.
Performance Specifications
(Data sourced from Lexus)
A turbocharged inline-four power unit is the only gas-powered engine; the other two are hybrid powertrains. Though not as potent as the electrified powertrains, it should provide enough grunt for the TX. Furthermore, the Lexus TX is a head-turner, especially when viewed from the front.
Pros
- Wide range of customization options
- Spacious and luxurious interior
- Standard 14.0-inch infotainment display
Cons
- Comparatively high MSRP
- Lacks the more rugged GX’s off-road capabilities
- Low-mounted third-row seat cushions
RELATED: Comparison: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Vs. 2024 Lexus GX
1 2024 Lexus GX
MSRP: $60,000 – $80,000 (Estimated)
The new Lexus GX follows a trend that seems to be growing in popularity among SUV automakers: it has adopted a boxy, retro-inspired exterior. Besides the updated body, the new GX sits on an all-new platform and features an updated power unit. In stark contrast to the vehicle’s rugged looks, the interior is posh and unmistakably modern.
Performance Specifications
(Data sourced from Lexus)
All models except the off-road-ready Overtrail trims have seating for seven. Overtail trims have a suite of off-road features, including an aluminum skid plate, an advanced adaptive suspension system, and a crawl control feature.
Pros
- High towing capacity
- Luxurious interior
- Increased driver visibility
Cons
- Will likely cost more than the outgoing model
- Off-road capabilities are limited to the Overtrail variant
- Lacks the practicality of some competitors