As I embarked on the task of writing up this year's selections for The Drive's Best SUV, I found myself grappling to come up with something distinctive to convey about the latest graduating class. In 2023, I drew a parallel between SUVs and the dominance of dinosaurs in the world, suggesting that they will persist unless a massive meteorite eradicates them. However, upon stepping back and examining the broader automotive landscape and how our finalists fit within it, I was delighted to uncover several key insights.

SUVs: The Driving Force Behind the Automotive Industry

Whether it's an SUV from Acura or Rolls-Royce, these vehicles are at the forefront of the automotive industry. There are budget-friendly SUVs that prioritize practicality and fuel efficiency, luxurious SUVs that pamper their occupants and serve as status symbols, and numerous sporty SUVs that strive to infuse some excitement into our daily commutes. Dealers are also stocked with off-road-capable and off-road-inspired SUVs, as these are the trends of the present day. The distinction between the two lies in the fact that off-road-capable SUVs have been around since the inception of the Sport Utility Vehicle, while off-road-inspired models are relatively new and cater to those who wish to project an image of being capable trailblazers after their 9-to-5 jobs.All in all, variety is a positive aspect. For the most part, SUV sales provide automakers with the necessary funds to create cool and exciting vehicles. Can you truly envision Toyota still manufacturing the GR86 or the Supra if the RAV4 didn't sell as well as it does? Or Porsche continuing to thrive without the Cayenne or Macan? And where do you think Chevy obtains the resources to build vehicles like the 233-mph Corvette ZR1? The next time you spot someone driving an Equinox, Traverse, or Tahoe, express your gratitude to them.

Runner-Up: Range Rover Sport SV, The Luxury SUV

Reaching a speed of 150 mph on the Algarve International Circuit's main straight is an exhilarating experience that is surprisingly effortless for its BMW M5-derived 4.4-liter V8. However, the true magic unfolds when you apply the brakes forcefully and navigate into the first corner, engaging its eight-piston Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and hydraulically interlinked air suspension without anti-roll bars. The transition from 150 mph to 70 mph occurs at an astonishing pace, yet the spacious and luxurious cabin remains remarkably stable, giving the impression that you are piloting a supercar. High-performance SUVs have made significant advancements in recent years, and this new SV is now vying with Aston Martins and Porsches in the global market.Range Rovers have acquired certain reputations over time: they are often associated with footballers, being unreliable, being the choice of rich assholes, and being favored by golddiggers. Many people will form judgments about the new SV based on these stereotypes, but they will all be mistaken. The 2024 Range Rover Sport SV is a top-tier luxury SUV that can effortlessly navigate race tracks and ascend dirt hills with two wheels off the ground and a third one buried in mud. - Jerry Perez, Deputy Editor

Runner-Up: Chevrolet Equinox, The Affordable SUV

Let's be clear: I would never describe the 2025 Equinox as "aspirational." (Can you name a high-volume selling compact SUV that is?) However, it is undoubtedly more youthful and even joyful compared to the crossover it is replacing. The Equinox remains a value-driven purchase, starting at $29,995 upon delivery. It offers an exceptional amount of vehicle for under $40K, and more importantly, it is a choice that goes beyond just financial considerations.Evaluating safety features and comparing MSRP and mpg figures may not be the most emotionally charged activity in car shopping, but it holds significant importance in this highly competitive segment where the overall level of execution is exceptionally high. Will the 2025 Equinox be the best in its class? The answer remains uncertain, but what we do know is that Chevy's bread-and-butter compact SUV is finally showing signs of vitality. And if it was successful without these enhancements before, one can only wonder what it will be capable of now. - Adam Ismail, News Editor

Runner-Up: Kia EV9, The Electric SUV

I approached my week with the Kia EV9 GT-Line with a sense of quiet optimism. Having already been impressed by Hyundai and Kia's electric vehicle offerings, I anticipated that the EV9 would continue this positive trend. What I didn't expect was to discover one of the finest three-row SUVs I have ever driven and evidence that exceptional family cars can not only be electric but also an absolute delight to operate.If you look at the EV9's sleek styling, particularly in the Ocean Blue Gloss paint finish, and assume that it will handle like a high-performance SUV, you would be correct. Just five minutes into my first drive, I was left in awe. A vehicle as large and heavy as the EV9 should not be able to navigate corners with such precision and agility, accompanied by well-weighted and direct steering and a nearly perfect ride quality. The car that constantly came to mind while driving the EV9 was the BMW iX, which is truly high praise.Unless access to a charger or range limitations are concerns, there is no valid reason to opt for a comparable gas-powered SUV. The Kia EV9 GT-Line offers everything you could desire from a family vehicle and then some. As my week came to a close, I couldn't help but repeatedly think, "Someone is going to purchase another Tahoe without ever realizing how exceptional this vehicle is." And you know what? They are truly missing out. - Nico DeMattia, Staff Writer

Runner-Up: Porsche Cayenne GTS, The Performance SUV

When Porsche launched the Cayenne SUV 20 years ago, the sports car community was initially shocked and expressed their dismay at the perceived demise of the beloved Porsche brand that had long been the symbol of the mid-life crisis. Now that enthusiasts have come to terms with this change, as editor-in-chief Kyle Chermocha pointed out when the Cayenne won The Drive's Best SUV of 2023, the once-discounted model that had irked Porsche lovers has become the ideal choice for those seeking an SUV that can double as a performance vehicle and is equipped with 493 horsepower.The 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS is perfect for the affluent individuals who desire an SUV with a secondary role as a track-ready workhorse. It is powerful, agile, responsive, fun to drive, and extremely comfortable - a bit more sports car-like than the S model, thanks to the extensive modifications made under the skin. With the right options, it can transform into a formidable beast on winding roads or closed courses. It truly is the SUV with a throaty burble that appeals to parents who still enjoy taking spirited drives after dropping off their children at school. - Abigail Bassett, Contributor

Winner: Lexus GX, The Off-Road SUV

When people discover what I do for a living, the first question they often ask is, "What is your favorite car?" I usually respond by narrowing it down to, "My favorite car I've driven this year is the X, Y, and Z." Sometimes it's a Ferrari, but more often than not, it isn't. This year, when I revealed that my favorite car was the Lexus GX, they all gave me a puzzled look. It's as if they were thinking, "How dare you choose an SUV? Or a Lexus, really?"As I wrote in my off-road review, "The 2024 Lexus GX 550 approaches its tasks in a unique manner. It has a sharp appearance without being overly flashy like some American models. It is powerful yet quiet. It is capable but unassuming. There are no trail-rated badges or brightly painted tow hooks here. At first glance, the GX appears to be just another luxury SUV for suburban parents with decent incomes and a desire to maintain a certain image. You know, the kind of people who are too refined to be seen in a Tahoe but too intelligent to purchase a Land Rover."There are multiple reasons why the GX emerged as this year's winner. It is the complete package. The base model is outstanding and provides almost every feature one could desire, and it is still a dominant force on the trails. If you opt for the higher trims, the experience becomes even more luxurious, but unlike other SUVs where the base trim falls short, the GX delivers excellence right from the start.When Senior Editor Caleb Jacobs drove it, he declared, "In a world where $70,000 is considered 'expensive,' I often question whether anything is truly worth that much. However, when it comes to dedicated 4x4s, the GX Overtrail comes closest. Not because of its raw off-roading capabilities or its luxury, but because it combines both aspects in a more balanced manner than any other vehicle I have driven. If I had twice the income, I would be the target audience for this truck, and it is without a doubt what I would choose."And with that, the Lexus GX is crowned The Drive's Best SUV of 2024.[Ed. note: The Lexus GX also secures the honor of being our People's Choice winner. In a series of polls on The Drive's Instagram, it emerged as the most popular SUV among this group. Congratulations, Lexus. - CT]