American shoppers have always held SUVs in high regard. SUVs are esteemed for their ability to combine high seating capacity with great hauling and towing capabilities, on top of better safety than some other vehicle types.
With gasoline not nearly as expensive as it used to be a few years ago, and with the country’s economy back on its feet, SUVs are once again in high demand, with sales continuing to increase month after month. In 2016, the SUV segment will get a lot of new additions that shoppers will be able to choose from, with most new models boasting much improved fuel economy and being equipped with much more convenience and advanced safety features than those that can be found on the market currently.
2016 Mazda CX-3
This is a reasonably-priced subcompact SUV, starting at $21,210, with its biggest advantage over its competitors being the great fuel economy and high in-car connectivity level.
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 comes with standard Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen that allows smartphone integration and Bluetooth audio streaming. It gets up to 35 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the segment.
The modern interior, along with the great handling and amazing acceleration, which are typical of all Mazda models, are an added bonus that make the CX-3 one of the top recommended SUVs.
2016 Subaru Forester
The new Subaru Forester made this list mostly because of its high hauling capacity. The cabin is more spacious than its closest competitors, and it offers amazing visibility thanks to the great ride hight.
As far as safety is concerned, it received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It has standard rear-view camera, along with symmetrical all-wheel drive, which makes for optimized traction while driving on slippery surfaces.
The 2016 Subaru Forester starts at $22,395.
2016 Volvo XC90
If you are looking for a larger, and more high-end SUV, then you can’t go wrong with the all-new Volvo XC90. The interior of the XC90 is very comfortable and features high-quality materials that give a nice luxurious feel to it.
It goes without saying that, since it’s a Volvo vehicle, the XC90 is very safe and efficient. Standard safety features include pre-activated safety belts and energy-absorbing front seats that are aimed at preventing whiplash injury.
It gets 20 mpg in the city, and 25 mpg on the highway, which is far from amazing, but still good enough for such a large vehicle. The starting price for the 2016 Volvo XC 90 is $49,800.
2016 Ford Flex
This one is recommended for shoppers whose top priority is high hauling and cargo capacity. The 2016 Ford Flex can comfortably seat up to 7 adult passengers, and because of the boxy shape of the vehicle, offers enough cargo space, even though the official capacity figures are lower than some of its rivals.
Standard safety features include front-passenger sensing system, Safety Canopy System with rollover sensor for all three rows, and SOS Post-Crash Alert System. The 2016 Ford Flex starts at $29,600.
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Finally, one recommendation for the off-road enthusiasts. With a starting price of $23,395, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is among the most affordable off-road SUVs. The base version is powered by a 3.6-liter, V6 engine, enough for 295 horsepower.
It sets itself apart from the competition with its high ground clearance, impeccable traction, and 20-inch water fording capability. On top of that, it’s extremely responsive and nimble, which makes for a comfortable ride even in the most rugged terrains.