The question “What’s the best SUV to buy?” is a common one we hear at keyfobx.com, and the truth is, there’s no single best answer. The ideal SUV for you depends heavily on your individual driving needs and lifestyle. Are you searching for a spacious three-row SUV to comfortably transport your family around town? Perhaps you prioritize fuel efficiency and need a frugal SUV for your daily commute? Or maybe you’re an adventure enthusiast looking for a capable off-road SUV that still offers a smooth ride on paved roads? The SUV market is incredibly diverse, ranging from budget-friendly entry-level models to luxurious high-end options. This vast selection means that finding the “best” SUV truly comes down to matching your specific requirements with the right vehicle.
To help you navigate this landscape, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the Best Suvs To Buy in 2014, highlighting models that excel in various categories. While this list isn’t exhaustive, each SUV featured represents a strong contender in its respective segment, offering a blend of features, performance, and value that makes them stand out from the competition.
2014 Ford Edge: The Spacious and Car-Like SUV
The 2014 Ford Edge earns its place on our list of best SUVs to buy thanks to its generous interior space and comfortable, car-like driving dynamics. Driving the Ford Edge feels remarkably similar to driving a large station wagon, offering a familiar and easy-to-handle experience despite its SUV dimensions and higher driving position. Inside the Edge, you’ll find comfortable seating for five passengers, a substantial cargo area with up to 69 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded, and available advanced technology features like the MyFord Touch infotainment system. For families seeking a blend of practicality and driving pleasure, the Edge is a compelling option.
Under the hood, the 2014 Ford Edge offers a choice of efficient and powerful engines. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 285 horsepower, providing ample power for everyday driving. For those prioritizing fuel economy, the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower while maximizing gas mileage. The sporty Edge Sport trim upgrades to a robust 305 horsepower 3.7-liter V6. All-wheel drive is available on all trims except the Sport, where it comes standard. Fuel economy is particularly impressive with the four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the Ford Edge lineup.
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan: European Style and Driving Fun in a Compact SUV
For buyers in the market for a compact SUV with European flair and engaging driving dynamics, the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan is our top recommendation. The Volkswagen Tiguan’s chassis is engineered to prioritize agile handling and a refined ride, making it a more enjoyable and dynamic SUV to drive compared to many of its competitors in the small SUV segment. The Tiguan’s interior offers a premium feel that belies its price point, seating five passengers comfortably in two rows and providing up to 56.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The quality materials and thoughtful design contribute to an upscale cabin experience.
The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan is available in R-Line trim, which enhances its sporty character with a firmer suspension, 19-inch wheels, and sporty interior accents. However, all Tiguan models share the same energetic 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, offering a good balance of performance and efficiency. All-wheel drive is available for enhanced traction in various weather conditions. A six-speed manual transmission is offered on the base model for driving enthusiasts, while a six-speed automatic transmission is available on all other trims. The Volkswagen Tiguan achieves fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
2014 Subaru Forester: Versatile and Practical Compact SUV with Standard All-Wheel Drive
The 2014 Subaru Forester is a versatile SUV that caters to a broad range of needs, offering practicality and capability in a compact package. Every Subaru Forester trim provides comfortable seating for five and a generous 74.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, making it an excellent choice for families and those needing ample storage. Its affordable price and standard all-wheel drive system further enhance its appeal as a practical and family-friendly SUV. Redesigned for 2014, the Forester features improved entry and exit and a more refined interior design compared to previous models.
The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2014 Subaru Forester produces 170 horsepower, providing adequate power for daily driving. When paired with the optional CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) instead of the standard five-speed manual, the Forester achieves impressive fuel economy of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. For drivers seeking more performance, the Forester XT trim offers a significant upgrade with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Forester XT delivers a much more dynamic driving experience both on and off the road.
2014 Acura RDX: Premium Compact SUV Offering Unique Style and Value
The 2014 Acura RDX stands out as a premium compact SUV that offers a unique alternative in its competitive segment. One of the distinct advantages of choosing the Acura RDX is its exclusivity – you won’t see them as frequently as some other luxury SUVs. This makes the RDX a good choice for buyers who appreciate standing out from the crowd. The Acura RDX provides comfortable five-passenger seating, 61.3 cubic feet of cargo space, and a strong combination of competitive pricing and a generous list of standard features. Many features that are optional extras on European luxury rivals, such as heated leather seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and a sunroof, come standard on the RDX, offering excellent value.
Powering the 2014 Acura RDX is a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 273 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, ensuring confident performance in various driving situations. A six-speed automatic transmission manages the power delivery, and all-wheel drive is available as an option for enhanced all-weather capability. The Acura RDX achieves fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
2014 Mazda CX-9: The Sporty and Spacious Three-Row SUV
The 2014 Mazda CX-9 is a standout SUV that combines sporty driving dynamics with the practicality of three-row seating for up to seven passengers. In the realm of three-row SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 is a rare breed, offering genuinely enjoyable handling and driving engagement without requiring a jump to luxury-priced vehicles. This makes the CX-9’s performance and driving feel particularly noteworthy. The CX-9 handles winding roads with surprising agility and also offers a generous 101 cubic feet of cargo space when seats are folded down, making it versatile for both passengers and cargo.
The 2014 Mazda CX-9 simplifies engine choices by offering a single, powerful V6 engine. This 3.7-liter V6 produces 273 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available for the CX-9, while front-wheel drive models achieve fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
2014 Hyundai Tucson: Value-Packed and Practical Compact SUV
The 2014 Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that prioritizes value and maximizes practicality within a small footprint. Ideal for navigating city streets, the Hyundai Tucson avoids the “bigger is better” approach of some compact SUVs, instead delivering respectable passenger space for up to five and a functional 55.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The base GLS trim level offers a generous array of standard features, including power windows and locks, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and LED daytime running lights, enhancing its value proposition.
The 2014 Hyundai Tucson starts with a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, achieving an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. A more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is also available, delivering 182 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is optional with both engines, and a six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the Tucson range.
2014 Dodge Durango: Towing Power and Family Functionality in a Muscular SUV
The 2014 Dodge Durango is among the best SUVs to buy for those who require significant towing capability without stepping up to a full-size, truck-based SUV. The Dodge Durango effectively combines family-friendly features with robust towing prowess. It offers seven-passenger seating, a substantial 84.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and a maximum towing capacity of 7,300 lbs, all while utilizing a unibody construction similar to modern sedans for a more refined driving experience.
For maximum towing performance, the 2014 Dodge Durango offers a powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine producing 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. However, for those with less demanding towing needs (up to 6,200 lbs), the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency, delivering 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque while achieving fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. An advanced eight-speed automatic transmission debuts for the 2014 model year, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. Four-wheel drive is available with both engine options.
2014 Ford Escape: Tech-Forward and Fuel-Efficient Compact SUV
The 2014 Ford Escape is a highly-rated compact SUV that represents the forefront of technology and fuel efficiency in an affordable family vehicle. The Ford Escape’s popularity stems from its combination of five-passenger seating, 68.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and an array of advanced technology features. Buyers appreciate its available safety features like a blind spot warning system and MyKey speed control, convenient features such as automated parallel parking, and upscale options including a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and heated leather seats.
The 2014 Ford Escape offers a range of three four-cylinder engine options to cater to different needs and preferences. The base 2.5-liter engine produces 168 horsepower, while two turbocharged EcoBoost engines are also available: a 1.6-liter producing 178 horsepower and a 2.0-liter delivering 240 horsepower. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine leads the range in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. A six-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission choice, and all-wheel drive is available on both turbocharged engine models.
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: The Ultimate Off-Road SUV with Everyday Practicality
The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the definitive SUV for off-road enthusiasts who also need everyday usability. With four doors and comfortable seating for five passengers, the Wrangler Unlimited provides the practicality of a daily driver without compromising its legendary off-road prowess. The Wrangler Unlimited remains incredibly capable off-road, offering a choice of two different four-wheel drive systems, a robust suspension, and generous ground clearance.
The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy for the Wrangler Unlimited is rated at 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, reflecting its off-road focus and rugged construction.
2014 Volkswagen Touareg: Refined and Capable SUV with a Fuel-Efficient Diesel Option
The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg rounds out our list of the best SUVs to buy, highlighted by its available turbodiesel engine option, offering a unique blend of performance and fuel economy. Beyond the diesel engine, the Volkswagen Touareg offers a range of appealing features, including a spacious interior for five passengers, a substantial towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs, 64 cubic feet of cargo space, and a luxurious, well-appointed cabin. The Touareg presents a somewhat understated yet highly capable option in the premium SUV segment.
The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg offers a choice of engines, including a standout 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel engine producing 240 horsepower and a robust 406 lb-ft of torque. For those prioritizing gasoline power, a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower is also available. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the Touareg lineup. The diesel engine delivers exceptional fuel economy for its class, achieving an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
