Crossovers and SUVs have surged in popularity, becoming the go-to choice for many due to their elevated driving position, safety features, and ample space. While often associated with families and daily errands, the SUV market also caters significantly to men. If you’re a man seeking a vehicle that offers both practicality and a sense of personal style, moving beyond the stereotypes, you’re in the right place. We’ve curated a list of top SUVs for men, each blending capability, performance, and distinctive design. These popular models have been carefully selected and reviewed to help you pinpoint the perfect match for your needs and budget.
It’s worth noting that while this list highlights SUVs with traditionally masculine traits or specific trims that appeal to men, the concept of a “man’s car” is subjective. The best vehicle is ultimately the one that aligns with your individual lifestyle and financial considerations.
The BuzzScore system we use provides a relative ranking against segment competitors. Therefore, vehicles in this list, though similarly scored, may not be direct competitors. You can learn more about our BuzzScore ratings here. This list is regularly updated to reflect the latest BuzzScores and vehicle releases.
1 Chevrolet Tahoe
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
8.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
Base MSRP $59,000
Engine 5.3L V8 Gas | 6.2L V8 Gas | 3.0L Turbo V6 Diesel
Horsepower 305-420 HP
Torque 383-460 lb-ft
The Chevrolet Tahoe kicks off our list of Top Cars For Men. The base LS trim, starting at $58,500, offers fundamental features in a full-size SUV package, including a 5.3L EcoTec V8 engine. While functional, it might lean towards basic family transportation.
However, for men seeking more robust capabilities, the Tahoe Z71 trim presents a compelling upgrade. While it retains the standard 5.3L V8, it offers engine enhancements like a 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder diesel option producing 305 horsepower and a substantial 495 lb-ft of torque. For even greater power, a 6.2L V8, exclusive to trims beyond the LS, delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Z71 trim also elevates off-road performance with front and rear aluminum skid plates, providing crucial underbody protection for adventurous terrains.
| 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe Specs |
|---|
| Engine Options |
| Horsepower |
| Torque |
2 Audi SQ7
2025 Audi SQ7
8.4/10
What is Buzzscore?
Base MSRP $90,800
Engine 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
Horsepower 500 hp
0-60 MPH 4 seconds
The Audi SQ7 stands out as a top car for men who prioritize performance and a commanding presence. In contrast to the standard Q7, the SQ7 boasts a more muscular design, enhanced acoustics, and a significantly more powerful engine. While many manufacturers are shifting towards smaller, turbocharged engines, Audi maintains a robust 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the SQ7, delivering an impressive 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Paired with Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, this SUV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately four seconds.
Beyond raw power, the SQ7 offers exceptional handling thanks to roll stabilization and rear-wheel steering, making it feel surprisingly agile for its size. It provides a more engaging driving experience compared to the smaller SQ5. While ultra-high-performance SUVs like the Alpina XB7 and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 exist, the SQ7 strikes a better balance between performance and everyday comfort, all at a more accessible price point.
Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz Editor-at-Large
Everything We Love And Hate About The Audi 2025 SQ7 and SQ8
3 Audi Q7
2025 Audi Q7
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
Base MSRP $60,500
Base Trim Engine 2L I4 ICE
Base Trim Horsepower 261 HP
While the SQ7 is highlighted for its performance, the standard Audi Q7 also earns its place among top cars for men, offering a blend of luxury and practicality. The base model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. However, an upgrade to a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, is available for those seeking enhanced performance. Both engine options are viable depending on individual needs, with the V6 providing a more dynamic driving experience.
Being larger than the Q8, the Q7 offers ample space for family duties if required, though it’s not designed for heavy-duty work or off-roading. Instead, the Q7 excels as a comfortable and highly practical SUV for daily life.
4 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35
8.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
Base MSRP $60,100
Engine 2.0L I4 Turbo Mild Hybrid
Horsepower 302 hp
0-60 MPH 5.4 Seconds
The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is a compelling option in the realm of top cars for men, balancing practicality with AMG-derived driving dynamics. It offers seating configurations for five or seven passengers, depending on the chosen specification, while maintaining an engaging driving feel. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine producing 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite the hybrid four-cylinder setup, the GLB 35 retains the fun-to-drive character expected from an AMG model, exceeding the driving experience of many standard SUVs. Its stylish design and a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds further enhance its appeal.
5 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Forester
8.1/10
What is Buzzscore?
Base MSRP $29,810
Engine 2.5L Flat 4 Gas
Horsepower 180 hp
The Subaru Forester often faces stereotypes, but it’s undeniably a highly practical and versatile vehicle, making it a strong contender among top cars for men seeking reliability and functionality. All Forester trim levels are equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine delivering 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. It includes features like hill-descent control, active torque vectoring, trailer stability assist, and independent suspension, making it an objectively capable SUV.
The Forester’s new suspension truly excels on unpaved roads, effectively absorbing bumps and maintaining composure. For off-road enthusiasts, the 18-inch wheels are ideal for all-terrain tires, though ride quality remains comparable between 18-inch and 19-inch wheel options.
– Ian Wright, CarBuzz
Subaru Is Redeveloping Its Off-Road Lineup
The automaker has trademarked 12 new names. Could they be for an upcoming trim or a brand-new model?
6 Ford Explorer
10 Images
10 Images
2025 Ford Explorer
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
Base MSRP $39,625
Engine 2.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas, 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6
Horsepower 300-400 hp
0-60 MPH 5.3-6.5 seconds
The Ford Explorer is a well-recognized SUV and a solid choice among top cars for men, offering a range of configurations from family-friendly to performance-oriented. Engine options play a significant role in defining the driving experience. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is ample for most drivers.
For those seeking more power, the Explorer ST features a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, boosting output to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer is considered a sensible and versatile Ford model, suitable for family transport or those desiring a commanding SUV presence.
7 Toyota Sequoia
10 Images
10 Images
2025 Toyota Sequoia
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
Base MSRP $62,425
Engine 3.4 L V6 Hybrid
Horsepower 437 hp @ 5,200 rpm
For men needing even more size and power than the Ford Explorer, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia is a step up, making it a prime choice among top cars for men focused on capability. It’s larger, more powerful, and presents a more rugged SUV aesthetic.
The Sequoia is powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 437 horsepower and a substantial 583 lb-ft of torque. Reinforcing its muscular appeal, the Sequoia boasts a maximum towing capacity of 9,520 pounds, significantly exceeding the Explorer’s 5,000-pound limit. Off-road capability is also enhanced by optional packages including a TRD aluminum front skid plate, multi-terrain select, crawl control, and downhill assist control.
According to CarBuzz Editor-at-Large, Jared Rosenholtz, “the powertrain is the number one reason to choose the Sequoia over its rivals. This V6 engine is smooth, and the stop-start system is seamless thanks to the hybrid system, though the restart is more noticeable thanks to the TRD exhaust.”
8 Honda Pilot
2025 Honda Pilot
7.8/10
What is Buzzscore?
Base MSRP $43,200
Engine 3.5L V6 Gas
Horsepower 285 hp
The Honda Pilot might not immediately come to mind as a traditionally masculine vehicle, but recent redesigns have shifted its image towards a more rugged, off-road-capable SUV, earning it a place on the list of top cars for men, particularly in specific trims.
The most overtly “masculine” version of the Pilot is the TrailSport trim, starting at $49,400. It features standard all-wheel drive and a range of off-road-oriented features. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, enabling a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, matching the Ford Explorer. The Pilot TrailSport is equipped with 265mm wide all-terrain tires, multiple drive modes including Normal, ECON, Snow, Tow, Sport, and Trail & Sand, and “Trail Torque Logic” to improve traction on uneven surfaces.
9 Volkswagen Tiguan
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Engine 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
Horsepower 201 hp
For a more mainstream SUV option, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a practical choice among top cars for men seeking everyday usability and understated style. While not the most powerful SUV in the list (that distinction belongs to the Subaru Forester in terms of horsepower output), the Tiguan’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine delivers a reasonable 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This represents an increase over the outgoing 2024 model, which produced 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. While full specifications for the new Tiguan are pending, it is expected to offer enhanced practicality and driving enjoyment compared to its predecessor, with a potential hybrid powertrain option in the future.
Best SUVs With Fold-Flat Seats Of 2025
These are the best SUVs if you want to haul a lot of cargo.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of SUVs Of This Type
Pros
- Styling: The SUVs listed are top choices for men, featuring appealing aesthetics. While not everyone prefers sports cars, larger vehicles are favored by some for their commanding presence and masculine feel.
- Capability: Many consider off-roading prowess a key trait of a masculine SUV, and several models here offer significant capabilities in this area.
- Powerful engines: Engine power is a major consideration for men in this segment, and the listed SUVs offer a range of potent powertrains.
Cons
- Pricing: SUVs generally come with a higher price tag. The most affordable option on this list starts just under $30,000, while top-tier models can exceed $200,000.
- Gas mileage: While these SUVs offer various capabilities, fuel efficiency is not a strong point for most. Expect higher fuel costs with these macho haulers.
Advice On How To Choose The Best SUVs For Men
When selecting the best SUV for men, prioritize boldness, robustness, and reliability. Exploring used options can be a viable strategy, but ensure your final choice delivers both in terms of appearance and performance. Consider towing capacity to ensure versatility for various needs, and prioritize comfort and convenience for enjoyable daily use. Key factors to consider when choosing cool SUVs for guys include:
- Comprehensive feature specifications
- Reliable components
- Competitive price
- Good gas mileage (relative to segment)
- Plush interior
- Impressive powertrains
What kind of SUV is ideal for men?
Men typically seek SUVs that project an imposing and assertive image, while also being practical and enjoyable for everyday driving.
Sources: Chevrolet, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen
