With a new year underway, it’s time for a new SUV. If you’re looking for some inspiration, Autotrader’s compiled a list of the four best new cars of 2022. The four at the top of the list aren’t exactly known for their affordability, but if you’ve got some money to spend, one of these SUVs might be a great fit for you.

What four SUVs top Autotrader’s list?

Autotrader‘s list isn’t SUV specific. So if you’re hedging a bit on whether you’re looking for a sedan, hatchback, pick-up, or SUV, their “Best New Cars for 2022” list has plenty of picks to consider. However, if you’re set on a new SUV, you’ve got plenty of great options, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Genesis GV70, and Acura MDX.

Start with the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the seventh-best on the list overall and the fourth-best SUV on the list. It’s an excellent option for folks who need a daily driver that’s also great for outdoor adventure. The 2022 model is now bigger, with a new third-row seat, and includes luxury interiors for its higher-end trims. It’s also well-known for great performance, with three powertrain choices that fuel the Cherokee’s superb handling.

Few flaws mar this SUV. All-wheel-drive isn’t standard, and it’s not the roomiest SUV in its segment. However, with a robust standard advanced safety feature package, impressive tech, and exceptional amenities on high-level trims, the new Grand Cherokee is definitely a worthy contender.

Coming in at number three, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

For EV enthusiasts, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (number five on the overall list) may be a good pick. The Ioniq 5 is blessed with an attractive interior, two different battery options, and a new EV architecture that will serve as the platform for upcoming Hyundai models. You can get a single motor and 58-kWh lithium-ion battery option or a dual-motor that generates 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. However, if you’re looking for more power, you can opt for the 77.4 kWh powertrain that generates 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque.

For the best range, you’ll want to mix and match. Combine a single-engine motor with the larger battery, and you’ll get 303 miles on one charge, the highest range you’ll get out of the Ioniq 5. Still, no matter which powertrain you choose, you’ll be in an SUV that handles well, has a quiet cabin and incredible interior features.

Among other amenities, the Ioniq 5 sports dual 12.3 screens, one for infotainment and one that displays driver information. Its new head-up display is enhanced by augmented reality and overlays important driving information on the windshield. Additionally, its added Remote Smart Parking Assist feature allows you to pull your car into or out of tight parking spots remotely.

The runner up, the Genesis GV70

Genesis may not be a name-brand automaker yet, but it will soon be with SUVs like the GV70. Genesis is a luxury-brand maker and its vehicles today are characterized by an all-encompassing upscale experience. The Genesis GV70, fourth on the complete list, is no exception. It’s a sleek and attractive vehicle that performs and handles well on the road and provides passengers with comfort and style. 

Base models come with 2.5-liter turbo-four engine that produces 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. However, if you’re going to buy a Genesis, opt for the works. Consider the Genesis with the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque instead. Despite the power, the cabin is quiet, and the handling is athletic.

Beyond its upscale interior styling, each trim of the GV70 comes with a 14.5-inch infotainment screen coupled with either an 8-inch or a 12.3-inch gauge display. Skip the base, and get a 16-speaker Lexicon premium audio system. Some versions even include driverless parking assistance and a fingerprint recognition system that lets you provide mobile payments, start and stop the car, and more. Still, despite the gorgeous and loaded GV70, at the top of Autotrader’s proverbial heap is the Acura MDX.

Why Autotrader’s best new SUV of 2022 is the Acura MDX

The Acura MDX outperforms the other vehicles on the list handily with its performance and handling, technology features, and comfort. The 2022 model is a complete redesign with more attractive exterior and interior styling, more space, and more cargo capacity. On top of that, the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine is now paired with a 10-speed automatic rather than a nine-speed. With its powertrain, it can hit 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.

The MDX also shines when it comes to tech. It sports dual 12.3-inch displays for both infotainment and driving instrumentation. High-level trims include amenities like built-in navigation, a 360-degree parking camera system, and a head-up display, and the top-level trim also gets a 25-speaker audio system. The MDX also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest safety designation, the Top Safety Pick+ designation.

You really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. Each is an excellent pick for your next SUV based on their performance, amenities and comfort features.