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What makes an SUV satisfying to drive? In a nutshell, this quality measures how well the vehicle meets all your needs. Whether you’re searching for the most satisfying luxury or electric SUVs, you’ll be glad to see the names on this list. If you’re not currently satisfied with the vehicle you drive, one of these models could give you the desired driving experience.

A pair of satisfying luxury SUVs

The movement toward compact crossover is strong and continues to grow. Consumer Reports gives us a pair of luxury SUVs that members report as the most satisfying to drive.

A white 2022 Porsche Macan in a city.
2022 Porsche Macan | Porsche

Porsche Macan

The 2022 Porsche Macan brings a strong combination of performance and driving feel to the road. This is a small SUV that feels like a sports car. If you want a luxury SUV that handles extremely well, you’ll want to drive the Macan. There are two impressive engines offered, upscale features, and an impressive level of build quality in this Porsche compact crossover SUV.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 is one of the most satisfying luxury SUVs in the market today.
2022 Volvo XC40 | Volvo

Volvo XC40

If you’re searching for a luxury SUV that checks all the boxes, the 2022 Volvo XC40 is one of the most satisfying. You’ll find excellent reliability and safety ratings, an impressive package of driving qualities, and a versatile cabin. While a strong contender, the XC40 has a stiff ride and an infotainment system that requires a higher learning curve than most.

Which model holds its value best?

2022 Cadillac Escalade just lost features thanks to the chip shortage. Hope you didn't want one-touch windows.
2022 Cadillac Escalade | Cadillac

Does your satisfaction with a luxury SUV have to do with the resale value? If so, you’ll want to find one of the Autobytel recommended models with the best resale value. These SUVs are:

  • Lexus NX
  • Lexus LX
  • Cadillac Escalade
  • Porsche Macan
  • Porsche Cayenne
  • Land Rover Discovery
  • Land Rover Discovery Sport
  • Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  • Toyota Land Cruiser
  • Lincoln Navigator

Note: All models on this list are from previous model years, but you can ascertain predicted resale value in newer versions of these same SUVs.

What is the number 1 selling luxury SUV?

The midsize luxury SUV class is where we find the top-selling luxury SUV from last year. That SUV is the Acura MDX. This Acura checks several boxes and offers a comfortable and reliable ride for your family to experience an upscale drive.

What are the most satisfying electric SUVs?

We see more electric SUVs in the auto market than ever before, and some of them have already reached high levels of driving satisfaction. The top three most satisfying electric SUVs are:

The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is one of the most exciting and satisfying SUVs in the market.
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT | Ford

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Taking styling cues from the Mustang muscle car and blending it with a strong electric powertrain brings us an impressive SUV. The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E gives drivers a good driving range, plenty of power, and a roomy cabin for passengers or gear. This is a quick and quiet vehicle with impressive handling, making it fun to drive.

One of the most agile and popular electric SUVs to drive is the Tesla Model Y.
Tesla Model Y | Telsa

Tesla Model Y

The 2022 Tesla Model Y is quick and agile on any road while giving you the electric drivetrain that makes you smile. Choose the AWD Long Range model and enjoy 330 miles of driving from a full charge. The Model Y is useful and small, making it easy to fit where you want and bring some gear along in the ample cargo area.

A 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV is driving.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro | Volkswagen

Volkswagen ID.4

The first long-range EV from VW is the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4. You’ll find a quiet, roomy, and impressive vehicle with the power needed. Step inside to a comfortable cabin and enjoy the responsive handling of the ID.4. This is only the beginning of the VW EV lineup, but it’s a good start with one of the most satisfying electric SUVs.

What is the most efficient electric model?

This blue 2022 Kia EV6 could be the sporty electric SUV you love to drive.
2022 Kia EV6 | Kia

The most efficient EV SUVs in the market are:

  • Tesla Model 3 Long Range
  • Hyundai Kona Electric
  • Kia EV6
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5
  • Kia Niro EV

What three-row SUVs are electric?

A Mercedes EQB at the beach in rose gold
2023 Mercedes EQB | Mercedes

When you need more than five seats, you’re limited to the three-row SUVs offered. If you need a vehicle with this feature to make it one of the most satisfying electric SUVs, you’ll want one of these luxury electric three-row SUVs offered right now:

  • Tesla Model Y
  • Tesla Model X
  • Mercedes-Benz EQB

More SUVs are scheduled for the future, but for now, there aren’t many that offer three rows and a fully-electric powertrain.

Will you drive one of the most satisfying luxury or electric SUVs? If you’re not happy with the vehicle you drive now, this list gives you something to think about for your next vehicle.

Next, check out why the worst midsize truck is expensive, or watch the most satisfying SUVs of 2022 from Consumer Reports in the video below:

This article was updated on 8/6/2022.

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