Who doesn't love an underdog? In this article, we're going to cover some of the most underrated SUVs on the market in the US currently. Not so long ago, however, there was one underrated SUV that we believe paved the way for modern-day SUV design.
The Pontiac Aztek, in a lot of ways, is the original underrated SUV of the modern era. Its eccentric/controversial exterior design language can be seen on a lot of SUVs today. For example, it has a separate light signature from the headlights and the turn signal. Plus, it also has a sloped coupe-like design that can be seen on a lot of popular SUVs today, like the Buick Envision and Chevrolet Trax .
Beauty and design are all subjective, but there really is something to be said about how the Aztek really could have been ahead of its time and shaped what the modern SUV looks like today. Pontiac Aztek aside, here are ten supremely underrated SUVs on sale right now and reasons why maybe you should reconsider your options.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources. The models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP from lowest to highest.
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10 2025 Mazda CX-30
MSRP: $26,415
It didn't use to be, but the subcompact crossover SUV segment is quickly turning into a dog-eat-dog segment with the overnight success of the Buick Envista and the Chevrolet Trax. The Mazda CX-30 is in a league of its own, in our opinion.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Horsepower
191 hp
Torque
186 lb-ft
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
8.1 seconds
Top Speed
126 mph
Towing Capacity
1,500 lbs
While a lot of the subcompact SUVs out there are good choices, if you want something that is incredibly fun to drive and somewhat capable, then you should absolutely consider looking at the CX-30. Not to mention, you can get the turbocharged version starting at around $34,000.
9 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
MSRP: $30,075
The Mitsubishi Outlander might not be as refined as some other SUVs out there, and it might not have the most impressive powertrain, but it comes with a lot of features for not a lot of money. It's also objectively snazzy looking at all exterior angles.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder
Transmission
CVT
Horsepower
181 hp
Torque
181 lb-ft
Driveline
Front-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
8.2 seconds
Top Speed
120 mph
Towing Capacity
2,000 lbs
A lot of three-row SUVs these days are starting to become very expensive. If you want a top-of-the-line Outlander, you only have to spend $42,000. The interior of this trim is nicely optioned with a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a heads-up display.
8 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
MSRP: $30,305
While the Volkswagen Tiguan is highly rated by other automotive news outlets for its fun-to-drive nature and spacious cabin, it's not as well received by the public. According to Good Car Bad Car, the Tiguan only sold 76,000 units in 2023 and is shaping up to be even fewer in 2024.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Horsepower
184 hp
Torque
221 lb-ft
Driveline
Front-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
8.2 seconds
Top Speed
124 mph
Towing Capacity
1,500 lbs
That is a respectable sales number, all things considered, but other behemoths like the RAV4 are selling in the nearly half a million a year sales figures. We are hoping that the redesigned 2025 will breathe some new life into this often looked-over SUV, but what's on sale currently is a great car to consider.
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7 2025 Subaru Outback
MSRP: $30,315
Images have come out of the newly redesigned next generation of the Subaru Outback. It's touted to be a more SUV-like SUV over the current station wagon-esque SUV design. While by no means is the Subaru Outback unpopular, it is unfortunately in one of the toughest segments, the mid-size SUV segment.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder
Transmission
CVT
Horsepower
182 hp
Torque
176 lb-ft
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
8.5 seconds
Top Speed
130 mph
Towing Capacity
2,700 lbs
Then again, depending on who you ask, they may consider it to be a standard station wagon. Let's call the whole thing off. You get a near-luxury-level car for standard car money. The top-of-the-line is only $44,190, and you get the more powerful turbocharged boxer four-cylinder with nice features like a Harman Kardon sound system.
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6 2025 GMC Terrain
MSRP: $31,395
When you think of compact crossover SUVs, you think about the Honda CR-V , the Toyota RAV4, or the Mazda CX-5. While the GMC Terrain might not be your first choice, maybe it should be. While it might not be as capable as some of its larger siblings in the brand, the Terrain has some nice new features for 2025.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Turbocharged 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Horsepower
175 hp
Torque
250 lb-ft
Driveline
Front-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
8.7 seconds
Top Speed
N/A
Towing Capacity
1,500 lbs
The 2025 model year is only being launched with one trim for around $31,000, which should be more than enticing, especially with its luxurious size infotainment system and heated front seats. If you want to, you can also wait for the AT4 and the Denali later next year.
5 2025 Mazda CX-50
MSRP: $31,720
The Mazda CX-50 is not only underrated, but it also may be the most underrated Mazda. While it may be priced a tad bit more premium than the CX-5, it offers more than the CX-5 in terms of capability and offerings. The CX-5 is built for speed, but the CX-50 can keep up with it just as much.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Horsepower
187 hp
Torque
185 lb-ft
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
6.6 seconds
Top Speed
142 mph
Towing Capacity
2,000 lbs
You also benefit from a very premium interior with a larger infotainment screen that is similar in design to the CX-90s, and it can tow more than the CX-5. The top-of-the-line is a little more expensive, but it does feature a lot and new for 2025 is the hybrid powertrain powered by the Toyota RAV4's hybrid engine.
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4 2025 Buick Envision
MSRP: $37,895
Buick really pulled out all the stops for the 2024 redesign of the Envision. It followed similar exterior design cues to the Envista with the front grille and daytime running lights. The inside, however, is where the real magic of the Envision happens with a gorgeous continuous panel and materials alike. The Buick is a great entry.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Horsepower
228 hp
Torque
258 lb-ft
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
7.3 seconds
Top Speed
130 mph
Towing Capacity
1,500 lbs
It's also in a segment where the top-of-the-line costs just as much, if not less than, the majority of the luxury SUVs it's competing with. Some other nice features it comes with are a nine-speaker Bose premium sound system and active noise cancelation.
3 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
MSRP: $38,460
By far, the most competitive segment in the SUV class is the mid-size three-row segment. You really have to be able to outdo the next company with capability, pricing, and comfort. That's why we're advocating for the Nissan Pathfinder. It has more features and capabilities than most mid-size SUVs out there.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Horsepower
284 hp
Torque
294 lb-ft
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
6.6 seconds
Top Speed
119 mph
Towing Capacity
3,500 lbs
For starters, the base level towing capacity is only 3,500, but if you get the premium package, that cranks up the towing to 6,000 pounds. Nissan also released it last year with the off-roading "Rock Creek" version that is quite off-road capable. New for 2025, you'll benefit from three oil changes complimentary.
2 2024 Nissan Murano
MSRP: $40,130
We'll admit, the Nissan Murano is a bit of a hard sell. It starts out expensive, it has dated technology on the interior, and it can't even tow much with such a large V-6. However, if you want a brand-new car that is spacious and roomy on the interior, with a unique exterior design, then this could be for you.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6
Transmission
CVT
Horsepower
260 hp
Torque
240 lb-ft
Driveline
Front-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
7.5 seconds
Top Speed
120 mph
Towing Capacity
1,500 lbs
Just because the technology like the infotainment and instrument panel are outdated, that doesn't mean it doesn't come with good tech. You do get adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring system, Apple CarPlay , and the like. It also has pretty good gas mileage, with 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway.
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1 2025 Honda Passport
MSRP: $43,795
Technically, the third-generation Honda Passport has not been around that long. It was revived to pay homage to the Passports of the 90s, and has been doing relatively well in sales. The 2026 fourth generation is set to be an exciting one.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Horsepower
280 hp
Torque
262 lb-ft
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
5.9 seconds
Top Speed
110 mph
Towing Capacity
5,000 lbs
In the meantime, the final year of the Passport is not to be missed. With a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 and a hefty towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, this is arguably the most capable Honda available next to the Pilot Trailsport.