The Best American-Made SUVs

3 minute read

By Travis Hale

American-made SUVs boast exceptional reliability, safety, and value, with a spotlight on the best models of 2025. Key players like the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and Ford Expedition shine across subcompact to large categories. With the help of in-depth analyses, consumers can navigate the many diverse options and align their vehicle choices with evolving standards and needs.

The Best American-Made SUVs

American-made SUVs have long been celebrated for their prowess in reliability, safety, and immense value. A recent study highlighted these characteristics with an in-depth analysis of over 330 million vehicles. The study ranks vehicles based on factors such as reliability, resale value, and safety, ultimately spotlighting the best American SUVs for 2025 by applying data science to extensive vehicle data.

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer emerged as the top subcompact American SUV, showcasing its impressive 8.8 quality rating. Meanwhile, the Ford Escape took the crown in the small and compact SUV category with a quality score of 8.6 demonstrating all-rounded excellence in its class. For midsize SUVs, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer ranked highest with an 8.8 rating, further underlining the diversity of high-quality options available in American-made vehicles.

Top Picks of Various Size Categories

The luxury of having diversified categories within American SUVs allows consumers to choose vehicles that meet their specific needs. For large SUVs, the Ford Expedition remains unrivaled, scoring an impressive 8.7, as it also excels as the best three-row SUV providing both space and capability. On the other hand, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited stands out in the hybrid category, notably the plug-in hybrid, with a remarkable rating of 8.9.

Not to be forgotten is the electric SUV segment headed by the Tesla Model X, which has a consistent quality score of 8.4. The Tesla Model X is recognized for its unique features and electric performance, setting it apart from other luxury SUVs with its innovative technology. Its distinction within the market can be attributed to the advanced features that make it a sought-after model despite a long waiting list.

Criteria for Evaluating Quality SUVs

As with any significant purchase, understanding the criteria used to evaluate these SUVs is crucial. Multiple factors—safety, features, fuel economy, technology, performance, value, and cargo space—come into play when assessing and ranking SUVs to help guide consumers. The importance of test drives cannot be overstated, as real-world usage affects recommendations, ensuring consumers align their selections with evolving standards.

Each SUV category, ranging from subcompact to full-size, offers varying characteristics tailored to different consumer needs—whether it’s about commuting efficiency, family accommodation, or substantial cargo space. Factors such as driving ease, seating capacity, comfort, and price are instrumental in determining the best fit. High fuel efficiency is also key, with models like the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid and 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid making headlines for superior mileage.

American-Made SUVs Offering Superior Engineering

The excellence of American-made SUVs isn’t limited to performance alone. Top vehicles also garner praise for their exemplary quality and top-notch engineering, making them highly recommended choices. The Buick Enclave, for instance, boasts a striking design paired with a spacious interior, while the Ford Explorer offers best-in-class acceleration. Additionally, the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee maintain high standards with components manufactured outside the U.S.

Selecting two or three models to compare in terms of drive, handling, fuel consumption, and additional features is usually the best method. This allows potential buyers to weigh their options carefully before making an informed decision on their next SUV, ensuring satisfaction and value in the long run.

Learn More About American-Made SUVs

Understanding the landscape of US-made SUVs can vastly assist consumers in making well-considered purchase decisions. With various auto analyses available, consumers are well-equipped to choose vehicles that align with their needs, preferences, and values. Each SUV model offers distinctive characteristics in terms of reliability, performance, and features.

Consumers seeking a perfect blend of comfort, efficiency, and technology will find ample options in the American-made SUV segment. Researching these vehicles ensures that potential buyers capitalize on a wide array of benefits—including superior engineering, safety, and advanced functionality—associated with choosing an American-made SUV.

Sources

Reliability and rankings of American SUVs by iSeeCars

Insight on American-made SUV choices by Whaayu

Kelley Blue Book’s SUV ratings and evaluations

Contributor

Travis is a versatile writer with a talent for turning everyday observations into engaging stories. Drawing on his experience in marketing and a lifelong curiosity about human behavior, he writes about everything from personal growth to tech trends. When he's not at his desk, you're likely to find him at the movies or playing video games on his couch with his pup, Leo.