Top 10 SUVs of 2015

Small, medium and large, with all-wheel drive or not, with downsizing or more traditional engines. In this list we collect the ten SUVs that, in our opinion, best define the landscape of launches so far this year.

Mazda CX-3

One of the revelations of the year has been, without a doubt, the . A small SUV that derives from the Mazda2 and that stands out, among other things, for its design and its good manners on the asphalt. Perhaps the interior roominess should be improved, especially in the rear seats, which is somewhat scarce compared to that of some rivals, but otherwise, it has plenty of arguments to be one of the most coveted SUVs in its segment. In the range we find Skyactive gasoline and diesel engines, front and integral traction and manual or automatic gearbox.

Honda HR-V

The one who was a pioneer in the world of the SUV back in 1999, returns to the scene after a few years of hiatus. Years that have made him lose the pull of the best SUV era, but that have also served him to prepare thoroughly and thus be able to go out and fight with guarantees in a war that is not easy. The best of: the presentation of it, both outside and inside, its sporty touch at the controls and its ride comfort. It also highlights its interior spaciousness and its versatility, which almost place it in the upper segment. The worst thing is perhaps its limited range of engines, in which a turbo gasoline is missing, as well as the inability to opt for a 4×4 version.

suzuki vitara

It leaves behind its more off-road qualities to focus on the SUV essence, that is, the off-road one more focused on comfort on the road -although it maintains certain off-road virtues-. By size, it is one of the smallest (4.18 meters long), however, its interior is well used. Among the points in favor of the Vitara are a fun and modern design and very low fuel consumption in the case of the 120 hp 1.6 diesel version. The other engine that can be chosen is a 1.6 gasoline, of equal power. The more adventurous have at their disposal a variant with four drive wheels, which uses the All Grip system with four driving modes: Auto., Snow, Lock and Sport.

SsangYong Tivoli

The Korean firm has high hopes for . The reason is clear: it goes straight to the fashion segment, the B-SUV, the one that has not stopped growing in recent months. Behind its peculiar shapes hides a passenger compartment with good levels in terms of headroom and legroom, and incidentally, with a generous 423-liter trunk. It should be noted that functionality and perceived quality take a leap forward in this SsangYong, which is emerging as one of the most modern and best made of the brand. Two types of traction and two engines make up a range in which a more solvent gasoline engine is missing. At the moment, this 128 hp 1.6 is the only option available. At the return of summer you can also choose the 1.6-liter diesel and 115 hp, surely more capable in all its records.

Renault Kadjar

The first cousin of the Nissan Qashqai, born from the alliance between Renault and Nissan, C-SUV. From the Qashqai it borrows the platform, although it is slightly larger, and the engines are also the same (the well-known dCi and the low-displacement TCe supercharged gasoline are not lacking). Of course, the personality of the Frenchman is evident in its exterior lines and in its comfortable interior, which stands out for its perceived quality and for systems such as R-Link 2.0 for entertainment and connectivity. A new bet for this large category in which the generalist models have the upper hand due to their starting price content.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes SUV that until now we knew as GLK has given way to the new GLC. The successor, in addition to being much more stylized in its forms – it leaves behind those square shapes of the bodywork -, it is larger in practically all measurements. It grows in length, width and wheelbase, which improves habitability and makes the trunk grow to 580 liters. Natural rival of models such as the Audi Q5 or the BMW X3, this Mercedes is positioned by price among the most expensive of the premium side. Among its delicatessen are impeccable finishes, state-of-the-art engines that can be associated with the 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and a 327 hp hybrid drive that will hit the market later this year.

hyundai tucson

The successor to the ix35 has been developed in Europe and for Europe at the Korean firm’s plant in the Czech Republic. It is the most important launch of the Korean firm in the next five years and for this reason it has put its batteries in everything that has to do with the quality of its components, equipment and design. This has also made its price more expensive compared to the previous generation. Equipped with five engines, a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, an extensive list of driving assistants and a practical, spacious and modular interior, this SUV has a starting price of 22,400 euros.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Although its name may be misleading, in reality it is not a new variant of the well-known Discovery but a model that starts from scratch in its manufacture and that fills the gap left by the Freelander 2. Its main quality, aside from the fact that it can move in off-road environments better than most SUVs on the market, it can have 5 or 7 seats spread over up to 3 rows of seats. Despite being the most economical model in the modern Land Rover range (we leave aside the mythical Defender), it has that touch of luxury and finesse present in all the brand’s cars. It is, therefore, a good alternative for those looking for a distinctive product at a price consistent with their claims (from 37,850 euros). Under the hood are modern 2-liter diesel engines, with 150 and 190 hp, very little thirsty. The gasoline section is covered by the new engine of the Ingenium family, which delivers 150 hp.

Volvo XC90

It has been waiting. After almost 14 years of life, the Swedish SUV was already due for renewal. And boy has he done it. New platform, trendy design, large touch screen and vertical format, significantly reduced weight and, what is most striking: the entire range of engines is four-cylinder. This would not be unusual if it were a mid-size SUV, but the fact is that the XC90 measures almost 5 meters in length and, in this segment, if any brand dares to flirt with a four-cylinder variant for that of lowering the levels of consumption and emissions. However, the Volvo is strongly committed to downsizing with a list of diesel and gasoline engines, with powers ranging from 190 to 408 hp, all of them with a displacement of 2 liters.

Audi Q7

He was crying out for change. The new model, despite having caused some controversy due to its peculiar and low-risk design, which seems to distance itself from the typical off-road image, improves a lot in all other sections. Safety, comfort and dynamics are the priority of the Q7, which becomes one of the most refined -if not the most- of those that exist. Silence and rolling smoothness are total. Available with 5 or 7 seats, the German has been, without a doubt, one of the great launches of this 2015.