Most Comfortable SUVs for 2023
These are the most comfortable SUVs based on iSeeCars' analysis of the interior dimensions and features of each vehicle.
The most comfortable subcompact SUV is the Nissan Kicks (84.1" total headroom & legroom), with the Cadillac XT4 being the most comfortable luxury subcompact SUV (83.5" total headroom & legroom). The Subaru Forester ranks #1 for the most comfortable small and compact SUVs (84.5" total headroom & legroom).
The most comfortable luxury small and compact SUV is the Lincoln Corsair (82.7" total headroom & legroom) and the most comfortable midsize SUV is the Nissan Pathfinder (86.6" total headroom & legroom). Topping the list for the most comfortable luxury midsize SUVs is the Lincoln Nautilus (83.1" total headroom & legroom), while the Chevrolet Tahoe ranks first for the most comfortable large SUVs (86.8" total headroom & legroom).
The most comfortable luxury large SUV is the Cadillac Escalade (86.8" total headroom & legroom), with the Nissan Pathfinder being the most comfortable crossover SUV (86.6" total headroom & legroom). The Buick Enclave ranks #1 for the most comfortable luxury crossover SUVs (83.8" total headroom & legroom).
The most comfortable three-row SUV is the Chevrolet Tahoe (86.8" total headroom & legroom) and the most comfortable luxury three-row SUV is the Cadillac Escalade (86.8" total headroom & legroom). Topping the list for the most comfortable hybrid SUVs is the Hyundai SANTA FE Plug-In Hybrid (85.3" total headroom & legroom), while the Lexus RX 450h ranks first for the most comfortable luxury hybrid SUVs (83.5" total headroom & legroom).
The most comfortable plug-in hybrid SUV (PHEV) is the Hyundai SANTA FE Plug-In Hybrid (85.3" total headroom & legroom), with the Lincoln Aviator (Plug-in Hybrid) being the most comfortable luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs (PHEV) (83.3" total headroom & legroom). The GMC HUMMER EV (suv) ranks #1 for the most comfortable electric SUVs (88.1" total headroom & legroom).
The most comfortable luxury electric SUV is the Cadillac LYRIQ (82.9" total headroom & legroom) and the most comfortable 7-seater SUV is the Chevrolet Tahoe (86.8" total headroom & legroom). Topping the list for the most comfortable hybrid 7-seater SUVs is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (83.2" total headroom & legroom), while the Cadillac Escalade ranks first for the most comfortable luxury 7-seater SUVs (86.8" total headroom & legroom).
The most comfortable electric luxury 7-seater SUV is the Rivian R1S (82.5" total headroom & legroom), which is also the most comfortable electric luxury 7-seater SUV.
The ever-increasing popularity of SUVs is based on several factors, including their foul-weather confidence when equipped with all-wheel drive, their confidence-inspiring elevated ride height, and their ability to comfortably carry five or more people. While not as roomy inside as a boxy minivan, large SUVs like the Kia Telluride offer three rows of seating, comfortable ride quality, advanced safety features, and a high-tech infotainment system with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen. This combination of standard features, along with a powerful V6 engine that still delivers impressive MPG figures, is why models like the Telluride have largely replaced wagons and minivans as today’s preferred road trip vehicle.
But finding a capable and comfortable family SUV doesn’t require a full-size or even midsize model with a third-row seat. Buyers seeking a smaller SUV with better fuel economy will find many of the same driver assistance and connectivity features on compact and subcompact models. These smaller SUVs still offer standard or optional heated and ventilated front seats, second-row seats in both captain’s chairs and three-across layouts, a quiet cabin at highway speeds, and a smooth ride quality worthy of a luxury nameplate.
The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are two of the best-selling models in the U.S. because of their combination of comfortable seating, remarkably large cargo capacity (over 37 cubic feet behind the rear seat) and fuel efficient turbo powertrains. The Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, and Volkswagen Tiguan provide similar features, but buyers will have to step up to a luxury nameplate like Audi, Mercedes-Benz or Volvo to access additional comfort and premium features, such as a massaging driver’s seat and alcantara seat upholstery.
iSeeCars has listed the most comfortable SUVs in every SUV category below, ranked by their total available headroom and legroom. Ranking them by maximum headroom and legroom allows for the widest range of driver sizes to fit comfortably in each SUV. We’ve also listed standard and optional comfort-related features, such as acoustic glass, massaging seats, and a telescoping steering wheel. New and used price ranges are included for each model, along with fuel efficiency numbers under the “MPG” heading.
Most Comfortable Electric Luxury 7-Seater SUVs
- Total Headroom & Legroom
Most Comfortable Electric Luxury 7-Seater SUVs
- Total Headroom & Legroom
How We Rank These Cars
The Most Comfortable Cars rank vehicles by the total maximum headroom and legroom and take into account the comfort features offered by each vehicle
The most comfortable cars are ranked by each vehicle’s combined maximum headroom and legroom dimensions along with the comfort features that come standard or available. In the event there is a tie, we use iSeeCars proprietary rating of the overall quality of the car (iSeeCars Score) to break the tie.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability | 33.3%
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention | 33.3%
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety | 33.3%
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
