The Drive’s Best SUV of 2023 Is the Porsche Cayenne

Much like the dinosaurs who once flung their big, heavy bodies around every corner of this earth, SUVs nowadays have the lion's share of the automotive world. Whether you like them or not, SUVs are the defacto vehicle in the United States, towering over sedans, pickups, minivans, coupes, and every other type of vehicle there is. They rule the streets—and unless a big meteorite has its way—they're not going anywhere anytime soon.

This isn't all doom and gloom, of course, because for as much smack as car enthusiasts love to talk about SUVs, several of them are just fantastic vehicles worth owning. Others, eh, not so much. One thing is for sure, however, the variety of SUVs in today's market is simply staggering. From the super SUVs to the off-road types, the ultra-luxury ones, and, of course, the affordable models, there truly is an SUV for everyone out there.

Without further ado, here are The Drive's picks for the Best SUVs of 2023.

Runner-Up: Honda Pilot, The 3-Row Family SUV

"Imagine critiquing Thomas Keller on the art of French food or Alessandro Palazzi on pouring the perfect martini. No way, kemosabe. These two are masters of their trade and they stick to what they do best. It’s not often that a vehicle is so good that you start looking too closely at everything around you in order to find a flaw—and even then, any critique borderlines on nitpicking. Driving the 2023 Honda Pilot is a little bit like that.

"What truly matters is the redesigned seating for eight, nifty door cards with floating armrests that allow for more and bigger cupholders (there are 14 of them!), a console tray that can hold two smartphones, the easily accessible charging outlets, and, my favorite, the removable second-row middle seat. Weighing around 25 pounds, it can be removed and stashed in the underfloor of the trunk so it’s ready to be re-installed at a moment’s notice—no more having to leave it back home in the garage. It’s almost as convenient as Chrysler’s Stow ‘N Go." —Jerry Perez, Deputy Editor

Runner-Up: Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV, The Electrified SUV

"I peeked at the speedo right before he flicked the steering wheel hard to the left and into a blind corner. It read 141 km/h or 87 mph. Two seconds later, I flew forward after a brutal stab of the brakes heading into the track’s slowest corner, a hairpin taken at about 30 mph. I heard the tires scream for another while and my helmet smack the B-pillar a few more times before he finally said a word: 'This is a copy of Curva Grande, from Monza, but we added this next chicane while developing the 8C Competizione.'

"It’s not often that an automaker includes dedicated track time when showing off a brand-new crossover, especially the affordable kind. In fact, I don’t recall it ever happening before. Yet, for the launch of Alfa’s new entry into the premium compact crossover segment, I drove and was driven on the same tarmac where Italian legends were born and raised. In many ways, it tells you everything you need to know about Alfa’s attitude toward the new Tonale.

"The drivetrain shines as the heart of the crossover, offering a fun, efficient, and technologically advanced driving experience. The styling, well, takes all of that nerdy stuff most consumers don’t care about and wraps it up in an attractive package that dazzles the eyes—the way Italians do. Plus, Alfa’s given it a competitive $45K starting pricing to convince lots of buyers to bring one home." —Jerry Perez, Deputy Editor

Runner-Up: Ferrari Purosangue, The Exotic SUV

"The Purosangue lurched forward like a lioness hunting down its next meal. Zero hesitation, 100% laser focus. The sound of the V12, which up until that point had been present but mostly in the background, came roaring into the cabin as if it were saying, “Did you summon me? I’m here now.” The shift lights integrated into the top of the steering wheel quickly started lighting up, telling me it was time to shift into third gear as they flashed blue. I pulled on the right paddle, triggering a loud bang from the exhaust while a surge of power and torque continued to relentlessly thrust the 4,500-pound SUV forward.