10 Hot SUVs for Style-Conscious Shoppers

2016 Mazda CX-3 ・ Photo by Mazda

There’s no doubt that the SUV and crossover markets have evolved considerably, especially over the last few years. The current crop of SUVs feature styling that’s sportier than ever, often taking cues from the models within the brand that are smaller and more nimble. Whether the vehicle is an evolution of an outdated design, or a fresh profile from the ground up, today’s SUV market offers options that are quite aesthetically pleasing.

We considered some of the most stylish (or in some cases, most interesting-looking) SUVs that were new for the 2015 or 2016 model years, as well as a few older models that have just been upgraded. Even among this rather narrow set of criteria, there’s enough differentiation amongst these models to appeal to almost anyone who might be in the market, at a variety of price points. Let’s take a look at the hottest SUVs for style-conscious shoppers for 2016.

10) 2016 Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade, which was introduced in 2015, takes the brand’s successful entry-level crossover formula and punches it up with styling that’s simultaneously aggressive and cartoonish. The result is a five-passenger subcompact SUV that, regardless of whether you love it or hate it, doesn’t fail to turn heads. The Renegade offers two drivetrains. The base is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder, which makes 160 horsepower and comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder increases output to 180 horsepower, and comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Both come with front-wheel drive, which can be upgraded to four-wheel drive. Buyers can also choose between two off-road systems, each of which offers advantages for particular types of terrain. In other words, the feisty-looking 2016 Renegade will have no trouble keeping up with larger, more traditionally styled Jeeps, and is one of our favorite 10 hot SUVs.

Photo by Jeep

9) 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, a luxury subcompact SUV that was introduced last year, is a relatively inexpensive way to obtain the brand's sleek, powerful styling, inspired by both its larger luxury suv siblings and Mercedes’ stable of high-performance sports cars. In fact, this hot SUV drives and handles more like a small car. Two engines are available with the 2016 GLA-Class, both of which come paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The entry-level engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, puts out 208 horsepower, which should satisfy most potential buyers. There are always those who are more interested in substance than style, though, and for that, this hot SUV offers the AMG trim level, which also comes powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but this one makes 375 horsepower.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

8) 2016 Hyundai Tucson

The ever-popular Hyundai Tucson is redesigned for the 2016 model year, and, to be fair, the Tucson's subtle good looks aren’t its primary qualifications for inclusion on a list of the newest and hottest SUVs. Rather, the Tucson continues to represent a very strong all-around value for a five-passenger compact SUV. Hyundai gives the Tucson a fresh look and interior improvements that include an increase in total cargo capacity and tons of standard equipment. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 164 horsepower. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder provides 175 horsepower, but the added benefit is that it also increases fuel economy to above-average levels for the class. The base 2016 Hyundai Tucson gets a six-speed automatic transmission, and the turbocharged Tucson gets a seven-speed auto. Both come with front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is available.

7) 2016 BMW X1

The BMW X1 is a sporty subcompact SUV that’s been redesigned for the 2016 model year. The X1 is hot inside and out, with a spacious and comfortable cabin that seats five and styling that makes it clear the X1 is the gateway to the brand’s sport ute lineup. The X1 represents one of BMW’s more affordable vehicles, but that doesn’t mean it’s a compromise. The X1's 2.0-liter turbocharged motor generates 228 horsepower, and a new eight-speed automatic transmission is included along with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. Though that’s the only configuration currently available, more engines will be added to the lineup soon. Buyers who buy a 2016 X1 will be more than satisfied, though, as the engine’s strong acceleration is complemented by the brand’s signature sporty handling and driving dynamics.

Photo by BMW

6) 2017 Audi Q7

For 2017, Audi’s redone the Q7 luxury SUV, a hot new option that provides spacious accommodations for seven passengers. Changes to the Q7’s profile are subtle but significant. Unlike Audi’s smaller SUV models, which feature an aesthetic that conveys sportiness more than luxury, the Q7 makes no apologies for its focus on comfort. As such, it embraces its large footprint and tall rooflines, and fills the space with a long list of high-end features. That said, the 2017 Q7 still handles very well for a vehicle of its size. For now, this generation of the Q7 comes with just one engine, a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 333 horsepower and offers strong, steady acceleration. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive come standard with every 2017 Audi Q7.

Photo by Audi

5) 2016 FIAT 500X

All new for 2016, the FIAT 500X is a compact crossover based on its hot 500 compact hatch. The two models aren’t so different—the 500X is a little bigger than the 500, with more ground clearance and slightly more rugged styling. The 500X is available in a palette of bright color combinations, which should appeal to buyers who won’t mind the attention, and the interior is trimmed in quality materials. Though this hot SUV is more focused on style, its two available engines offer decent power and fuel economy. The base model is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder making 160 horsepower, and comes with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes 180 horsepower, comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and offers all-wheel drive as an option.

4) 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The 2016 GLC-Class is a new and worthy addition to the Mercedes-Benz lineup of hot SUVs. Though it’s a replacement for the discontinued compact luxury GLK-Class, Mercedes went in a completely different direction in terms of styling. The GLC-Class is sleek and svelte, and yet is more likely to blend into a crowd than its sharp and angular predecessor. However, the bold Mercedes grille makes the front end worthy of extra attention and is the perfect complement to the well-rounded overall package. The GLC-Class makes its debut with just one available engine (although more are expected to join the lineup in the near future). A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit provides the GLC300 model with 241 horsepower. A new nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive come standard, and all-wheel drive is available.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

3) 2016 Honda HR-V

The 2016 HR-V is a brand new subcompact crossover from Honda. The HR-V offers balanced, stable driving dynamics and a well-thought out, versatile interior, quickly earning the vehicle a reputation for practicality. Its styling is a bit more perky than the luxury options elsewhere on this list, but the HR-V conveys a go-anywhere, do-anything attitude. The interior offers excellent visibility, comfortable seating, and plenty of features. Power comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 141 horsepower, and can be paired with a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available. Considering the vehicle’s overall value, we expect the hot little 2016 Honda HR-V to become a common sight.

Photo by Honda

2) 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 is a reliable standby in the compact SUV class, but the Hybrid version of the 2016 RAV4 is all new for this year. The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid borrows a lot from its traditional gasoline-powered mate, which is a strong point in its favor. Five passengers can fit comfortably in the well-equipped cabin, and Toyota’s got the driving and handling dynamics nailed down. And, since the RAV4 is a good overall value for a small SUV, the Hybrid version is able to come in at a price point well below most other hybrid SUVs on the market. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s augmented by two electric motors, yielding a total output of 194 horsepower (more than the regular RAV4). A continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive are standard in this hot SUV.

Photo by Toyota

1) 2016 Mazda CX-3

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is another totally new model to be introduced this year, and its sharp, athletic styling is already winning fans. This hot crossover, the smallest in the Mazda SUV lineup, offers accommodations for five passengers. The CX-3 was designed with the intent of converting new, younger buyers to the Mazda brand, and to that end, it successfully employs the Mazda formula: looks that are bold without being polarizing, and dynamics that make the vehicle fun to drive without needing gobs of power. So far, there’s just one engine available in the CX-3, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that makes 146 horsepower and comes paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that features a manual shift mode, a combination that delivers excellent fuel economy. Front-wheel drive comes standard and all-wheel drive is available.