2023’s best SUVs at Wheels Car of the Year

At the Wheels Car of the Year Awards for 2023, SUVs dominated the lineup, with five of the top contenders showcasing their superior performance. Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid, Honda’s Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai’s Palisade and Kia’s Telluride were all lauded for their technical prowess, with each demonstrating unique features that set them apart from the competition.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid claimed the Gold Award, impressing the panel of judges with its powertrain and fuel efficiency. The RAV4 Hybrid is equipped with a combination of a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This setup allows the RAV4 Hybrid to deliver fuel economy of up to 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The RAV4 Hybrid also features a host of high-tech safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

The Honda Passport earned the Silver Award for its off-road capability and spacious interior. The Passport is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower, allowing it to tackle tough terrain with ease. The Passport also offers a generous amount of interior space, with seating for up to seven passengers and plenty of cargo room. Additionally, the Passport has a suite of driver-assistance technologies, such as autonomous emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee snagged the Bronze Award for its powerful engine and luxurious interior. The Grand Cherokee is equipped with a 6.2 liter V8 engine that produces 707 horsepower, allowing it to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The interior of the Grand Cherokee is also impressive, with leather upholstery, a 13-speaker audio system and an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride earned Honorable Mention Awards for their all-around performance. The Palisade is powered by a 3.8 liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower, while the Telluride is powered by a 3.8 liter V6 that produces 291 horsepower. Both SUVs offer spacious interiors, with seating for up to eight passengers and plenty of cargo room. Additionally, both vehicles have a host of advanced safety features, such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.

At the Wheels Car of the Year Awards for 2023, five of the top contenders were SUVs, with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid claiming the Gold Award and the Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride receiving Honorable Mention Awards. Each SUV was commended for its powertrain, fuel efficiency, off-road capability, spacious interior and advanced safety features.