Cars · Top 10
Top 10 SUVs 2015
Direct answer
The 2015 Subaru Outback is the best 2015 model year SUV, with 5 stars overall from NHTSA and 28 mpg combined (EPA, 2.5 L engine, all-wheel drive). The Mazda CX-5 (5 stars, 26 mpg) is #2 and the Toyota RAV4 (5 stars, 25 mpg) is #3.
At a glance
| # | Pick | Combined MPG (EPA) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015 Subaru Outback | 28 mpg combined (25 city / 32 highway), 2.5 L four-cylinder with a CVT, all-wheel drive | The most fuel-efficient five-star 2015 SUV on this list |
| 2 | 2015 Mazda CX-5 | 26 mpg combined (24 city / 29 highway), 2.5 L four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive | A five-star SUV that is more fun to drive than most |
| 3 | 2015 Toyota RAV4 | 25 mpg combined (22 city / 28 highway), 2.5 L four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive | Buyers who want a compact SUV with a five-star later-release build |
| 4 | 2015 Kia Sorento | 21 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway), 2.4 L four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive | A five-star mid-size SUV |
| 5 | 2015 Toyota Highlander | 20 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway), 3.5 L V6 with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive | Family buyers who want three rows |
| 6 | 2015 Lexus RX 350 | 20 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway), 3.5 L V6 with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive | A luxury five-star SUV |
| 7 | 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 19 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway), 3.6 L V6 with an eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive | A five-star 4x4 with an eight-speed automatic |
| 8 | 2015 Honda CR-V | 28 mpg combined (26 city / 32 highway), 2.4 L four-cylinder with a CVT, all-wheel drive | Efficiency in a compact SUV |
| 9 | 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe | 18 mpg combined (16 city / 22 highway), 5.3 L V8 with a six-speed automatic, four-wheel drive | Full-size room and a V8 |
| 10 | 2015 Toyota 4Runner | 18 mpg combined (17 city / 21 highway), 4.0 L V6 with a five-speed automatic, part-time four-wheel drive | Off-road capability |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2015 Subaru Outback
Most fun to drive
2015 Mazda CX-5
Best for families
2015 Toyota Highlander
Best luxury
2015 Lexus RX 350
Best off-road
2015 Toyota 4Runner
The ranking
1
2015 Subaru Outback
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe top 2015 pick.
Combined MPG (EPA): 28 mpg combined (25 city / 32 highway), 2.5 L four-cylinder with a CVT, all-wheel driveNHTSA overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars overall (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4)Original price: The 2015 Outback 2.5i started at $24,895 MSRP, plus $850 destination (Subaru press release, June 4, 2014)Generation: The fifth-generation Outback was released in 2014 for the 2015 model year
The Outback earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA and rates 28 mpg combined (25 city / 32 highway). Subaru priced the 2015 Outback 2.5i at $24,895 MSRP plus $850 destination.
Go ifThe most fuel-efficient five-star 2015 SUV on this list
Skip ifYou want a third row
Why #1 over #2: It has the same 5 stars as the CX-5 with 28 mpg against 26.
2
2015 Mazda CX-5
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe driver’s pick.
Combined MPG (EPA): 26 mpg combined (24 city / 29 highway), 2.5 L four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel driveNHTSA overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars overall (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4)Engine: The 2.5 L Skyactiv-G engine was added for the 2014 model year, rated 184 hp and 185 lb-ft; it came only with the six-speed automatic
The CX-5 earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA, with the 2.5 L engine rated 184 hp and 185 lb-ft and 26 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.
Go ifA five-star SUV that is more fun to drive than most
Skip ifYou want the most cargo space
Why #2 over #3: Its 26 mpg combined beats the RAV4’s 25.
3
2015 Toyota RAV4
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe easy pick.
Combined MPG (EPA): 25 mpg combined (22 city / 28 highway), 2.5 L four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel driveNHTSA overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars overall (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4)NHTSA release note: NHTSA rates the early-release 2015 RAV4 at 4 stars overall, against 5 stars for the later-release buildIIHS small overlap: Modifications from the 2015 model year raised the IIHS small overlap front rating from poor to good
The later-release 2015 RAV4 earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA and rates 25 mpg combined; the 2015 model year also raised the IIHS small overlap rating to good.
Go ifBuyers who want a compact SUV with a five-star later-release build
Skip ifYou want a third row
Why #3 over #4: Its 25 mpg combined beats the Sorento’s 21.
4
2015 Kia Sorento
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe five-star value.
Combined MPG (EPA): 21 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway), 2.4 L four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel driveNHTSA overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars overall (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4)Transmission: For 2015 the six-speed manual was discontinued, leaving the six-speed automatic as the only transmission
The Sorento earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA, with 21 mpg combined from the 2.4 L engine and all-wheel drive. For 2015 Kia dropped the manual transmission.
Go ifA five-star mid-size SUV
Skip ifFuel economy is your priority
Why #4 over #5: Its 21 mpg combined beats the Highlander’s 20.
5
2015 Toyota Highlander
Photo: A. Bailey / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe family choice.
Combined MPG (EPA): 20 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway), 3.5 L V6 with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel driveNHTSA overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars overall (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4)Generation: Toyota unveiled the third-generation Highlander on March 27, 2013 at the New York International Auto Show; it reached dealerships in early 2014
The Highlander earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA and rates 20 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway) with the 3.5 L V6 and all-wheel drive.
Go ifFamily buyers who want three rows
Skip ifYou want the best fuel economy
Why #5 over #6: It ranks ahead of the RX 350 on our earlier ranking; both are 5 stars and 20 mpg.
6
2015 Lexus RX 350
Photo: BuickRiviera99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe luxury pick.
Combined MPG (EPA): 20 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway), 3.5 L V6 with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel driveNHTSA overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars overall (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4)Next generation: The fourth-generation RX was presented at the April 2015 New York International Auto Show and released in late 2015
The RX 350 earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA and rates 20 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway) with the 3.5 L V6 and all-wheel drive.
Go ifA luxury five-star SUV
Skip ifYou want the best fuel economy
Why #6 over #7: Its 20 mpg combined beats the Grand Cherokee’s 19.
7
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictCheck the recall.
Combined MPG (EPA): 19 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway), 3.6 L V6 with an eight-speed automatic, four-wheel driveNHTSA overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars overall (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4)Recall: In April 2016 NHTSA ordered a recall of 2014 and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees with the electronic gear shifter, which sometimes did not stay in park
The 4WD Grand Cherokee earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA and rates 19 mpg combined with the 3.6 L V6. NHTSA ordered a 2016 recall of 2014 and 2015 models for the electronic gear shifter.
Go ifA five-star 4x4 with an eight-speed automatic
Skip ifYou want the best fuel economy
Why #7 over #8: Its 5 stars beat the CR-V’s 4.
8
2015 Honda CR-V
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe efficient four-star.
Combined MPG (EPA): 28 mpg combined (26 city / 32 highway), 2.4 L four-cylinder with a CVT, all-wheel driveNHTSA overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars overall (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4)2015 update: The facelifted 2015 CR-V went on sale in October 2014 with a CVT; EPA fuel economy improved by 4/3/3 mpg (city/highway/combined)
The CR-V earned 4 stars overall from NHTSA and rates 28 mpg combined, tied for the best on the list. The 2015 update went on sale in October 2014.
Go ifEfficiency in a compact SUV
Skip ifYou want a five-star NHTSA overall rating
Why #8 over #9: Its 28 mpg combined beats the Tahoe’s 18.
9
2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
Photo: order_242 from Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe big one.
Combined MPG (EPA): 18 mpg combined (16 city / 22 highway), 5.3 L V8 with a six-speed automatic, four-wheel driveNHTSA overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars overall (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 3)Redesign: The redesigned Tahoe began shipping to dealerships on February 5, 2014 as a 2015 model
The Tahoe earned 4 stars overall from NHTSA (rollover 3) and rates 18 mpg combined with the 5.3 L V8 and four-wheel drive.
Go ifFull-size room and a V8
Skip ifFuel economy or rollover resistance matter
Why #9 over #10: It ties the 4Runner at 4 stars and 18 mpg and ranks ahead on our earlier ranking.
10
2015 Toyota 4Runner
Photo: Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe off-roader.
Combined MPG (EPA): 18 mpg combined (17 city / 21 highway), 4.0 L V6 with a five-speed automatic, part-time four-wheel driveNHTSA overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars overall (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 3)TRD Pro: The TRD Pro trim was introduced in the United States for the 2015 model year
The 4Runner earned 4 stars overall from NHTSA (rollover 3) and rates 18 mpg combined with the 4.0 L V6. The TRD Pro trim arrived for 2015.
Go ifOff-road capability
Skip ifYou want the best fuel economy or crash scores
How we ranked these
We ranked the 2015 models on their NHTSA overall safety rating, breaking ties with EPA combined mpg from fueleconomy.gov (all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive version, most common engine) and then our earlier ranking. Prices are shown only where a maker press release was read. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best SUV from model year 2015?
The Subaru Outback. It earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA and an EPA 28 mpg combined with its 2.5 L engine and all-wheel drive, the best of the five-star SUVs here.
Which 2015 SUV gets the best gas mileage?
The Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V both rate 28 mpg combined (EPA, all-wheel drive); the Outback has the 5-star NHTSA rating, the CR-V has 4.
How much did a new 2015 Subaru Outback cost?
Subaru priced the 2015 Outback 2.5i at $24,895 MSRP plus $850 destination in its June 4, 2014 press release.
Which 2015 SUV has a recall on its gear shifter?
In April 2016 NHTSA ordered a recall of 2014 and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees with the electronic gear shifter because it sometimes did not stay in park.
EPA combined fuel economy, 2015 model year at a glance
2015 Chevrolet Tahoe18 mpg
2015 Toyota 4Runner18 mpg
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee19 mpg
2015 Toyota Highlander20 mpg
2015 Lexus RX 35020 mpg
2015 Kia Sorento21 mpg
2015 Toyota RAV425 mpg
2015 Mazda CX-526 mpg
2015 Subaru Outback28 mpg
2015 Honda CR-V28 mpg
Official sites
- 2015 Subaru Outback · fueleconomy.gov
- 2015 Mazda CX-5 · fueleconomy.gov
- 2015 Toyota RAV4 · fueleconomy.gov
- 2015 Kia Sorento · fueleconomy.gov
- 2015 Toyota Highlander · fueleconomy.gov
- 2015 Lexus RX 350 · fueleconomy.gov
- 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee · fueleconomy.gov
- 2015 Honda CR-V · fueleconomy.gov
- 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe · fueleconomy.gov
- 2015 Toyota 4Runner · fueleconomy.gov
Sources
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- media.subaru.com
- en.wikipedia.org
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- en.wikipedia.org
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- en.wikipedia.org
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- en.wikipedia.org
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- en.wikipedia.org
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- en.wikipedia.org
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- en.wikipedia.org
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.