I’m a Car Expert: 6 Most Improved SUVs That Are Now Worth Your Money
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Looking for a new SUV before tariffs drive up prices?
GOBankingRates spoke with car experts who said these car models have improved by leaps and bounds within the last car cycle.
Hyundai Santa Fe
- New starting price: $35,775
“The Hyundai Santa Fe is so much improved from its original release that it’s hard to believe it’s the same model,” said Melanie Musson, auto expert with CarInsurance.org. “The Santa Fe was riddled with safety issues, had a low-performance engine and felt cheap. Today, it has been revolutionized into a sleek, refined, yet tough vehicle. It’s a dependable SUV now and it’s priced competitively.”
She goes on to note that Hyundais used to have a reputation as cheap, unreliable vehicles. “Now, they have one of the best warranties in the industry, and they’re competing with the industry leaders.”
Chevrolet Traverse
- New starting price: $42,095
Alex Black, CMO at vehicle background reporting site EpicVIN, loves what Chevy has done with the Traverse. “The Chevy Traverse is now fulfilling its size. The older models were clunky and cheap on the inside, but the new model drives better, has better features and looks good,” Black said. “The price is now decent for parents who desire space without paying too much.”
Toyota Grand Highlander
- New starting price: $42,310
Black also likes what he sees from Toyota’s Grand Highlander, the larger cousin of its Highlander model. “They addressed what folks did not like about the standard Highlander — more space, improved handling and wiser storage. Toyota dependability with real third-row comfort? Worth it now,” he said.
Kia Sportage
- New starting price: $28,785
Another Korean brand that has risen through the ranks in quality, performance and reliability, Kia produces a great SUV at an affordable price point.
“The Sportage used to be known for breaking down, but now it’s one of the most reliable cars available,” Musson explained. “The safety issues of the past have been replaced by advanced safety features, including technology to prevent crashes.
She said any drivers still wary of Kia build quality can take assurance from their excellent warranty. “Kia believes in its vehicles enough to offer one of the best warranties in the industry,” she added.
Volkswagen Tiguan
- New starting price: $30,920
Alan Gelfand of German Car Depot sees firsthand how some German SUVs have improved, even in the last few years. “The early Tigs were nightmares. I remember replacing all those timing chain tensioners like they were yesterday,” he said.
He went on to explain that the model — and VW in general — have come a long way. “That revised EA888 engine doesn’t sound like it’s full of marbles anymore and the interior stopped feeling like they bought it from a Dollar Tree closeout sale. The digital cockpit actually makes sense now too,” he added.
Nissan Pathfinder
- New starting price: $37,790
Despite Nissan finding itself in the news for the wrong reasons recently, Leon Huang of auto parts manufacturer RapidDirect has seen huge strides in their Pathfinder model.
“Nissan finally ditched the CVT for a nine-speed automatic, which greatly improves drivability and towing reliability,” he said. “The interior now rivals premium competitors in finish and layout, while the three-row configuration is genuinely practical. It went from overlooked to a solid value in just one cycle.”
Editor’s note: Each SUV price was sourced from Kelley Blue Book.
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