Guide to 2022 SUV Models
The 2022 SUV lineup brought a wide range of choices for American drivers, from compact crossovers built for city commuting to full-size family haulers with serious towing capacity. Whether you prioritize off-road performance, fuel mileage, or interior cargo space, understanding what each model offers helps you make a more informed vehicle decision.
The sport utility vehicle segment continued to dominate U.S. auto sales in 2022, with manufacturers offering more variety than ever across price points, sizes, and capability levels. From daily commuter crossovers to trail-ready four-wheel drive machines, the 2022 model year gave buyers a broad spectrum of options to match nearly every lifestyle and budget.
What Defines a 2022 SUV or Crossover?
The terms SUV and crossover are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction. A traditional SUV is typically built on a truck-based body-on-frame platform, offering stronger towing and off-road utility. A crossover uses a unibody construction similar to a car, which generally improves ride comfort, fuel mileage, and handling. In 2022, the majority of vehicles marketed as SUVs were technically crossovers, blending car-like comfort with the raised ride height and cargo room consumers expect from a utility vehicle.
AWD and Four-Wheel Drive Options
One of the most common considerations when choosing an SUV is the drivetrain. All-wheel drive systems found in most crossovers distribute power automatically across all four wheels, improving traction on wet or snowy roads without requiring driver input. Four-wheel drive systems, more common in truck-based SUVs, are typically selectable and designed for more demanding off-road conditions. In 2022, models like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota 4Runner remained strong choices for buyers who needed genuine off-road performance, while vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 AWD and Honda CR-V AWD addressed everyday traction needs with efficient all-wheel drive setups.
Family-Friendly Features and Cargo Space
For families, interior space and practicality are often the deciding factors. Three-row SUVs such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for up to eight passengers in 2022, along with generous cargo capacity behind the third row. Even two-row crossovers like the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Outback provided competitive cargo volume for smaller families. Safety features also became increasingly standard across trims in 2022, with many models including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring as part of base or mid-level packages.
Performance, Horsepower, and Towing Capability
Performance expectations vary widely in the SUV segment. Compact crossovers typically prioritize mileage efficiency over raw horsepower, with many four-cylinder engines producing between 150 and 200 horsepower. Mid-size and full-size SUVs, however, often come equipped with V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder engines capable of 250 to over 400 horsepower. Towing capacity is a key metric for buyers who haul trailers, boats, or campers. In 2022, the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe led the full-size category with towing capacities reaching up to 9,300 and 8,400 pounds respectively, while mid-size options like the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango offered competitive towing in a slightly smaller package.
Trim Levels and What They Include
Most 2022 SUV models were sold in multiple trim levels, ranging from base configurations to fully loaded premium packages. A base trim typically covers essential features like a touchscreen infotainment system, standard safety tech, and cloth seating. Higher trims add features such as leather upholstery, panoramic sunroofs, advanced driver assistance systems, and upgraded audio. Choosing the right trim often comes down to balancing the features you use most against the additional cost, as premium trims can add several thousand dollars to the final vehicle price.
| Vehicle | Segment | Est. Horsepower | Est. Towing Capacity | Est. Starting Price (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | Compact Crossover | 203 hp | 1,500 – 3,500 lbs | $27,000 – $38,000 |
| Ford Explorer | Mid-Size SUV | 300 hp | Up to 5,600 lbs | $33,000 – $55,000 |
| Kia Telluride | Mid-Size SUV | 291 hp | Up to 5,000 lbs | $32,000 – $50,000 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | Full-Size SUV | 355 hp | Up to 8,400 lbs | $51,000 – $72,000 |
| Jeep Wrangler | Off-Road SUV | 270 hp | Up to 3,500 lbs | $29,000 – $54,000 |
| Honda CR-V | Compact Crossover | 190 hp | Up to 1,500 lbs | $28,000 – $38,000 |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Fuel Mileage Across the Segment
Fuel efficiency remained a growing priority in 2022, especially as gas prices fluctuated throughout the year. Compact crossovers generally led the segment in mileage, with hybrid variants of models like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid achieving EPA estimates above 40 mpg combined. Full-size, body-on-frame SUVs predictably returned lower mileage figures, with many V8-powered models averaging in the low-to-mid teens in city driving. Buyers seeking a balance of utility and efficiency in 2022 found strong options in the hybrid crossover category, which expanded significantly compared to prior model years.
The 2022 SUV and crossover market offered something for nearly every type of driver in the United States. Whether the priority was cargo versatility, off-road capability, family safety features, or fuel efficiency, the model year delivered a mature and competitive lineup across all size categories and price ranges.
