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Some SUVs just check all of the boxes. Kia, Toyota, and Hyundai have proven reliability in recent years, offering a stress-free ownership experience for new buyers.

The list begins with the Kia Telluride

The Telluride has plenty of space in its three rows and plenty of standard features to keep everyone happy. Inside, the infotainment system is easy to use and has user-friendly controls. U.S. News & World Report lists the 2023 Telluride as the top SUV in its class.

Kia included plenty of safety systems as the standard fare that some of the competition charges extra for. That includes forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning. Lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control are also standard. While going up in the trim levels offers more features, the base Telluride still has plenty to offer under $40,000.

The ride is described as comfortable, and while it isn’t a luxury SUV by any means, it certainly belongs on the most satisfying list. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Telluride a five-star overall safety rating. Kia’s Telluride also won the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Price Range: $35,690 – $52,785

Toyota’s RAV4 Prime is one of the most satisfying compact SUVs

Based on the ever-popular RAV4 SUV, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is the plug-in hybrid version. Toyota’s SUV has plenty of space inside for buyers and a comfortable cabin. The Prime gets 40 miles on the electric motor and manages to get 34 mpg overall while using hybrid mode.

The RAV4 Prime is an excellent in-between for those considering an electric vehicle. Most buyers agreed when asked if the Prime was an SUV worth buying again. Regarding standard safety features, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning are included. Rear cross-traffic warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-centering assist are also standard.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime its Top Safety Pick Plus award. That means the SUV performed well on necessary crashworthiness tests.

Price Range: $42,340 – $46,210

Don’t overlook the Hyundai Ioniq 5 just because it is an EV

Consumer Reports' most satisfying list includes this Hyundai IONIQ 5
A 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 | Hyundai

For an electric vehicle, people seem to like the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Ioniq 5 is quick and agile on the roads but offers a comfortable cabin for passengers. DC Fast-Charging can make stopping for a charge faster than the average EV.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets 320 horsepower from its from and rear electric motors, which means it also gets all-wheel drive. Standard safety features on the Ioniq 5 include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning are included. Hyundai also added rear cross-traffic warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-centering assist standard.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2023 Ioniq 5 its Top Safety Pick Plus award and high scores on most of its tests. From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Hyundai SUV received a five-star safety rating.

Price Range: $41,450 – $56,500

These three SUVs offer different ways to enjoy the qualities that make SUVs popular and useful. Which of these satisfying rides will you see in your driveway?

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