AI Recommends These 2025 SUVs
As artificial intelligence models improve, their utility as both a research tool and a shopping assistant becomes more apparent.
For those looking to pick up a brand new SUV this year, turning to the wisdom provided by ChatGPT, perhaps the world’s most well-known AI model, could prove useful.
When prompted with the question “What are the best SUVs to buy in 2025?,” ChatGPT provided a comprehensive list of answers. Several models stood out:
2025 Hyundai Kona
ChatGPT mentioned the 2025 Hyundai Kona across a few different categories, including under the small SUV designation and as being excellent for families.
Edmunds awarded the Kona a rating of 8.5/10, with pros of the model being its roomy interior for both passengers and cargo, all-wheel drive capability on every trim, and that it comes standard with a variety of tech and driver assist features.
Coming in at an MSRP ranging from $24,550 to $33,600, the 2025 Hyundai Kona is an affordable and balanced pick. Mileage is rated at between 26 and 31 MPG.
2025 Honda CR-V
Honda has a name for quality and reliability, and ChatGPT singled out the 2025 Honda CR-V’s “smooth ride and excellent storage space” as primary reasons to consider it. Edmunds also rated it 8.1/10.
Edmunds itself stated the 2025 Honda CR-V was indeed roomy, boasting “cavernous” cargo capacity, but noted the hybrid powertrain could, at times, be noisy.
“Historically, the CR-V has been one of the best small SUVs in its class, and that continues with this generation, which was redesigned in 2023,” Edmunds stated.
The 2025 CR-V starts at $31,450 for the LX trim, and posted a combined 30 mpg for mileage.
2025 Kia EV9
The top of ChatGPT’s list as far as electric SUVs are concerned, the 2025 Kia EV9 is a spacious three-row option that was also awarded the Editor’s Choice award from Car & Driver.
While the large language model differed from Car & Driver as to the impressive range of the rig (ChatGPT claimed a range of 336 miles, while Car & Driver gave a range of between 230 and 304 miles), it’s clear that the EV9 is a solid choice for those looking to buy a fully electric vehicle.
A starting MSRP (for the light rear-wheel drive model) of $56,395 was mentioned, which is pricier than many gasoline-powered equivalents.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Leading the hybrid or plug-in hybrid category of SUVs, ChatGPT recommended the 2025 Hyundai Tucson variation in the No. 1 spot, as it “offers a balance of electric range, fuel efficiency and practicality.”
The AI model quoted MotorTrend for its reasoning, citing an affordable MSRP ranging between $40,000 and $48,000, in addition to an electric range of 32 miles and 35 mpg in terms of mileage.
Other Notable Mentions from ChatGPT
Other notable mentions coming from ChatGPT include: this year’s Toyota Fortuner hybrid, Mazda CX-90, Lincoln Nautilus, and Chevrolet Blazer SS.
