Perfect SUV for Women | Top 4 Picks

When choosing the perfect vehicle, women have specific needs and preferences. From safety features to comfort and style, the ideal SUV for women should tick all the right boxes. 

In this article, we delve into the world of SUVs and highlight the best options for women.

Why SUVs are a Great Choice for Women

SUVs, or Sport Utility Vehicles, have seen a surge in popularity among women in recent years. 

They come in various sizes and, while not the cheapest option on the market, offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive choice for many women.

Breaking Stereotypes

As more women continue to advance in their careers and earn higher incomes, the need for a vehicle that suits their lifestyle has become a priority. 

Gone are the days when small sedans and hatchbacks were the only options considered suitable for women. 

Today, women are independent, hardworking, and adventurous. Whether large off-road types or smaller crossovers, SUVs offer a versatile option that appeals to these traits. 

Our article on choosing the best SUV for a family provides more insights into this.

SUV Specifics

One of the main reasons SUVs are ideal for women is their multi-purpose nature. 

The most popular among them, the crossover, is perfect for women with families. 

They are small enough to be easily maneuverable yet spacious enough to accommodate children, their accessories, and groceries. 

For more, check out our article on the best SUV with 3rd-row seating for your family.

Safety is another major factor. The spacious interiors and elevated seating position of SUVs provide a better road view, contributing to a safer driving experience.

Our guide on how to choose the best SUV for snow and ice discusses more on SUV safety.

Other design aspects that make SUVs attractive to women include:

• Large seats with good legroom
• Large buttons and handles
• A good step-in height for easy vehicle entry
• Lightweight doors
• Adjustable pedals to suit the driver
• Luxury finishes

Affordability

While younger women might prefer smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, mature career women with more disposable income can often afford SUVs. 

Crossover SUVs, in particular, are cheaper than standard SUVs, making them a popular choice among women.

For more on affordable SUVs, you can read our article on how to save on your next vehicle.

In conclusion, SUVs offer a blend of safety, comfort, and versatility that appeals to modern women’s lifestyles.

They are a testament that women can command power on the road while looking good.

Another aspect that women value in SUVs is a quiet cabin for a serene driving experience.

If you’re interested in understanding which compact SUVs offer the quietest rides, check out our comprehensive guide on the quietest compact SUVs. or something larger like a midsize crossover.

The diagram here represents the percentage of new SUV sales in the US by gender for 2021 and 2022.

Top SUVs for Women

When choosing the perfect SUV, several factors come into play.

Here are some top picks that offer a blend of safety, comfort, and style:

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V stands out in the compact-crossover segment, offering reliably good performance, plenty of usable space, friendly driving dynamics, and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. 

It comes with a 190-hp turbocharged engine and an optional 204-hp hybrid version. The hybrid powertrain delivers an impressive 40 mpg combined.

The CR-V offers a deep layer of modern tech and safety features that don’t hog the spotlight deservedly occupied by its superb chassis. 

Despite stiff competition from the Mazda CX-50 (one of the quietest SUVs), Volkswagen Tiguan, and Kia Sportage, it’s a favorite in the trendy compact crossover segment.

The CR-V boasts a sleek interior design with a honeycomb-textured insert covering most of the dashboard, cleverly concealing the air vents.

The driver is greeted by a semi-digital gauge cluster elegantly framed by the steering wheel.

This includes an analog speedometer and a 7.0-inch display, which allows switching between various informational menus.

Honda has thoughtfully designed the front seats to minimize driver fatigue during long journeys, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The driving position in the new CR-V has been refined for improved comfort and control.

The interior layout is spacious and passenger-friendly. Nestled between the front seats is a generously sized center console bin.

The back seats, offering an additional 0.6 inches of legroom compared to the previous CR-V model, can be reclined for added comfort.

When it comes to cargo space, the CR-V doesn’t disappoint. With the second row of seats in place, it offers 36 cubic feet of storage.

This space can be expanded to 39 cubic feet for gas-only models when the adjustable load floor is set to its lowest position.

This ample space makes it an ideal choice for women needing a versatile vehicle for personal and professional use.

Check out our detailed review for more details about the best hybrid SUVs.

Subaru Forester

The 2024 Subaru Forester is an affordable compact crossover with the ability to venture at least a little off the beaten path. 

It offers a relaxed and comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and a practical interior layout. 

The Forester’s back seat is spacious, and the cargo area provides more than adequate space for large camping gear or a week’s worth of groceries.

All Forester models are powered by the same 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower and can tow 1500 pounds. 

A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) routes the engine’s power to Subaru’s trademark all-wheel-drive system. 

At the test track, the Forester required 8.0 seconds to reach 60 mph—not precisely thrilling performance, but it’ll meet the needs of most buyers.

The Forester’s cabin is a straightforward, frill-free affair with a good driving position and excellent outward visibility. 

The back seat is spacious, and even adults should find the bench seat a comfortable perch for road trips. 

There are 27 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, and with the rear seats folded, it expands to a whopping 74.2 cubic feet.

For more details about suv camping, check out our detailed review.

Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is a practical and efficient CUV (yes, there is a difference between CUV and SUV) that appeals to your common sense. 

The RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which can drive the front or all four wheels, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

While its acceleration may not be the quickest, it makes up for it with impressive fuel economy.

In addition to the standard powertrain, Toyota offers hybrid and plug-in-hybrid options for the RAV4. This rugged-looking SUV fits with the 4Runners and Tacomas in Toyota’s lineup.

However, even the TRD Off-Road model, the most capable variant of the RAV4, is designed for a different remote location than these more rugged off-roaders.

Instead, the RAV4 shines when handling suburban tasks like daily commuting or weekend trips to the home improvement store.

Toyota has equipped the RAV4 with a suite of driver-assistance technology and desirable infotainment features as standard, enhancing its value compared to competitors.

The interior of the RAV4 is designed with a focus on ergonomics and storage, featuring a handy shelf that spans the dashboard and a large center console.

The base LE trim is fairly basic, with cloth seats, a plastic steering wheel, and single-zone manual climate control.

The next level up, the XLE, adds a few perks. However, the XLE Premium offers more to like, including faux-leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a stitched and padded dashboard and center-console armrest.

The RAV4’s rear seats are easy to fold, creating a flat cargo area. With the second row in place, there are 37 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 69.8 cubic feet when the second row is folded.

This ample space, combined with the RAV4’s comfort and efficiency, makes it a great SUV choice for women.

Check out our detailed review for more details about CUV vs. SUV.

BMW X3

The 2023 BMW X3 is an SUV that channels the spirit of BMW’s sports sedans while delivering current levels of luxury and practicality. 

It shares its powertrains with the renowned 3-series sedan—a 248-hp turbo-four powers entry-level models. 

The M40i models of the X3 stand out with their 382-hp turbo six engines, a powertrain that consistently impresses with its smooth and robust performance.

Inside, the X3 showcases a stylish and well-equipped interior, even without any additional options.

The 10-way power-adjustable front seats, complete with adjustable side bolsters, make it easy to find a comfortable driving position.

Passengers in the rear seats are not forgotten, with reclining seatbacks and plush cushioning perfect for long journeys.

The X3’s interior is spacious and elegantly styled, featuring premium materials and precise panel gaps.

Despite being plastic, the glossy woodgrain trim in our test vehicle had a realistic look and feel.

The stitched faux-leather dashboard, door coverings, and nickel-finish metal trim add an extra touch of luxury to the interior.

Regarding cargo space, the X3 holds its own in the segment.

Our carry-on suitcase test accommodated seven suitcases behind the second row – enough for each passenger to have one, with room left for two extras.

With the rear seats folded, the X3 can fit up to 20 carry-ons. This ample space, combined with the X3’s comfort and performance, makes it a top SUV choice for women.

For more on luxury SUVs, you can read our article on Ferrari Purosangue and the upcoming McLaren SUV.

Category	Percentage (%)
New Cars Sold to Women	62
Influence on New Car Purchases	85
Small Premium SUVs Owned by Women	57
Small SUVs Owned by Women	61
Buick Vehicles Purchased by Women	56

Essential Features in an SUV for Women

When choosing an SUV, women often look for specific features. 

Here are some key features to consider:

Safety Features in SUVs for Women

Adaptive Lighting

Adaptive headlights are a type of headlight that automatically adjusts its beam pattern to match the driver’s steering input.

This means that when you turn the steering wheel, the headlights will swivel in the same direction, providing better illumination of the road ahead.

This is especially helpful when driving on winding roads or in poor visibility.

There are two main types of adaptive headlights:

• Dynamic bending headlights: These headlights use a swiveling mechanism to adjust the beam pattern.
• Matrix headlights: These headlights use a series of tiny LEDs that can be individually turned on or off to create a more precise beam pattern.

Adaptive headlights have several benefits, including:

• Improved visibility: Adaptive headlights provide better illumination of the road ahead, which can help drivers to see hazards sooner and avoid collisions.
• Reduced glare: Adaptive headlights can minimize glare for oncoming drivers, making it safer for everyone on the road.
• Increased energy efficiency: Adaptive headlights can help to save energy by only illuminating the areas of the road that the driver needs to see.

Some argue that adaptive headlights are unnecessary and are just a way for car manufacturers to charge more for their vehicles. 

However, the evidence suggests that adaptive headlights have several safety benefits. 

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that cars with adaptive headlights were 15% less likely to be involved in nighttime crashes than vehicles without adaptive headlights.

Overall, adaptive headlights are a valuable safety feature that can help to prevent accidents and save lives. 

If you are considering buying a new SUV, look for one with adaptive headlights.

Here are some other things to know about adaptive headlights:

• They are typically found on higher-end vehicles, but they are becoming more common as the technology becomes more affordable.
• They can be turned on or off by the driver.
• They may not work correctly in all weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow.

Lane Keeping Assistance

Lane-keeping assistance is a modern safety device that uses front-mounted cameras. It keeps you in your lane and can be quickly canceled by nudging the wheel. Here are some key points about this feature:

• Alert System: This feature is designed to alert you through various means – a sound, a flashing light, or a vibration – if your vehicle starts to drift out of its designated lane.

• Crash Prevention: The lane-keeping assistant is not just a warning system. It actively helps to steer your car back into its lane if you start to drift, potentially preventing accidents.

• Technology: The lane-keeping assistant relies on the painted lane markings on the road to function. This includes the markings between lanes and those along the road’s edges. Some advanced versions of this feature can even help prevent your vehicle from veering off the road.

• Driver’s Role: While the lane-keeping assistant is a helpful tool, it doesn’t replace the need for driver awareness. You should always be aware of your surroundings and the traffic in nearby lanes. If you start to drift out of your lane, the system will alert you – you might see a warning on your dashboard, hear a sound, or feel a vibration in your seat or steering wheel. If you don’t respond in time, the lane-keeping assistant will gently steer your vehicle back to the center of the lane.

• Limitations: This feature relies on painted lane markings to operate. This feature is designed to work with something other than faded, covered, in disrepair, or overly complicated markers. If the roadway is covered with snow, leaves, fog, or debris, the lane-keeping assistant may be unable to detect the lane markings on the road.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind-spot monitoring, a safety feature now available on SUVs or crossover vehicles, can be used. This system detects vehicles in your blind spot and alerts you.

These systems can be bundled with rear cross-traffic alert systems. 

• Functionality: Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is a safety feature that increases driving safety. It alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots that might not be visible in the side-view mirrors, helping to prevent collisions with cars moving in the same direction in adjacent lanes.

• Operation: BSM uses radar or ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumpers and cameras in the side-view mirror housings. These sensors and cameras monitor the areas around the vehicle. If a vehicle approaches and enters a blind spot on either side of the car, the BSM system alerts the driver.

• Alerts: Typically, BSM uses visual indicators, such as an illuminated icon or flashing light in the side-view mirror, gauge cluster, or head-up display. These visual alerts often accompany an audible warning, like a beeping tone or repeating chime. Some BSM systems also provide a haptic signal, such as a steering wheel or seat vibration.

• Advanced Features: More advanced BSM systems can even intervene with subtle autonomous steering or braking to prevent the driver from changing lanes and colliding with another vehicle. Some of the latest systems use camera technology to provide a video image of the side of the car when the driver signals their intention to change lanes.

• Limitations: Although BSM is reliable and effective in its purpose, its operation has some potential drawbacks and nuances. Drivers should know that these systems are primarily for highway use and speeds; their usefulness may be limited on city streets and byways. BSM cannot detect passing vehicles going significantly faster; each system has its maximum speed differential limit. The sensors in the rear bumper and the camera lenses in the side-view mirrors must be kept clean and clear of all obstructions; if the sensors get blocked by snow, ice, mud, dirt, or condensation, the system will not work correctly.

You can read the article here for more information on advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS).

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Rear cross-traffic alert systems use the same radar technology as blind spot monitoring. 

They notify the driver if another vehicle is backing behind them, especially in heavy traffic. 

If the detection system activates, some vehicles will automatically apply the brakes. 

Rear cross-traffic alarms use radar or ultrasonic waves to detect cars behind you. 

They can be seen on the side mirrors or the instrument cluster. They sound an alarm and vibrate your steering wheel to alert you that another vehicle is approaching. 

Although these features cannot prevent accidents, they can make driving safer.

For more information on SUV safety features, check out our article on choosing the best SUV for snow and ice.

Comfort Features in SUVs

Comfort in an SUV is more than just having ample legroom and cargo space. It’s about the overall experience during the journey. 

Here are some features that can enhance comfort in an SUV:

Comfortable Seating: The seats should provide excellent back and leg support. Soft seats may be relaxed for short trips, but firm and supportive seats are better for longer journeys. They help maintain a natural seating position and reduce strain on specific areas.

Driving Position: An upright position with sufficient back and leg support can prevent back pain. The back of the driver should be against the seat, and the legs should be parallel to the road.

Sound Insulation: Noise from the vehicle and the road can be reduced with sound-deadening mats and high-quality tires. Insulating the vehicle doors can also minimize vibrations.

Car Comfort Accessories: Accessories like a Bluetooth receiver for music, a mobile phone holder, and an in-car charger can enhance the driving experience.

Luxury Car Accessories: High-quality vacuum cleaners, luxury car seat covers, and accessories for kids can make the journey more enjoyable.

Advanced Comfort Features: Some SUVs have features like different driving modes, air suspensions, sunroofs, electric seats, power steering, a great audio system with Bluetooth, rear passenger seat entertainment, climate control, leather seats, in-car seat massage, comfortable suspension, and variable lighting modes.

“Married and single women love SUVs for many reasons. They are multi-purpose and, depending on your needs, come in varying sizes.

If you have a family, an SUV is easy to drive and still provides room for the kids, the soccer balls, and your groceries – and it’s so much cooler than a minivan.”

Girls Guide to Cars 

Gas And Money

Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many women when choosing an SUV.

A fuel-efficient vehicle saves money on gas and contributes to a smaller carbon footprint, which is a concern for many environmentally conscious drivers. 

Hybrid SUVs, in particular, have become a popular choice due to their combination of utility and efficiency.

Here are some of the most fuel-efficient SUVs that are also popular among women for their style, safety features, and comfort:

1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: The RAV4 Hybrid doesn’t compromise on power or space, offering a comfortable ride and advanced safety features. It’s also known for its impressive fuel efficiency, combined MPG 40.

1. Honda CR-V Hybrid: The CR-V Hybrid is an excellent choice for women who value safety and comfort. It offers ample cargo space, a comfortable interior, and a combined MPG of 40.

1. Kia Sorento Hybrid: It is stylish design and spacious interior make it a top pick for families. It also boasts a combined MPG of 37, making it an economical choice for long trips.

1. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: The Tucson Hybrid offers a smooth ride, advanced safety features, and a high-quality interior. Plus, with a combined MPG of 38, it’s an excellent option for those looking to save at the pump.

1. Toyota Highlander Hybrid: For those needing more space, the Highlander Hybrid offers three rows of seating and a combined MPG of 36.

Also rapidly growing list of electric SUVs available on the US market is worth mentioning.

Remember, your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and how well you maintain your vehicle can all impact its fuel efficiency.

For more information on hybrid SUVs and tips on maximizing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, check out our detailed guide on hybrid SUVs with 3rd row.

Environmental Impact of SUVs

While SUVs may offer many benefits for women, they also tend to have lower fuel efficiency and higher emissions than smaller vehicles. 

According to a CNN report, the amount of planet-heating carbon pollution produced by the 330 million SUVs on the world’s roads rose to around 1 billion tons in 2022.

These heavier vehicles are less fuel efficient than smaller cars, consuming about 20% more fuel than the average medium-sized car. 

However, the number of electric SUVs is increasing – last year, they made up more than half of global electric car sales and 16% of total SUV sales.

For more information on electric vehicles, read our article Are Electric Vehicles The Future?

FAQs

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect SUV for women involves considering various factors, including safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

By researching and understanding your needs, you can find the ideal SUV that offers a blend of practicality, style, and performance. 

Check out our latest articles here for more tips and advice on choosing the perfect SUV.

Remember, the journey to finding the perfect SUV is just as exciting as the destination. So, enjoy the ride!

For more information on car models, accessories, car maintenance, and tips and tricks for car owners, visit our website SpotForCars.