The best small and compact SUV with GPS navigation is the Toyota RAV4 (8.8 / 10 iSeeCars score), with the Honda Passport being the best midsize SUV with GPS navigation (8.9 / 10 iSeeCars score). The Toyota Land Cruiser ranks #1 for the best large SUVs with GPS navigation (9.1 / 10 iSeeCars score).
The best hybrid SUV with GPS navigation is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (9.2 / 10 iSeeCars score), with the Tesla Model X being the best electric SUV with GPS navigation (8.4 / 10 iSeeCars score).
Modern SUVs include a wide spectrum of standard and optional features, with a GPS navigation system being among the most popular. Automakers have made smartphone streaming standard in recent model years, which means services like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give nearly every new car the functionality of real-time traffic information and turn-by-turn guidance. Using a wired or Bluetooth connection between the smartphone and infotainment system allows the phone’s navigation system to display on any new vehicle’s central touchscreen.
So is a built-in navigation system really necessary in today’s SUVs? Not if a driver wants basic navigation guidance. But an SUV with a native navigation system can offer an enhanced driving experience due to superior integration between the nav system and related technologies. For instance, when using the built-in system, an SUV with a head-up display can more effectively provide navigation guidance in the head-up display area. The advanced steering wheel controls offered on many high-end luxury SUVs also expand driver options with a built-in system.
The same is true with advanced driver-assist safety features like adaptive cruise control and hands-free driving, with these systems working with the built-in navigation system in knowing where an SUV is headed and how to best position it for turns or freeway transitions. For SUVs with electric powertrains, an EV’s embedded navigation system will consider range and charging options as part of its route planning. Built-in navigation systems used to suffer from out-of-date maps as time passed and roadways changed, but with nearly every modern SUV having a wi-fi hot spot, maps can now be updated to keep them current.
iSeeCars has identified the best SUVs with a GPS navigation system and listed them below. The vehicles are organized by size and price, and must offer a built-in nav system as standard or optional equipment. Within each SUV category the models are ranked by their iSeeCars quality score, which takes reliability, resale value, and safety into consideration. Additional information on new MSRP and used pricing, mpg specs, and cargo space is also provided for each model.
SUV shoppers have to consider many factors when shopping for their next vehicle. Horsepower, fuel economy, off-road capability, and basic drivetrain questions like gasoline, electric, or plug-in hybrid, with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), have to be answered. Passenger capacity and required rear-seat (or third-row) space will determine whether a small, midsize or full-size SUV can meet a buyer’s needs, along with styling preferences that may push an SUV buyer toward one of the newer, coupe-like models many automakers now offer.
Browse the lists and the information below to identify which models offer GPS navigation as you narrow in on the best SUV to meet your needs.
