While SUVs might divide opinion faster than a political debate, they’ve become as much a part of our automotive world as steering wheels and cup holders. These high-riding behemoths might seem like overkill for urban streets, but when it comes to combining utility with comfort, they’re hard to beat. And if you’re hunting for the cream of the SUV crop, Japan’s automakers have been quietly perfecting the formula while others were still figuring out what SUV actually stands for.
From cutting-edge new models to time-tested classics, Japanese manufacturers have mastered the art of creating SUVs that deliver the holy trinity of automotive excellence – luxury that doesn’t require a second mortgage, performance that doesn’t empty your wallet at the pump, and reliability that makes other brands’ warranties look like weekend plans. Get ready to explore ten Japanese SUVs that prove you don’t need a European badge to experience automotive excellence.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
While Mitsubishi may have lost some of its former glory days’ sparkle, their Outlander Sport proves they haven’t forgotten how to build a practical SUV that won’t break the bank. With a price tag hovering around $24,000, this budget-friendly hauler offers more bang for your buck than you might expect from a brand that’s been playing it quiet lately.
Under the hood, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine churns out a perfectly serviceable 168 horses and 167 lb-ft of torque – numbers that won’t set your hair on fire but will certainly get you where you need to go without breaking a sweat. The interior doesn’t skimp on the essentials either, packing enough space for your daily adventures plus modern must-haves like an eight-inch touchscreen that plays nice with both Android and Apple devices. It’s proof that sometimes the underdogs still know how to deliver a solid punch.
2020 Mazda CX-30
Mazda is known for crafting impressive vehicles, and its lineup of SUVs is no exception. Among them is the relatively new CX-30, a subcompact crossover SUV offering two powertrain options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged variant of the same engine.
The 2020 CX-30 stands out as a great choice for a used car, featuring optional all-wheel drive and outstanding reliability ratings. Like many other Japanese vehicles, it’s built to last, often surpassing the 100,000-mile milestone with ease.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru is renowned for blending performance, reliability, and off-road prowess, and the latest Crosstrek perfectly exemplifies this balance. This SUV is well-equipped to handle adventurous off-road excursions.
The standard engine is a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder producing 152 horsepower, with an optional upgrade to a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter engine. Subaru recently revealed the pricing for the 2025 Crosstrek, with the base model starting at $25,695.
Acura MDX
First Generation Nissan Pathfinder
For a touch of classic appeal, the first-generation Nissan Pathfinder stands out as a cool and stylish SUV with quintessential 1980s design elements. While it wasn’t the most powerful SUV, maxing out at 153 horsepower, its charm and rugged aesthetics made it a standout. Produced from 1985 to 1995, the Pathfinder offered a selection of inline-four and V6 engines.
Later models introduced hidden door handles in the C-pillar, further enhancing its iconic look. Equipped with Nissan Safari suspension components and a capable four-wheel-drive system, the Pathfinder wasn’t just about looks—it was also a formidable off-road performer.
First Generation Nissan Xterra
The first-generation Nissan Xterra, produced from 1999 to 2004, was designed with adventure at its core. Its bold, rugged styling perfectly matched its go-anywhere ethos. Powertrain options included a variety of inline-four and V6 engines, delivering outputs between 143 and 210 horsepower.
Buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, with later models earning recognition for their powerful supercharged V6 engines. The Xterra was Nissan’s answer to the Toyota 4Runner, and many would argue it had a more striking design than its competitor during that era.
2024 Lexus GX 550
One of the best SUVs currently available is the 2024 Lexus GX 550. This is one of the best-looking SUVs Lexus has ever produced, with its boxy and bold design harking back to the 1980s. It also has an impressive 349 horsepower, thanks to its 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6.
While it is more than capable of handling most off-road terrains, the GX 550 also includes all the luxury you would expect from a Lexus. Android and Apple connectivity is available, it has a very intuitive infotainment system, and the seats are incredibly comfortable. The GX 550 is proof that SUVs can look bold and exciting.
Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution was produced for just two years, from 1997 to 1999, and there is a very good reason for that. The Pajero was a homologation special made by a Japanese manufacturer so they could take it over to the famous Dakar Rally.
This meant a limited number were produced for the road, powered by a 3.5-liter MIVEC V6 engine making 278 horsepower. Not only was it powerful, but it looked excellent, too, thanks to its bulging fenders and additional rear wing.
2025 Toyota RAV4
Pretty much anything Toyota makes is guaranteed to be fun, reliable, and good value for money. Available for less than $30,000, the latest edition of the RAV4 is a solid, reasonably economical, but very reliable SUV that does everything that it says on the tin.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, making 203 horsepower. There is up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance, perfect for many off-road trails, and you can achieve an impressive 35 MPG combined with the RAV4, something other SUVs can only dream of.
2025 Honda CR-V
It’s been part of the Honda family for the best part of three decades, but the Honda CR-V is now part of the furniture and one of the safest and most dependable choices among Japanese SUVs. Nearly thirty years after its introduction, the CR-V is still smart, sophisticated, and as reliable as any other Honda on the market.
The latest CR-V’s power comes from its turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine. While 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque aren’t that exciting, for the vast majority of us, that is more than enough. Plus, its MSRP of just $30,100 makes it one of the more affordable SUVs on the market, and a 204 horsepower hybrid powertrain is also available for extra cash.
