Are you in the market for a reliable, powerful, and stylish SUV? Japanese automakers have long been synonymous with quality, innovation, and affordability. In 2024-2025, they’ve outdone themselves with a lineup of SUVs that combine cutting-edge technology, luxurious interiors, and impressive performance.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle or an off-road adventurer, this article will guide you through the 5 best new Japanese SUVs of the year.
Mitsubishi Outlander - The Affordable All-Rounder
The Mitsubishi Outlander continues to impress with its versatility and value for money. Designed with the Japanese concept of “I-Fu-Do-Do” (authentic and majestic), this SUV features a 3-row seating configuration, making it ideal for families. Its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine delivers 181 horsepower, ensuring a smooth and responsive drive.
Key Features:
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle or an off-road adventurer, this article will guide you through the 5 best new Japanese SUVs of the year.
Mitsubishi Outlander - The Affordable All-Rounder
The Mitsubishi Outlander continues to impress with its versatility and value for money. Designed with the Japanese concept of “I-Fu-Do-Do” (authentic and majestic), this SUV features a 3-row seating configuration, making it ideal for families. Its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine delivers 181 horsepower, ensuring a smooth and responsive drive.
Key Features:
- Dynamic Shield design with a sleek black grille and LED daytime running lights.
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9.0-inch touchscreen.
- Advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Subaru Forester - The Off-Road Champion
For those who love adventure, the Subaru Forester is a rugged and reliable choice. Equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system and EyeSight driver assistance technology, this SUV excels in challenging terrains. The 2.5L Boxer engine provides 182 horsepower, while the X-Mode ensures optimal performance in snow, mud, or dirt.
Key Features:
For those who love adventure, the Subaru Forester is a rugged and reliable choice. Equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system and EyeSight driver assistance technology, this SUV excels in challenging terrains. The 2.5L Boxer engine provides 182 horsepower, while the X-Mode ensures optimal performance in snow, mud, or dirt.
Key Features:
- LED headlights and taillights for enhanced visibility.
- Over 100 safety features, including collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- Spacious interior with liberal design lines and black plastic accents.
Honda HR-V: The Compact Powerhouse
The Honda HR-V (known as Vezel in Japan) is a compact SUV that packs a punch. Its sporty coupe-like design and efficient engines make it a favorite among urban drivers. The HR-V offers two engine options: a 1.5L petrol engine with 118 horsepower and a hybrid variant for better fuel efficiency.
Key Features:
The Honda HR-V (known as Vezel in Japan) is a compact SUV that packs a punch. Its sporty coupe-like design and efficient engines make it a favorite among urban drivers. The HR-V offers two engine options: a 1.5L petrol engine with 118 horsepower and a hybrid variant for better fuel efficiency.
Key Features:
- Honda Sensing safety package with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
- 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
Toyota Harrier: The Luxury Contender
The Toyota Harrier is a luxury SUV that rivals even premium brands. With its coupe-style hood and slim LED taillights, the Harrier exudes sophistication. Inside, the cabin is adorned with wood-inspired synthetic leather and features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with JBL audio2.
Key Features:
The Toyota Harrier is a luxury SUV that rivals even premium brands. With its coupe-style hood and slim LED taillights, the Harrier exudes sophistication. Inside, the cabin is adorned with wood-inspired synthetic leather and features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with JBL audio2.
Key Features:
- 2.0L Dynamic Force engine delivering 171 horsepower.
- Toyota Safety Sense package with collision warning and pedestrian detection.
- Digital rearview mirror for enhanced visibility.
Lexus NX: The Premium Performer
For those seeking luxury and performance, the Lexus NX is a top choice. Its 2.0L turbocharged engine produces 235 horsepower, while the 8-speed automatic transmission ensures a smooth ride. The NX also boasts a 10.3-inch display and adaptive AHS headlights for a premium driving experience.
Key Features:
For those seeking luxury and performance, the Lexus NX is a top choice. Its 2.0L turbocharged engine produces 235 horsepower, while the 8-speed automatic transmission ensures a smooth ride. The NX also boasts a 10.3-inch display and adaptive AHS headlights for a premium driving experience.
Key Features:
- High-quality leather interior with 10-speaker sound system.
- Lexus Safety System+ with advanced driver assistance features.
- Curvaceous rear design with chrome-plated dual exhaust pipes.
Comparison Table: Key Specifications
Model | Engine | Horsepower | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Mitsubishi Outlander | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 181 HP | 3-row seating, 12.3-inch digital cluster |
Subaru Forester | 2.5L Boxer | 182 HP | Symmetrical AWD, EyeSight technology |
Honda HR-V | 1.5L Petrol/Hybrid | 118 HP | Honda Sensing, 9-inch touchscreen |
Toyota Harrier | 2.0L Dynamic Force | 171 HP | Digital rearview mirror, JBL audio |
Lexus NX | 2.0L Turbocharged | 235 HP | Adaptive AHS headlights, 10.3-inch display |
Conclusion
The 5 best new Japanese SUVs of 2024-2025 offer something for everyone, from affordable family vehicles to luxury performance models. Whether you prioritize safety, fuel efficiency, or off-road capability, these SUVs deliver exceptional value. Share your thoughts in the comments below or spread the word on social media!
FAQs
The 5 best new Japanese SUVs of 2024-2025 offer something for everyone, from affordable family vehicles to luxury performance models. Whether you prioritize safety, fuel efficiency, or off-road capability, these SUVs deliver exceptional value. Share your thoughts in the comments below or spread the word on social media!
FAQs
- What is the most affordable Japanese SUV in 2024?
The Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the most affordable options, starting at a competitive price. - Which Japanese SUV is best for off-roading?
The Subaru Forester is renowned for its off-road capabilities, thanks to its Symmetrical AWD system. - What is the most luxurious Japanese SUV?
The Lexus NX stands out as a premium choice with its high-end features and elegant design. - Are there hybrid options among Japanese SUVs?
Yes, the Honda HR-V and Toyota Harrier offer hybrid variants for better fuel efficiency. - Which Japanese SUV has the best safety features?
The Subaru Forester and Lexus NX are equipped with advanced safety technologies like EyeSight and Lexus Safety System+.
Sources
- Car From Japan - carfromjapan.com
- Top Speed - www.topspeed.com
- iSeeCars - www.iseecars.com
