From compact to full-size, the SUV boom is unstoppable worldwide. Here, motor journalist Fumio Ogawa introduces his top 10 latest SUVs, selected from the newest models released by various manufacturers after actual test drives.

The longer we've stayed home, the more our dreams of life on the road have grown. The allure of driving an SUV, perfect for outdoor adventures, is particularly strong. Now that we can finally drive freely again, we've selected some recommended models that might just fit the bill.

The definition of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) is broad. It can include rugged, cross-country 4WDs like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class or Defender, or even front-wheel-drive models common in the US, and station wagon-like crossovers.

So, for this list, we'll adopt a slightly broader definition: cars that offer a fun experience unlike sedans. This applies to their styling, off-road capability, and the sheer joy of driving.

Choosing just 10 SUVs from the current boom was a challenge, given how many distinctive models are available. Among those that narrowly missed the cut were the Suzuki Jimny (outstanding off-road capability), the Mazda CX-30 (compact and stylish), and the CX-8 (exceptionally practical with its three rows of seats).

The Mercedes G-Class and the latest GLS are impressive vehicles, and the Audi SQ5 certainly deserves a spot for its driving dynamics. The Volkswagen T-Cross boasts a fun color scheme, and Toyota's new Yaris Cross has an appealing presence. The list goes on.

I feel like I could create another surprisingly interesting list just by continuing to write about the cars that didn't make the cut. This time, I've focused on vehicles with unique strengths and distinct characters. So, please don't be disappointed if you don't find your favorite here.

10th Place: Citroën C5 Aircross

This model could be described as a modern minivan, with added off-road flair. Its distinctive body graphics are a key feature.

It's a front-wheel-drive vehicle, and it reminded me of the Simca (Matra Simca) Rancho from the 1970s. Both the C3 Aircross, with its 1,199cc 3-cylinder engine in a 4,160mm body, and the C5 Aircross, at 4,500mm long, are available in Japan.

Its greatest appeal lies in its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It absorbs road imperfections so smoothly, it feels like floating on a cloud. There's truly nothing else like it.

When Citroën first adopted its hydraulic and nitrogen gas suspension system for the DS in 1955, this ride quality must have been their ideal. I feel that strongly about the C5 Aircross.

Available are a 1,598cc gasoline model (¥4.09 million) and a 1,997cc diesel model (¥4.319 million). Both are excellent.

9th Place: Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

While its stylishness is a key selling point, its off-road performance is also impressively high.

It's packed with the latest technology, including ClearSight Ground View, which allows you to see the ground beneath the vehicle on a monitor.

Its beautiful, porcelain-like body gives it the appearance of a sister car to the Range Rover Velar. While the first-generation Evoque remains appealing, this second generation is equally distinctive.

The interior is also innovative. The use of wool and eucalyptus-based plant fibers for the seat upholstery is a particularly brilliant idea.

Personally, I prefer the handling of the standard model over the sportier R-Dynamic, finding it more straightforward. There are three powertrain options: a 180ps 2-liter diesel, and 200ps or 249ps 2-liter gasoline engines. Prices start from ¥4.72 million.

8th Place: Audi Q5

While its styling is understated and might appeal to connoisseurs, its driving enjoyment truly shines.

The 1,984cc 4-cylinder gasoline engine revs beautifully and offers ample power. It allows you to experience the joy of sporty driving by pushing the engine to higher RPMs (a 1,968cc diesel option is also available now).

During acceleration, you'll find yourself sighing, "What a great engine, what a great car," genuinely delighting car enthusiasts.

It's commendable that it makes no concessions to traditional cross-country 4WD enthusiasts, instead focusing purely on a sporty driving feel. Prices start from ¥7.05 million.

7th Place: Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk

This is an ultra-powerful SUV equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 710 horsepower. Among the 'Hawk' series, the 'Track' designation hints at its circuit-ready performance.

This supercharged engine, paired with a solid chassis, produces a high-pitched metallic sound as the revs climb (a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter unit is also available in its home market).

Accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph in a claimed 3.5 seconds while listening to that sound is a unique thrill. With its deep air dam, large wheels, and substantial brakes, it looks less suited for off-roading and more like a stylish SUV for the city or track.

Speaking of aggressive SUVs, isn't the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge in a similar vein? It was released in limited numbers between 2018 and 2019 for over ¥13.3 million. We can expect more from 2020 onwards.

6th Place: Lexus RX

This core model in Lexus's SUV lineup received a significant minor change on August 29, 2019, and has become considerably better.

The ride comfort and handling have been remarkably improved. Previously, the RX was impressive for its powerful powertrain, led by the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid, but its overall balance was somewhat lacking.

It's true that for a car in this class (4,890mm long, with a central price range in the ¥7 million bracket), one might have expected even better sportiness and comfort.

These concerns have been completely dispelled with this minor change. The manufacturer undertook substantial improvements, even touching the chassis. They increased spot welding points and extended the areas using adhesive to enhance handling by allowing for appropriate flex.

The suspension system was also revised, improving neutrality during cornering. Driving it confirms that the results are exactly as the developers intended.

Previously, I might have said the NX was better, but now I can confidently state that regardless of size, neither the NX nor the RX will disappoint. Prices start from ¥5.13 million.

5th Place: Lamborghini Urus

The styling, handling, and powertrain are all simply superb. It's a masterpiece of an SUV from a sports car manufacturer.

It's an all-rounder, featuring an 8-cylinder engine producing 650 horsepower combined with a full-time 4WD system. While its cabin appears compact in profile, giving it the functionality of a four-door SUV, Lamborghini's touch makes it undeniably special.

The first impression is confirmed at every moment: stepping into the snug cockpit, starting the engine, setting off, accelerating, cornering, braking – you know you made the right choice.

Of course, it performs surprisingly well off-road, on slippery surfaces or rocky terrain. Personally, I'm fond of the Alcantara seat upholstery. I like the race car-like cockpit that enhances the driving mood.

Some might shy away from its 5112mm length and 2016mm width, deeming the body too large, but to dismiss it for that reason would be a great shame.

4th Place: Toyota Hilux

Along with the Suzuki Jimny, it boasts outstanding off-road capability among Japanese cross-country 4WD vehicles.

In that sense, it's a truly functional vehicle, but I find the 5,335mm 'double cab' truck surprisingly chic for city driving.

The 2.4-liter diesel engine is easy to handle, and the ride comfort is by no means bad. Even driving alone on the highway, you won't feel fatigued.

When traveling with family, luggage space can be an issue (as the cargo bed is exposed). This opens up opportunities for aftermarket options like canopies from TRD and others.

The challenge lies in figuring out how to style it to look appropriate. Of course, it looks most fitting when carrying ATVs or lumber in the bed. Prices start from ¥3,321,000.

3rd Place: Volvo XC40

Compact SUVs have become a recent trend. The Volvo XC40, introduced in 2017, can be considered one of the pioneers in this segment.

A notable feature is its 2+2 styling concept. While there's ample space for two adults in the rear, the upward kick of the rear door's window graphic gives it a fresh image, as if prioritizing the front seats.

Volvo cars are known for their distinctive color schemes, interiors, and the 'Sensus' vertically oriented touchscreen monitor found in almost all models.

It's great that the XC40's interior also offers that unique Volvo hospitality. With a length of 4.4 meters, it's an SUV that's easy to use in urban environments, making it a pleasant companion for daily life.

Considering that German products can sometimes lean towards pure functionality, I particularly appreciate the interior as a unique value proposition.

The Japanese lineup includes the 140kW 'T4' with front-wheel drive and AWD, and the 185kW 'T5' with AWD. Further variations are available based on interior and equipment specifications.

Personally, I favor the base 'T4 Momentum' model. Volvo's philosophy is to gradually phase out diesel engines, and for those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the 'XC40 Recharge T5 Plug-in Hybrid' was recently added in Europe. Prices start from ¥3,962,037.

2nd Place: Mercedes-Benz GLE Series

The new GLE series, introduced in Japan in 2019, is, in a word, a magnificent achievement.

In Japan, there are three main variants: the '300d' with a 180kW 1,949cc 4-cylinder diesel, the '400d' with a 243kW 2,924cc inline 6-cylinder diesel, and the '450' with a 2,996cc inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine.

The 6-cylinder gasoline engine utilizes an electric motor for assistance during startup and is equipped with an 'ISG' (Integrated Starter Generator) that covers a wide range from low to high RPMs thanks to its twin-charger system. Consequently, it's astonishingly fast.

Complementing this exhilaratingly responsive and powerful engine, the handling is sharp. You can enjoy a level of drivability that belies the vehicle's 1,780mm height as an SUV.

The 6-cylinder diesel is also quiet, with a remarkably smooth revving character and ample torque, making it a well-matched option.

The interior is also finished with GLE's (and the GLS's) new design theme. The use of LED ambient lighting, the shape of the air vents on the dashboard, and the high quality of the large grab handles on the center tunnel (though their practical purpose is unclear) are particularly striking. Prices start from ¥9.54 million.

1st Place: BMW X7

It features a spacious 5,165mm body with three rows of seats. But is that its most significant characteristic? Not quite.

What's truly captivating about this car is the 2,992cc inline 6-cylinder diesel engine powering the 'X7 xDrive 35d'. It revs smoothly into the upper range like a gasoline engine, yet offers ample torque from very low RPMs.

It completely masks the vehicle's large size. While driving, it feels more like an X3 – so light and responsive to throttle inputs, with delicate brake feel and excellent control.

The handling is also straightforward, allowing for nimble lane changes. BMW continues to impress with the quality of its latest models, from the front-wheel-drive new 1 Series to the 2 Series Gran Coupé, which had its full launch campaign in the Japanese market this March.

While the X7 is considerably larger than those models, it shares a significant commonality in providing a genuinely enjoyable driving experience.

The second-row seats can be chosen as either a bench type or captain's seats with armrests. I personally favor the latter's luxurious feel. Prices start from ¥10.99 million.