To start with, shopping for an SUV virtually actually meant you had been going to be shopping for a midsize SUV. Early fashions just like the Explorer, Blazer, Grand Cherokee, Pathfinder and 4Runner are the explanation a distinct segment, off-roading car section morphed into the bread-and-butter household transportation alternative after which spawned quite a few offshoot segments based mostly on dimension, functionality, efficiency and luxurious.
All these totally different instructions may be simply seen in immediately’s choice of midsize SUVs (most of that are technically crossovers), together with the present variations of these SUV pioneers. There are the three-row household haulers that buyers fortunately gobble up as an alternative of minivans. There are two-row, style-oriented selections just like the Chevy Blazer, Nissan Murano and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport which are resolutely supposed to remain good and clear on-road. On the alternative finish, there are the old-school, body-on-frame, definitely-not-a-crossover Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco and Toyota 4Runner. Between the 2 resides the versatile Jeep Grand Cherokee. After which you’ve segment-bending oddities that do not precisely match right into a single class just like the Kia Sorento and Subaru Outback, plus the brand new choice of electrical SUVs which are vaguely midsize in dimension and vaguely SUV in form. Oh, and plenty and plenty of luxurious selections, which we cowl in our Greatest Luxurious SUVs listing.
So listed below are our greatest midsize SUVs, listed alphabetically: Two-row midsize SUVs, Three-row midsize SUVs and Electrical midsize SUVs. You can even learn our listing of the Greatest midsize luxurious SUVs.
Greatest three-row midsize SUVs
Hyundai Palisade
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo house; well-executed tech; high-style inside
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model
Learn our full 2023 Hyundai Palisade Assessment and our long-term Palisade check
The Hyundai Palisade is mechanically associated to the Kia Telluride, and selecting between this pair of masterfully executed household haulers might principally come right down to a coin flip. Or, extra realistically, which you suppose seems higher. For its half, the Palisade has a extra luxurious vibe, which is most blatant in its Restricted and Calligraphy trim ranges that might simply compete with precise luxury-brand SUVs. The primary purpose for that is the trendy, well-made cabin that not solely seems nice, however boasts helpful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and extra space than practically each competitor — larger youngsters and even adults will likely be completely snug within the third row, and you may match extra stuff behind the raised third row. Hyundai’s driver help and security tech can be among the many best-executed within the trade. If there is a main gap in its recreation, it is the shortage of a hybrid powertrain or a extra highly effective model.
Kia Sorento
Why it stands out: Distinctive dimension; environment friendly engines together with two hybrid selections; high-end cabin; well-executed tech
May very well be higher: Much less normal energy than equally priced midsize fashions; hybrids onerous to seek out
Learn our full 2022 Kia Sorento Assessment and our evaluation of the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
The Kia Sorento principally has the outside dimensions of a two-row midsize SUV, however manages to sandwich in a 3rd row for many who might foresee needing one every so often, however not regularly sufficient to warrant driving round a much bigger, thirstier and pricier car like Kia’s Telluride. We expect this versatility provides the Sorento a leg up on two-row crossovers just like the Honda Passport and Chevy Blazer, whereas its smaller dimension is certain to enchantment to those that do not view larger as essentially higher. And for its half, the Kia Sorento is interesting for myriad different causes. Fully redesigned for 2021, it options revised styling in step with however not copying the profitable Telluride. There are even barely totally different styling flavors, together with the sportier SX Status and extra rugged X-Line (pictured above). Inside, supplies high quality is elevated, the design is good-looking and expertise isn’t solely considerable, however consumer pleasant. The identical well-executed driver help and security options that so impress within the Palisade and Telluride are additionally obtainable within the Sorento. And eventually, the Sorento advantages from a full menu of fuel-efficient powertrains: the admittedly meager 191-horsepower base engine, the highly effective turbo improve that is extra environment friendly than the V6s of most opponents, the 37-mpg conventional hybrid and the wonderful plug-in hybrid. Sadly, provide shortages make the hybrids extraordinarily onerous to return by.
Kia Telluride
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo house; well-executed tech; well-made inside; would not appear like a household hauler
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model obtainable
Learn our full 2022 Kia Telluride Assessment and browse what’s new for 2023 (proven above)
Should you’ve already learn the above description of the Hyundai Palisade, you’ve got been briefed about its mechanical commonalities with the Telluride and that they share the identical basic sturdy factors: house, expertise, high quality and worth. In addition they achieve this to an extent that outpaces their opponents. Of the 2, the Kia Telluride has obtained the higher share of accolades, largely as a result of its styling appears to resonate with extra folks. Mainly, type is the tie breaker. There’s greater than a whiff of Vary Rover to its blocky proportions and restrained detailing. Heck, “Telluride” is even written throughout the hood, very like a Vary Rover could be. Mainly, the Kia Telluride would not appear like a three-row household hauler regardless of being among the best three-row household haulers. Win-win.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Why it stands out: Greatest gasoline economic system in its section by many miles; high-end inside
May very well be higher: Cramped third-row seat; some infotainment irritations
Learn our full 2022 Toyota Highlander Assessment and browse what’s new for 2023
The Telluride and Palisade could be wonderful, class-leading three-row crossovers, however their gasoline economic system is just common for the section at 21 mpg mixed. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, however, will get 35 mpg mixed. That distinction is as large because it appears. Apart from the environmental advantages, you’ll save a mean of $850 per yr on the pump with the Highlander Hybrid, in keeping with the EPA. When you think about it prices lower than $2,000 greater than a comparable gas-only Highlander (which has turbocharged four-cylinder for 2023), you are an extremely fast payback time. True, it has solely 243 horsepower, which suggests it is on the gradual facet for the section, however contemplating how most individuals drive their three-row household haulers, we predict the double-digit mpg benefit will greater than make up for that. Apart from its gasoline economic system, although, the not too long ago redesigned Highlander is interesting in its personal proper with Palisade-rivaling inside high quality, composed trip and dealing with, and ample function content material. If there’s purpose for pause, it is the quite cramped third-row seat. Toyota says its prospects had been content material with the Highlander’s smaller-than-average dimension and due to this fact did not broaden it drastically, however there is not any ignoring that almost all three-row midsize SUVs are larger. The exception? The Kia Sorento, which is smaller on the skin however not that totally different within the third row. It is also the one different three-row, non-luxury SUV obtainable as a hybrid.
Greatest two-row midsize SUVs
Ford Bronco
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; wide selection of fashions; higher to drive on street than Wrangler; compelling design
May very well be higher: Very loud; very onerous to get one
Learn our full 2022 Ford Bronco Assessment
We had been tempted to exclude the Bronco from this listing just because it is so tough to get, it’d as properly not even exist for many of the shopping for public. That stated, with provide and demand being what it’s, even the Kia Telluride is principally unobtanium, so welcome to the listing Bronco! Ford’s iconic off-roader makes its long-awaited return, and it is simply nearly as good as all of us would’ve hoped after we first noticed its cool, retro seems utilized to each two- and four-door physique types. Past these selections, it affords an exquisite array of trim ranges that transcend a easy escalation of apparatus to incorporate differing type, functionality and areas of experience. We have examined lots of these combos at this level and have loved all of them, together with the Black Diamond (pictured above), the brand new Everglades, the insane Bronco Raptor and something with the obtainable guide. Many will ask is the Bronco higher than the Wrangler? As a every day driver, sure. As one thing to assault a path or barren panorama, maybe not. Would you be pleased with both? Most positively, and that is why they’re each right here on this listing.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; towing capability; user-friendly tech; luxurious inside; number of fashions
May very well be higher: Meager efficiency from base V6; inside house
Learn our full 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee evaluation
After a decade of valiant service, the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee has lastly been retired. Lengthy stay the fifth technology. It’s extremely a lot an evolution of its predecessor when it comes to design and general idea, however key upgrades embody a fantastic new inside full of well-executed expertise. In top-end trim ranges, the leather-lined inside can simply compete with luxury-branded SUVs. Though each Grand Cherokee is extra off-road succesful than the everyday crossover SUV (which the JGC technically is given its unibody building), the rugged Trailhawk mannequin can go even additional because of its further floor clearance (its air suspension, obtainable elsewhere, can go even increased), digital sway bar disconnect (shared with the Wrangler Rubicon), all-terrain tires and extra Selec-Terrain drive modes. If there’s one space of disappointment (and lack of development), it is underneath the hood the place Jeep returns the outdated V6 and V6 engines with inconsequential adjustments. One is iffy on energy, the opposite gasoline economic system. That is the principle purpose why the Grand Cherokee L fails to climb above the opposite three-row SUVs on this listing. There are fewer two-row midsize opponents, although, and the two-row Grand Cherokee affords one thing the L doesn’t, not less than for now: the plug-in hybrid 4xe.
Jeep Wrangler
Why it stands out: Off-roading legend; huge number of fashions and choices; it is actually cool
May very well be higher: On-road dealing with; trip consolation; inside noise; gasoline economic system; cargo house; cabin safety
Learn our full 2023 Jeep Wrangler Assessment, plus our particular critiques of the Wrangler 4Xe, the Rubicon 392 and the 2022 Xtreme Recon
The Wrangler is not actually a competitor for any of the above midsize SUVs, and we positively do not advocate it as a household car. In truth, we’re fast to level out the Wrangler’s innumerable sensible drawbacks: dealing with, trip consolation, inside noise, security scores, gasoline economic system, cargo house, home windows that come undone with a zipper. … Mainly, suppose lengthy and onerous about whether or not you possibly can stay with these drawbacks to what’s in any other case a masterful off-roading SUV. Out there in two- and four-door physique types, 5 engine choices (together with the plug-in hybrid 4xe and 470-horsepower Rubicon 392), a number of hard- and soft-top roof types, and quite a few trim ranges and particular type packages, there’s certain to be a Wrangler for everybody. Heck, there’s additionally the Jeep Gladiator pickup. Finally, we advocate the Wrangler as a result of regardless of these many drawbacks, this newest technology is actually much more refined and livable than previous generations. A Honda Passport it is not, however it’s now unlikely to beat up your backbone, blow out your ears and confuse your arms with spooky steering.
Subaru Outback
Why it stands out: Extra space and floor clearance than different midsize crossovers; gasoline economic system; easy-to-load roof racks
May very well be higher: The droning CVT; boring to drive; hyper-vigilant driver help tech
Learn our full 2023 Subaru Outback Assessment
You are proper, the Outback is not technically an SUV. However then, every little thing else on this listing besides the normal, body-on-frame Wrangler and 4Runner aren’t technically SUVs, both. They’re crossovers that function car-like unibody building — similar to the Outback. And regardless of wanting like a wagon, it has extra floor clearance, extra cargo capability, extra again seat house and higher gasoline economic system than most different midsize crossovers. It is a genuinely smart and usable car, particularly for many who truly wish to take their automobiles off the crushed path (versus those that similar to to venture the looks of such weekend adventures). The Outback Wilderness, pictured above, allows you to go even additional off that path. Throw in its abundance of security and infotainment tech, normal all-wheel drive, strong reliability scores and improved inside high quality with its most up-to-date redesign, and you’ve got a car that is simple to advocate.
Greatest electrical midsize SUVs
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Why it stands out: Distinctive type; compelling efficiency; user-friendly tech; high-quality cabin
May very well be higher: Again seat is mounted a bit low; cabin design is a bit nameless; onerous to get
Learn our full 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Assessment
Probably the most talked about (and controversial) new automobiles can be among the best electrical automobiles you should purchase. No, this isn’t “the brand new Mustang” (that is). The Mach-E is a brand new factor, not a alternative, that successfully makes “Mustang” a Ford sub-brand by creating an electrical crossover with styling cues and a performance-oriented driving character impressed by the still-very-much-on-sale Mustang coupe and convertible which are nonetheless powered by gasoline. That is a giant a part of the Mach-E’s enchantment: It seems cooler and drives higher as a result of it is a Mustang. Plus, its crossoverish physique type gives usable backseat and cargo house, its large Sync 4A touchscreen has impressed our editors with its clear simplicity, and its broad number of drivetrain and battery combos makes Ford’s first from-scratch electrical automotive open to a variety of wants and style. Though there are actually extra crossoverish EVs obtainable for roughly the identical worth, the Mach-E stays firmly entrenched on this listing of favorites even when it is awfully onerous to get one.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Why it stands out: Ethereal and versatile cabin house; distinctive infotainment and security tech; enjoyable to drive
May very well be higher: Sci-fi hatchback styling will not be for everybody; initially obtainable in few states; not as fast as Tesla Mannequin 3
Learn our 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Assessment and our comparability check versus the Mach-E
We’re undecided if the Ioniq 5 seems prefer it got here from the longer term or from a “Again to the Future Half II”-style imaginative and prescient of the longer term, however both approach, it positive is totally different. Though it seems like a compact hatchback, in actuality, it is so long as the quite-large Hyundai Tucson with a wheelbase longer than the very-large Hyundai Palisade. It isn’t very tall or excessive off the bottom, however inside, its misleading dimensions present a surprisingly ethereal, spacious and versatile cabin. We additionally love its user-friendly and well-executed expertise, each when it comes to infotainment and security, plus the clear, minimalist look that also maintains some bodily controls. Sure, that is a knock on Tesla. The bottom Ioniq 5 features a 58-kWh battery, 220 miles of vary and a single rear motor with modest energy. The higher trim ranges get a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a alternative of a single rear motor good for 303 miles (RWD) and 225 horsepower, or a dual-motor AWD setup good for 256 miles and 320 hp. That is as large of a efficiency bounce because it appears (7.3 seconds with RWD vs 5.1 with AWD). Importantly, each Ioniq 5 has 800-volt electrical structure, making it potential to cost from 10-80% at a 350-kW charger in simply 18 minutes. It will velocity issues up at much less highly effective chargers as properly.
Kia EV6
Why it stands out: Cool and well-made inside; distinctive infotainment and security tech; enjoyable to drive
May very well be higher: Some complicated inside controls; different EVs provide extra complimentary charging
Learn our 2022 Kia EV6 Assessment and our ongoing long-term EV6 check
Though based mostly on the identical platform because the Hyundai Ioniq 5, together with its 800-volt electrical structure, the Kia EV6 is its personal factor. You positively cannot inform they’re mechanically associated by them in and out. The EV6 is equally formed and sized because the Mustang Mach-E, itself an uncommon “what’s it precisely?” physique type that is someplace in between SUV, wagon and hatchback. The time period “crossover” has by no means been so apt. Just like the Mach-E, the EV6 skews towards the sporty finish of the spectrum — particularly the brand new 2023 EV6 GT that boasts 576 horsepower and 0-60 time of three.4 seconds. The Ioniq 5 would not provide such a high-performance mannequin (but). The EV6 begins issues off with a 58-kWh battery pack with a variety of 232 miles and modest efficiency; the 77.4-kWh pack kicks it as much as 310 miles with RWD and 274 miles with AWD. All of this principally means the EV6 is absolutely aggressive on the EV entrance, however merely seen as a automotive, we love its design, its well-executed tech, snug and fascinating driving expertise, and properly crafted cabin that is additionally fairly cool to have a look at.
