To start with, shopping for an SUV nearly definitely 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 rationale a distinct segment, off-roading automobile section morphed into the bread-and-butter household transportation selection after which spawned quite a few offshoot segments based mostly on dimension, functionality, efficiency and luxurious.
All these completely different instructions might be simply seen in at this time’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 customers fortunately gobble up as a substitute of minivans. These are finest fitted to households, probably with multiple youngster, who can use the additional cargo area and/or additional row of seats — even only for occasional use. There are two-row, style-oriented decisions just like the Chevy Blazer, Nissan Murano and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport which might be resolutely supposed to remain good and clear on-road. These are nonetheless nice decisions for households. On the alternative finish, there are the old-school, body-on-frame, definitely-not-a-crossover Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco and Toyota 4Runner. Whereas believable for household use (particularly the large 4Runner), they’re much less environment friendly and cozy. After which you will have 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 might be vaguely midsize in dimension and vaguely SUV in form. Oh, and plenty and plenty of luxurious decisions, which we cowl in our Greatest Luxurious SUVs checklist.
So listed below are our greatest midsize SUVs, listed alphabetically: Two-row midsize SUVs, Three-row midsize SUVs and Electrical midsize SUVs. You too can learn our checklist of the Greatest midsize luxurious SUVs.
Greatest three-row midsize SUVs of 2024
2024 Honda Pilot
Why it stands out: Distinctive storage and cargo area; distinctive second-row performance; refined experience; versatile and succesful TrailSport; superior AWD
May very well be higher: Subpar acceleration with lackadaisical transmission and engine response; so-so driver help tech
Learn our full 2024 Honda Pilot Overview
The Honda Pilot was fully redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor’s household pleasant packaging and total focus, however it has injected a welcome sense of fashion (particularly within the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out significantly better from the massive crossover crowd. The Pilot’s restrained adornment and traditional proportions are refreshing in comparison with the more and more busy Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent. Let’s speak about practicality, although, which is in the end the Pilot’s finest attribute. Whereas each different three-row SUV makes house owners select between a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs (and due to this fact six-, seven- or eight-passenger capability relying on automobile), the Pilot’s detachable second-row center seat implies that each Pilot generally is a seven- or eight-passenger automobile. That center seat even suits below the cargo flooring in all trims however the TrailSport (its full-size all-terrain spare tire takes up an excessive amount of area). There’s additionally loads of considerate, family-friendly storage all through and a well-rounded driving expertise true to the Honda norm.
2024 Hyundai Palisade
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo area; well-executed tech; high-style inside
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model
Learn our most up-to-date Hyundai Palisade Overview and our long-term Palisade take a look at
The Hyundai Palisade is mechanically associated to the Kia Telluride, and selecting between this pair of masterfully executed household haulers may principally come right down to a coin flip. Or, extra realistically, which you suppose seems to be 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 motive for that is the fashionable, well-made cabin that not solely seems to be nice, however boasts helpful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and more room than practically each competitor — greater children and even adults will likely be completely comfy within the third row, and you’ll 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 sport, it is the shortage of a hybrid powertrain or a extra highly effective model.
2023 Kia Sorento
Why it stands out: Distinctive dimension; environment friendly engines together with two hybrid decisions; high-end cabin; well-executed tech
May very well be higher: Much less commonplace energy than equally priced midsize fashions; hybrids onerous to seek out
Learn our most up-to-date Kia Sorento Overview and our assessment 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 individuals who may foresee needing one once in a while, however not steadily sufficient to warrant driving round a much bigger, thirstier and pricier automobile 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 sure to attraction to those that do not view greater as essentially higher. And for its half, the Kia Sorento is interesting for myriad different causes. Utterly redesigned for 2021, it options revised styling in line with however not copying the profitable Telluride. There are even barely completely 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 just 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 out there 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 superb plug-in hybrid. Sadly, provide shortages make the hybrids extraordinarily onerous to return by.
2024 Kia Telluride
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo area; well-executed tech; well-made inside; would not appear to be a household hauler
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model out there; X-Professional’s agency experience
Learn our full 2024 Kia Telluride Overview
When you’ve already learn the above description of the Hyundai Palisade, you have been briefed about its mechanical commonalities with the Telluride and that they share the identical elementary sturdy factors: area, expertise, high quality and worth. In addition they achieve this to an extent that outpaces their opponents. Of the 2, the Kia Telluride has acquired the higher share of accolades, largely as a result of its styling appears to resonate with extra individuals. 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 to be a three-row household hauler regardless of being the most effective three-row household haulers. Win-win.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander hybrids
Why it stands out: Distinctive gasoline economic system for a three-row SUV or big-time energy for a three-row SUV; tons of area behind the third row
May very well be higher: Some infotainment irritations; costly
Learn our full 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Overview
Whereas the Toyota Highlander has beforehand been on this checklist, it was nearly completely due to its hybrid mannequin that gives distinctive gasoline economic system none of its opponents may match. We at all times included the caveat that you simply’d be sacrificing third-row and cargo area for that gasoline economic system. That’s not the case with the brand new Toyota Grand Highlander, a separate mannequin regardless of its title, that is considerably bigger the place it counts: within the third row and behind it. It too is obtainable with a conventional, fuel-sipping Toyota hybrid powertrain that achieves a sky-high (for a three-row household automobile) 33-36 mpg mixed, but additionally provides the performance-oriented Hybrid Max powertrain that will get above-average gasoline economic system whereas additionally boasting 362 horsepower — an quantity few rivals method. Add it up, and the Grand Highlander is a simple substitute right here for its non-grand sibling. The hefty price ticket does give us pause, however you are not less than getting an terrible lot of household hauler.
Greatest two-row midsize SUVs of 2023 and 2024
2023 Ford Bronco
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; wide selection of fashions; higher to drive on highway than Wrangler; compelling design
May very well be higher: Very loud; very onerous to get one
Learn our full 2023 Ford Bronco Overview
We had been tempted to exclude the Bronco from this checklist just because it is so troublesome to get, and even when you may, seller markups may critically cut back its attraction. That mentioned, provide constraints are easing, so welcome to the checklist 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 to be utilized to each two- and four-door physique kinds. Past these decisions, it provides 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 a lot of these mixtures 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 out there 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 proud of both? Most positively, and that is why they’re each right here on this checklist.
2024 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 area
Learn our most up-to-date Jeep Grand Cherokee Overview
After a decade of valiant service, the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee has lastly been retired. Lengthy reside the fifth era. It’s totally a lot an evolution of its predecessor by way of design and total idea, however key upgrades embrace a stupendous new inside filled with 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 development), the rugged Trailhawk mannequin can go even additional due to its additional floor clearance (its air suspension, out there 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 below the hood the place Jeep returns the previous V6 and V6 engines with inconsequential modifications. One is iffy on energy, the opposite gasoline economic system. That is the primary motive why the Grand Cherokee L fails to climb above the opposite three-row SUVs on this checklist. There are fewer two-row midsize opponents, although, and the two-row Grand Cherokee provides one thing the L doesn’t, not less than for now: the plug-in hybrid 4xe.
2024 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; experience consolation; inside noise; gasoline economic system; cargo area; cabin safety
Learn our most up-to-date Jeep Wrangler Overview, plus our particular opinions 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 suggest it as a household automobile. Actually, we’re fast to level out the Wrangler’s innumerable sensible drawbacks: dealing with, experience consolation, inside noise, security scores, gasoline economic system, cargo area, home windows that come undone with a zipper. … Mainly, suppose lengthy and onerous about whether or not you’ll be able to reside with these drawbacks to what’s in any other case a masterful off-roading SUV. Accessible in two- and four-door physique kinds, 5 engine choices (together with the plug-in hybrid 4xe and 470-horsepower Rubicon 392), a number of hard- and soft-top roof kinds, and quite a few trim ranges and particular type packages, there’s sure to be a Wrangler for everybody. Heck, there’s additionally the Jeep Gladiator pickup. Finally, we suggest the Wrangler as a result of regardless of these many drawbacks, this newest era is the truth is way 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 fingers with spooky steering.
2024 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 2024 Subaru Outback Overview
You are proper, the Outback is not technically an SUV. However then, all the things else on this checklist besides the standard, body-on-frame Wrangler and 4Runner aren’t technically SUVs, both. They’re crossovers that characteristic car-like unibody development — similar to the Outback. And regardless of trying like a wagon, it has extra floor clearance, extra cargo capability, extra again seat area and higher gasoline economic system than most different midsize crossovers. It is a genuinely smart and usable automobile, particularly for individuals who truly wish to take their autos off the overwhelmed path (versus those that similar to to challenge 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, commonplace all-wheel drive, stable reliability scores and improved inside high quality with its most up-to-date redesign, and you’ve got a automobile that is simple to suggest.
Greatest electrical midsize SUVs of 2024
2024 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 Ford Mustang Mach-E Overview
Probably the most talked about (and controversial) new vehicles can be the most effective electrical vehicles you should buy. No, this isn’t “the brand new Mustang” (that is). The Mach-E is a brand new factor, not a substitute, 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 might be nonetheless powered by gasoline. That is an enormous a part of the Mach-E’s attraction: It seems to be cooler and drives higher as a result of it is a Mustang. Plus, its crossoverish physique type supplies usable backseat and cargo area, its big Sync 4A touchscreen has impressed our editors with its clear simplicity, and its extensive number of drivetrain and battery combos makes Ford’s first from-scratch electrical automotive open to a variety of wants and style. Though there at the moment are further crossoverish EVs out there for roughly the identical value, the Mach-E stays firmly entrenched on this checklist of favorites even when it is awfully onerous to get one.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Why it stands out: Ethereal and versatile cabin area; distinctive infotainment and security tech; enjoyable to drive
May very well be higher: Sci-fi hatchback styling will not be for everybody; initially out there in few states; not as fast as Tesla Mannequin 3
Learn our most up-to-date Hyundai Ioniq 5 Overview and our comparability take a look at versus the Mach-E
We’re unsure if the Ioniq 5 seems to be 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 means, it positive is completely different. Though it seems to be 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 is not 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 by way of 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 selection 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 huge of a efficiency soar because it appears (7.3 seconds with RWD vs 5.1 with AWD). Importantly, each Ioniq 5 has 800-volt electrical structure, making it doable to cost from 10-80% at a 350-kW charger in simply 18 minutes. It will pace issues up at much less highly effective chargers as nicely.
2024 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 most up-to-date Kia EV6 Overview and our long-term EV6 take a look at
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 taking a look at 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, comfy and fascinating driving expertise, and properly crafted cabin that is additionally fairly cool to have a look at.
