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To start with, shopping for an SUV nearly 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 selection after which spawned quite a few offshoot segments based mostly on measurement, functionality, efficiency and luxurious.
All these totally different instructions could be simply seen in right now’s collection 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 an alternative of minivans. 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. On the other 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 might 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 collection of electrical SUVs which might be vaguely midsize in dimension and vaguely SUV in form. Oh, and much and many luxurious decisions, which we cowl in our Best Luxury SUVs list.
So listed here are our greatest midsize SUVs, listed alphabetically: Two-row midsize SUVs, Three-row midsize SUVs and Electric midsize SUVs. You may also learn our listing of the Best midsize luxury SUVs.
Table of Contents
Greatest three-row midsize SUVs
Hyundai Palisade
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo house; well-executed tech; high-style inside
Might be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model
Learn our full 2023 Hyundai Palisade Review and our long-term Palisade test
The Hyundai Palisade is mechanically associated to the Kia Telluride, and selecting between this pair of masterfully executed household haulers might mainly come all the way down to a coin flip. Or, extra realistically, which you suppose appears higher. For its half, the Palisade has a extra luxurious vibe, which is most blatant in its Restricted and Calligraphy trim ranges that would simply compete with precise luxury-brand SUVs. The primary purpose for that is the trendy, well-made cabin that not solely appears nice, however boasts helpful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and more room than practically each competitor — greater youngsters and even adults will likely be completely comfy within the third row, and you’ll fit more stuff behind the raised third row. Hyundai’s driver assistance and safety tech can be among the many best-executed within the business. If there is a main gap in its sport, it is the dearth of a hybrid powertrain or a extra highly effective model.
Kia Sorento
Why it stands out: Distinctive measurement; environment friendly engines together with two hybrid decisions; high-end cabin; well-executed tech
Might be higher: Much less normal energy than equally priced midsize fashions; hybrids exhausting to search out
Learn our full 2022 Kia Sorento Review and our review of the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
The Kia Sorento mainly has the outside dimensions of a two-row midsize SUV, however manages to sandwich in a 3rd row for individuals who might foresee needing one every so often, however not steadily 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 measurement is certain 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. Fully redesigned for 2021, it options revised styling consistent 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 know-how is just not solely ample, however person 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 excellent plug-in hybrid. Sadly, provide shortages make the hybrids extraordinarily exhausting to come back by.
Kia Telluride
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo house; well-executed tech; well-made inside; would not seem like a household hauler
Might be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model out there
Learn our full 2022 Kia Telluride Review and read what’s new for 2023 (proven above)
If you happen to’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 elementary robust factors: house, know-how, high quality and worth. In addition they accomplish that to an extent that outpaces their opponents. Of the 2, the Kia Telluride has obtained the better share of accolades, largely as a result of its styling appears to resonate with extra folks. Principally, 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. Principally, the Kia Telluride would not seem like a three-row household hauler regardless of being the most effective three-row household haulers. Win-win.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Why it stands out: Greatest gas financial system in its section by many miles; high-end inside
Might be higher: Cramped third-row seat; some infotainment irritations
Learn our full 2022 Toyota Highlander Review and read what’s new for 2023
The Telluride and Palisade is perhaps glorious, class-leading three-row crossovers, however their gas financial system is solely common for the section at 21 mpg mixed. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, however, will get 35 mpg mixed. That distinction is as huge because it appears. Apart from the environmental advantages, you’ll save a mean of $850 per 12 months on the pump with the Highlander Hybrid, in response to 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 taking a look at an extremely fast payback time. True, it has solely 243 horsepower, which implies it is on the gradual aspect for the section, however contemplating how most individuals drive their three-row household haulers, we expect the double-digit mpg benefit will greater than make up for that. Apart from its gas financial system, although, the lately 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 fairly cramped third-row seat. Toyota says its prospects had been content material with the Highlander’s smaller-than-average measurement and due to this fact did not broaden it enormously, however there isn’t any ignoring that the majority three-row midsize SUVs are greater. The exception? The Kia Sorento, which is smaller on the surface however not that totally different within the third row. It is also the one different three-row, non-luxury SUV out there as a hybrid.
Greatest two-row midsize SUVs
Ford Bronco
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; big selection of fashions; higher to drive on street than Wrangler; compelling design
Might be higher: Very loud; very exhausting to get one
Learn our full 2022 Ford Bronco Review
We had been tempted to exclude the Bronco from this listing just because it is so troublesome to get, it would as nicely not even exist for a lot of the shopping for public. That mentioned, with provide and demand being what it’s, even the Kia Telluride is mainly 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 appears utilized to each two- and four-door physique kinds. Past these decisions, 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 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 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
Might be higher: Meager efficiency from base V6; inside house
Learn our full 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee review
After a decade of valiant service, the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee has lastly been retired. Lengthy stay the fifth era. It’s extremely a lot an evolution of its predecessor by way of design and general idea, however key upgrades embody a wonderful new inside full of well-executed know-how. 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 standard crossover SUV (which the JGC technically is given its unibody development), the rugged Trailhawk mannequin can go even additional due to its further floor clearance (its air suspension, out there elsewhere, can go even larger), 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 previous V6 and V6 engines with inconsequential adjustments. One is iffy on energy, the opposite gas financial 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, a minimum of 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
Might be higher: On-road dealing with; trip consolation; inside noise; gas financial system; cargo house; cabin safety
Learn our full 2023 Jeep Wrangler Review, 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. Actually, we’re fast to level out the Wrangler’s innumerable sensible drawbacks: dealing with, trip consolation, inside noise, security scores, gas financial system, cargo house, home windows that come undone with a zipper. … Principally, suppose lengthy and exhausting about whether or not you’ll be able to stay 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 certain to be a Wrangler for everybody. Heck, there’s additionally the Jeep Gladiator pickup. In the end, we advocate the Wrangler as a result of regardless of these many drawbacks, this newest era is in actual fact way more refined and livable than previous generations. A Honda Passport it is not, but it surely’s now unlikely to beat up your backbone, blow out your ears and confuse your palms with spooky steering.
Subaru Outback
Why it stands out: Extra space and floor clearance than different midsize crossovers; gas financial system; easy-to-load roof racks
Might be higher: The droning CVT; boring to drive; hyper-vigilant driver help tech
Learn our full 2023 Subaru Outback Review
You are proper, the Outback is not technically an SUV. However then, all the things 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 development — identical to the Outback. And regardless of wanting like a wagon, it has extra floor clearance, extra cargo capability, extra again seat house and higher gas financial system than most different midsize crossovers. It is a genuinely smart and usable car, particularly for individuals who truly wish to take their autos off the crushed path (versus those that identical to to mission the looks of such weekend adventures). The Outback Wilderness, pictured above, enables 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 straightforward to advocate.
Greatest electrical midsize SUVs
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Why it stands out: Distinctive type; compelling efficiency; user-friendly tech; high-quality cabin
Might be higher: Again seat is mounted a bit low; cabin design is a bit nameless; exhausting to get
Learn our full 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Review
Some of the talked about (and controversial) new vehicles can be the most effective electrical vehicles you should purchase. No, this isn’t “the brand new Mustang” (this 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 a giant a part of the Mach-E’s attraction: It appears cooler and drives higher as a result of it is a Mustang. Plus, its crossoverish physique type supplies usable backseat and cargo space, its big Sync 4A touchscreen has impressed our editors with its clear simplicity, and its vast number of drivetrain and battery combos makes Ford’s first from-scratch electrical automobile 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 listing of favorites even when it is awfully exhausting to get one.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Why it stands out: Ethereal and versatile cabin house; distinctive infotainment and security tech; enjoyable to drive
Might 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 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review and our comparison test versus the Mach-E
We’re unsure if the Ioniq 5 appears 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 appears 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 know-how, 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 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 attainable 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.
Kia EV6
Why it stands out: Cool and well-made inside; distinctive infotainment and security tech; enjoyable to drive
Might be higher: Some complicated inside controls; different EVs supply extra complimentary charging
Learn our 2022 Kia EV6 Review and our ongoing long-term EV6 test
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 inside and outside. 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 new 2023 EV6 GT that boasts 576 horsepower and 0-60 time of three.4 seconds. The Ioniq 5 would not supply such a high-performance mannequin (but). The EV6 begins issues off with a 58-kWh battery pack with a spread 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 mainly means the EV6 is totally aggressive on the EV entrance, however merely seen as a automobile, we love its design, its well-executed tech, comfy and interesting driving expertise, and properly crafted cabin that is additionally fairly cool to have a look at.
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