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 rationale a distinct segment, off-roading automobile section morphed into the bread-and-butter household transportation alternative after which spawned quite a few offshoot segments primarily based on measurement, functionality, efficiency and luxurious.
All these totally different instructions may be simply seen in at this time’s number 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 greatest suited to households, doubtless with a couple of little one, who can use the additional cargo house and/or further 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 can 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 massive 4Runner), they’re much less environment friendly and cozy. 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 number of electrical SUVs which can be vaguely midsize in dimension and vaguely SUV in form. Oh, and plenty and plenty of luxurious decisions, which we cowl in our Finest Luxurious SUVs record.
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 record of the Finest midsize luxurious SUVs.
Finest three-row midsize SUVs of 2024
2024 Honda Pilot
Why it stands out: Distinctive storage and cargo house; distinctive second-row performance; refined trip; versatile and succesful TrailSport; superior AWDCould 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 utterly redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor’s household pleasant packaging and general focus, however it has injected a welcome sense of favor (particularly within the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out a lot better from the large 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 discuss practicality, although, which is finally the Pilot’s greatest attribute. Whereas each different three-row SUV makes homeowners 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 could be a seven- or eight-passenger automobile. That center seat even suits underneath the cargo ground in all trims however the TrailSport (its full-size all-terrain spare tire takes up an excessive amount of house). 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 house; well-executed tech; high-style interiorCould 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 might principally come right down to a coin flip. Or, extra realistically, which you suppose appears to be like 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 to be like nice, however boasts helpful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and extra space than practically each competitor — larger children and even adults will probably be completely snug 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 recreation, it is the shortage of a hybrid powertrain or a extra highly effective model.
2023 Kia Sorento
Why it stands out: Distinctive measurement; environment friendly engines together with two hybrid decisions; high-end cabin; well-executed techCould be higher: Much less commonplace energy than equally priced midsize fashions; hybrids onerous to search out
Learn our most up-to-date Kia Sorento Overview and our evaluate 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 from time to time, however not often sufficient to warrant driving round an even bigger, thirstier and pricier automobile like Kia’s Telluride. We predict this versatility offers the Sorento a leg up on two-row crossovers just like the Honda Passport and Chevy Blazer, whereas its smaller measurement is sure to attraction to those that do not view larger 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 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 just isn’t solely plentiful, 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 rivals, the 37-mpg conventional hybrid and the wonderful 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 house; well-executed tech; well-made inside; would not appear like a household haulerCould be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model out there; X-Professional’s agency trip
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 basic robust factors: house, expertise, high quality and worth. In addition they accomplish that to an extent that outpaces their rivals. 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, fashion 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 similar to 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.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander hybrids
Why it stands out: Distinctive gas financial system for a three-row SUV or big-time energy for a three-row SUV; tons of house behind the third rowCould be higher: Some infotainment irritations; costly
Learn our full 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Overview
Whereas the Toyota Highlander has beforehand been on this record, it was virtually solely due to its hybrid mannequin that gives distinctive gas financial system none of its rivals might match. We all the time included the caveat that you just’d be sacrificing third-row and cargo house for that gas financial system. That isn’t 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 accessible 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 gas financial system whereas additionally boasting 362 horsepower — an quantity few rivals strategy. 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 at the very least getting an terrible lot of household hauler.
Finest 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 designCould 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 record just because it is so tough to get, and even if you happen to might, seller markups might severely cut back its attraction. That stated, provide constraints are easing, so welcome to the record 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 to be like utilized to each two- and four-door physique types. Past these decisions, it provides an exquisite array of trim ranges that transcend a easy escalation of apparatus to incorporate differing fashion, functionality and areas of experience. We have examined lots 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 handbook. 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 undoubtedly, and that is why they’re each right here on this record.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; towing capability; user-friendly tech; luxurious inside; number of modelsCould be higher: Meager efficiency from base V6; inside house
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 stay the fifth era. It is very a lot an evolution of its predecessor by way of design and general idea, however key upgrades embrace an attractive 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, out there elsewhere, can go even greater), 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 modifications. 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 record. There are fewer two-row midsize rivals, although, and the two-row Grand Cherokee provides one thing the L doesn’t, at the very least 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 coolCould be higher: On-road dealing with; trip consolation; inside noise; gas financial system; cargo house; cabin safety
Learn our most up-to-date Jeep Wrangler Overview, plus our particular evaluations 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 undoubtedly do not suggest it as a household automobile. In actual fact, we’re fast to level out the Wrangler’s innumerable sensible drawbacks: dealing with, trip consolation, inside noise, security rankings, gas financial system, cargo house, home windows that come undone with a zipper. … Mainly, suppose lengthy and onerous about whether or not you may stay with these drawbacks to what’s in any other case a masterful off-roading SUV. Accessible 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 fashion packages, there’s sure to be a Wrangler for everybody. Heck, there’s additionally the Jeep Gladiator pickup. In the end, we suggest the Wrangler as a result of regardless of these many drawbacks, this newest era is in truth 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 palms with spooky steering.
2024 Subaru Outback
Why it stands out: More room and floor clearance than different midsize crossovers; gas financial system; easy-to-load roof racksCould 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, every part else on this record besides the standard, body-on-frame Wrangler and 4Runner aren’t technically SUVs, both. They’re crossovers that characteristic 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 gas financial system than most different midsize crossovers. It is a genuinely smart and usable automobile, particularly for many who truly wish to take their automobiles off the overwhelmed path (versus those that similar to to undertaking 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, commonplace all-wheel drive, strong reliability rankings and improved inside high quality with its most up-to-date redesign, and you’ve got a automobile that is simple to suggest.
Finest electrical midsize SUVs of 2024
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Why it stands out: Distinctive fashion; compelling efficiency; user-friendly tech; high-quality cabinCould 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
One of the vital talked about (and controversial) new automobiles can be among the best electrical automobiles 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 can be nonetheless powered by gasoline. That is an enormous a part of the Mach-E’s attraction: It appears to be like cooler and drives higher as a result of it is a Mustang. Plus, its crossoverish physique fashion offers 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 automobile open to a variety of wants and style. Though there are actually further crossoverish EVs out there for roughly the identical value, the Mach-E stays firmly entrenched on this record of favorites even when it is awfully onerous to get one.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Why it stands out: Ethereal and versatile cabin house; distinctive infotainment and security tech; enjoyable to driveCould 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 appears to be like prefer it got here from the long run or from a “Again to the Future Half II”-style imaginative and prescient of the long run, however both manner, it positive is totally different. Though it appears to be like 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 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 leap 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’s going to pace issues up at much less highly effective chargers as effectively.
2024 Kia EV6
Why it stands out: Cool and well-made inside; distinctive infotainment and security tech; enjoyable to driveCould be higher: Some complicated inside controls; different EVs supply extra complimentary charging
Learn our most up-to-date Kia EV6 Overview and our long-term EV6 take a look at
Though primarily based on the identical platform because the Hyundai Ioniq 5, together with its 800-volt electrical structure, the Kia EV6 is its personal factor. You undoubtedly 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 fashion 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 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 principally means the EV6 is totally aggressive on the EV entrance, however merely considered as a automobile, we love its design, its well-executed tech, snug and interesting driving expertise, and properly crafted cabin that is additionally fairly cool to take a look at.