Finest Midsize SUVs of 2022 and 2023

At first, shopping for an SUV virtually 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 explanation a distinct segment, off-roading car phase 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 completely different instructions might be simply seen in right this moment’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 selections just like the Chevy Blazer, Nissan Murano and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport which can be resolutely meant 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 could 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 can be vaguely midsize in dimension and vaguely SUV in form. Oh, and much and many luxurious selections, which we cowl in our Finest Luxurious SUVs record.

So listed here 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

Hyundai Palisade

Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo area; well-executed tech; high-style interiorCould be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model

Learn our full 2023 Hyundai Palisade Assessment 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 appears to be like higher. For its half, the Palisade has a extra luxurious vibe, which is most evident 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 — greater youngsters 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 also be among the many best-executed within the business. 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 measurement; environment friendly engines together with two hybrid selections; high-end cabin; well-executed techCould be higher: Much less commonplace 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 may foresee needing one now and again, however not steadily sufficient to warrant driving round an even bigger, thirstier and pricier car like Kia’s Telluride. We predict 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 sure to enchantment 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 know-how is just not 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 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 area; well-executed tech; well-made inside; would not appear to be a household haulerCould be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model out there

Learn our full 2022 Kia Telluride Assessment and skim 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 elementary robust factors: area, know-how, high quality and worth. Additionally they accomplish that 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 individuals. Mainly, model 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 can be. Mainly, the Kia Telluride would not appear to be a three-row household hauler regardless of being probably the greatest three-row household haulers. Win-win. 

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Why it stands out: Finest gas economic system in its phase by many miles; high-end interiorCould be higher: Cramped third-row seat; some infotainment irritations

Learn our full 2022 Toyota Highlander Assessment and skim what’s new for 2023

The Telluride and Palisade is perhaps wonderful, class-leading three-row crossovers, however their gas economic system is solely common for the phase at 21 mpg mixed. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, alternatively, will get 35 mpg mixed. That distinction is as large because it appears. In addition to the environmental advantages, you’ll save a median of $850 per 12 months on the pump with the Highlander Hybrid, based on 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 suggests it is on the gradual aspect for the phase, 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. In addition to its gas economic system, although, the just lately redesigned Highlander is interesting in its personal proper with Palisade-rivaling inside high quality, composed journey and dealing with, and ample function content material. If there’s purpose for pause, it is the relatively cramped third-row seat. Toyota says its prospects had been content material with the Highlander’s smaller-than-average measurement and subsequently did not broaden it drastically, 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 completely different within the third row. It is also the one different three-row, non-luxury SUV out there as a hybrid. 

Finest 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 designCould 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 record just because it is so troublesome to get, it’d as properly not even exist for a lot 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 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 once we first noticed its cool, retro appears to be like utilized to each two- and four-door physique types. Past these selections, it gives a beautiful array of trim ranges that transcend a easy escalation of kit to incorporate differing model, 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 out there guide. Many will ask is the Bronco higher than the Wrangler? As a each day driver, sure. As one thing to assault a path or barren panorama, maybe not. Would you be proud of both? Most undoubtedly, and that is why they’re each right here on this record.

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 area

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 dwell the fifth era. It’s extremely a lot an evolution of its predecessor by way of design and total idea, however key upgrades embody a phenomenal new inside filled with 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 because of its additional 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 adjustments. One is iffy on energy, the opposite gas economic 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 opponents, although, and the two-row Grand Cherokee gives 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 coolCould be higher: On-road dealing with; journey consolation; inside noise; gas economic system; cargo area; cabin safety

Learn our full 2023 Jeep Wrangler Assessment, 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 car. In truth, we’re fast to level out the Wrangler’s innumerable sensible drawbacks: dealing with, journey consolation, inside noise, security rankings, gas economic system, cargo area, home windows that come undone with a zipper. … Mainly, suppose lengthy and onerous about whether or not you possibly can dwell 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 model 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 reality way more refined and livable than previous generations. A Honda Passport it is not, nevertheless it’s now unlikely to beat up your backbone, blow out your ears and confuse your fingers with spooky steering. 

Subaru Outback

Why it stands out: More room and floor clearance than different midsize crossovers; gas economic system; easy-to-load roof racksCould 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 record besides the standard, body-on-frame Wrangler and 4Runner aren’t technically SUVs, both. They’re crossovers that function car-like unibody development — similar to the Outback. And regardless of wanting like a wagon, it has extra floor clearance, extra cargo capability, extra again seat area and higher gas economic system than most different midsize crossovers. It is a genuinely wise and usable car, particularly for many who truly wish to take their autos off the crushed path (versus those that similar to to undertaking the looks of such weekend adventures). The Outback Wilderness, pictured above, helps you to go even additional off that path. Throw in its abundance of security and infotainment tech, commonplace all-wheel drive, stable reliability rankings and improved inside high quality with its most up-to-date redesign, and you’ve got a car that is straightforward to suggest.

Finest electrical midsize SUVs

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Why it stands out: Distinctive model; 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 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Assessment

One of the vital talked about (and controversial) new automobiles can also be probably the greatest 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 can be nonetheless powered by gasoline. That is a giant a part of the Mach-E’s enchantment: It appears to be like cooler and drives higher as a result of it is a Mustang. Plus, its crossoverish physique model supplies usable backseat and cargo area, its large Sync 4A touchscreen has impressed our editors with its clear simplicity, and its huge 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 worth, the Mach-E stays firmly entrenched on this record of favorites even when it is awfully onerous to get one. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Why it stands out: Ethereal and versatile cabin area; 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 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Assessment and our comparability take a look at versus the Mach-E

We’re undecided 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 method, it positive is completely 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 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 massive 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 properly.

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 provide extra complimentary charging

Learn our 2022 Kia EV6 Assessment and our ongoing 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 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 model 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 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 take a look at.