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 dimension, functionality, efficiency and luxurious.
All these totally different instructions might be simply seen in immediately’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. These are greatest fitted to households, seemingly with multiple little one, who can use the additional cargo area 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 meant 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 may 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 plenty and plenty of luxurious decisions, which we cowl in our Greatest 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 too learn our record 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 journey; 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 Assessment
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 favor (particularly within the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out significantly better from the massive crossover crowd. The Pilot’s restrained adornment and basic 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 house owners select between a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs (and subsequently six-, seven- or eight-passenger capability relying on automobile), the Pilot’s detachable second-row center seat signifies that each Pilot generally is a seven- or eight-passenger automobile. That center seat even suits underneath 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 interiorCould be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model
Learn our most up-to-date 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 may mainly come all the way down to a coin flip. Or, extra realistically, which you assume 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 principle cause 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 youngsters and even adults can be completely comfy 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 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 techCould be higher: Much less customary energy than equally priced midsize fashions; hybrids arduous to seek out
Learn our most up-to-date Kia Sorento Assessment and our overview 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 many who may foresee needing one now and again, however not continuously sufficient to warrant driving round a much bigger, thirstier and pricier automobile like Kia’s Telluride. We expect this versatility offers the Sorento a leg up on two-row crossovers just like the Honda Passport and Chevy Blazer, whereas its smaller dimension 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. Fully redesigned for 2021, it options revised styling in line 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 plentiful, however person pleasant. The identical well-executed driver help and security options that so impress within the Palisade and Telluride are additionally accessible 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 arduous 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 like a household haulerCould be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model accessible; X-Professional’s agency journey
Learn our full 2024 Kia Telluride Assessment
For those who’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 robust factors: area, expertise, 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 individuals. Principally, 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 similar to a Vary Rover can be. Principally, the Kia Telluride would not appear like a three-row household hauler regardless of being probably the greatest three-row household haulers. Win-win.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander hybrids
Why it stands out: Distinctive gas economic system for a three-row SUV or big-time energy for a three-row SUV; tons of area behind the third rowCould be higher: Some infotainment irritations; costly
Learn our full 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Assessment
Whereas the Toyota Highlander has beforehand been on this record, it was virtually completely due to its hybrid mannequin that gives distinctive gas economic system none of its opponents may match. We all the time included the caveat that you simply’d be sacrificing third-row and cargo area for that gas economic system. That isn’t the case with the brand new Toyota Grand Highlander, a separate mannequin regardless of its identify, that is considerably bigger the place it counts: within the third row and behind it. It too is out there with a conventional, fuel-sipping Toyota hybrid powertrain that achieves a sky-high (for a three-row household automobile) 33-36 mpg mixed, but in addition affords the performance-oriented Hybrid Max powertrain that will get above-average gas economic 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 no 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 designCould be higher: Very loud; very arduous to get one
Learn our full 2023 Ford Bronco Assessment
We had been tempted to exclude the Bronco from this record just because it is so tough to get, and even for those who may, vendor markups may severely cut back its enchantment. That mentioned, provide constraints are easing, so welcome to the record Bronco! Ford’s iconic off-roader makes its long-awaited return, and it is simply pretty much 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 affords an exquisite array of trim ranges that transcend a easy escalation of kit to incorporate differing model, 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 accessible 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 proud of 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 area
Learn our most up-to-date Jeep Grand Cherokee Assessment
After a decade of valiant service, the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee has lastly been retired. Lengthy stay the fifth technology. It’s totally a lot an evolution of its predecessor by way of design and total idea, however key upgrades embrace a fantastic 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 standard crossover SUV (which the JGC technically is given its unibody development), the rugged Trailhawk mannequin can go even additional because of its further floor clearance (its air suspension, accessible 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 economic system. That is the primary cause 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 affords one thing the L doesn’t, no 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 coolCould be higher: On-road dealing with; journey consolation; inside noise; gas economic system; cargo area; cabin safety
Learn our most up-to-date 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 advocate it as a household automobile. In actual fact, 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. … Principally, assume lengthy and arduous about whether or not you possibly can 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 model packages, there’s sure 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 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 palms with spooky steering.
2024 Subaru Outback
Why it stands out: Extra space 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 2024 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 trying 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 smart and usable automobile, particularly for many who really prefer 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, allows you to go even additional off that path. Throw in its abundance of security and infotainment tech, customary all-wheel drive, stable reliability rankings and improved inside high quality with its most up-to-date redesign, and you’ve got a automobile that is simple to advocate.
Greatest electrical midsize SUVs of 2024
2024 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; arduous to get
Learn our full Ford Mustang Mach-E Assessment
One of the vital talked about (and controversial) new vehicles can be probably the greatest 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 can be nonetheless powered by gasoline. That is a giant a part of the Mach-E’s enchantment: It seems to be cooler and drives higher as a result of it is a Mustang. Plus, its crossoverish physique model offers 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 automotive open to a variety of wants and style. Though there at the moment are further crossoverish EVs accessible for roughly the identical worth, the Mach-E stays firmly entrenched on this record of favorites even when it is awfully arduous to get one.
2024 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 accessible in few states; not as fast as Tesla Mannequin 3
Learn our most up-to-date Hyundai Ioniq 5 Assessment and our comparability check versus the Mach-E
We’re undecided 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 manner, it positive is totally 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 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 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 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 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.
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 provide extra complimentary charging
Learn our most up-to-date Kia EV6 Assessment and our long-term EV6 check
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 in and out. 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 mainly means the EV6 is totally aggressive on the EV entrance, however merely seen as a automotive, 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.