Finest midsize SUVs: Two-row, Three-row and Electrical

To start with, shopping for an SUV nearly actually meant you have 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 alternative after which spawned quite a few offshoot segments based mostly on dimension, functionality, efficiency and luxurious.

All these totally different instructions will be simply seen in right this moment’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 an alternative of minivans. There are two-row, style-oriented selections 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 number of electrical SUVs which might be vaguely midsize in dimension and vaguely SUV in form. Oh, and plenty and plenty of 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 may as well learn our record of the Finest midsize luxurious SUVs.

Finest three-row midsize SUVs

Honda Pilot

Why it stands out: Distinctive storage and cargo house; 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 Evaluation

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 fashion (particularly within the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out significantly 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 speak about practicality, although, which is in the end 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 due to this fact six-, seven- or eight-passenger capability relying on car), the Pilot’s detachable second-row center seat implies that each Pilot could be a seven- or eight-passenger car. That center seat even suits beneath the cargo flooring 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. 

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 full 2023 Hyundai Palisade Evaluation 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 seems to be higher. For its half, the Palisade has a extra luxurious vibe, which is most evident in its Restricted and Calligraphy trim ranges that might simply compete with precise luxury-brand SUVs. The principle cause for that is the trendy, well-made cabin that not solely seems to be nice, however boasts helpful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and extra space than almost 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 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 dimension; environment friendly engines together with two hybrid selections; high-end cabin; well-executed techCould be higher: Much less normal energy than equally priced midsize fashions; hybrids onerous to seek out

Learn our full Kia Sorento Evaluation and our overview 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 might foresee needing one once in a while, however not regularly sufficient to warrant driving round an even bigger, thirstier and pricier car 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 dimension is certain to enchantment to those that do not view larger 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 shouldn’t be solely ample, however consumer 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 rivals, the 37-mpg conventional hybrid and the superb 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 house; well-executed tech; well-made inside; would not appear to be a household haulerCould be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model accessible; X-Professional’s agency journey

Learn our full 2024 Kia Telluride Evaluation

In the event 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 sturdy factors: house, expertise, high quality and worth. In addition they achieve this to an extent that outpaces their rivals. 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 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 to be a three-row household hauler regardless of being among the best three-row household haulers. Win-win. 

Toyota Grand Highlander hybrids

Why it stands out: Distinctive gasoline 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 Evaluation

Whereas the Toyota Highlander has beforehand been on this record, it was nearly completely due to its hybrid mannequin that gives distinctive gasoline financial system none of its rivals might match. We at all times included the caveat that you simply’d be sacrificing third-row and cargo house for that gasoline 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 standard, fuel-sipping Toyota hybrid powertrain that achieves a sky-high (for a three-row household car) 33-36 mpg mixed, but in addition provides the performance-oriented Hybrid Max powertrain that will get above-average gasoline financial system whereas additionally boasting 362 horsepower — an quantity few rivals strategy. Add it up, and the Grand Highlander is a straightforward 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.

Finest two-row midsize SUVs

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 Evaluation

We have been tempted to exclude the Bronco from this record just because it is so tough to get, and even when you might, supplier markups might severely scale 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 nearly as good as all of us would’ve hoped once we first noticed its cool, retro seems to be utilized to each two- and four-door physique types. Past these selections, it provides a beautiful array of trim ranges that transcend a easy escalation of kit to incorporate differing fashion, 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 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 pleased with 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 house

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 stay the fifth technology. It’s extremely a lot an evolution of its predecessor when it comes to design and general idea, however key upgrades embrace a wonderful 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 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, 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 beneath the hood the place Jeep returns the outdated V6 and V6 engines with inconsequential adjustments. One is iffy on energy, the opposite gasoline financial 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 rivals, although, and the two-row Grand Cherokee provides 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; gasoline financial system; cargo house; cabin safety

Learn our full 2023 Jeep Wrangler Evaluation, 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 reality, we’re fast to level out the Wrangler’s innumerable sensible drawbacks: dealing with, journey consolation, inside noise, security scores, gasoline financial system, cargo house, home windows that come undone with a zipper. … Mainly, suppose lengthy and onerous 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. Obtainable 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 certain 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 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 fingers with spooky steering. 

Subaru Outback

Why it stands out: More room and floor clearance than different midsize crossovers; gasoline 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 Evaluation

You are proper, the Outback is not technically an SUV. However then, the whole lot else on this record besides the normal, 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 wanting like a wagon, it has extra floor clearance, extra cargo capability, extra again seat house and higher gasoline financial system than most different midsize crossovers. It is a genuinely wise and usable car, particularly for individuals who really wish to take their automobiles off the crushed path (versus those that similar to to mission 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, 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 simple to suggest.

Finest electrical midsize SUVs

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 Evaluation

Probably the most 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 might be nonetheless powered by gasoline. That is an enormous 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 fashion supplies usable backseat and cargo house, its large 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 automobile open to a variety of wants and style. Though there are actually further crossoverish EVs accessible 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. 

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 accessible in few states; not as fast as Tesla Mannequin 3

Learn our 20223 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Evaluation 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 long run or from a “Again to the Future Half II”-style imaginative and prescient of the long run, however both method, it certain 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 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 when it comes to 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 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 potential to cost from 10-80% at a 350-kW charger in simply 18 minutes. It will velocity 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 driveCould be higher: Some complicated inside controls; different EVs supply extra complimentary charging

Learn our 2023 Kia EV6 Evaluation 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 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 absolutely aggressive on the EV entrance, however merely seen as a automobile, we love its design, its well-executed tech, snug and fascinating driving expertise, and properly crafted cabin that is additionally fairly cool to have a look at.