15 Best Midsize SUVs

Genesis has come a long way in a relatively short period of time, and the GV80 is proof of that. It features strong and smooth powertrains, distinctive and muscular styling, a comfortable interior with quality materials, and a large number of safety technologies, active and passive. It doesn’t outclass every competitor in every single category, but the overall package is impressive enough that it’s a must-drive for anyone shopping for a midsize luxury SUV.

Top Telluride trims get premium features and all the tech goodies, but Kia’s biggest SUV is a solid value and great family vehicle no matter how it’s configured. The interior is comfortable and spacious, and its modern, muscular styling makes compelling case for young families disinterested in the shrinking minivan segment. Value also is a big draw here as the Telluride lands under $50,000 with every option and top trim level equipped.

The X5 xDrive45e translates the regular X5’s feel into a more fuel-efficient and slightly more powerful package, though only when the battery pack is charged. It’s a suitable choice for those shopping for a premium SUV with high levels of both comfort and performance, but would prefer to stretch out the miles with a hybrid system rather than eat them up a V8, as on the higher-end X5 gasoline models. It could stand to have a few more active-safety features as standard equipment but the plug-in Bimmer offers utility, comfort and fun all with little compromise.

The Porsche Cayenne is the sports-car SUV for affluent enthusiasts. Performance and craftsmanship are state of the art. It’s only a little costlier than BMW X5 initially but every options package widens the gap. The Cayenne is a delight to drive on-road, off-road or towing four tons. If four people travel together, pack light. Cargo space is below average.  It’s light on standard driver assists, too. 

The Pilot carries over mostly unchanged for the 2021 model year, except for Honda making its smooth-shifting nine-speed transmission standard across the lineup. The automaker’s All-wheel drive also is available across all models, a useful upgrade to families that live in seasonal regions, especially with driving modes that adjust for Snow, Sand and Mud (it also has a mildly impressive 7.3 inches of ground clearance). But driving dynamics are lackluster while cruising around town and styling is generic. Nonetheless, the Pilot’s spacious cabin, host of standard safety tech and plentiful small space storage makes it an effective tool whether running errands or embarking on long family road trips.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade nails the delicate balance between value and luxury, offering a plush cabin, smooth ride quality and surprisingly well-executed details that culminate in a top-notch midsize SUV. Palisade is laser focused on outdoing its ultra-capable competitors, and represents a rolling demonstration of Hyundai’s global ambitions.

The Outback is a comfortable, well-equipped do-it-all daily driver that plays a significant role in keeping the station wagon alive. It’s also as capable as many SUVs; in its new Wilderness trim, it’s even better off-road and a legit camping vehicle to boot.

The Ascent offers more of what Subaru’s famously loyal owners already like about their vehicles. It’s comfy, value-oriented and user-friendly. It can handle light off-roading duties quite well, with a very capable standard all-wheel drive system. On the pavement it isn’t a very exciting drive, but it’s quite talented at ferrying commuters and passengers around with minimal fuss in a logically-designed cabin. It also offers top-notch safety scores, many active safety features and good fuel economy for its class. It’s third row is a little smaller than some of its rivals, there’s no V6 option and it’s looks are in the eye of the beholder, but the Ascent is a solid buy for outdoorsy families.

American car shoppers’ appetite for larger crossover and SUVs have grown over the past five years, Lincoln has cleverly whittled its lineup to reflect the changing tastes of modern consumers.  It’s three-row Aviator is no exception to Lincoln’s new position in the market as a purveyor of upscale crossovers and SUVs. The Aviator boasts clean, elegant styling, a spacious interior (except for the third row) and two engine choices (one’s a plug-in hybrid), making it a compelling alternative to pricier German luxury vehicles.

The XT5 is Cadillac’s best-selling crossover and a highly competent midsize luxury machine, but its cost may send some buyers to competing offerings.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner lives up to the promises of off-road functionality so many others fail to. Toyota’s reliability, a significant amount of cargo space, and the standard safety tech all sweeten the deal. If fuel economy isn’t the top priority but getting off the beaten path is, the 4Runner is one of the top-rated off-road SUVs in the segment and there are simply too many trim level choices not to find one that fits just right.

Since its introduction in 2005, the three-row Audi Q7 has evolved into a mature, well-rounded version of its original self: It’s sprouted a third row, spawned compelling performance variants and inherited high-tech features that make it competitive with virtually every foe in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment. Even at its base level, it offers buyers in this segment an upscale people hauler that’s understated in design, but comfortable and refined for daily duties. 

The second-generation CX-9 arrived for the 2016 model year, and it continues to tick many boxes when it comes to daily-use utility with a dash of driving verve and style. Its comfort and capability for the price make it an appealing choice, but its third-row seating is tight, and cargo room is limited compared to its peers. Still, its contemporary styling stands out in a sea of crossovers, and sometimes, that’s more than enough to move the needle in your direction. 

The Toyota Highlander offers a fairly spacious interior (the middle row is more in line with rivals than the third), an enhanced list of standard safety technology and superior safety scores. It also has a surprisingly capable towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. But the midsize SUV category is brimming with talent, so what really makes it standout is the hybrid powertrain that is available on all trims, including a new sporty XSE model. It makes the Highlander a compelling choice among mainstream competition for buyers that don’t want to sacrifice fuel efficiency for space. One major downfall work highlighting is the limited cargo space behind the third row. If families must haul kids and things at the same time, then that 16 cubic-feet of stowage will undoubtedly be a source of frustration.

For 2021, Kia redesigned its Sorento crossover with fresh styling and two new powertrains (one’s a hybrid), taking aim at buyers that a smaller SUV that straddles the compact and midsize segments in size. The Sorento could have become the odd man out in the Kia lineup, considering the Kia Telluride’s smash-hit success, but it manages to carve a niche in the family-centric segment by offering a three-row, seven-passenger layout with a slightly smaller footprint and lower price than its big brother Telluride. A Sorento plug-in hybrid is due out next year.