Mid-size SUVs have evolved into the Goldilocks of the automotive world: Not too big, not too small, but just right. They offer ample cargo room, seating capacity, and just enough ruggedness. Here are 20 mid-size SUVs that pack the most room and resilience — while also keeping you stylishly safe as you handle suburban streets, rocky trails, or rush hour traffic.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a household name for a reason. With a seating capacity of eight people and about 84 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are down, this is a go-to for families who need room but also crave reliability. Plus, with a V6 engine under the hood and a hybrid option for the eco-conscious, it’s versatile enough to handle both your carpool and your camping trips.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot feels like the SUV equivalent of the Italian pasta. It’s got three rows of seating and about 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space when the third row is folded down. Not only does the Pilot offer plenty of legroom for those stuck in the back (i.e., the teenagers), but it also boasts a punchy 280-horsepower V6 engine.
Ford Edge
If you’re looking for a mid-size SUV that marries style and practicality, the Ford Edge might be your perfect match. It features a two-row design with seating for five, making it ideal for small families or those who don’t need a third row. And, despite its smaller size, the Edge offers a spacious interior with 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. Plus, with its sleek exterior and intuitive tech features, you’ll feel as fashionable as you are functional.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is powered by a 310-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine. It has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, perfect for small trailers or boats. Also, it comfortably seats up to eight passengers across three rows, making it ideal for large families. And, with its combination of space, safety, and performance, the Traverse excels in practicality for growing families.
Kia Sorento
With a starting price of around $30k, the Kia Sorento offers a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivering 281 horsepower. It also has a hybrid option that gets up to 37 mpg combined. And even if it’s smaller than some of its rivals, what it lacks in sheer size, it makes up for with value, including Kia’s generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comfortably seats five and provides 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. And thanks to its off-road chops (hello, Quadra-Trac 4WD and 11.3 inches of ground clearance), it’s as happy climbing mountains as it is cruising to the mall. Plus, the tech is top-notch, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a suite of driver-assist features. Fancy and tough!
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai has been making waves lately, and the Santa Fe is one of the reasons why. The Santa Fe is packed with advanced safety features, including Hyundai’s Smart Sense suite, which offers lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. On top of this, the two-row SUV offers 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than enough for the average Costco run.
Volkswagen Atlas
If space is your number one priority, the Volkswagen Atlas should be on your radar. Under the hood, the Atlas is powered by either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower or an optional 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower. Both options provide solid performance for highway cruising or towing, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Mazda CX-9
The CX-9 zips through turns with its nimble handling and sharp steering. It features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 250 horsepower (with premium fuel — so treat it right) and 320 lb.-ft of torque, giving you the boost to merge onto highways without breaking a sweat. Plus, its fuel economy of 20/26 mpg (city/highway) saves you from spending all your time at the gas pump.
Subaru Ascent
With its all-wheel drive, the Subaru Ascent has seating for eight passengers. With 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space (perfect for camping gear or an Ikea haul), it’s designed for those who need space but also love the great outdoors. Standard all-wheel drive means it’s ready for any terrain, and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance keeps you from sweating over speed bumps or forest trails. Plus, Subaru’s Eyesight driver assist technology ensures that even on the bumpiest roads, you’re in good hands.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder features a suite of safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, earning it high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). And, with a fuel efficiency of approximately 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, the Pathfinder balances performance and economy, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and adventures alike.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia might be considered a “luxury light” option, and it’s perfect for those who want a more refined SUV experience. And even though it’s not the biggest vehicle on the list, with a max of 79 cubic feet of cargo space, it offers plenty of premium touches, like leather upholstery and a quiet cabin. And for those who need an extra dose of power, the Acadia’s available standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower won’t disappoint.
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango stands out by being the muscle car of mid-size SUVs. Its towing capacity can reach up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped, ideal for hauling trailers or boats. Plus, inside, the Durango boasts an intuitive infotainment system with a user-friendly touchscreen and available features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And, despite its focus on power, the Durango still offers a respectable 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down, making it perfect for both gearheads and grocery-getters.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is quiet, spacious, and incredibly comfortable. Its 310-horsepower engine offers a smooth and silent drive. When it comes to safety features, the Enclave has them all, including the Driver Confidence Package, which feels like having a personal bodyguard while you’re on the road. Plus, its quiet cabin means you won’t have to yell over your kids’ playlist of endless pop hits. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride in style!
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is proof that simplicity and elegance often go hand in hand. With a turbocharged and supercharged engine available, it’s also no slouch on performance. And now let’s talk luxury: the XC90 boasts high-quality materials and cutting-edge tech, making every drive feel like a trip to a five-star hotel. Plus, it’s also equipped with Volvo’s renowned safety features, so you can drive with confidence — and maybe even some music blasting (we won’t judge).
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade isn’t just a pretty face in the world of mid-size SUVs; it’s built like a tank and packed with features to handle whatever life (or your kids) throws at it. With a sturdy 3.8-liter V6 engine pumping out 291 horsepower, it’s got the muscle to haul up to 5,000 pounds — perfect for towing that questionable trailer from your neighbor. Plus, with Hyundai’s incredible warranty, you’re covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. It’s like having a safety net while performing a circus act.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has been around for what feels like forever, but it’s still one of the best options for families who need space and capability. Built on a rugged platform, it boasts an available Intelligent 4WD system that allows you to tackle snowy slopes or muddy paths with ease, making it your trusty sidekick for spontaneous adventures. And let’s not forget the safety features — with Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, the Explorer is like having a well-trained bodyguard who also knows how to parallel park (skills).
Chevrolet Blazer
If you’re looking for something that’s both stylish and sporty, the Chevrolet Blazer might just be your perfect fit. Designed with a robust unibody structure, it combines the durability of an SUV with the agility of a sports car. The Blazer also features a sophisticated suspension system that handles bumps and potholes with the limber of a dancer. And not to forget about its high-strength steel frame, which makes it very resilient.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is the go-to for anyone who wants an SUV that can go off the beaten path. Built on a rugged truck platform, the 4Runner boasts a body-on-frame design that ensures it can tackle whatever Mother Nature throws its way, from bumpy trails to soggy marshlands. Plus, its high ground clearance and available four-wheel drive make it the go-to SUV for off-road enthusiasts and weekend warriors alike. Not to mention, it offers 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it as practical as it is rugged.
Infiniti QX60
For those who want a luxury SUV but don’t want to shell out for a German brand, the Infiniti QX60 is a fantastic option. Its exterior features bold lines and a signature double-arch grille that could practically be a work of art. The LED headlights sparkle like they’re auditioning for a role in a blockbuster film, while the floating roof design adds a touch of elegance that says, “I’ve arrived.” And, with room for up to seven passengers, it’s perfect for impromptu dance parties, or just pretending you’re in a high-end car commercial.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
