The midsize SUV segment has always been the Swiss Army knife of vehicles. Not too big, not too small, and versatile enough to ferry the kids to soccer practice, haul your Costco loot, or tackle an off-road trail like a champ. Here are 22 midsize SUVs that have earned their stripes, whether on highways, in suburban driveways, or the wilderness.
Toyota Highlander
Known for bulletproof reliability and a spacious, family-friendly interior, the Toyota Highlander combines a smooth ride with a frugal hybrid option. Its 3.5L V6 engine (recently replaced by a turbo-four) delivers solid power without guzzling gas. Also, the Highlander has a solid towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for light hauling. Plus, the resale value? It’s like buying a golden ticket.
Honda Passport
The Passport isn’t just the Pilot’s shorter sibling—the rugged one who spends weekends hiking. Under the hood is a reliable 3.5L V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It also offers standard front-wheel drive, with Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system available for enhanced traction. It’s a blend of practicality and adventure-ready capability.
Kia Telluride
The Telluride might as well have a trophy room. Its safety is top-notch, with a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors. Despite its luxury-like features, the Telluride remains affordable, starting at around $35,000. It’s a value-for-money champ and a rugged performer, with available all-wheel drive and 5,500-pound towing capacity. Honestly, it’s no wonder it’s consistently ranked as one of the best family SUVs.
Hyundai Santa Fe
A close cousin to the Kia Sorento, the Santa Fe has evolved into a sleek, well-equipped SUV with a more affordable price tag. Inside, the Santa Fe offers spacious seating for up to five, a 12.3-inch dual-display infotainment system, and premium materials for a comfortable ride. It also comes in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and traditional gas-powered variants, catering to various needs.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Want ruggedness wrapped in sophistication? The Grand Cherokee has been the go-to choice for overland enthusiasts who still need to pick up groceries. The Quadra-Trac 4WD systems and Select-Terrain modes ensure stellar off-road prowess. Plus, a hallmark of Jeep’s ethos, the Grand Cherokee blends capability with class, making it a top choice for those who need a versatile, high-performance SUV.
Subaru Outback
It’s technically a crossover, but the Outback’s rugged spirit earns it a place on this list. Introduced in 1994, it’s built on Subaru’s Legacy platform, inheriting its sturdy underpinnings and symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Also, the Outback’s raised ground clearance and distinctive cladding signal its off-road aspirations, a clever nod to adventurers who still value car-like handling.
Mazda CX-9
The CX-9 is proof that SUVs don’t have to be boring. The three-row seating layout accommodates up to seven passengers, while the second row features easy sliding mechanisms for third-row access. The exterior design prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality, with features like 20-inch alloy wheels and integrated roof spoilers contributing to a cohesive look.
Ford Edge
True to its name, the Ford Edge offers a sharp balance of comfort and power. The 2024 model mainly boasts two engine options: a 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four delivering 250 horsepower for efficiency and a sporty 2.7L twin-turbo V6 with 335 horsepower in the ST trim for thrill-seekers. All-wheel drive is standard, ensuring confident handling in diverse conditions.
Chevrolet Traverse
Need room? The Traverse has it in spades. The car stands out with advanced tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a standard suite of safety systems, including Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane-Keep Assist. Its trim levels, ranging from the budget-friendly LS to the luxurious High Country, also cater to varied needs.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas is like a German luxury car in SUV form but without the wallet-draining maintenance costs. Built on VW’s versatile MQB platform, the Atlas emphasizes space, with seating for up to seven and a cavernous 96.8 cubic feet of cargo room when the second and third rows are folded. The Atlas also stands out with its sleek yet rugged design, high-tech features like a digital cockpit and driver-assist systems, and balanced ride, tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling.
Nissan Murano
The Murano’s strength lies in its comfort. Its plush seats, serene cabin, and smooth V6 make long drives feel like a breeze. Named after the Italian island famous for glassmaking, the Murano embodies sleek design and craftsmanship. With its sculpted body lines and distinctive floating roof, it was among the first crossovers to prioritize aesthetics. While it’s not the most rugged or spacious SUV, it’s the ideal choice for drivers who prioritize style and ride quality.
GMC Acadia
The Acadia’s versatility is its hallmark. It typically seats seven or eight passengers across three rows, offering impressive interior room for various needs. Under the hood, the Acadia has various engine options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-liter V6, which delivers solid towing capabilities (up to 4,000 pounds). Overall, the SUV competes with the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer, offering a balance of comfort, utility, and style.
Toyota 4Runner
For decades, the 4Runner has been the go-to SUV for adventurers. Its off-road chops include a high ground clearance, locking rear differentials, and available Crawl Control, making it a favorite among adventurers and mall-goers. It also seats five or seven, depending on the configuration, because Toyota knows families come in different sizes.
Volvo XC90
The XC90 is like a Swedish suit—elegant, safe, and functional. Launched in 2002, this luxury SUV has become a flagship for Volvo, with a reputation for safety that’s as solid as its Scandinavian roots. Underneath, the XC90 offers air suspension and adaptive drive modes, making every ride feel like gliding over fjords. Volvo’s signature safety features, like Pilot Assist and City Safety, come standard because “lagom” (just right) also means no compromises. And did we mention it’s one of the safest SUVs ever built?
Dodge Durango
If SUVs had altered egos, the Durango would moonlight as a Dodge Challenger. Inside, it balances practicality and allure with a spacious cabin, Uconnect infotainment, and optional leather that says, “I mean business.” Fuel economy? Let’s say it’s not here for a Prius intervention. And, now in its third generation, this SUV remains a go-to for those who want power, space, and swagger, all wrapped in one growling, road-hogging package.
Lexus RX
The RX pioneered the luxury crossover game and is still a class leader. Need space? The RX can swallow your shopping sprees, weekend gear, or half the Ikea catalog. It’s buttery smooth on the road—think comfort first, speed second. Also, with Lexus’ reputation for reliability, you’ll be rolling long after your neighbors have traded in their flashy SUVs for something “more practical.” The RX? It’s class, comfort, and cleverness rolled into one polished package.
Infiniti QX60
A cousin to the Nissan Pathfinder, the QX60 ups the ante with premium finishes and an elegant design. Redesigned in 2022, this luxury midsize SUV boasts a more muscular exterior, sleek lines, and a bold front grille. Not to mention, beneath the surface, it offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is often overlooked, but its recent redesign deserves a second glance. Inside, the Outlander serves a tech buffet with an intuitive infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional 12.3-inch digital displays. Safety is no joke either, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and airbags ensuring peace of mind. Combine all this with Mitsubishi’s generous 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, and it’s no wonder the Outlander keeps making friends wherever it roams.
Chevrolet Blazer
The Blazer is a midsize crossover that competes with the Ford Edge and Jeep Grand Cherokee, boasting options like a 228-hp turbocharged engine or a hearty 308-hp V6. Inside, it’s tech-savvy, with an 8-inch touchscreen and all the connectivity your phone-addicted self could want. And, while the Blazer may no longer climb mountains, it sure struts its stuff in the city.
Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is Telluride’s slightly more reserved twin. Inside, it’s a tech playground—think 12.3-inch digital gauge clusters, wireless phone charging, and enough USB ports to power a small concert. Higher trims, like the Calligraphy, take luxury seriously with quilted Nappa leather and mood lighting. Plus, starting at around $36,000, the Palisade proves that luxury and utility coexist without requiring a billionaire budget. It’s classy, comfy, and just a bit overachieving.
Subaru Ascent
The Ascent has your back if you need all-weather capability and room for eight. Launched in 2019, it boasts three rows of seating for up to eight passengers, making it perfect for kids, pets, and even your overly chatty aunt. There’s also a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine pumping out 260 horsepower—enough grunt to tow up to 5,000 pounds or escape awkward conversations. Also, Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard, so snow, mud, and bad decisions on dirt roads aren’t dealbreakers.
Porsche Cayenne
If you thought midsize SUVs couldn’t be thrilling, think again. In its heart, you’ll find an engine that could power a small spacecraft, ranging from a humble V6 to a thunderous V8, depending on your ego level. Fuel economy? Well, it’s not precisely Prius-level. But hey, if you can afford a Porsche, why bother counting miles per gallon? Whether tackling a mountain pass or cruising to brunch, the Cayenne reminds you that luxury and performance are not mutually exclusive until the gas prices spike again.
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
