The midsize SUV has become a staple of the transportation landscape. These vehicles have found a sweet spot, balancing size, use, and comfort, speaking to families, adventurers, and commuters alike. Here are the 25 best midsize SUVs, exploring design, performance, and standout features that make them timeless heroes on the road.
Toyota Highlander (2001)
Originally designed by Ian Cartabiano in 2001, the Toyota Highlander is one of the most popular family cars. It is packed with a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 265 horsepower. On the inside, there’s enough room for eight people to enjoy premium upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Reliability and comfort come through with a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.8 seconds.
Honda Pilot (2003)
Introduced in 2003, the Honda Pilot was designed by Dave Marek. It has a massive 3.5L V6 engine and produces 285 horses. The cabin is designed for comfort, with an 8-inch infotainment screen, tri-zone climate control, and flexible seating. It’s perfect for highway cruising as well as day-to-day driving, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.2 seconds.
Ford Edge (2006)
The Ford Edge was launched in 2006 and designed by Jeff Teague. This car has a 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6 that delivers 335 horsepower, ensuring a spirited driving experience. The interior boasts a 12-inch touchscreen, leather seating, and an awe-inspiring cargo capacity, making it as versatile as stylish. With a stylish exterior and sophisticated security features, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph within 5.7 seconds, making it fashionable yet safe for modern drivers.
Chevrolet Traverse, 2009
The Chevrolet Traverse was introduced in 2009 by John Cafaro. With a 3.6L V6 engine and 310 horsepower, the ride has been smooth and powerful. The cabin of this spacious vehicle offers features like a 7-inch touchscreen, smart storage solutions, and comfortable seating for eight passengers. With its ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds, multiple USB ports to ensure connectivity, and the capacity to hit 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, this is one perfect vehicle that balances utility with comfort for families and adventure lovers alike.
Subaru Outback (1994)
The Subaru Outback was first launched in 1994 and was designed by Olivier Lo. This midsize SUV has a rugged look, enhanced by its 2.4L turbocharged flat-four engine that delivers 260 horsepower. The interior features waterproof upholstery, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, and ample storage space, making it a go-to choice for adventurous lifestyles. Equipped with Subaru’s renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive system, it provides excellent off-road capability while reaching 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, proving its adaptability for both urban and wilderness journeys.
Kia Sorento (2002)
The Kia Sorento is a 2002 model that world-renowned designer Peter Schreyer designed. This engine produces 281 horsepower through a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The car’s interior boasts room for three rows of seating, driver-assistance features, and a panoramic sunroof. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.7 seconds, the Sorento strikes an excellent balance between practicality and modern sophistication.
Mazda CX-9 (2006)
Ikuo Maeda designed this energetic and sporty family SUV in 2006. The engine runs smoothly, with 250 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.5L inline-four. It has it all: luxury comes forth through Nappa leather seats and seating for three, alongside an open second and third row, topped by a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The CX-9 zooms from 0 to 60mph for power output in 7.1 seconds with elegance and efficiency combined.
Hyundai Santa Fe (2000)
Introduced in 2000, the Hyundai Santa Fe was designed by Byung Jin Kim. Its 2.5L turbo engine delivers 277 horsepower. That well-furnished SUV has comfortable seats, an all-digital gauge cluster, and a friendly face on the 10.25-inch touchscreen. It’ll hit 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, adding unexpected agility to its general reputation for reliability.
Nissan Pathfinder (1986)
The Nissan Pathfinder, a 1986 product designed by Jerry Hirshberg, is now available in a new variant with a 3.5L V6 engine generating 284 horsepower. Its interior design features comfortable seating for up to eight, a 9-inch infotainment screen, and more USB ports. The Pathfinder can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and is a great companion on the asphalt and off-road.
Volkswagen Atlas (2017)
Volkswagen unveiled the Atlas in 2017, and Klaus Bischoff led the design process. The midsize SUV has a 2.0L turbocharged engine, 235 horsepower, and roomy third-row seats. It is designed for family needs, from the digital cockpit to tri-zone climate control. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, so it’s versatile.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (1993)
Mark Allen originally designed the Jeep Grand Cherokee in 1993. The latest one features a 3.6L V6 that cranks out 293 horses. The interior is durable yet elegant, with leather, a 10.1-inch touch screen, and adjustable ambient lighting. The car moves from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Off-road capability and SUV luxury best describe this car.
Chevrolet Blazer (1969)
The iconic Chevrolet Blazer, designed by Mike Pevovar, returned in 2019. Its 3.6L V6 engine delivers 308 horsepower, making it a capable performer. The interior is modern and spacious, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, sporty accents, and ample cargo space. Reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, the Blazer is a bold choice for midsize SUV enthusiasts.
Ford Explorer (1991)
The Ford Explorer has been a staple among midsize sport utility vehicles since its introduction in 1991. Crafted by Moray Callum, the vehicle has been a family and adventure stalwart since its inception. The ride has a smooth, powerful 300 horsepower via the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. Inside is a bright, roomy interior with leather-trimmed seats, an optional 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen, and sophisticated safety features such as adaptive cruise control. It runs at an incredible 6.2 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. Therefore, it states practicality does not necessarily carry a cost in performance.
GMC Acadia (2007)
This car, the GMC Acadia, was designed by Matt Noone in 2007 for a powerful but refined midsize SUV experience. The Acadia features a 3.6L V6 engine, bringing out as high as 310 horsepower. What’s inside is more refined, and it boasts premium cabin soft-touch materials, an 8-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, and lots of cargo space. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, so it is a perfect combination of power and luxury for families on the go.
Subaru Ascent (2018)
The Subaru Ascent entered the midsize SUV market in 2018 with a design led by Mamoru Ishii. It has a 2.4L turbocharged flat-four engine that puts out 260 horsepower so that it can handle city streets and mountain trails equally well. The family-friendly interior has stain-resistant upholstery, up to 19 cup holders, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Its 0 to 60 mph time takes 6.4 seconds. The Ascent delivers utility and performance Subaru enthusiasts love.
Volkswagen Atlas (2017)
Volkswagen unveiled the Atlas in 2017, led by its chief designer, Klaus Bischoff. Among its powerplants is a 2.0L turbocharged engine putting 235 horsepower under the hood or an optional 3.6L V6 churning 276 horsepower. With the Atlas, family-friendly features include third-row roominess, a customizable digital cockpit, and a tri-zone climate system. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and delivers every passenger a smooth, trouble-free ride experience.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (1993)
Since its launch in 1993, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been an off-road capability and luxury vehicle. Mark Allen’s latest version will have a 3.6L V6 engine producing 293 horsepower. Inside, it combines rugged durability with refinement, featuring leather upholstery paired with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and ambient lighting. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and stays true to its heritage as a versatile and capable midsize SUV.
Chevrolet Blazer (1969, Revived in 2019)
Initially introduced in 1969 and reborn in 2019 by Mike Pevovar, the Chevrolet Blazer has returned as a sporty and aggressive midsize SUV. Its 3.6L V6 engine gives it 308 horsepower for performance. Sporty touches, an 8-inch touchscreen, and cargo capacity make it practical and stylish. A 0 to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds draws in those who want flair and function.
Toyota Highlander (2001)
The Toyota Highlander was designed by Ian Cartabiano in 2001. It is aimed at balancing practicality and sophistication. The current model has a 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 engine can produce 265 horsepower and perfectly balances power and fuel efficiency. The interior of the Highlander is a masterclass in thoughtful design, offering an 8-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12.3-inch upgrade), three-zone climate control, and seating for up to eight. Its family-friendly aspect extends to a spacious cargo area and numerous USB ports. The Highlander goes 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, so it’s as lively as dependable.
Mazda CX-9 (2006)
Ikuo Maeda-designed Mazda CX-9 is a middle-class SUV with great style and performance. Forged by a turbocharged 2.5L inline-4, it powers 250 horsepower and has almost the smoothest drive. Seating in the interior can be Nappa leather skin and rosewood embellishments. The infotainment display is 10.25 inches. The CX-9 shines as the perfect family vehicle with seven seats and a quiet cabin. And at a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.1 seconds, it keeps with Mazda’s athletic driving characteristics.
Dodge Durango (1998)
Launched in 1998, Jeff Gale’s Dodge Durango is a potent, do-it-all midsize SUV. The standard 3.6L V6 gets 295 horsepower, but the higher trims become a powerful HEMI V8. The spacious interior has a 10.1-inch touchscreen, heated leather seats, and a customizable digital gauge cluster. It can fit a maximum of seven people and has an impressive towing capacity. Its 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds gives the rugged persona a sporty feel.
Nissan Murano (2002)
One of the first midsize crossover models introduced in 2002 was the Nissan Murano by Shiro Nakamura. Its 3.5L V6 engine can make up to 260 horsepower and ensures a smooth ride. Inside, it offers comfort with Zero-Gravity seats, panoramic sunroofs, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. It also has ample cargo space and refined materials. The Murano goes 0 to 60 in 7.3 seconds, balancing style with substance.
Ford Edge (2007)
Launched in 2007, the Ford Edge, by Hau Thai-Tang, aims to fulfill the demand of SUV seekers who want an impressive midsize car full of personality and power. The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 ST has 335 horsepower. The cabin features a 12-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and Ford’s SYNC 4A system, which is technologically advanced but straightforward. The cabin has enough space and easy handling, and the Edge accelerates from 0 to 60 mph with a sense of practicality and performance appeal in 5.7 seconds.
Chevrolet Traverse (2008)
The 2008 Chevrolet Traverse, also designed by Anne Asensio, has one of the roomiest cabins of any midsize SUV. Its 3.6L V6 engine produces 310 horsepower and provides a smooth ride. Inside, it seats eight, has an easy-to-use 7-inch touch screen, and has active noise cancellation to make every ride quiet. With its 0 to 60 mph time pegged at 6.9 seconds, it is a good and reliable option for large families or road trips.
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