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Best Midsize SUVs in 2025

Midsize SUVs offer more interior space, higher towing capacities, and stronger powertrains than small SUVs, and most are also available with three rows of seats.

How We Rank Vehicles


1. 2025 Subaru Outback

2023 Subaru Outback
2025 Subaru Outback / Credit: Subaru
  • Price: $28,895
  • Pros: Spacious cabin, standard AWD, gentle ride
  • Cons: Weak base engine, coarse transmission

The Subaru Outback has you covered if you’re looking for a midsize SUV with a spacious cabin. Front-seat passengers enjoy excellent headroom and legroom, and the backseat easily accommodates adults. Cargo room is outstanding, with up to 75.6 cubic feet of space. Subaru has tuned the Outback’s suspension to deliver a gentle ride, making it great for commuting. Standard AWD provides added traction on roads slick with rain or snow. The Outback misses the mark in a couple of areas. Its base engine is weak, so we recommend the optional engine upgrade, and its transmission is unrefined. It gets noisy under hard acceleration.


2. 2025 Kia Telluride

2023 Kia Telluride
2025 Kia Telluride / Credit: Kia
  • Price: $36,190
  • Pros: Upscale, large interior, strong engine, good price
  • Cons: Fuel economy could be better

Spaciousness is one of the Kia Telluride’s strengths, offering ample head and legroom. This Kia also provides a chic interior design and impressive materials. Passengers will appreciate the comfortable seats. You also get a generous selection of standard equipment. However, the Telluride is less impressive in other areas. Its gas mileage is lackluster, topping out at 22 mpg combined. Also, other SUVs offer more space for small-item storage within the cabin.


3. 2025 Hyundai Palisade

2023 Hyundai Palisade
2025 Hyundai Palisade / Credit: Hyundai
  • Price: $36,800
  • Pros: Many standard features, roomy third row, upmarket cabin
  • Cons: Hybrid version unavailable, rivals have more engaging handling

The Palisade is an excellent choice for drivers seeking an SUV with a roomy cabin. All three rows provide comfortable seating for adults. Given its price, the interior is more upscale than one might expect, so it’s a good choice for buyers looking for a midsize SUV with high-end accommodations. Hyundai equips the Palisade with a host of desirable standard features. The Palisade won’t be a perfect fit for every driver. No hybrid powertrain is available; rival hybrids offer better fuel economy. Also, other SUVs in this class have more engaging driving dynamics.


4. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee / Credit: Stellantis
  • Price: $36,495
  • Pros: Comfortable on- and off-road, nice interior, 6,000-lb. towing capacity, 293-hp base engine, available 357-hp V8, plug-in hybrid option
  • Cons: High price, poor gas mileage

The Grand Cherokee excels at off-roading. The Trailhawk is the best trim for the task, with off-road-friendly features like tow hooks, an adaptive air suspension, all-terrain tires, and multiple drive modes. Whether exploring trails or cruising down city streets, drivers will appreciate the Grand Cherokee’s cabin. Base models have upscale interiors with many soft-touch surfaces, and cabins in the top trims showcase impeccable luxury. There are some shortcomings to keep in mind. This Jeep is among the more expensive picks in its class, and the Trailhawk trim – the most desirable pick for off-roading – comes solely as a plug-in hybrid.


5. 2025 Ford Explorer

2025 Ford Explorer
2025 Ford Explorer / Credit: Ford
  • Price: $39,755
  • Pros: Quick acceleration, stable handling, many standard driver aids, ample cargo room
  • Cons: Rivals are more fuel-efficient, less second and third-row room than some competitors

The Ford Explorer is a top choice if you’re looking for a midsize SUV with ample cargo room. With both rear rows lowered, the Explorer provides up to 85.8 cubic feet. Its handling is stable, and this SUV offers quick acceleration. Both available engines do a good job moving the Explorer, whether in the city or on the highway. Ford equips this SUV with an impressive range of standard driver aids. However, there are some downsides to consider. The Explorer is less fuel-efficient than some of its rivals, and there’s less room for passengers in the second and third rows than in some competitors.


6. 2025 Honda Pilot

2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport
2025 Honda Pilot / Credit: Honda
  • Price: $40,200
  • Pros: Spacious first and second rows, ample cargo room, comfortable ride
  • Cons: Tight third row, some rivals are more affordable

Many SUV shoppers look for models with a smooth ride, and on that note, the Honda Pilot delivers. Its suspension does an excellent job of keeping bumps and jolts from upsetting the cabin. This SUV also treats passengers in the first two rows to roomy accommodations; there’s ample room to stretch your legs on long journeys. The Pilot has one of the largest cargo holds in its class, with 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. This Honda also has a couple of weaknesses you should know about: While there’s plenty of space in the first two rows, the third-row seats are tight, and the Pilot is one of the more expensive choices in its segment. Rivals are more affordable.


7. 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS
2025 Chevrolet Traverse RS / Credit: Chevrolet
  • Price: $40,600
  • Pros: Excellent cargo room, huge touchscreen, loads of standard features
  • Cons: So-so rear visibility, costs more than rivals

Chevy’s Traverse is a top pick for shoppers seeking a midsize SUV with ample cargo room, with up to 97.6 cubic feet of space. The Traverse comes with a long list of standard equipment, including a 17.7-inch touchscreen, among the largest in its class. There are some shortcomings to keep in mind: Rear visibility is just so-so, and this SUV is among the most expensive picks in its class.


8. 2024 Toyota Highlander

2022 Toyota Highlander
2024 Toyota Highlander / Credit: Toyota
  • Price: $39,270
  • Pros: Great safety scores, excellent reputation for reliability, good mpg, available hybrid version
  • Cons: Loud powertrain, small third row

The Highlander has a luxurious interior and boasts a quiet ride, a reputation for outstanding reliability, and impressive fuel economy. The Highlander also has roomy seating in the first two rows, but its third row isn’t as spacious as its rivals. This midsize SUV’s 265-horsepower 4-cylinder engine comes standard, along with straightforward tech features and a host of ADAS. This Toyota misses the mark in a couple of areas: The gas engine gets loud under hard acceleration, and while this SUV’s first two rows are spacious, its third row is cramped for adults.


9. 2025 Mazda CX-90

2024 Mazda CX-90
2025 Mazda CX-90 / Credit: Mazda
  • Price: $37,845
  • Pros: Enjoyable handling, standard AWD, upmarket cabin
  • Cons: Less cargo room than rivals, small third row

The three-row Mazda CX-90 delivers an ideal balance of comfort and sportiness. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, making this Mazda a good choice for drivers who frequently travel in rain and snow. The CX-90 also impresses with a handsome interior. Best of all, this SUV provides an ideal balance of comfort and sportiness. There are some deficits to consider: Cargo space is below average for the class, and the CX-90 has a tight third row that isn’t comfortable for taller passengers.


10. 2025 Mazda CX-70

2025 Mazda CX-70
2025 Mazda CX-70 / Credit: Mazda
  • Price: $40,445
  • Pros: Roomy interior, top-notch materials
  • Cons: Plug-in hybrid can be pokey when running on gas alone

The CX-70 stands out with its sporty handling. The CX-70’s base engine is capable, but the optional powertrain raises the bar. The base powertrain is a turbocharged 3.3-liter 6-cylinder with 280 horsepower. In the Turbo S trim, the 3.3-liter inline-6 generates 340 horsepower. All models have all-wheel drive (AWD) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. There is also a PHEV version. This Mazda treats passengers to a premium interior. The CX-70’s cabin is home to upmarket materials and compares favorably with some entry-luxury models. However, it’s one of the most expensive picks in its class, and the infotainment system’s control knob can be cumbersome to use.


11. 2025 Jeep Wrangler

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe
2025 Jeep Wrangler / Credit: Jeep
  • Price: $32,690
  • Pros: Iconic off-roader, convertible top, five engine options, plug-in hybrid option, endless opportunities for customization, good starting price, fun, reliable
  • Cons: Impractical, poor mpg, so-so crash-test scores, not as comfortable as rivals

The Wrangler is an icon thanks to its incredible off-road prowess, convertible top, and seemingly limitless customization options. It has a relatively low starting price, and it’s a blast to drive and ride in. The Wrangler offers several powertrain options, with horsepower ranging from 270 to 470. The Wrangler returns poor gas mileage, its ride is rough, and crash-test ratings are mediocre.


12. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe / Credit: Hyundai
  • Price: $34,200
  • Pros: Less expensive than many 3-row competitors
  • Cons: Not as spacious as many 3-row competitors, not as rugged as it looks

The Hyundai Santa Fe’s bold styling is the first thing many buyers will notice. Don’t let its rugged looks fool you, though – it’s no trail runner. Underneath its squared-jawed mug are the bones of a midsize sedan. The Santa Fe is not as roomy as the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade. While anchored by dual 12.3-inch screens, Hyundai has kept physical buttons and knobs for things like the temperature and volume controls.


13. 2025 Subaru Ascent

2023 Subaru Ascent
2025 Subaru Ascent / Credit: Subaru
  • Price: $38,795
  • Pros: Great safety scores, good price with AWD, large cargo area, excellent towing capability
  • Cons: Less power than some competitors

Equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), the Ascent is a great choice for drivers in snowy climates. The Ascent has a spacious cabin with three rows of comfortable seating for adults. Subaru equips the Ascent with a long list of standard equipment. This SUV also offers excellent towing capability, pulling up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Ascent misses the mark in a couple of areas. Its handling is bland, and a fair amount of engine and tire noise reaches the cabin. Other SUVs in its class deliver a more serene driving experience.


14. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander / Credit: Toyota
  • Price: $43,320
  • Pros: Spacious cabin, many standard features, comfortable ride
  • Cons: Rivals are more upscale, underwhelming base powertrain, fully loaded hybrid costs as much as a Mercedes

Spaciousness is one of the Grand Highlander’s top selling points. The first two rows are generously sized, and even the third row is big enough to comfortably seat adults. The Grand Highlander also comes with many desirable standard features. However, there are some shortcomings to consider. For one, this SUV’s base engine is underwhelming; we recommend upgrading to one of the two optional hybrid powertrains. Also, other SUVs in this class have more upscale interiors.


15. 2024 Nissan Murano

2024 Nissan Murano / Credit: Nissan
  • Price: $38,740
  • Pros: Great crash-test scores, solid all-around performance, reliable
  • Cons: Small cargo area, weak towing capacity, aging design has been around since 2015

The Murano is a comfortable two-row midsize SUV thanks to its ride and expansive, ultra-supportive seats. The Murano is short on cargo space, and its cabin looks a little dated, but it’s made with high-quality materials. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Despite the Murano’s strong 260-horsepower V6, its 1,500-pound towing capacity is disappointing for a midsize SUV.


16. 2025 Dodge Durango

2020 Dodge Durango / Photo Credit: FCA
2025 Dodge Durango / Credit: Dodge
  • Price: $39,670
  • Pros: Muscle-car performance, 6,200-lb. tow rating
  • Cons: Pricey, poor mpg, lacks standard safety features

The Durango offers muscle-car performance and awesome towing capability. The Durango separates itself from other midsize SUVs in the class with its spacious cabin, high-powered V8 engines, muscular exterior styling, and high towing capacity. However, it trails rivals when it comes to fuel economy, standard safety features, third-row legroom, handling capability, and interior design.


17. 2025 Honda Passport

2024 Honda Passport
2025 Honda Passport / Credit: Honda
  • Price: $42,400
  • Pros: Large cargo area, standard AWD
  • Cons: High price, poor fuel economy

The Honda Passport is a solid choice for drivers seeking an SUV with ample cargo room. Every Passport comes standard with AWD. The Passport’s stout V6 gets this SUV moving without hesitation; there’s enough muscle under the hood for hassle-free city and highway driving. Cargo room is another plus; the Passport has more space than many vehicles in its class. This Honda has a couple of weaknesses you should know about: Gas mileage is mediocre, and the Passport is among the more expensive choices in its segment.


18. 2025 Buick Enclave

2025 Buick Enclave / Credit: Buick
  • Price: $45,000
  • Pros: Large cargo hold, comfortable ride, spacious cabin
  • Cons: Rivals have sportier handling, lower trims have underwhelming cabins

A comfortable ride can help make a commute fly by, and the Buick Enclave certainly delivers. Its suspension mutes hard road surfaces, preventing bumps and jolts from reaching the cabin. This SUV’s interior is spacious, too, making it an excellent pick for families. All three rows are roomy enough to seat adults comfortably. In addition, the Enclave offers a maximum cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet, more space than most models in its segment. Still, this Buick falls short in a couple of areas. It’s not as engaging to drive as some rivals. Also, the cabin design in the Enclave’s lower trims is underwhelming.


19. 2025 Ford Bronco

2024 Ford Bronco SUV
2025 Ford Bronco SUV / Credit: Ford
  • Price: $37,995
  • Pros: Iconic off-roader, convertible top, engine choices ranging from 275-418 hp, endless customization options, high Carfax user ratings
  • Cons: Not practical, poor mpg, not as comfortable as rivals, needs premium gas to get the best performance

The iconic Bronco is a fantastic off-roader with a convertible top, multiple engine options, user-friendly tech features, and a wealth of configurations. Most Bronco trims can tow up to 3,500 pounds, but the Raptor model can pull 4,500. The Bronco is not as practical, comfortable, or fuel-efficient as most two-row midsize SUVs, and it requires premium gas to deliver its best performance.


20. 2025 Chevrolet Blazer

2023 Chevrolet Blazer RS
2025 Chevrolet Blazer / Credit: Chevrolet
  • Price: $35,400
  • Pros: Sharp styling, good mpg, reliable
  • Cons: Small cargo area

The Chevrolet Blazer’s assertive sheet metal turns heads. It looks sporty and athletic, and its strong engines back up the look; this SUV is a blast to drive. Chevy equips the Blazer with a list of desirable standard features. There are some downsides to consider: The Blazer has less cargo room than other vehicles in its class, and its rivals have more upscale cabins.


21. 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV

2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV / Credit: Chevrolet
  • Price: $48,800
  • Pros: Excellent driving range, comfortable ride, long list of standard features
  • Cons: No Apple CarPlay, rivals have peppier handling

The Blazer EV is for drivers seeking an all-electric vehicle with comfortable handling and solid driving range. Most EV shoppers look closely at driving range, and they aren’t likely to be disappointed with how far the Blazer EV can travel on a full charge: up to 334 miles. This Chevy also provides a gentle ride, with a suspension that’s adept at keeping potholes and rough road surfaces from jolting passengers. Chevy equips the Blazer EV with desirable standard equipment. However, there are also a couple of deficits to keep in mind: This EV isn’t available with Apple CarPlay, and other SUVs in this class have more engaging handling.


22. 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

2022 Nissan Pathfinder Front
2025 Nissan Pathfinder / Credit: Nissan
  • Price: $37,070
  • Pros: Rugged design, tows up to 6,000 lb.
  • Cons: Below-average cargo space, reliability, and crash-test scores

The Pathfinder is a three-row SUV with an upscale cabin, high-quality materials, and intuitive tech. Passengers are treated to a spacious interior. The Pathfinder’s first two rows have excellent legroom, and the third row is comfortable for adults. This SUV comes with an extensive range of standard equipment. If towing is a priority, the Pathfinder should definitely be on your list. Properly equipped, it can pull up to 6,000 pounds, one of the highest tow ratings in its class. The Pathfinder also provides a smooth ride. However, this Nissan doesn’t shine in all areas. While its available engines do the job, they don’t generate much excitement; rivals have livelier powertrains. Also, other midsize SUVs have sportier handling.


23. 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

2024 Volkswagen Atlas/ Credit: Volkswagen
2025 Volkswagen Atlas / Credit: Volkswagen
  • Price: $38,200
  • Pros: Great cargo space with two or three rows, simple design
  • Cons: Rivals feel more premium, below-average reliability

The Atlas fits the bill for those seeking a midsize SUV with a roomy interior. The first two rows have ample headroom and legroom, and even the available third row has enough space to seat adults comfortably. Well-balanced handling is another strength; the Atlas is responsive and engaging, yet its ride is smooth enough to make this vehicle an excellent choice for commuting. There are some shortcomings to be aware of: The Atlas’ gas mileage is mediocre, and its infotainment system can be a challenge to navigate.


24. 2025 Kia Sorento

2024 Kia Sorento
2025 Kia Sorento / Credit: Kia
  • Price: $31,990
  • Pros: Diverse powertrains, impressive fuel efficiency, roomy cabin, many standard features
  • Cons: Tight cargo space behind third row, underwhelming base engine

The Kia Sorento is a great choice for drivers seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient SUV. Spaciousness is a strength of the Sorento, with a cabin that provides outstanding room in the first two rows. This Kia also offers a generous selection of standard features. It’s worth noting that the cargo area is tight with all three rows of seats in use.


25. 2024 Toyota 4Runner

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
2024 Toyota 4Runner / Credit: Carter MacLeod
  • Price: $40,705
  • Pros: Iconic off-roader, muscular design, reliable, high Carfax user ratings
  • Cons: Impractical, pricey, terrible fuel economy, below-average interior space, mediocre crash-test ratings, hasn’t changed much since 2014

Most modern SUVs are built for paved streets, but the Toyota 4Runner’s body-on-frame construction makes it sturdy enough for off-roading, and high ground clearance allows it to glide over rocks and fallen tree branches. This Toyota also offers impressive cargo capacity, with up to 89.7 cubic feet of space behind the first row. Toyota equips the 4Runner with a long list of standard equipment. There are a couple of weaknesses to consider: Fuel economy is disappointing compared with its rivals, and its ride on paved streets is coarse and unrefined.


26. 2024 INEOS Grenadier

2024 INEOS Grenadier/ Credit: INEOS
  • Price: $71,500
  • Pros: Impressive off-roader, durable cabin, ample cargo room
  • Cons: Modestly equipped base model, rivals are more refined on paved streets

The INEOS Grenadier is designed for drivers seeking off-road-friendly transportation. The Grenadier is ready for life in the wild thanks to standard features that include front and rear skid plates, a heavy-duty coil suspension, and off-road and wading modes. Its cabin features durable materials designed to weather harsh conditions without damage. The Grenadier also offers solid utility for days when you’re more concerned with grocery runs than trail-busting: With all seats in place, there’s 40.7 cubic feet of cargo room. Folding the backseat opens up 71.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. There are a couple of drawbacks to consider. Though it’s excellent off-road, it’s less refined than its rivals on paved streets. Also, this SUV’s standard features are meager, considering its price.


27. 2025 GMC Acadia

2025 GMC Acadia / Credit: GMC
  • Price: $42,900
  • Pros: Strong turbo 4-cylinder, rugged AT4 model, posh Denali trim, attractive and user-friendly infotainment system
  • Cons: Engine noise, pricier than its Chevrolet Traverse sibling, feels big in traffic

Based on the same platform that underpins the Chevrolet Traverse, the Acadia sets itself apart from its Chevy sibling with unique exterior styling and more upscale amenities. Acceleration is strong and smooth; the Acadia has no trouble getting up to speed or completing highway passing maneuvers. Cabin quality is a definite highlight, as is the easy-to-use infotainment system, which features a 15-inch touchscreen. Drawbacks include too much engine noise, particularly during hard acceleration, and the luxury-level pricing of the Acadia’s upscale trim levels.


28. 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser/ Credit: Toyota
  • Price: $56,450
  • Pros: Lots of off-road features, nice design, luxurious for an off-roader
  • Cons: Expensive for a Toyota, lots of wind noise on the highway

After a brief hiatus, the Land Cruiser has returned with a blocky new shape and a much lower price than its predecessor. Long known for its off-road prowess, this next-generation Land Cruiser continues that tradition with short front and rear overhangs, an elevated ride height, all-terrain tires, and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). Acceleration from its hybrid powertrain is strong, and fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined city/highway. However, issues arise when it comes to wind noise, the Spartan look of the base model’s cabin, and a lack of third-row seating.


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