Best Midsize SUVs for 2023

The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.

All-new for the 2020 model year, the legendary Toyota Highlander remains a top-seller and family favorite as one of the best three-row SUVs available. The previous Highlander, model years 2014-2019, offers seating for up to 8 passengers, a four-cylinder, six-cylinder and hybrid drivetrain, along with excellent safety ratings and front- or all-wheel drive. Sadly, Toyota was slow to adopt full phone integration, which meant no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay offered in this generation of Highlander. Despite its commercial success, Toyota didn’t rest on past success with the new Highlander. In addition to offering seating for seven or eight, Toyota is also offering two powertrains for the Highlander, both of which we would consider a premium offering. The V6 will deliver the smooth ride with refined power Toyota Highlander fans have grown to know and love. However, the newly-updated Hybrid is the one we’d check out. With 243 hp and an incredible 36 MPG rating, the Highlander Hybrid offers a combination of power and efficiency that is hard to match in this segment. Toyota owners will be glad to hear that the infotainment system has also been updated and now offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Alexa integration.

The Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.

For 2021 Honda offers fourteen separate configurations of the Pilot, many of them very upscale, near-luxury SUV trims. The current design of the Pilot has been on sale since June of 2015. A notable update was the 2017 model year addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all but the base trim. We expect a new generation Pilot to debut by 2022. Family-friendly touches like Honda’s third-row One-Touch Walk-In feature, a hands-free liftgate, and Honda’s CabinTalk in-vehicle public address system are what make the Pilot unique in its segment. Honda’s Pilot has also earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award for five straight model years. With an abundance of legroom and headroom, the Pilot is a benchmark for the larger three-row crossovers in this popular segment for good reason.

Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.

The current 4Runner design has been in production since 2009. We expect an all-new sixth-generation 4Runner by 2023. A 2020 model year refresh added more modern infotainment features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as updated active safety systems. Most 4Runners are configured with two rows and five seats. However, on some limited trims, there are two additional folding seats in a compact third row.  So why do so many loyal Toyota shoppers opt for the 4Runner instead of the Highlander? There are really two reasons. First, the 4Runner is more off-road capable by a country mile. With true 4X4 models available and considerable off-road tech, the 4Runner is no poser. Second, those who wish to tow will find that the 4Runner is rated at 5,000 pounds of maximum trailer weight on every trim. Its body-on-frame design is the choice of many who want the toughest Toyota in this segment. We’d be remiss if we did not mention that the 4Runner is nearly always the top model in any comparison of resale value in this segment. In fact, the 4Runner is often on the podium among all vehicles in this regard. The 4Runner is a traditional body-on-frame SUV that owners find reliable and durable.

Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.

The Santa Fe has filled dual roles for Hyundai until 2021. Bouncing back and forth between two rows and three with various names like “Sport” and “XL” to help differentiate them, the Santa Fe is on the smaller side of the vehicles in this segment. That doesn’t mean that the five-passenger versions are not roomy, just that on some versions in some model years it is not a three-row vehicle.  The Santa Fe’s third-generation ran from 2012 through model year 2019. There were important changes to the vehicle including its naming during that run. The Santa Fe was a three-row SUV during this time, and the Santa Fe Sport was the two-row version. In 2018, that switched. The Santa Fe became a two-row crossover with the Santa Fe XL name denoting the three-row version. For 2021, it is again a two-row crossover, and there is no longer a three-row version. To fill that role, Hyundai has introduced the new Palisade.

The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.

The Ford Explorer has evolved from a rear-wheel-drive SUV to a large crossover with a front-wheel-drive platform, and back again. The Explorer counts a roomy interior to help make it among the best 3-row SUVs available. Ford’s fuel-efficient turbocharged (EcoBoost) engines have won over many fans, and the new generation Explorer has hybrid options that point toward the future. Shoppers should take note of the important generation change that occurred for the 2020 model year.

The three-row Nissan Pathfinder was redesigned for the 2022 model year. The new model features a more boxy facade, additional standard safety features, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and a more premium interior that can now seat up to eight passengers. This much-needed makeover of the aging Pathfinder, after nearly a decade, will better position the midsize SUV in this competitive segment.

The Nissan Pathfinder was introduced in the mid-80s as a body-on-frame SUV. From its rough and tumble beginnings, it later emerged as a well-rounded crossover/SUV targeted at families. Since 2012, the Pathfinder has been a roomy 7-passenger vehicle. There was an important update in 2017, adding sharp new looks and a motion-activated liftgate, plus updated information technology. Then a 2022 full redesign that made the Pathfinder competitive in the highly-competitive midsize SUV segment.  The Pathfinder is available with front or all-wheel drive. The AWD versions have a driver-selectable locking differential and hill descent control, two advanced off-road features paying homage to its aggressive off-road origins. The locking differential helps you scale steep inclines or off-road obstacles when conditions are slippery, rather than have the system allow some slip and then try to catch up. Hill descent control maintains a low speed when going down steep inclines. We’ve tested the Pathfinder many times over the past decade, and it always feels light and lively. Its much-needed update for the 2022 model year helped modernize this classic crossover, giving it the refinement and updated technology required to compete in this popular vehicle segment.

Mazda’s CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that’s slightly smaller but more engaging to drive than most of its direct competitors.

The Mazda CX-9 was last redesigned for the 2016 model year. It has emerged as the 3-row SUV segment winner in many Driver’s Choice awards. The Mazda Zoom Zoom driver engagement shines through, even in this family hauler. Shoppers will find the Mazda CX-9 offers many of the tech features found in pricier premium midsize crossover vehicles, but at mainstream prices. Unusual for this vehicle segment, Mazda opted for a turbocharged engine. Our testing revealed best-in-class pulling power from a stop due to its wide torque band that helps accelerate quickly. Unlike some premium turbo vehicles, the CX-9’s engine does not require premium fuel but can make due on regular, which keeps ownership costs down. The CX-9’s interior space is a bit less than some of its peers including a cramped third-row seat, but it still offers three rows and seating for seven. We expect a new generation CX-9 to be launched in late 2021.

The two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee combines go-anywhere capability with a high level of luxury. One of Jeep’s most popular models, the Grand Cherokee is available as a basic, affordable off-road SUV or a $90K high-performance variant, with several options in-between.

With ten trims and many available options within those trims, Jeep’s Grand Cherokee is one of the most expansive two-rows midsize SUVs available. The SRT and Trackhawk trims are on-road performance SUVs, and Jeep has multiple levels of off-road capable Grand Cherokees from which to choose, culminating with its ultra-capable Trailhawk.  Jeep does not sacrifice comfort on any of its Grand Cherokee trims, and the Limited is downright plush. The current generation is now in its 11th year, so expect a substantial update soon.

Nissan’s two-row Murano crossover targets those buyers looking for comfort and style. Unlike many SUV-style vehicles in this segment, the Murano is more like a large sedan than its peers.

With the Nissan Rogue approaching its capacities and interior volume, the Murano is starting to show its age in the Nissan lineup. Few crossovers in this segment offer the comfort level that Murano can, which means it still appeals to some SUV shoppers. We suspect there will be an all-new Murano within a year. Shoppers considering an older Murano may wish to check out the convertible CrossCabriolet made in limited numbers from 2010 through 2014.

Like all Dodge products, the three-row Durango is notable for being big, bold, and performance-oriented (on SRT/Hellcat trims). The 710hp SRT Hellcat version is one of the most powerful SUVs ever created.

No vehicle on this list better exemplifies the “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” philosophy than the Dodge Durango. As it enters its tenth model year on the current platform, the Durango has emerged as a fan favorite -- particularly for those that want a powerful engine. With three V8’s to choose from it is easy to call the Durango the muscle car of this SUV segment. We’ve driven the 2021 SRT Hellcat trim and can only say, “Wow!” What struck us most was how family-friendly 710 horsepower could be.

GMC’s Acadia is a crossover SUV that offers seating from five to eight passengers, depending on model year and trim. Shoppers will find the Acadia is a bit like an upscale version of the Chevy Traverse. 

The Acadia is a crossover SUV from GMC notable as GMC’s first-ever front-wheel drive vehicle. Available with all-wheel drive as an option, the GMC Acadia line includes many premium trims that are luxury-like in terms of content and quality. The Acadia underwent a total makeover in 2017. This newer version lost 700 pounds, and the vehicle was streamlined and substantially updated.

Ford’s two-row Edge offers Ford fans a second midsize crossover SUV choice. The Edge is larger than the Escape but smaller than the Explorer. Many might say it is “right-sized.”

The current Edge from Ford has been in the marketplace since 2015 and is overdue for a  redesign. In 2019 the Edge received updated styling, making it look more like a two-row Explorer, particularly from the front. The ST trim joined the lineup for ‘19, and it made the Edge one of the highest-performance two-row crossovers available. It’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine delivers a whopping 380 lb-ft of torque.

The Chevy Traverse is a roomy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Traverse is Chevrolet’s third most popular model and a top seller in the segment.

The Chevy Traverse was introduced in 2008 to augment Chevy’s full-size, truck-based SUVs. The Traverse entered a new generation for the 2018 model year with significant updates to every aspect of the vehicle. The more Tahoe-SUV-like design was easy to spot. For a time, the Traverse seemed to lag the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander’s active safety and driver-assist systems. That was corrected in the current generation, and the upcoming 2022 refresh will include many of the most modern safety systems available. The High Country trim of the current Traverse is notable for its more advanced AWD system and better all-road and all-weather capability.

Kia’s Sorento is a two- or three-row crossover SUV on sale since 2015 in its outgoing generation. It is built in West Point, Georgia. All-new for 2021, shoppers in the midsize SUV segment should give the Sorento a fresh look.

The Sorento will be redesigned for its 2021 model year. The vehicle gets an entirely new larger platform, new touchscreen infotainment and all-new engine options. Included in the new powertrain options is a turbocharged hybrid with all-wheel drive we can’t wait to try. All 2021 and newer Sorentos will have three rows of seating in either 4 plus 2 or 5 plus 2 configurations. That means the middle row can either be two captain’s chairs or a three-across bench. The Kia brand has been earning top quality scores as of late, and the Sorento has a good safety track record.

The Dodge Journey is one of America’s most affordable 7-passenger vehicles. Those looking for the best bang for their buck may want to give it a look.

The five or seven passenger Dodge Journey has been on sale since 2009 and received a style makeover in 2011. Dodge pulled the Journey from many popular U.S. markets after 2019, and its last model year was 2020. The Dodge Journey was a favorite of rental car and commercial use fleets which means there are a lot of them in the used car market. The Journey is notable as the most affordable 7-passenger vehicle on this list. And not by a little. It’s relatively low resale value is an asset to buyers now that it has been discontinued.

The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.

Unlike Subaru’s first attempt at a three-row crossover, the B9 Tribeca, the Ascent is earning favor with long-time Subaru fans. Looking a lot like the very popular, but smaller, Forester, the Ascent offers long-time Subaru fans more interior space for a growing family, pets, cargo or a mixture of all three.

The Ford Bronco is a compact SUV with excellent off-road capability. The original Bronco was discontinued back in 1996, with 2021 marking its return to the Ford lineup. The average new model costs $51,186.

Running Changes to the 2021-Current Ford Bronco

• 2021: This is an all-new model for Ford. It offers a wide range of options, with two-door and four-door body styles, a hardtop or soft top, and a long list of off-road features that give it impressive capability