No matter what you’re after in a new car, there are fewer and fewer terrible options to choose from every year. The range is more like decent to excellent. If you happen to be shopping for a midsize SUV boasting good versatility, competition is tighter than ever in this segment. That's especially true if you're shopping for a 3-row SUV.
It wasn’t easy narrowing down our list of the best midsize SUVs this year. Because the segment has grown so quickly and competition is so tough, models like the Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen Atlas, Chevrolet Blazer, and Ford Explorer barely missing the cut. But, after much analysis, we pared down the vast selection to the 10 vehicles we consider the best midsize SUVs on the market.
The Best Midsize SUVs in 2025
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Mazda CX-90
- Honda Pilot
- Hyundai Palisade
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Jeep Wrangler
- Kia Sorento
- Kia Telluride
- Lexus RX
- Toyota Highlander
Chevrolet Traverse
Best for: Buyers who want a capable yet understated three-row family hauler
Chevy’s popular three-row family SUV was redesigned just last year. The old 3.6-liter V6 bowed out, replaced by a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) are available. Towing capability remains the same, at up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
As part of 2024's overhaul, Chevy revamped the exterior design to give the Traverse a more rugged, off-road appearance. Inside, infotainment technology also underwent noticeable changes, including a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument panel.
For 2025, the Chevrolet Traverse is no longer available as the Traverse Limited. Instead, shoppers have their choice of trims ranging from the $41,000 LT FWD to the decked-out $59,000 High Country AWD. Mixed in there is a Traverse Z71 version with its own twin-clutch AWD system.
Mazda CX-90
Best for: Miata fans with a family
All-new last year, the Mazda CX-90 is exquisitely styled and represents significant and fundamental improvements over its predecessor, the Mazda CX-9. It gives Land Rover a run for its money in cool factor. In the CX-90, we have the practicality of an eight-passenger SUV blended with the soul and handling DNA of an MX-5 Miata. Interior design and material quality rival luxury brands costing significantly more.
The CX-90 also debuted with new goods under the hood. One option is a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that puts up to 340 hp at the driver's disposal, and the other (for those aiming for even better fuel economy), the brand's first plug-in hybrid (PHEV). From a handling perspective, the CX-90 feels more like a compact SUV than anything else on this list. Clearly, this is our recommendation for drivers who like to drive.
In a recent review, we pointed out in that if you want an upscale image, you might consider an Audi Q7, BMW X5, or Mercedes-Benz GLC. Those models are well-known for top-tier luxury and performance, and their high price tags convey status and wealth. You may want to add the CX-90 to that mix, especially if value is one of your top priorities. Mazda has soared past Honda, Nissan, and Toyota in terms of design and material quality, coming closer to the luxury arms of those competitors-Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus.
Prices for the 2025 Mazda CX-90 start just over $38,000. That'll get you a 3.3 Turbo Select variant with AWD. At the other end of the lineup is the AWD Premium Plus PHEV, with a base price within earshot of $58,000.
Honda Pilot
Best for: Buyers wanting a versatile midsize SUV with a proven track record
Honda was one of the early players in the midsize crossover segment, when buyers gravitated to the Pilot with its smooth ride, roomy interior, and all-weather capability. In the years since, competitors have come from every corner of the globe, but the Pilot continues to stand among the best.
Fully redesigned with more rugged looks back in the 2023 model year (another update is on the horizon for 2026), the Honda Pilot has earned its spot on this list with a capable V6 engine, choice of FWD or AWD, up-to-5,000-pound towing capacity, and impressive safety scores. There’s room for eight passengers, but opting for the second row captain's chairs reduces seating to seven.
The Pilot can be ordered in several different configurations, ranging from the $40,200 Sport FWD up to the premium-leaning Black Edition AWD with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) around $55,000.
Hyundai Palisade
Best for: Those who seek bold styling and luxury on a budget
For those who don’t know, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are sister companies and, collectively, they’ve nabbed more spots on this list than any other brand. If you’ve driven any of their models recently—including their smaller sport compact sedan offerings—that won’t come as a surprise.
First among them is the Hyundai Palisade which, like the Kia Telluride, made its debut for the 2020 model year. The Palisade is in a different league than before with a spacious third row, bold exterior styling, and an interior that can be equipped to legitimately rival luxury models costing thousands more.
Buyers have their choice of FWD or AWD and several trim levels. Each model is fitted with a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine that boasts 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Various driving modes are available, allowing one to select throttle response and suspension tuning that ranges from subdued to sporty. All of that is wrapped in a package that has earned top safety scores and is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Best for: Anyone wanting a thoroughly pleasant crossover that won’t break the bank
The midsize SUV segment is very broad, as evidenced by the inclusion of both the three-row Hyundai Palisade and the two-row Hyundai Santa Fe on this list. Depending on your needs, either of these top-notch contenders would be a good choice.
The Santa Fe was completely redesigned for the 2024 model year and embraces an entirely new design language, both inside and out. It’s boxy shape gives this Hyundai a more rugged appearance, with inspiration possibley coming from a certain legendary SUV of British heritage. However, the Santa Fe is backed by that assuring 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Speaking of that, Hyundai offers a choice of engines for the Santa Fe, starting with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 277 hp. There's also a 231-hp hybrid option based on a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Either can be configured with FWD or AWD.
Prices for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe range from $34,200 for an SE FWD to nearly $50,000 for the Calligraphy trim with AWD and the hybrid powertrain.
Jeep Wrangler
Best for: Midsize SUV buyers who want to go wherever the adventure takes them
While most vehicles on this list blend SUV capability with the comfort of a daily-driven crossover, the Jeep Wrangler resides squarely in the former camp. This is old-school body-on-frame construction with solid axles, which opens the door to most any path that can be traveled but often sacrifices responsive handling around town or on the highway. However, the latest Wrangler provides the most balanced ride and handling characteristics we’ve ever experienced in this rugged 'ute. While Jeep does offer this model in a short-wheelbase two-door version, we're focusing on the four-door Wrangler Unlimited.
If you want a midsize SUV with room for five, a removable roof and doors, standard four-wheel-drive (4WD) with genuine off-road capability, more trim options than there are beers at your local watering hole, and the opportunity to row your own gears with the standard six-speed manual, the Jeep Wrangler is ready and waiting. The Jeep Grand Cherokee may be a more comfortable everyday runner, but the Wrangler simply exudes fun-to-drive character everywhere.
Last year, Jeep redesigned the front grille and ditched the whip-style antenna for one integrated in the windshield. The look is still familiar, as are the powertrains. Shoppers have their choice of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic, a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 that can be paired with the automatic or a six-speed manual, a PHEV version of the 2.0-liter turbo (known as the 4xe), or a brutish 6.4-liter V8. That V8-equipped Wrangler will put 470 horses at the drivers’ feet. Giddy-up.
Kia Sorento
Best for: Buyers who want the best value in the midsize SUV class
Priced from: $30,090*
We’re big fans of the Kia Sorento around here. That’s not terribly surprising given this three-row SUV's sporty and upscale styling, available technology, focus on safety, and value proposition. Last year, Kia graced the Sorento with a handsomely refreshed exterior and an updated interior featuring a larger infotainment screen. At this point, Kia’s long warranty is just icing on the cake.
Available with FWD or AWD and priced from $32,000, the 2025 Sorento possesses an abundance of safety features and, depending on trim level, equal portions of premium features and technology. Like its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia's Sorento is available in PHEV form, drawing motivation from a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid components that collectively produce 261 hp. The base powerplant is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder pumping out 191 hp, and an available turbocharged version boasts 281 hp.
Kia Telluride
Best for: Owners who can calmly and repeatedly tell strangers, “It’s a Kia. Really.”
Years ago, Hyundai had its Veracruz and Kia had its Borrego. Put another way, each company previously attempted to crack the not-quite-full-size SUV segment, but they met with less-than-overwhelming success. Still, buyers were clamoring for a vehicle at the top end of the midsize segment, like a larger version of the Sorento. The result was the Kia Telluride, a big and boxy SUV that hit the sweet spot for shoppers and had Kia scrambling to meet demand.
It may come as a surprise (it did to us) that the successor to the Borrego immediately felt like a class leader. We’ve praised the Telluride’s styling for being an attractive combination of rugged Chevy and sophisticated Volvo, while the interior could easily lead you to believe you were riding in a Mercedes-Benz. Of course, look closely and you’ll find bits and pieces that aren’t luxury-grade, but for a large midsize SUV with base prices ranging from roughly $36,000 to $54,000, there’s little cause for complaint. Kia's largest crossover underwent a facelift for 2023, and more updates are expected to debut with the 2026 model.
All versions of the 2025 Telluride feature either FWD or AWD capability and a 291-hp V6. In this case, Kia is bucking the growing trend of transitioning to smaller turbocharged engines. Towing capacity peaks at 5,500 pounds. Inside, there’s seating for up to eight passengers and a cargo area that expands to 87 cubic feet.
Lexus RX
Best for: Buyers who want the tried-and-true flavor of premium midsize SUVs
While this luxury SUV may not get a lot of buzz for being the new kid on the block or packing gobs of horsepower, the Lexus RX has long held rank as one of the best premium midsize crossovers available. For 2025, Lexus offers a host of available technology and safety features, plus a neat variety of colors. We really dig Nori Green.
Selecting an RX for yourself might prove to be a challenge, as there are variants of all types. The RX 350 is a five-passenger, gasoline-powered FWD or AWD model equipped with a 275-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic. Buyers intent on maximizing fuel efficiency and power will want to check out the RX Hybrid lineup, including the 350h, 450h, 450h+ (PHEV), and 500h. The latter is offered exclusively in F Sport Performance guise with 366 turbocharged horsepower. Despite its sporty demeanor, the EPA suggests the RX 500h will achieve up to 28 mpg on the highway. For the RX 350h, that's 34 mpg. The 450h+ delivers up to 83 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent) combined and an EPA-estimated 36 miles of electric-only range.
Prices are a bit higher than some others on this list, with the base RX 350 FWD starting at nearly $49,000. The 450h+ Luxury tops things off with an MSRP exceeding $71,000.
Toyota Highlander
Best for: Buyers who want tried-and-true… and luxury on par with a Kia Telluride
At one time, the Toyota Highlander was arguably the king of the midsize crossover segment. Now, it remains in contention but faces stiff competition from Hyundai and Kia, and even from Toyota's own Grand Highlander. That may be unsettling news for the former king, but it creates a great environment for buyers.
Like its rivals, Toyota offers the Highlander in a host of configurations that span from the relatively basic LE FWD all the way up to the highly appointed Platinum Hybrid AWD. Base prices start at $40,000 and climb to nearly $54,000. All 2025 Highlanders come with three rows of seating, two years or 25,000 miles of free factory-scheduled maintenance, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
Look under the Highlander's hood and you'll find a 265-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 243-hp Highlander Hybrid features a four-cylinder engine joined by a continuously variable transmission (CVT), electric motors, and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, plus an EPA-rated 36 mpg highway in FWD configuration. If towing is a priority, the gas-powered Highlander wins with a 5,000-pound capacity, compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 3,500-pound limit.
