The Best Midsize SUVs of 2025
by Josh Sadlier
Last Updated Jun 17, 2025
Today's top-rated midsize SUVs will hit the sweet spot for many shoppers, as they provide noticeably more passenger and cargo space than compact SUVs without feeling unwieldy on the road. They also tend to cost more than the compacts, not surprisingly, but the extra coin gives you access to more power under the hood and more features inside, especially in the luxury segments. We recommend our 3-Row SUV Rankings if you're specifically looking for that extra seating row, but if you could go either way, we'll run through all of our midsize SUV rankings for you below. Well, all except midsize electric SUVs, which we rank separately. Learn about how we rate vehicles.
Best Midsize SUVs
Price Range: $29,995–$44,750
Ranked Models: 9
- Subaru Outback ($29,995+)
- Mazda CX-70 ($40,445+)
- Honda Passport ($44,750+)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee ($36,495+)
- Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ($37,190+)
- Toyota Crown Signia ($43,590+)
- Toyota 4Runner ($40,770+)
- Nissan Murano ($40,470+)
- Chevrolet Blazer ($35,400+)
Traditionally equipped with two rows of seats (we rank Midsize 3-Row SUVs separately), midsize SUVs have to appeal to empty nesters and DINKs, not just — or even primarily — families. There’s more emphasis on style and comfort here, although versatility is a strong selling point as well.
Best Midsize 3-Row SUVs
Price Range: $36,190–$45,000
Ranked Models: 15
- Toyota Grand Highlander ($40,860+)
- Kia Telluride ($36,190+)
- Hyundai Palisade ($36,800+)
- Ford Explorer ($39,855+)
- Mazda CX-90 ($37,845+)
- Honda Pilot ($40,200+)
- Buick Enclave ($45,000+)
- Chevrolet Traverse ($40,600+)
- GMC Acadia ($44,500+)
- Volkswagen Atlas ($38,200+)
- Toyota Highlander ($39,520+)
- Nissan Pathfinder ($36,400+)
- Subaru Ascent ($39,995+)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L ($39,035+)
- Dodge Durango ($38,495+)
SUVs with three rows have become America's default family haulers, and the Midsize 3-Row segment is the most popular of all. These trucksters generally aren't so big that they feel unwieldy, yet their cavernous interiors provide serious versatility.
Best Midsize Luxury Hybrid SUVs
Price Range: $43,590–$56,700
Ranked Models: 5
- Lexus RX Hybrid ($51,125+)
- Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid ($53,890+)
- Toyota Crown Signia ($43,590+)
- Toyota 4Runner Hybrid ($51,990+)
- Toyota Land Cruiser ($56,700+)
These SUVs carve out an enticing middle ground between traditional gas-powered rigs and more complex plug-in-hybrid options. The electric-assist hybrid powertrains you'll find here typically provide strong acceleration in addition to impressive fuel economy.
Best Midsize 3-Row Hybrid SUVs
Price Range: $44,210–$49,945
Ranked Models: 3
- Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid ($44,210+)
- Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid ($49,945+)
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid ($46,020+)
It's surprising how few midsize 3-row SUVs come with hybrid powertrains — so few, in fact, that this segment currently puts regular hybrids and plug-in hybrids together. We'd rather rank them separately, but until the automakers give us more models to work with, these are your options if you're looking for a mainstream 3-row hybrid SUV. Which is a smart thing to be looking for, by the way, because what sensible family wouldn't want to save more money at the pump?
Best Midsize Luxury SUVs
Price Range: $48,975–$84,700
Ranked Models: 11
- BMW X5 ($65,700+)
- Lexus GX ($64,235+)
- Mercedes-Benz GLE ($61,850+)
- Lexus RX ($48,975+)
- Porsche Cayenne ($84,700+)
- Audi Q8 ($74,400+)
- Genesis GV80 ($58,200+)
- Land Rover Defender ($56,900+)
- Lincoln Nautilus ($51,890+)
- Toyota Land Cruiser ($56,700+)
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport ($83,700+)
Although small luxury SUVs have exploded in popularity as of late, there's still a place for the midsize luxury SUV. More size typically means more substance, including a weightier driving feel and increased towing and cargo limits. If you're specifically looking for three-row midsize luxury SUVs, we have a separate category for those; you'll find some three-row options here, too, but this has traditionally been a two-row category with more of an emphasis on style and performance than on schlepping numerous passengers.
Best Midsize 3-Row Luxury SUVs
Price Range: $49,195–$69,700
Ranked Models: 10
- Lexus GX ($64,235+)
- Lexus TX ($55,140+)
- Audi Q7 ($60,500+)
- Lincoln Aviator ($58,495+)
- Acura MDX ($50,900+)
- Volvo XC90 ($59,745+)
- Land Rover Defender 130 ($69,700+)
- Land Rover Discovery ($60,200+)
- Cadillac XT6 ($49,195+)
- Infiniti QX60 ($50,200+)
These upscale family haulers pair minivan-like passenger capacity with all the trappings that luxury SUV shoppers expect. But if you're looking for minivan-like comfort, too, you might be in the wrong place. Many of the SUVs here have small third rows, whereas non-luxury midsize three-row SUVs tend to offer more practical seating. You'll find some exceptions, though, and if you only need that third row occasionally, or only for little ones, any of these haulers will get the job done with refinement and features to spare.
Best Midsize Plug-In-Hybrid SUVs
Price Range: $49,945–$54,400
Ranked Models: 2
- Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid ($49,945+)
- Mazda CX-70 Plug-In Hybrid ($54,400+)
Looking for more room than a compact PHEV SUV can provide? The midsize segment could be your solution. Pairing pure electric motoring around town with hybrid power on longer trips seems especially sensible if you're getting that midsize boost in passenger and cargo space.
Best Midsize Luxury PHEV SUVs
Price Range: $60,490–$119,900
Ranked Models: 7
- BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid ($73,100+)
- Mercedes-Benz GLE Plug-In Hybrid ($71,350+)
- Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid ($71,260+)
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid ($118,700+)
- Land Rover Range Rover Plug-In Hybrid ($119,900+)
- Porsche Cayenne Plug-In Hybrid ($97,200+)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (Plug-In Hybrid) ($60,490+)
Powerful, fuel-efficient and able to get around town purely on electric power, midsize luxury PHEV SUVs promise the best of all worlds, and they arguably deliver. Note that these are two-row SUVs; surprisingly, there aren't many midsize three-row luxury PHEV SUVs, although we rank those here too.
Best Midsize Ultra Luxury SUVs
Price Range: $105,500–$148,250
Ranked Models: 3
- Land Rover Range Rover ($107,900+)
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class ($148,250+)
- Lexus LX ($105,500+)
Fancier than fancy, these rigs are what you want if you're trying to be at the front of the valet line. Bring money.
Next Steps
Compact SUVs seem to get all the attention, but their midsize brethren still have a strong market presence, as you can see by the diversity of styles and price points among our top-ranked midsize SUVs. Provided you have space to park one of these machines, you may well find that there's no size like midsize when it comes to all-around SUV versatility. The highest-ranked midsize SUVs tend to have strong skill sets across the board, but there's plenty of appeal even if you drop down a few places in the finishing order. Go drive a few that stand out to you and see if your own top-ranked midsize SUVs line up with ours.
FAQ
The answers to these frequently asked questions are powered by MotorDonkey's ranking methodology and remain valid while published. Because we continuously update our ratings and vehicle data, our answers are subject to change as new information and impressions emerge.
What is the best midsize SUV?
The best midsize SUV is the Subaru Outback, which has a overall rating of 8.3 out of 10.
What is the best midsize 3-row SUV?
The best midsize 3-row SUV is the Toyota Grand Highlander, which has a overall rating of 9.0 out of 10.
What is the best midsize luxury hybrid SUV?
The best midsize luxury hybrid SUV is the Lexus RX Hybrid, which has a overall rating of 8.3 out of 10.
What is the best midsize 3-row hybrid SUV?
The best midsize 3-row hybrid SUV is the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, which has a overall rating of 9.0 out of 10.
What is the best midsize luxury SUV?
The best midsize luxury SUV is the BMW X5, which has a overall rating of 8.8 out of 10.
What is the best midsize 3-row luxury SUV?
The best midsize 3-row luxury SUV is the Lexus GX, which has a overall rating of 8.6 out of 10.
What is the best midsize plug-in-hybrid SUV?
The best midsize plug-in-hybrid SUV is the Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid, which has a overall rating of 8.2 out of 10.
What is the best midsize luxury plug-in hybrid SUV?
The best midsize luxury plug-in hybrid SUV is the BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid, which has a overall rating of 8.8 out of 10.
What is the best midsize ultra luxury SUV?
The best midsize ultra luxury SUV is the Land Rover Range Rover, which has a overall rating of 8.0 out of 10.
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