The midsize SUV market is stacked with heavy hitters this year—sleek designs, clever tech, and family-friendly features are the name of the game. But a few standout models are going above and beyond, blending comfort, capability, and value in ways that make even luxury rivals take notice.
Whether you’re eyeing long-haul road trips, school drop-offs, or a little weekend off-roading, this lineup has something to match your lifestyle. From hybrid efficiency to plush interiors and trail-ready toughness, these SUVs are all gunning for the sweet spot between style and substance.
Kia Telluride: The Top Choice
The 2025 Kia Telluride scores a stellar 4.8 rating from Kelley Blue Book editors. This midsize SUV offers versatility that would make a gymnast envious. Priced from $36,190 to $53,385, it’s a solid investment for families.
Space and adaptability are the Telluride’s crown jewels. Everyone can sit comfortably without jostling for room, making it ideal for road trips or excursions. Its three-row seating gives you command of your domain.
Fuel economy is decent, achieving 18 to 20 mpg in the city and 24 to 26 on highways. The Telluride balances power and efficiency like a pro.
Feature-wise, it’s loaded. We’re talking luxury-level touches at a reasonable price. It’s a blend of tech and comfort that wraps around you like a glove.
This SUV’s handling is impressive, moving with agile grace despite its size. The All-Wheel Drive system shifts from city slicker to trail blazer in a flash.
In a crowded market, the 2025 Kia Telluride stands out as a conversation starter, a status symbol, and a loyal road companion.
Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot: Strong Contenders
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Honda Pilot both boast a serious 4.7 expert rating. These heavy hitters blend luxury with practicality.
The Hyundai Palisade serves up refinement without breaking the bank. It’s got roominess down pat, offering a haven for families who value personal space. From grocery hauls to road-trip adventures, the Palisade swallows your cargo effortlessly.
Tech bonanza, anyone? The Palisade is packed with features that turn comfort into an art form. It’s a tech cocoon in an elegant shell.
The Honda Pilot is a perfect mix of function and style, handling smoother than a jazz solo. This SUV lets you cruise highways and backroads with nimble control.
The Pilot’s interior feels at home whether you’re doing school runs or cross-country treks. You’re surrounded by plush seating and user-friendly tech that feels like a warm embrace.
Both the Palisade and Pilot sidestep the ordinary, steering into hearts and garages easily. They don’t just compete; they excel, each leaving a lasting impression on what a midsize SUV should be.
Affordable and Fuel-Efficient Options
Let’s gun it into affordability and fuel efficiency with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2024 Toyota Venza.
The Hyundai Santa Fe starts at a modest $34,300, making it the most affordable on our list. With a fuel economy of 19 to 20 mpg in the city and 26 to 29 on the highway, it’s a long-distance champ giving you more adventure miles for your buck.
The 2024 Toyota Venza is a masterclass in hybrid wizardry. This baby sports a standard hybrid powertrain, making it the fuel-sipping king with a combined fuel economy of 39 MPG. That’s right, the Venza will zip past gas stations, leaving you grinning over lower refill costs.
Toyota has crafted the Venza as a five-passenger paradise, brimming with comfort and luxurious touches. Whether on a lazy Sunday drive or battling rush hour, the Venza promises a consistently smooth ride.
For affordable bliss mixed with fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Venza lead the pack. These shining gems stand out as smart choices for anyone favoring wise investment over flashy indulgence.
Versatility and Performance in Midsize SUVs
Fire up those engines for the sweet symphony of versatility and performance with the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Mazda CX-90.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t just about conquering dirt trails—it’s got the class to handle city streets with equal flair. Inside, it’s a cozy haven cradling you with plush seats and a futuristic tech interface.
Don’t overlook the Grand Cherokee’s powerhouse performance. It’s famous for off-road skills, but make no mistake—this SUV is as refined on pavement as it is tough on trails. The driving dynamics are smooth, ensuring you’ll glide around corners and conquer highway speeds effortlessly.
Enter the Mazda CX-90, set to make waves with its razor-sharp handling and thrilling performance. It’s the perfect sidekick for the wandering adventurer: delivering a zesty drive closer to a sporty sedan than your average family hauler.
Inside, the Mazda CX-90 is a treat for the senses. It’s an oasis of calm and luxury, hiding the acrobatic feats it can pull off on the road. Add in Mazda’s knack for slick, agile handling, and it’s clear this SUV isn’t just built for soccer practice runs; it’s ready to tackle any twisty road you throw at it.
These SUVs don’t just meet expectations; they blast past them, turning potential obstacles into thrilling adventures. So strap in, because with choices like these, every commute can be a command performance, and every road, your personal racetrack.
For a midsize SUV that delivers across the board, the 2025 Kia Telluride takes the checkered flag. It’s not just about getting from A to B; it’s about savoring every mile with pizzazz and comfort.
- J.D. Power. 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).
- Kelley Blue Book. Expert Ratings for 2025 Kia Telluride.
- U.S. Department of Energy. Fuel Economy Guide.