Best Midsize SUVs of 2022

While midsize SUVs provide an appealing style that remains popular, not all of them provide significantly more room than a regular sedan. Midsize crossovers are great options for US buyers who want the appeal of a sport utility vehicle, some genuine practicality to go along with it, and without the excess weight and unwieldiness of a full-size SUV. With a bewildering number to choose from, it can be a tricky task separating the best from the rest. 

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2022 Kia Sorento
9.3
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#2
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#3
2022 Kia EV6
#3
Kia EV6
9.1
BuzzScore
N/A
Design
N/A
Performance
N/A
MPG
N/A
Interior
N/A
Infotainment
N/A
Reliability
N/A
Safety
N/A
Value
#4
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV
9.1
BuzzScore
10
Design
10
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#5
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
9
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#6
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
9
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#7
2021 Genesis GV80
9
BuzzScore
N/A
Design
N/A
Performance
N/A
MPG
N/A
Interior
N/A
Infotainment
N/A
Reliability
N/A
Safety
N/A
Value
#8
2021 Ford Bronco
8.9
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
8
Safety
9
Value
#9
2021 Toyota Venza
8.9
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
10
MPG
7
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#10
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#11
2021 Volvo XC90
8.9
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#12
2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#13
2022 Chevrolet Blazer
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#14
2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
10
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
8
Value
#15
2022 Acura MDX
#15
Acura MDX
8.8
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#16
2022 Lincoln Aviator
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#17
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
7
Value
#18
2022 BMW X5 Hybrid
8.8
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
7
Value
#19
2022 Audi e-tron
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#20
2022 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value

Characteristics of Top Midsize SUVs

The SUV was designed to allow families to enjoy the comfort of a sedan, the practicality of a station wagon, as well as the capabilities of a truck to manage rougher terrain. As midsize SUVs are one size up on the compact vehicles that have a barely-there footprint, there are some characteristics that set them apart. Some of the best midsize SUVs of 2022 have the following in common:

  • A lifted ride height and an elevated driving position
  • Improved ground clearance
  • Standard or available all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive
  • Rugged looks
  • Sufficient performance to get moving and still offer a respectable towing capacity
  • Interior space for two or three rows of seats
  • Versatility for cargo
  • Generous specification of luxury and comfort features

What To Consider Before Buying

If you’re looking for a top-rated midsize SUV that can manage some hard work while also being able to cart your family around in comfort, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Pros

  • They deliver a well-balanced ride: Midsize SUVs strike a balance between large family sedans and full-size sport-ute, and thanks to modern advancements in suspension and chassis setup, handle well when you compare them to smaller crossovers and sedans.
  • Good suburban maneuverability: These SUVs are more maneuverable than full-size haulers and can manage tight parking areas and narrower roads with the aplomb of standard cars.
  • Lots of passenger room: Sharing their sedan siblings’ good in-cabin volume, passengers in the front and back will have sufficient leeway to be seated comfortably, which is a big value proposition for the money.
  • Adequate trunk space: Most of the top-rated offerings in this category have more trunk space than your average sedan, which is a boon for those doing the school and grocery runs.
  • They’re not as heavy: These medium-size SUVs don’t weigh as much when you compare them to trucks or full-size variants, which means less stress on moving parts (which helps make them reliable) and a lighter gas bill. You even get hybrid options with excellent gas mileage figures.

Cons

  • Less practicality than full-size versions: Naturally these mid-sizers are less spacious than their bigger siblings, so those that come with a third row of seating are generally quite cramped in the back.
  • Safety and reliability: Not all models offer the best in terms of keeping you safe. Base models are generally a little sparse on features and the top-rated medium-sized SUVs usually top the range, so you’ll have to spend a little more if you want all the driver aids and assists.
  • Running costs: It’s true that you’re still going to spend less on these than on a full-size or performance-focused SUV, but you still need to budget to spend on gas and maintenance which could be more than what you’d spend on a small car.

FAQs

What are the best, most affordable SUVs on the market?

The benefit of shopping in this segment is that you can get the best of both worlds - affordably-priced crossovers that still cover the basics, or high-end SUVs that are plush and powerful, and cost a pretty penny. For those shopping on the budget-focused end of the spectrum, some of the best midsize SUV options include the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Kona, Subaru Crosstrek, and Buick Encore, all of which have a sub-$25k starting price.

What SUV should I avoid?

While everyone has their own personal preferences and favorite brands, the only justifiable reason to avoid a car is if it’s potentially dangerous or not value for money. In this regard, it’s important to check recalls and consumer reports in the USA, and safety ratings before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. And, if you’re not buying new, make sure there is a mechanical history that confirms what you’re spending money on.

What makes an SUV good for off-roading?

Being able to take on rougher terrain means more than just having ground clearance and big tires. Those are important too, but you’ll also need to know about approach, breakover, and departure angles, as well as wading depth (if you’re planning on going all-in). Most importantly, you’ll need to have a dedicated 4X4 setup and diff lock at the very least. The best off-roaders also have engines that provide sufficient torque. Low-end torque provides the most control, and in off-road situations, this is prized over speed.

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