Best Midsize SUVs of 2022

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