The Best Midsize SUVs You Can Buy in 2025

Kristen LeeWriterMotorTrend StaffPhotographerManufacturerPhotographerViolet CruzIllustratorApr 17, 2025

The midsize SUV segment is highly saturated, but that’s good news for buyers like you—there are tons of options. In turn, automakers know there is a lot to choose from, so the latest SUVs compete on capacity, cargo volume, and powertrain options to appeal to as many customers as possible. This also means that, with so many options, the midsize category can seem overly broad. And it is, so to narrow things down, this roundup focuses on the traditional mainstream midsize SUV, the two-row Jeep Grand Cherokees, Chevy Blazers, and Honda Passports of the world. Want a three-row midsize family SUV? We rank those separately, given their specific missions of catering to those in need of six or seven seats.

Whether you want to be thrifty at the gas station or be able to haul around your entire family in luxurious comfort, the usefulness of the midsize SUV cannot be discounted. Through MotorTrend’s extensive testing and reviewing that go into our Ultimate Car Rankings, this is how the midsize class shakes out:

11. 2024 Nissan Murano | MT Score: 7.4/10

There’s a new Murano in town, but we’ve not yet ranked it, so we’re including the 2024 version for now. The new Murano shares some basics with the old Murano, though it gets a huge upgrade to its style and interior, and is essentially an all-new vehicle. You can read about that 2025 model-year Murano here, but for the 2024 model, the program is similar: This is a comfort-focused, upscale SUV sold for mainstream prices. The ride is soft, the handling is soft, and—you guessed it—performance from its V-6 engine is … soft. If you’re not in a hurry and appreciate a comfortable seat (Nissan’s so-called “Zero Gravity” chairs are very nice), the Murano might be worth a look, but so many competitors offer more compelling packages with more performance, more capability, and less doughy dynamic behavior.

Read more about the 2024 Nissan Murano

11. 2024 Nissan Murano Pros, Cons, and Specs

SPECIFICATIONS

10. 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | MT Score: 7.5/10

Much like the Honda Passport that appears later on this list, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row SUV derived from a larger three-row model, in this case, the Atlas. Besides adding Cross Sport to the name, Volkswagen removes some of the Atlas’ roof, resulting in a hunched, fastback roofline that looks quite different from the more upright and boxy three-row version. Though some of the Atlas’ butt goes missing in the transformation, the Cross Sport shares its wheelbase figure with the regular Atlas, meaning the cabin is pretty much just as roomy—only with fewer seats. It’s too bad the aggressive look isn’t backed up by much athleticism; this Atlas uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s just enough and nothing more.

Read more about the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

10. 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Pros, Cons, and Specs

SPECIFICATIONS

9. 2025 Honda Passport | MT Score: 7.8/10

Honda’s Passport is being replaced by an all-new model for 2026, but we’ve not yet ranked that version. We suspect it’ll move up in our rankings by dint of its freshness and even more off-road-focused TrailSport variants (the 2025’s TrailSport is relatively half-baked). But for now, this is the Passport available at dealers and ranked by us, so here’s the scoop: It’s a pretty straightforward two-row midsize SUV, powered by a traditional gas-fed V-6 engine and with admittedly pretty boring styling. Honda spun this Passport off the previous-generation Pilot three-row SUV, keeping most dimensions the same except length—the Passport’s butt is chopped relative to the Pilot, since it loses that model’s third-row seat, but the wheelbase is the same, meaning the cabin is spacious for the two rows of seats that remain. We’d hold out for the 2026 Passport if you’re interested.

Read more about the 2025 Honda Passport

9. 2025 Honda Passport Pros, Cons, and Specs

SPECIFICATIONS

8. 2024 Ford Edge | MT Score: 8.2/10

The Ford Edge might be old, but it’s still a solid midsize SUV. Though it definitely skews toward pavement-pounding—there is no semblance of off-road capability, not even a cosplaying trim level—that’s where most SUVs live their useful lives anyway. The payoff is a roomy cabin and inoffensive styling that blends into the background. If the Edge and its somewhat old-school vibes and turbocharged four-cylinder aren’t quite enough, there is the ST model, which boasts a sportier look and a 335-hp twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine. No matter which Edge catches your attention, it’s best to run out and grab one now—Ford discontinued the model after the 2024 model year, though there are still plenty on dealer lots (with plenty of big-time discounts) all over America.

Read more about the 2025 Ford Edge

8. 2024 Ford Edge Pros, Cons, and Specs

SPECIFICATIONS

7. 2025 Chevrolet Blazer | MT Score: 8.2/10

Before we get into the Blazer’s particulars, let’s be clear about which particular Blazer we’re talking about here. It’s the gas version, not the fresh ‘n’ new all-electric Blazer model that won our 2024 SUV of the Year award. The regular Blazer, traditional Blazer, ICE Blazer—whatever you want to call it—is, like the EV, a two-row midsize SUV. Though not as dramatically styled as the EV, the normal Blazer wears appealingly sporty styling and is eminently practical, with a large back seat. Power comes not from batteries and motors but either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or an old-school yet stout V-6.

Read more about the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer

7. 2025 Chevrolet Blazer Pros, Cons, and Specs

SPECIFICATIONS

6. 2025 Kia Sorento | MT Score: 8.4/10

Those who enjoy choices will appreciate the myriad options presented by Kia’s Sorento. This midsize SUV is sized like regular two-rows, but offers an available third-row seat that can hold kids in a pinch. There also are two gas powertrains—one a powerful turbo—along with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Since the Sorento’s tough-looking styling update, it’s been available in X-Pro off-road trim, as well, bringing along beefier tires, lockable four-wheel drive, and other upgrades that help match the Kia’s capability to its butch looks.

Read more about the 2025 Kia Sorento

6. 2025 Kia Sorento Pros, Cons, and Specs

SPECIFICATIONS

5. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe | MT Score: 8.4/10

No, you’re not looking at a Land Rover product—the newest Santa Fe (introduced for 2024) is a Hyundai, just one that looks incredible. The squared-off styling lends Hyundai’s midsize SUV a tough, trucklike appearance, and the off-road-focused XRT trim gives that image at least a semblance of cred with all-terrain tires and such. The cabin is as high-style as the exterior, and that boxy body helps keep the innards super spacious. Hyundai’s latest display tech is perched atop the dashboard and further ups the Santa Fe’s perceived luxuriousness, even though most variants are incredibly affordable. There are two powertrains available: A gas-only turbocharged model with, unfortunately, a somewhat jerky dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a far smoother but also much slower (and more efficient) hybrid.

Read more about the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

5. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Pros, Cons, and Specs

SPECIFICATIONS

4. 2025 Toyota Crown Signia | MT Score: 8.6/10

New on the block among midsize SUVs, the Toyota Crown Signia leverages the iconic (at least within Toyota) Crown name, recently sent back to America in the form of the odd Crown sedan/SUV, for a proper, full-on SUV, or at least one more convincingly labeled as such. (To our eyes, the Signia resembles a sporty wagon more than an SUV, but it’s not the only wagon-y entry on this list…) If you’re not following, the Crown is a signifier of a more premium tier of Toyotas not named Lexus, and so it goes with the Signia, which is a remarkably stylish two-row SUV packing an efficient hybrid powertrain and positioned as a more luxurious option than more run-of-the-mill Highlanders, 4Runners, and the like. The hybrid system’s only drawback is unpleasant noises made when you ask for full throttle; otherwise, a smallish cargo area is the only other major flaw. This is an otherwise spacious, stylish, high-class thing that, wearing other clothes, is a Lexus RX.

Read more about the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia

4. 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Pros, Cons, and Specs

SPECIFICATIONS

3. 2025 Mazda CX-70 | MT Score: 8.7/10

Your eyes don’t deceive you—the Mazda CX-70 looks exactly the same as the Mazda CX-90. The two are one in the same, in fact, with the 70 carrying only two rows of seats while the 90 gets a third row. That’s it. While it might seem like a stretch to come up with a different nameplate for the CX-70, losing the 90’s extra (and mostly useless) seats opens up a cavernous, permanent cargo hold behind the second row. That second row is incredibly roomy, too, and the Mazda drives with uncommon pep and athleticism without sacrificing comfort, though certain versions can ride firmly. There are turbocharged inline-six and plug-in-hybrid four-cylinder powertrains on offer; we prefer the six for its smoother power delivery and nice noises, but the PHEV’s gumption when running only on its electric motor is commendable.

Read more about the 2025 Mazda CX-70

3. 2025 Mazda CX-70 Pros, Cons, and Specs

SPECIFICATIONS

2. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee | MT Score: 8.7/10

Ask almost anyone to picture in their mind’s eye a two-row midsize SUV, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee most likely is what pops into their head. One of the first movers in the modern SUV era next to the Ford Explorer, the Grand Cherokee has evolved into a premium, do-anything SUV that’s equal parts off-road-capable and on-road slick. The package is sized just right, wears handsome rectilinear styling, and boasts an equally classy interior. Buyers can build the Grand Cherokee into a number of widely different tools: An affordable-ish basic SUV with rear-wheel drive; an off-road beast (in the form of the 4xe Trailhawk variant) with adjustable suspension height, low-range gearing, and all-terrain tires; or a high-end boulevardier in the form of a luxurious Overland or Summit model. (Want a third-row seat? There’s the Grand Cherokee L for that.) The 4xe plug-in hybrid versions can travel 26 miles on electricity alone while delivering satisfying power from an electrified turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s too bad the rest of the family is stuck with Chrysler’s aging Pentastar V-6 engine (the V-8 option has been dropped), and most of the Grand Cherokee lineup is somewhat expensive, but it’s difficult to deny how effectively the Jeep nails this segment.

Read more about the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Pros, Cons, and Specs

SPECIFICATIONS

1. 2025 Subaru Outback | MT Score: 8.8/10

What on earth is a station wagon doing on this list of midsize SUVs, much less as the number-one-ranked example? The Subaru Outback is as much an SUV as many of the other entrants in this segment, with impressive ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and plenty of body armor. It can act SUV in the dirt, and it can act car, driving with carlike refinement, out on the roads where most vehicles spend the majority of their time. Top safety scores don’t hurt, either. Also, Subaru says the Outback is a midsize SUV, and with the industry offering no other appropriate segment in which it could compete (you see any other affordable, rugged, high-clearance wagons out there?), we agree. That the Outback not merely competes in this segment but takes home our top-ranked honors speaks to how effectively Subaru has designed it, not only marketed it.

Read more about the 2025 Subaru Outback

1. 2025 Subaru Outback Pros, Cons, and Specs

SPECIFICATIONS

The Best Midsize SUVs to Buy in 2025

11. 2024 Nissan Murano

10. 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

9. 2025 Honda Passport

8. 2024 Ford Edge

7. 2025 Chevrolet Blazer

6. 2025 Kia Sorento

5. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

4. 2025 Toyota Crown Signia

3. 2025 Mazda CX-70

2. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

1. 2025 Subaru Outback

I got into cars the way most people do: my dad. Since I was little, it was always something we’d talk about and I think he was stoked to have his kid share his interest. He’d buy me the books, magazines, calendars, and diecast models—everything he could do to encourage a young enthusiast.

Eventually, I went to school and got to the point where people start asking you what you want to do with your life. Seeing as cars are what I love and writing is what I enjoy doing, combining the two was the logical next step. This dream job is the only one I’ve ever wanted.

Since then, I’ve worked at Road & Track, Jalopnik, Business Insider, The Drive, and now MotorTrend, and made appearances on Jay Leno’s Garage, Good Morning America, The Smoking Tire Podcast, Fusion’s Car vs. America, the Ask a Clean Person podcast, and MotorTrend’s Shift Talkers.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and watching the Fast & Furious movies on repeat. Tokyo Drift is the best one.

Read More

Join Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletters to get the latest in car news and have editor curated stories sent directly to your inbox.

Explore Offerings

© 2025 MotorTrend | MOTOR TREND GROUP, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.