Best Midsize SUVs | 2025 Midsize Crossovers Rated | CarBuzz
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, spread between mainstread and luxury models, it can be a tricky task separating the best from the rest.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.
Mazda CX-90
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2025 Mazda CX-90
The best midsize SUV, according to our BuzzScores, is the Mazda CX-90 with an 8.8 out of 10 rating. The CX-90 comes with either a standard internal combustion engine or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The prior starts at $38,045 and goes all the way up to $56,650 for the range-topping Turbo S Premium Plus.
As for the standard version, you have one type of ICE powertrain, but it can be tuned for more power on the high end of the lineup. Most trims have the 3.3-liter turbo inline-six that makes 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, but the two most expensive trim levels are tuned to make 340 hp and 369 lb-ft. Since this SUV is on the larger side, you can fit up to eight passengers. Cargo space maxes out at 75.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The premium-feeling interior design is one of the CX-90's best attributes.
If you enjoy driving and need a mid-size crossover with three rows, and the budget fits, it's close to a no-brainer. However, performance isn't necessarily at the top of most mid-size crossover buyers' minds, and some competitors offer more cargo and passenger space. But Mazda does something different from the rest of the pack with the CX-90, and the result is a good one.
- Ian Wright, CarBuzz
mazda cx90
I Spent A Week In The Mazda CX-90 - Here's What I Loved And What Drove Me Nuts
There's a lot to like about the 2024 Mazda CX-90, but there were a few things that I didn't like at all.
Toyota Grand Highlander
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2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The next option on our list of the best midsize SUVs is the Toyota Grand Highlander. There are ten options to choose from, including four gas trims and six hybrid trims. Prices dropped for 2025 with all those trims, and the most affordable of the bunch is the LE gas trim, which starts at $40,860. As for those powertrains, you can get your Grand Highlander with a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder that makes 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid that makes a total of 245 hp, or a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid that makes 362 hp. This Toyota SUV can fit up to seven passengers and a decent amount of cargo. With the rear seats folded, the Grand Highlander fits up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo.
Toyota set out to build a bigger, better Highlander, and it achieved those goals and more. The Grand Highlander is not only bigger than the Highlander, but it's also one of the most spacious vehicles in its class. With the addition of the Grand, the Highlander goes from a vehicle we'd only recommend for fuel economy to perhaps the most compelling package in its segment. Toyota knocked it out of the park with the Grand Highlander.
- Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz
BMW iX
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2025 BMW iX
BMW has a couple of midsize SUVs on our list—starting with the all-electric BMW iX, with a score of 8.6 out of 10. The iX is available as either the xDrive50 or the M60i, which start at $87,250 and $111,500, respectively. Both options come with dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, but the iX M60i has high-performance motors that produce more power. The cheaper of the two has 516 hp and 564 lb-ft, while the six-figure model has a max of 610 hp and 749 lb-ft. The interior can fit up to five people, or you can fold the rear seats down for a total of 77.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
Although its design is questionable, the iX has a stunning interior and is as refined as any other high-end BMW.
The exterior may have some controversial elements, but the interior is the best we've seen from BMW in a long time. Putting this cabin in the same league as the Model X would be an insult to BMW's designers, who have created a luxury masterpiece.
- Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz
Aston Martin DBX707
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2025 Aston Martin DBX707
One midsize SUV that will stand out from the rest of the crowd is the Aston Martin DXB707. This is the most expensive model on the list with a base price of $253,000, so you can expect a good balance of impressive performance and quality luxury from the SUV. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 697 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. With that much power, the DBX707 is good for a top speed of 193 mph, and can do 0-62 in 3.3 seconds. Seating capacity still reaches five people, and the rear seats have plenty of room with 40.9 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom. Cargo capacity in the trunk is 22.3 cubic feet, but is maximized to 54 cu. ft. with the seats down.
Despite being a performance SUV, the DBX707 is also opulent and comfortable, so much so that it won our most recent CarBuzz Luxury Car award.
During normal driving, the twin-turbo V8 remains caged up, quiet, and dignified as it should be for luxury grand touring. However, Aston recalibrated the active valves in the exhaust to open earlier, giving the 707 a greater V8 rumble at a lower RPM in Sport and Sport+ mode. It's a welcome change that improves what was already a great-sounding vehicle. At full throttle, the baffles open up even more, filling the cabin with an angry V8 chainsaw massacre symphony.
- Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz
Lincoln Aviator
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2025 Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator might be the only American car on this list, but it represents the States well. This is another luxurious SUV with a host of nice features and a decent amount of power. The Aviator comes in three trims, including the Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label, with the Premiere being the least expensive at $58,930 to start. Under the hood is a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 that makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. With seating for up to seven people, the third row can feel somewhat cramped for adults. Legroom in the second row is 39 inches, but the third row only gets 29.2 inches. Cargo capacity reaches 77.7 cubic feet with both rows of rear seats folded down.
Acura MDX
Front quarter view of 2025 Acura MDX driving
2025 Acura MDX
Among the top-ranked midsize SUVs is the Acura MDX. There are a handful of trims to choose from, and we found that the more powerful Type S is a pleasure to drive. That's the most expensive version since it starts at $75,250, but the lineup starts with the MDX in front-wheel-drive form at $51,200. Under the hood of the majority of trims is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, but the Type S Advance has a 3.0L turbocharged V6 that makes 355 hp and 354 lb-ft. While all models can come with AWD, the two least expensive versions have FWD as standard. The MDX seats up to seven people, and cargo capacity is as large as 95 cubic feet behind the front seats.
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Genesis GV80
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2025 Genesis GV80
Another luxurious midsize SUV to make it into the top ten of our list is the Genesis GV80. This competitor to the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class undercuts both of them with its base price of under $60k. It might be a few thousand dollars cheaper than its direct competitors, but it still packs some nice luxury features and a comfortable ride. Under the hood of most models is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, but you can choose to upgrade to the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 375 hp and 391 lb-ft for a heftier price tag. The GV80 is a five-seater, and can hold a maximum of 84 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded down.
BMW X5
2024-2025 BMW X5 Front Angle View
2025 BMW X5
As the direct competitor to the last model we just talked about, the BMW X5 is expected to deliver a quality driving experience. There are a few versions of the X5 to choose from, including the core models, an electrified version, and the M models. As for the core models, the X5 sDrive40i is the least expensive, and starts at $66,300. Under the hood of this version and xDrive40i is a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six mild hybrid that makes 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Every model can hold up to five passengers. The ICE versions of the X5 have 72.3 cubic feet of cargo, while the PHEV version brings that figure down to 71.2 cu. ft. with the rear seats down.
Even without the optional 523-hp V8, the X5 is a pleasure to drive.
Audi SQ7
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2025 Audi SQ7
As a competitor to the X5 M60i, the Audi SQ7 is a ferociously luxurious SUV with big power. This Audi starts at $90,800 for the Premium Plus version, or you can upgrade to the Prestige trim for a base of $96,900—you can expect to get what you pay for. Under the hood of both trims is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. With that much power, this midsize SUV can do 0-60 mph in four seconds. Standard Quattro AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission let it hit an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. The SQ7 does all this while being able to fit up to seven passengers.
Kia Sorento Hybrid
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2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
For those who want a more affordable, practical, and efficient SUV to bring your kids to school and pick up the groceries, the Kia Sorento Hybrid has you covered. This hybrid SUV comes in two trims: the EX and the SX Prestige. The base model EX starts at $38,690 while the SX Prestige starts at $46,890. Powering both trims is a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that makes a total of 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The SX Prestige is only available in AWD, and gets 34 mpg combined, but the EX can come in FWD for an improved 36 mpg combined. The Sorento Hybrid can carry up to six passengers, or hold up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo.
Best Of The Rest
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2025 Ford Explorer
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2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV
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2025 Honda Pilot
Characteristics Of The 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 from the compact vehicles that have a barely-there footprint, there are some characteristics that set them apart. Some of the best midsize SUVs of 2025 have the following in common:
- A lifted ride height and an elevated driving position
- Improved ground clearance
- Standard or available all-wheel drive or four-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
2025 Subaru Forester-1
Best SUVs Of 2025 Under $40k
From efficient hybrids to more luxurious mid-size models, there’s a diverse range of sub-$40k SUVs in America.
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 utilities, and thanks to modern advancements in suspension and chassis setup, can be both comfortable and fun to drive.
- Good suburban maneuverability: These SUVs are more maneuverable than full-size haulers and can manage tight parking areas and narrower roads more comfortably.
- Lots of passenger room: These are the first SUVs that can offer generous third-row space. Two-row models combine spacious second rows with large trunks.
- 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.
Sources: Mazda, Toyota, Aston Martin, Lincoln, BMW, Acura, Genesis, Audi, Kia
