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 mainstream 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. Rivian R1S SUV The definition of what makes a midsize SUV is somewhat vague. That said, the Rivian R1S is a three-row all-electric model that we believe makes for one of the best. This EV can be a rugged off-road adventure vehicle, a simple family-hauler, or a supercar-beating drag racer with up to 1,025 horsepower in the Quad trim level. No matter which trim you choose, it can seat up to seven people inside, with those in the third row getting up to 38.6 inches of headroom and 32.8 inches of legroom. Folding down the second and third rows opens up 104.7 cubic feet of cargo space."Every R1S rides on independent air suspension with adaptive dampers and automatic ride-height leveling. Reviews of the pre-facelift R1S criticized it for a hard ride, which has been addressed with this new model. The suspension rides smoothly over bumps, especially in Soft Mode, but we found this setting to allow too much body motion on certain highways."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Mazda CX-90 Mazda can't quite decide if it's a true luxury brand or not, but the CX-90 is a top midsize SUV that tends to lean in a more premium direction. It's not too expensive, with a starting price of $38,800. There are six trims in total though, with the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus topping the lineup at $57,370. Power is generated by a 3.3-liter turbo inline-6 that makes either 280 hp or 340 hp (depending on the trim), and gets sent to all four wheels no matter which trim you choose. It seats up to eight occupants, with those in the rear seats getting 36.9 inches of headroom and 30.4 inches of legroom. Cargo capacity reaches 75.2 cubic feet behind the first row when equipped with the two-person third row."Whether it’s a day’s adventure during the summer or a week-long excursion, the ride in the CX-90 is smooth and quiet. Rough pavement is largely muted both in terms of sound and vibration. If the kids doze off, they’re not going to be jostled awake the first time you’re in a construction zone."- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz Lexus RX The best midsize SUV that Lexus has to offer is the RX. The RX once led the country on a revolution in luxury SUVs in the early 2000s, and now it's still one of the brand's best-selling models. Part of what makes it so great is its variety; the RX can have a gas-only engine, a hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The gas variant starts at $49,725, while the hybrid costs at least $52,025, and the PHEV starts at $65,230 before destination. They all seat up to five occupants, with the second row getting 38.5 inches of headroom and 37.4 inches of legroom. Folding the second row down reveals 46.2 cu. ft. of cargo space."We spent the day driving all three flavors of the RX, and they all had one thing in common. The RX is a comfortable cruiser with the kind of quiet and smooth ride that can easily cause you to find yourself cruising along feeling like you're doing 60 mph when you're doing 80. The suspension is firmly damped but perfectly tuned with the spring rate to deal with bad roads and bumps."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz BMW X5 M A nice midsize SUV for those who want a sportier driving experience is the BMW X5 M. The standard X5 is great, too, but the M variant is faster and just as luxurious (if not more so). It directly competes with other German sports SUVs like the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The X5 M Competition starts at $131,000 before destination and options; that's enough for a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 617 horsepower to launch the model to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. It has room for five people, with those in the second row getting 39.4 inches of headroom and 37.4 inches of legroom. Without passengers in the back, the X5 M can hold 72.3 cubic feet oc cargo behind the first row."BMW M cars often deliver harsh ride comfort in the name of performance, but the X5 M Competition still provides reasonable comfort. The big wheels do transmit road imperfections, but if you leave the suspension in its comfort mode, the X5 M doesn't beat up its occupants."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Porsche Cayenne Placing fifth among these midsize SUV rankings is the Porsche Cayenne, with a BuzzScore of 8.6 out of 10. The Cayenne doesn't directly rival the Lexus RX, but it's similar in that buyers can choose from options like gas, hybrid, or EV powertrains, plus it's available in either standard SUV or coupe forms. As far as we're concerned, the basic Cayenne SUV is a great option. It starts at $89,900 and finds power from a standard 3.0-liter turbo V6. On the inside, this SUV can seat five people. Rear-seat headroom and legroom aren't defined, but cargo space reaches 60.3 cubic feet behind the front row."The ride is smooth, but the chassis is reactive and keeps the Cayenne stable for when you take the long and winding way home from work on a Friday. It's fast, but it's also a consummate cruiser, even on recently deteriorated roads from the recent heavy rains in California."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Aston Martin DBX S As an unlikely addition to this midsize SUV comparison, the Aston Martin DBX S makes an appearance. We say "unlikely" simply because it's so expensive, but hear us out. The DBX S is a genuinely great midsize SUV with more than enough power and sports-car-like handling. It starts at $270,500, and options easily add another $100k to the total. However, for the right buyer, that won't be an issue if it means getting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 717 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Its interior is draped in leather and Alcantara, which makes us feel better about the price."There is an almost comedic amount of grip on offer from the huge tires and wonderfully supple suspension. The steering is tuned on the DBX S to be quick, but never feels twitchy and dispatches corners with absolute authority, whether it's just enjoying the drive on a back road or giving the DBX S a workout. When giving it a workout, the drivetrain is happy to send all the power to the back wheels when appropriate, then hook up the front wheels when power is being laid down heavily."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Genesis GV80 The largest model Genesis currently sells is the three-row midsize GV80 SUV. Hyundai works hard to keep up with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and BMW X5, which we think it accomplishes. Buyers can choose among eight trims; the base model starts at $57,700, and comes with a 2.5-liter turbo I4 that makes 300 hp. For a 3.5-liter turbo V6, you'll have to spend at least $75,950 for the 3.5T Advanced AWD trim. Either way, the model can seat up to seven occupants, with those in the third row getting 34.4 inches of headroom and 30.3 inches of legroom. As for cargo space, the GV80 can fit up to 71.7 cu. ft. behind the front row."The absolute standout feature of the GV80 is the interior. It’s what makes this SUV look and feel like a luxury car from the moment you open the door. It doesn’t matter which trim you go for because the full lineup is nicely appointed. It’s not a matter of whether you want luxury, but of just how much luxury will make you happy."- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz Cadillac Lyriq Another all-electric midsize SUV on the menu is the Cadillac Lyriq. Buyers who want the luxury of an Escalade, but a smaller, more efficient, and powerful package can enjoy everything the Lyriq has to offer. It rivals models like the Genesis GV60 and BWM iX, for reference. In its most basic form, this Cadillac starts at $59,200. At that price, it comes with a single motor that makes 365 hp. Upgrading to the dual-motor AWD setup brings power to 515 hp, and the Lyriq-V is the most intense with 615 hp - making it the quickest Caddy ever."The Lyriq-V isn't perfect. It's a bit heavy, a bit modest, and the suspension could maybe use a little more fine-tuning. However, it's not hard to forgive those minor flaws when it's still intensely quick, rewarding within its limits, and still looks beautiful. With its lengthy features list and price that the competition can't touch, it's a must-see for anyone looking at powerful, plush EVs."- Joel Stocksdale, CarBuzz Audi SQ8 The last German entrant on this list of the best midsize SUVs is the Audi SQ8. It still rides on the same platform as the standard Q8 two-row SUV, but comes with sportier suspension, a bigger, more powerful engine, and more. We enjoyed our time behind the wheel, feeling as though it made more sense from an interior perspective than the SQ7, too. It's powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. That's a lot, but buyers have to spend at least $99,700 to get their foot in the door. This Audi seats up to five people, and cargo space reaches 60.7 cubic feet. Second-row passengers have 38.1 inches of headroom and 40.2 inches of legroom."...the SQ8 feels like a logical athletic progression of the Q8 rather than two different models, and holds its line more confidently on a back road in comparison to the SQ7. It likely has to do with the Q8's extra few inches of width, lower height, and being engineered to be sporty in the first place rather than upgraded to become a performance vehicle. That's not a slight, though. The increase in power and performance is demonstrable, and we had much more fun in the SQ8 when picking up the pace."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Volvo XC90 Since Volvo pulled the plug on its largest sedans and wagons, its new flagship model is this: the XC90 midsize SUV. While we're sad to see the old flagships go, the XC90 is befitting of the title. This three-row Volvo is every bit as luxurious as its rivals. There are three available trims that start with the Core at $61,050 before the $1,395 destination charge. On the inside, buyers can opt for a six- or seven-seat layout that leaves 36.3 inches of headroom and 31.9 inches of legroom either way. With the second and third rows folded down, cargo space reaches 85.7 cubic feet."The air suspension is still the better of the two setups in this situation, soaking up primary and secondary vibrations without the motion sickness-inducing floatiness that often accompanies air. It also provides better chassis control, displaying admirable composure through the rolling hillsides of rural Sweden, and then raising and lowering for easier ingress and egress and loading into the trunk."- Roger Biermann, Managing Editor, CarBuzz 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 2026 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 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: Rivian, Mazda, Lexus, BMW, Aston Martin, Genesis, Audi, Volvo, Cadillac, Porsche
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