Best Midsize SUVs Ranked by Experts: Reliability, Safety, Value

Midsize SUVs hit the sweet spot for families and adventurers: roomy cabins, everyday versatility, strong safety tech, and approachable pricing, as widely noted in the J.D. Power midsize SUV overview (interior space, safety, and value are the big draws) J.D. Power best midsize SUVs. To answer the key question—what is the best midsize SUV to buy right now—we synthesized expert rankings and owner-focused data across outlets. Consistent standouts include the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Outback, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, which repeatedly land near the top for reliability, safety, and value across MotorTrend, Car and Driver, and U.S. News MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs Car and Driver mid-size SUV rankings U.S. News midsize SUV rankings. Below, our midsize SUV rankings prioritize long-term ownership value—reliability, safety, fuel/charging costs, and ease of maintenance—through the lens of Car Battery Expert. We also consider electrical-system demands that influence battery life and maintenance.

How we ranked midsize SUVs

We weighted factors that most influence long-term ownership: reliability predictions, safety ratings, total cost of ownership, space/utility, driving dynamics, and tech/features. Hybrids and plug-ins earn extra credit where they materially reduce fuel spend and may qualify for incentives, a benefit emphasized in expert roundups Car and Driver mid-size SUV rankings MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs. Within these criteria, we note battery and charging-system implications that affect day-to-day ownership.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) is the all-in 3–5 year cost to own a vehicle—purchase price, depreciation, fuel or charging costs, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and taxes/fees—so you can compare models beyond MSRP.

What the cross-source consensus shows:

• Value leaders: Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade for space, features, and pricing U.S. News midsize SUV rankings Car and Driver mid-size SUV rankings.
• Long-term reliability: Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback CanadaDrives most reliable SUVs 2024–2025 MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.
• Off-road confidence: Jeep Grand Cherokee MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.
• Premium dynamics: Mazda entries and select European rivals Driving.ca best SUVs 2025.

Criteria and sources we used:

What to prioritize for family buyers

For family SUVs, prioritize:

• 3-row availability and easy car-seat access (lower anchors, door openings).
• Cargo volume with all rows up, plus fold-flat usability.
• Standard driver-assist coverage for every trim; these systems raise electrical load, so a healthy 12V system matters.
• Strong predicted reliability if resale value matters.

Quick examples:

• Space/rows: Kia Telluride and Chevy Traverse maximize three-row room; Subaru Outback offers a carlike ride and standard AWD for simpler two-row needs MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.
• Ownership value: U.S. News ranks the 2025 Kia Telluride at 9.5/10, reflecting a standout blend of safety and features U.S. News midsize SUV rankings.
• Hybrid choice: The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is estimated at 29–31 mpg combined in Car and Driver testing context, boosting economy versus non-hybrids Car and Driver mid-size SUV rankings.

Decision flow:

• Need 3 rows and top value → Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade.
• Reliability-first → Toyota Highlander or Subaru Outback.
• Off-road weekends or towing → Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Car Battery Expert

Our perspective layers electrical-system health into SUV selection. Modern ADAS, heated accessories, and big infotainment screens raise alternator and battery demands. We evaluate battery access, compatibility with AGM or EFB start-stop batteries, and whether models play nicely with smart chargers and jump starters. For deeper help while you shop, see our guides to the best AGM batteries and the best cold-weather car batteries. Our recommendations emphasize proper fitment, AGM/EFB compatibility, and smart-charger use to prevent no-starts.

Kia Telluride

Why it wins: A consensus value pick with excellent space, features, and safety. U.S. News rates the 2025 Telluride 9.5/10; Car and Driver gives the 2025 model a 10/10 with a starting price around $37,885 and an EPA combined estimate around 20–22 mpg, depending on drivetrain U.S. News midsize SUV rankings Car and Driver mid-size SUV rankings.

Owner notes:

• Roomy three-row layout; confident V6 performance; robust standard safety suite.
• Battery POV: With heavy accessory loads and frequent short trips, an AGM upgrade can improve reserve capacity and cycle life. Car Battery Expert recommends testing the battery before winter for stress-free starts.

Hyundai Palisade

Value-plus, with an increasingly premium feel—now with hybrid efficiency. Car and Driver rates the 2026 Palisade Hybrid 10/10, noting pricing roughly $45,760–$60,380 and an EPA estimate of 29–31 mpg combined Car and Driver mid-size SUV rankings.

Why it matters:

• Similar space/value to the Telluride, but the hybrid variant boosts efficiency for commuters.
• Battery POV: Hybrids still use a 12V auxiliary battery for computers and locks. Car Battery Expert tip: keep it healthy with a compatible smart charger, especially if the vehicle sits.

Toyota Highlander

If reliability tops your list, the Highlander is a perennial favorite. Toyota’s reputation for long-term dependability is well established, and the Highlander is singled out as one of the most reliable midsize SUVs for 2024–2025 CanadaDrives most reliable SUVs 2024–2025. Hybrid configurations strengthen fuel savings and resale appeal.

Battery POV:

• Many Toyota hybrids use AGM 12V batteries with specific group sizes and venting. Confirm fitment and vent routing when replacing to avoid electrical faults.

Subaru Outback

A versatile, AWD-first family choice that shines in mixed climates. MotorTrend highlights the Outback at the top of its list for 2025, citing its everyday usability, standard AWD, and composed ride MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.

Battery POV:

• Cold weather is tough on batteries; prioritize higher CCA ratings and use a maintainer if the vehicle sees sporadic use, especially for ski-season parking.

Honda Passport

A refined, two-row SUV built for road trips. MotorTrend scores the 2025 Passport 7.8/10; Car and Driver gives the 2026 Passport a 10/10 with pricing from about $46,445–$55,345 MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs Car and Driver mid-size SUV rankings.

Why consider it:

• Comfortable highway ride, straightforward cabin, and strong standard features.
• Battery POV: If adding high-draw accessories (light bars, fridges), verify alternator output and wiring to avoid early battery wear.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Where it stands out: capability and upscale feel. MotorTrend gives the 2025 Grand Cherokee an 8.7/10 for its balance of premium on-road comfort and confident off-road ability MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.

Battery POV:

• Off-roaders benefit from AGM batteries for vibration resistance. We also suggest packing a compact jump starter for remote trips where help is far away.

Kia Sorento

A flexible, smaller three-row with multiple powertrains, including hybrid and PHEV. MotorTrend scores the 2025 Sorento 8.4/10; U.S. News notes accessible pricing (2026 base about $32,190) and competitive efficiency, with Car and Driver scoring near the top of the class MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs U.S. News midsize SUV rankings Car and Driver mid-size SUV rankings.

Battery POV:

• For PHEV models, plan home charging and consider a battery maintainer if stored for long periods so the 12V system stays ready.

Mazda CX-70 and CX-90

Driver-focused, premium-leaning alternatives with excellent interiors. Across expert lists, Mazda often ranks high for engagement and refinement; the CX-90 also offers a plug-in variant for quieter commutes MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs Driving.ca best SUVs 2025.

Battery POV:

• Higher-trim Mazdas stack ADAS and premium audio, increasing 12V demand. AGM batteries handle cycling and accessory loads more gracefully.

Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse

Blazer brings style; Traverse brings space. For realistic pricing, J.D. Power shows 2025 Blazer “People Are Paying” roughly $33,397–$50,845 J.D. Power best midsize SUVs. Editorially, Blazer is the tech-forward, sporty choice; Traverse is the family-hauler with cavernous third-row room MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.

Battery POV:

• Check battery location before DIY work—some trims place the battery under-seat or buried behind covers, affecting service time.

Ford Edge

Still relevant for comfort and space, even as it ages. MotorTrend notes the Edge remains roomy and easygoing; a hybrid variant tested at 0–60 mph in 9.8 seconds highlights its relaxed mission MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.

Battery POV:

• Older platforms may ship with flooded lead-acid. If you have start-stop or lots of accessories, upgrading to AGM can improve durability.

Hybrid and plug-in choices to lower ownership costs

Hybrids and PHEVs can materially reduce running costs. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid’s 29–31 mpg combined estimate underscores the jump in efficiency versus non-hybrids Car and Driver mid-size SUV rankings. For a performance-luxury example, the Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV offers about 455 hp, around 4.5 seconds 0–60 mph, and roughly 33 miles of EV-only range, blending speed with short-trip electrification Road & Track best mid-size SUVs.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pairs a gasoline engine with a rechargeable battery for 20–40 miles of electric-only driving in many cases, charging at home or public stations while keeping gas for road trips.

Hybrid/PHEV quick comparison:

Safety ratings and driver assist features to check

Cross-check crash test results and verify that core driver-assist features are standard or included on your trim. Mainstream family SUVs increasingly bundle robust safety suites for value-conscious buyers MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.

Must-haves:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, and safe-exit assist for kids.
• The U.S. News #1 ranking for the Kia Telluride reflects a strong safety/value mix U.S. News midsize SUV rankings.

Reliability, maintenance, and battery considerations

Reliability leaders—Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback—are repeatedly cited for long-term dependability CanadaDrives most reliable SUVs 2024–2025 MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.

Predictive reliability uses brand/model history, component quality, and reported issues to estimate future problems. It guides buyers to vehicles with fewer repairs, higher uptime, and better resale over 5–10 years.

Battery best practices from Car Battery Expert:

• Test voltage and conductance every 6–12 months; replace proactively before winter in cold regions.
• Match group size, CCA, and chemistry (AGM/EFB for start-stop) and register the battery if your vehicle requires it.
• Use a smart charger/maintainer for short-trip or stored vehicles to prevent no-starts.

Charging, towing, and electrical load tips

Step-by-step for safe power management:

1. Calculate trailer lighting and accessory draws.
2. Verify alternator output and leave a margin for ADAS/infotainment loads.
3. Choose AGM for higher vibration and frequent cycling when towing or overlanding.
4. Use a brake controller with clean, fused power.
5. Carry a compact jump starter on long trips.

Modern ADAS and big screens increase parasitic draw; regular battery health checks keep road trips on schedule. PHEV owners: remember the 12V battery still powers control modules—low 12V can prevent start even with a charged high-voltage pack. Choose a jump starter rated for your engine size.

Who should buy which SUV

• Best overall value family 3-row: Kia Telluride; runner-up for efficiency: Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Car and Driver mid-size SUV rankings U.S. News midsize SUV rankings.
• Most reliable long-term: Toyota Highlander; dependable AWD wagon alternative: Subaru Outback CanadaDrives most reliable SUVs 2024–2025 MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.
• Off-road/capability: Jeep Grand Cherokee MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.
• Flexible powertrains/smaller 3-row: Kia Sorento (including PHEV) MotorTrend best mid-size SUVs.
• Driving dynamics/premium feel: Mazda CX-70/CX-90 Driving.ca best SUVs 2025.

Priority-to-picks at a glance:

Frequently asked questions

What is the best midsize SUV to buy right now?

Kia Telluride is the most balanced family value pick; for similar space with better efficiency, the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a top alternative. We view both as strong, low-hassle choices for long-term ownership.

Which midsize SUVs are most reliable for long-term ownership?

Toyota Highlander stands out for longevity, with Subaru Outback also favored for dependable ownership and standard AWD. Car Battery Expert often steers reliability-first buyers toward these two.

Do hybrids and plug-ins really save money over time?

Yes—daily commuters benefit most as fuel costs fall, and many hybrids/PHEVs hold strong resale and may qualify for incentives.

How do I compare safety ratings quickly and accurately?

Confirm crash scores and standard driver-assist features like AEB, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise across comparable trims.

What battery type do most midsize SUVs use and when should I replace it?

Many modern SUVs use AGM or EFB start-stop batteries; test annually and replace every 3–5 years, sooner in extreme climates or with heavy accessories—use a smart charger to extend life. For exact fitment and maintenance tips, see Car Battery Expert’s battery guides.