You may or may not know whether you want a mid-size SUV, more or less which is the best mid size SUV for your specific needs. Maybe you’ve heard friends rave about their Honda Pilot’s reliability, or you’re intrigued by the three-row versatility of a Toyota Grand Highlander. Perhaps you’re simply overwhelmed by the sheer number of options filling dealership lots.
Here’s what we know after helping over 50,000 clients navigate this exact decision as their auto broker: the best mid size SUV isn’t determined by expert rankings or marketing campaigns. It’s the one that fits seamlessly into your actual life, matching how you drive, what you carry, who rides along, and what you can comfortably afford.
The mid-size SUV segment has exploded in recent years, and for good reason. These vehicles occupy that sweet spot between compact crossovers and full-size behemoths, offering genuine versatility without the challenges of maneuvering or parking a larger vehicle. Most seat seven or eight passengers when equipped with a third row, yet they’re manageable for daily driving and parking in urban environments.
Let’s cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters when choosing your next vehicle.
Before diving into specific models, it’s worth understanding what you’re actually looking for. The mid-size SUV category encompasses everything from practical family haulers to luxury statement pieces, and knowing your priorities will save you hours of research.
Your passenger needs matter more than you think. If you regularly transport more than five people, that third row becomes essential rather than optional. But here’s what the brochures don’t tell you: not all third rows are created equal. Some manufacturers design genuinely usable third rows where adults can sit comfortably for more than 20 minutes. Others offer what we call “occasional use” third rows that work fine for kids or short trips but leave adults cramped and uncomfortable.
The Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander have earned reputations for third-row comfort that actually delivers on the promise. The Mazda CX-90, while offering a third row, is better suited for families where that back seat serves occasional duty rather than daily carpools.
Your cargo reality shapes your choice. Think beyond the weekend camping trip to your actual weekly routine. Do you haul sports equipment, musical instruments, or work gear? Do you need to keep the third row up while still carrying groceries and backpacks? Some mid-size SUVs offer clever storage solutions and configurable cargo areas that make real-world use dramatically easier.
The best mid size SUV for cargo might surprise you. While larger vehicles like the Kia Telluride offer maximum space, the Lexus TX and Acura MDX provide smart storage compartments and power-folding seats that make loading and unloading less of a puzzle.
The sticker price is just the beginning of your financial commitment. Fuel economy, maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and resale value all factor into the true cost of ownership over the years you’ll drive this vehicle.
Fuel efficiency has improved dramatically. Today’s best mid size SUV options include hybrid powertrains that deliver fuel economy numbers that would have seemed impossible a decade ago. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid achieves impressive efficiency without sacrificing power or capability—our clients appreciate getting excellent fuel economy in a vehicle that can still seat eight passengers comfortably. The Lexus TX Hybrid offers similar benefits wrapped in a luxury package.
Even traditional gas engines have become significantly more efficient through turbocharging and advanced transmission technology. The Honda Pilot delivers respectable fuel economy while maintaining the V6 power many families prefer for towing and highway merging.
Here’s what we tell clients considering fuel costs: calculate your annual mileage and multiply it by current gas prices, then compare fuel economy ratings. A vehicle that gets 28 mpg versus 22 mpg saves you real money over time, especially if you drive 15,000 miles annually. The hybrid versions of the Grand Highlander achieve EPA ratings around 36 mpg combined, which can result in substantial savings compared to traditional gas engines.
After knowing that, you may want to consider reading our blog post on the best hybrid suv, instead.
Reliability translates to long-term value. Some brands have earned bulletproof reputations for lasting 200,000 miles with minimal issues. Toyota and Honda consistently rank at the top of long-term reliability studies, and that reputation shows up in resale values. A Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander holds its value better than many competitors, which matters tremendously whether you’re planning to trade in after three years or drive until the wheels fall off.
The Mazda CX-90 offers near-luxury experiences at mainstream prices, while Kia’s Telluride has quickly established itself as a reliability leader backed by an industry-leading warranty. Lexus models like the TX combine Toyota’s legendary reliability with premium materials and refinement.
After helping thousands of California drivers find their ideal vehicles, we’ve seen which mid-size SUVs consistently deliver on their promises. Here are the models our clients return to again and again.
The Grand Highlander represents Toyota’s answer to families who need legitimate three-row seating without jumping to a full-size SUV. What sets it apart is the combination of spacious third-row accommodations, Toyota’s legendary reliability, and available hybrid efficiency that’s genuinely impressive for a vehicle this size.
Our clients particularly appreciate the Hybrid model, which achieves EPA ratings of 36 mpg combined (all-wheel drive) or 36 mpg combined (front-wheel drive) while offering seating for up to eight. That’s fuel economy approaching compact crossovers in a vehicle that can handle the entire family plus luggage for vacation. The ride quality is composed and comfortable, making it equally suited to daily commutes and long road trips.
The Grand Highlander’s cargo space remains generous even with the third row in use—a detail that matters when you’re trying to fit sports equipment or groceries alongside passengers. Build quality feels solid throughout, and the interior materials have been upgraded significantly from previous generations.
The Pilot has long been a favorite among families for good reason. Honda engineered this vehicle around practical daily use rather than showroom flash, and that philosophy shows up in thoughtful details throughout. The second-row seats slide and recline generously, third-row access is straightforward, and storage cubbies appear exactly where you need them.
Power comes from Honda’s proven 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower—plenty for merging, passing, and towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The ride quality strikes a nice balance between comfort and control, and the handling feels more composed than you might expect from a three-row SUV.
Our clients consistently praise the Pilot’s reliability and straightforward ownership experience. Maintenance costs remain reasonable, resale values stay strong, and the vehicle simply works day after day without drama. It’s not the flashiest option, but it’s one of the smartest.
The all-new 2026 Pilot has bolder styling, a premium tech-rich cabin, and more standard features like roof rails, larger displays, and a power tailgate.
For clients seeking a more luxurious experience, the Lexus TX delivers premium materials, refined engineering, and the peace of mind that comes with Lexus ownership. This is Toyota’s reliability and hybrid technology elevated to luxury status, with attention to detail evident in every surface and control.
The TX Hybrid combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with electric motors for a total of 366 horsepower and surprisingly good fuel economy for a luxury three-row SUV. The cabin feels genuinely special, with soft-touch materials, elegant design, and the kind of quiet refinement that makes long drives feel effortless.
What our clients particularly value is how the TX maintains Lexus’s reputation for reliability while offering modern technology and safety features. It’s a vehicle that should deliver 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance, all while feeling special every time you slide behind the wheel. The TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid variant offers electric-only driving range for daily commutes combined with extended range for longer trips.
The CX-90 represents exceptional value in the mid-size SUV segment, delivering near-luxury materials and driving dynamics at a price point thousands below traditional luxury brands. Mazda focused on creating an upscale experience without the upscale price tag, and they largely succeeded.
Available with a turbocharged inline-six engine offering either 280 or 340 horsepower (depending on the trim and fuel), the CX-90 provides confident power delivery and handling that feels more engaging than most competitors. The cabin features high-quality materials, elegant design, and a logical control layout that’s refreshing in an era of overly complicated interfaces.
Our clients who prioritize driving enjoyment alongside practicality find the CX-90 compelling. The third row works better for children or shorter trips rather than daily adult use, but for families where that back seat serves occasional duty, the CX-90’s combination of quality, performance, and value is hard to beat. A plug-in hybrid version provides up to 26 miles of electric driving range for daily commutes with a combined output of 323 horsepower.
The Telluride disrupted the segment when it launched, offering three-row utility, upscale materials, and extensive standard features at prices that undercut established competitors. It remains one of the best values in the category, backed by Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Space is the Telluride’s calling card—the third row actually accommodates adults comfortably, and cargo room remains generous with all seats in use. The ride quality prioritizes comfort over sportiness, which suits the vehicle’s family-focused mission perfectly. Interior materials and design punch well above the price point.
Our clients appreciate getting features that cost thousands more in competing vehicles as standard or affordable options in the Telluride. It’s particularly popular among families who want maximum space and capability without stretching into luxury-brand pricing.
The automotive press obsesses over 0-60 times and handling limits, but for most drivers, the daily experience matters more than track performance.
Power needs vary by lifestyle. If you regularly tow boats or trailers, or if you live in mountainous terrain, engine power becomes genuinely important. The best mid size SUV for towing offers both adequate horsepower and torque, with most modern options providing 5,000-pound towing capacity or more. The Honda Pilot’s V6 and Mazda CX-90’s inline-six engines deliver confident performance when pulling trailers or climbing grades.
But if your driving consists mostly of commuting and errands, prioritizing maximum horsepower may mean paying for performance you’ll never use. The hybrid powertrains in the Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX deliver perfectly adequate power for daily driving while offering substantially better fuel economy.
All-wheel drive isn’t always necessary. If you live in California or other temperate climates and don’t venture off paved roads, front-wheel drive saves money at purchase and delivers slightly better fuel economy. However, all-wheel drive provides peace of mind in wet conditions and opens up more adventurous weekend possibilities. Most mid-size SUVs offer all-wheel drive as standard or an affordable option.
Ride quality affects every drive. Some mid-size SUVs prioritize sporty handling with firmer suspensions, while others emphasize comfort with softer, more compliant setups. The Mazda CX-90 leans toward engaging driving dynamics, while the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander prioritize smooth, comfortable rides. Neither approach is inherently better, but the choice significantly impacts your daily experience.
Modern mid-size SUVs come loaded with technology, but not all features prove equally useful in daily life.
Safety technology has become standard. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring now appear even on base models from most manufacturers. More advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist make highway driving less fatiguing, though some implementations work more smoothly than others.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides independent crash test ratings and evaluates crash avoidance systems. Their Top Safety Pick awards offer reliable guidance when safety ranks high on your priority list. The Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Mazda CX-90 have all earned strong safety ratings.
Infotainment systems vary dramatically. Some manufacturers have perfected intuitive interfaces that you’ll master in minutes, while others require consulting the owner’s manual for basic functions. Mazda’s system stands out for its logical layout and quick response times. Honda and Toyota have significantly improved their interfaces in recent years. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become essentially universal, allowing you to bypass manufacturer systems if needed.
Choosing the best mid size SUV for your needs requires honest self-assessment about how you’ll actually use the vehicle rather than how you imagine using it.
Start by identifying your non-negotiables. Maybe it’s that usable third row for carpools, or perhaps it’s achieving 30 mpg for your long commute. Maybe it’s staying under a specific monthly payment or ensuring top safety ratings. You’ll also want to consider whether buying or leasing makes more sense for your situation—understanding the true costs of each option helps you make the smartest financial decision. Knowing your priorities helps narrow the field quickly.
The current market offers exceptional mid-size SUV options across various price points and priorities. The Toyota Grand Highlander delivers legendary reliability and strong hybrid options. The Honda Pilot combines practicality with proven engineering. The Mazda CX-90 provides near-luxury experiences at attainable prices. The Kia Telluride maximizes space and value, while the Lexus TX elevates the category with premium materials and refinement.
Researching vehicles is just the first challenge. Actually buying or leasing at a fair price, navigating dealer tactics, and handling the paperwork can consume hours of your time and test your patience.
That’s where Cartelligent’s expertise makes the difference. Our team of automotive insiders works solely for you, not the dealership. We leverage our dealer partners to secure the best possible pricing, handle the negotiation entirely on your behalf, and streamline the entire process. Whether you’re buying or leasing, we ensure you get fair terms without the typical dealership pressure.
Finding the best mid size SUV doesn’t have to involve endless dealership visits, aggressive sales tactics, or uncertainty about whether you got a fair deal. With the right guidance, you can make an informed decision and actually enjoy the process.
Ready to find your ideal mid-size SUV without the hassle? Get started with Cartelligent today and experience the smart way to buy or lease a car.
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