By Alex Nunez on August 25, 2010 in
Look around the parking lot the next time you hit your local supermarket or big-box store. Chances are, the spaces are littered with midsize SUVs and crossovers. As family vehicles go, the midsizers cover a lot of territory, accomodating anywhere from five to eight passengers depending on make, model and equipment levels. Often, the most truck-like thing about modern SUVs is their appearance and stance. The reality is that with some notable exceptions, most have become very carlike and road-oriented in their demeanor. With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that the best-reviewed midsize SUVs are generally geared toward practicality and comfort instead of trailblazing off-road capability.
The best-reviewed midsize SUV overall? That would be the 2011 Honda Pilot, which racks up accolades for its overall quality (it dazzles Car and Driver staffers in a one-year long-term test), interior spaciousness (the third-row seats actually fit human adults), tough looks, capable all-wheel drive system, and good overall safety ratings. Alternatives include the perennially favored 2010 Toyota Highlander as well as new arrivals like the all-new 2011 Kia Sorento, attractively redesigned with seven-passenger capacity and lots of standard equipment at a competitive price point. Families that doen't require three-row seating would be well-advised to look at the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, a reviewer favorite among five-passenger midsize models and a very solid pick for budget shoppers. Testers repeatedly point out that the Santa Fe is roomy, well-equipped for the money, and performs well in safety tests.
Among luxury SUVs, the 2010 Lexus RX 350 is reviewers' favorite midsizer. While not particularly sporty (that crown goes to the 2010 Acura MDX), the Lexus's combination of rich interior appointments; excellent fit and finish; on-road comfort and fuel-efficiency; and well-integrated cabin technology wins over critics. It's also very safe, earning top marks in federal and independent safety testing. The Lexus is decidedly not an off-roader, however. If you prefer a taste of adventure with your leather-lined luxury, reviews point to the 2010 Land Rover LR4, which is ready and willing to get dirty.
The best mainstream midsize off-roader according to reviews is the new 2010 Toyota 4Runner. On pavement, it is neither as efficient nor as comfortable to drive as the tarmac-friendly Pilot or Santa Fe. Off-road, however, critics fall over themselves saying good things about the new 4Runner, which can be set up for seven passengers but is really only comfortable for five. Other off-road alternatives include the 2010 Nissan Xterra, which was last year's top pick in this category, as well as the 2010 Jeep Wrangler, which may be without peer in the mud or on the rocks, but is generally viewed as a subpar daily driver by reviewers.
For more information on these and other midsize SUVs, check out our updated full report, where you'll also find a guide of things to consider when shopping, as well as news on upcoming new models.