Midsize SUVs: Reviews

Edmunds.com: The Mazda CX-9 is not only roomy and well-built, Edmunds.com editors say it sets itself apart from other similar family-friendly SUVs by actually being entertaining to drive.

SaferCar.gov: The government hasn't crash-tested the 2011 Mazda CX-9 yet.

IIHS.org: The Mazda CX-7 has a split personality in IIHS tests.

FuelEconomy.gov: For 2011, the Mazda CX-9 sees improved fuel economy in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive models.

ConsumerSearch.com: Other than a visual facelift in 2010 and slightly improved fuel economy this year, the CX-9 is essentially the same vehicle it was in 2009.

ConsumerReports.org: ConsumerReports.org has purchased and tested the Kia Sorento with the base four-cylinder and available V6, ranking it against other vehicles in its class, considering both performance and practical aspects.

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com editors break down the running changes made to the 2012 Sorento, most notably the new four-cylinder-engine, and go into greater detail regarding powertrains, trim levels, and road-test experience.

IIHS.org: The Kia Sorento is an IIHS Top Safety Pick after earning the highest possible rating of "Good" in its battery of crash and roof-strength tests.

SaferCar.gov: The 2012 Kia Sorento has not yet been tested by NHTSA, but the 2011 model (essentially identical) earns a 4-star (out of 5) overall score in government safety tests.

FuelEconomy.gov: Depending on powertrain selection, the Kia Sorento, now available with two different four-cylinder engines or a V6, delivers an estimated 20 to 25 mpg in overall usage.

ConsumerSearch.com: The Kia Sorento was all-new for 2011, and the 2012 model is essentially the same, apart from the addition of another 4-cylinder engine to the lineup.

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com editors summarize the MDX as "one of the most luxurious and fun-to-drive midsize luxury crossover SUVs in its class." They note that it's a carryover for 2011 and go into detail regarding the various aspects of the MDX, from the interior to the on-road experience.

SaferCar.gov: The Acura MDX gets the best-possible overall rating of 5 stars after going through NHTSA's crash-test regimen, made more rigorous for 2011.

IIHS.org: The Acura MDX scores the highest rating of "Good" in front, side, and rear-impact protection tests, but it falls short of the Top Safety Pick designation because IIHS has not yet evaluated its roof strength.

FuelEconomy.gov: The powerful, all-wheel-drive Acura MDX doesn't exactly blow you away with its fuel economy: 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway/18 mpg combined.

ConsumerSearch.com: It got a new transmission and some visual tweaks for 2010, but otherwise, the MDX is essentially the same vehicle it was when we did our last comprehensive review on it in 2009.

Car and Driver: Testers at Car and Driver pit an upgraded 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee against other mid-size SUV competitors Kia Borrego, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner.

Automobile Magazine: Twenty years ago, following the 1990 debut of the Ford Explorer and Jeep's 1992 launch of the Grand Cherokee, Automobile Magazine tested these two popular SUVs.

Motor Trend: Motor Trend appreciates the growing trend of combining four-wheel drive vehicles with comfort and even luxury.

ConsumerReports.org: Editors at Consumer Reports test-drive the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, approving of its off-road driving and most of its pavement tests.

ConsumerReports.org: This comprehensive summary from Consumer Reports details road test feedback, interior components and safety information for both the Laredo and the Limited versions of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Cars.com: Mike Hanley from Cars.com discusses changes in the redesigned 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and compares it with other popular competing brands, including Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner and Land Rover.

ConsumerGuide Automotive: ConsumerGuide Automotive goes over the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a fine-toothed comb, examining engine performance, handling and comfort, and rating it against all other vehicles in its class.

MotherProof.com: MotherProof.com puts the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee through everyday paces, trading 4x4 trails for car seats and family errands.

FuelEconomy.gov: At FuelEconomy.gov, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency measures the fuel consumption of the two- and four-wheel drive Grand with both a V6 and V8 engine.

IIHS.org: The Insurance Industry for Highway Safety gives the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee good marks across the board and awards it a Top Safety Pick for 2011.

SaferCar.gov: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed the way it tests vehicles, leading to stricter requirements and more rigorous tests.