Midsize SUV Review

Comparing midsize SUVs and crossovers

This report focuses on midsize SUVs and crossovers, the increasingly common marketing term used to describe SUVs that are built on passenger-car platforms. While many examples cost less than $35,000, some of the SUVs discussed in this report can easily eclipse that figure when you start adding popular options. These midsize SUVs are generally more car-like than the largest SUVs, embracing the trend toward crossovers that put an emphasis on comfort, convenience and features, rather than heavy towing capability or challenging off-road use. Seating for five is almost taken for granted in this category, and most popular midsize SUVs also offer a third row of seating for seven- or eight-passenger capacity. This is particularly true of midsize crossover SUVs, which generally target families and are positioned as alternatives to boxy, boring minivans. Look for larger, truck-based SUVs in our separate report on large SUVs, while compact SUVs and crossovers are covered in our small SUVs report.

We found the most thorough and credible midsize SUV reviews at Edmunds.com, Motor Trend and Car and Driver, all of which perform comparison testing. Motor Trend's sister publication, Truck Trend, doles out best-in-class awards, for which editors evaluate styling, features and performance. Trunk Trend also performs a five-SUV comparison test with an emphasis on off-road prowess. Motor Trend's 2009 SUV of the Year award goes to a compact SUV, the Subaru Forester (*Est. $19,995 to $28,195), but the evaluation includes a useful discussion of midsize SUV contenders. Several auto websites, including Edmunds.com and Car and Driver, give their carefully chosen editors' choices for best SUV in a variety of categories.

Among other reviews, ConsumerReports.org is always a valuable resource. Editors purchase and test dozens of cars and trucks each year for safety, reliability and performance, picking a handful to recommend. A unique feature of ConsumerReports.org's auto coverage is its inclusion of results from the magazine's annual survey, which asks readers to rate their cars and trucks for overall satisfaction, reliability and repair issues.

We also reviewed the opinions of editors at ConsumerGuide.com, Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book, as each names the best midsize SUVs according to their criteria. Cars.com also offers three-SUV comparison articles in specific market classes. Motor Trend evaluates midsize SUVs with a focus on their real-world capability as commuter vehicles, while Kiplinger.com ranks SUVs on resale value, insurance and fuel costs. We also looked at SUV recommendations from auto analysts, parenting websites, consumer publications and many other auto experts.

Most midsize SUV buyers place considerable value on a vehicle's "utility" aspect, particularly passenger and cargo capacity. The icing on the cake is style, performance and comfort. The BMW X6 (*Est. $55,900 to $66,650) manages to put lots of icing on very little cake, according to many reviews. With a sloping rear roofline and coupe-like styling, the hatchback X6 loses much of its potential cargo-carrying capacity. While many SUVs can seat up to eight, the layout in the sport-focused X6 accommodates only four. ConsumerGuide.com says, "Overall space is no better than a compact sedan."

Thanks to two powerful turbocharged engine choices, acceleration is strong, and BMW's engineers have bestowed the X6 with outstanding handling. But critics question whether it's worth the premium price for so many compromises in practicality. Edmunds.com calls the X6 a "rare dud from BMW," and suggests other premium luxury SUVs as better alternatives, such as the Porsche Cayenne (*Est. $44,600 to $123,600), Range Rover Sport (*Est. $58,375 to $71,825) and the lower-priced BMW X5 (*Est. $47,500 to $56,200), which is built on the same chassis as the BMW X6. Edmunds editors say, "You're going to have to really love the X6's style for its sacrifice of functionality and versatility to make sense."