Midsize SUVs: Expert and User Reviews

Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org is a highly respected independent organization that purchases and thoroughly tests many new models every year, including a number of midsize SUVs. They also provide useful information on reliability, depreciation, and owner satisfaction, based on owner surveys.

Our AssessmentThis comparison test pits three luxury SUVs against one another: the 2010 Land Rover LR4, the 2010 GX460 and the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450. All three of these luxury SUVs "offer more off-road competence than most asphalt-avoiders will ever use," testers conclude after a romp through Death Valley. The Land Rover LR4 emerges the winner, as it's not only the best off-road, but it has the highest towing capacity and interior space. Though the SUVs compared here are 2010 models, none have changed significantly for 2011.

Our AssessmentThis particular piece is a slideshow of the Kelley Blue Book editors' recommended choices within the midsize SUV category. While the slideshow format only includes a sentence on why they chose the vehicle, links to more comprehensive reviews are provided. Reviews tend to be light on criticism, but still offer value.

Our AssessmentThis Cars.com review isn't a traditional write-up Instead, impressions are arranged in table format. Most aspects of each car are concisely reviewed, and the testers choose a winner within each category of the table. Ultimately, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML550 is chosen as the best of the bunch for its mix of luxury and performance. The SUVs compared here are either 2009 or 2008 model year, though they haven't received significant updates since.

Our AssessmentThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is the government body that performs crash tests for new models in the U/S. For 2011 and newer models, they have adopted new (and more stringent) criteria in their crash testing. Because of this, results for 2011 and newer models cannot be compared to results from previous years. Also, many models have yet to be tested under the new guidelines. The Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Volvo XC60, and Acura MDX all receive the highest 5-star out of 5 rating for overall crash protection for 2011/2012 models. They do note that in testing, the Acura MDX did leak a small amount of fuel during their side-crash test scenario.

Our AssessmentThe completely redesigned 2011 Porsche Cayenne wins Motor Trend's annual "Sport/Utility of the Year" award. The Cayenne offers the sportiest handling of any SUV, and has an exceptionally luxurious interior, and editors consider it to be a good value despite its relatively high base MSRP.

Our AssessmentThis Motor Trend comparison test of three-row SUVs is among the best such tests as of this writing, as it assembles a field of six competitors, including some of the most recent fully redesigned models, like the 2011 Dodge Durango and the 2011 Ford Explorer. While the new Durango posts a solid second-place finish, the 2011 Mazda CX-9 ultimately gets the nod as the favorite out of this competitive bunch. Even though it's one of the oldest designs in this roundup, the collection of editors agree that it's the best driver of the group because of its excellent chassis, good value, and practicality. The conclusion is that the CX-9 is "a truly excellent package with no major strikes against it."

Our AssessmentCNET.com reviews technology like computers and electronics, and also tests cars with an emphasis on technology and available features. Reviewer Wayne Cunningham names the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged as one of the best luxury tech cars available, and the Infiniti FX35, BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne S, and Jeep Grand Cherokee get high overall ratings in their individual reviews, too.

Our AssessmentAutoblog.com publishes the latest auto news and tests new vehicles. Reviews are in-depth and consider how models stack up to the competition. Reviewers conduct multi-day tests of many midsize SUVs, including the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, the 2011 Nissan Xterra, the 2011 Honda Pilot, the 2011 Dodge Durango, the 2011 Toyota Highlander, the 2011 Ford Explorer, and more.

Our AssessmentThe New York Times' auto critics cover new and newly redesigned models, and provide full-length written reviews that present each model's pros and cons in an easily understood manner. Not all models have been reviewed, but there are a number of recent midsize SUV reviews available.

Our AssessmentAs on many auto-review sites, the staff of the PBS show "Motor Week" picks what it considers to be the highest-rated cars and trucks. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango, which share many underpinnings and major powertrain components, share the spot for "Best Large Utility." Motor Week's site has reviews on many models, though in general the reviewers aren't the most critical.

Our AssessmentThe American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy names the greenest vehicles of 2011, based on fuel efficiency and pollutant emissions. Smaller SUVs dominate, though the manual transmission-equipped Hyundai Santa Fe makes the grade. The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG makes the list of the "Meanest Vehicles for the Environment in 2011," due to its dismal fuel economy and high emissions.

Our AssessmentInside Line includes a section dedicated to long-term testing. Here, editors blog on a daily basis about cars they currently hold in their long-term fleet, providing useful information on living with particular models on a regular basis. Midsize SUVs in their fleet include the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander. Past models include the 2007 Audi Q7, the 2009 BMW X5, the 2008 Buick Enclave, the 2007 Ford Edge, the 2009 Ford Flex, the 2009 Infiniti FX50, the 2008 Mazda CX-9, and the 2010 Volvo XC60.

Our AssessmentUnlike the typical comparison test, this feature compares popular midsize SUVs with their most similar minivan counterparts. The article looks at specific models, and offers the pros and cons of minivans vs. midsize SUVs throughout. Depending on the style and practicality that one demands, a minivan may be an equally good, if not better, choice for some midsize SUV shoppers.

Our AssessmentThis review of 2009 models, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2009 Ford Flex, abstains from picking a winner as it's just too close to call, in the eyes of this reviewer. Subjectively, the reviewer prefers the fresh and different styling of the Ford Flex, but then concedes that the better vehicle depends on one's particular priorities. Both are still largely the same in their 2011 iterations.