SUVs

Best SUVs

Among mid-sized SUVs, the Honda Pilot (*est. $26,995 to $35,245) wins over five experts, including Car and Driver, where editors named the Pilot best mainstream SUV five years in a row. Automobile Magazine describes the Honda Pilot as the best SUV for families. At Consumer Guide, the Honda SUV wins a Best Buy rating in the mid-sized SUV category for its combination of seating, cargo room, overall configuration and power. At Kiplinger's, the Pilot picks up an award as the best "Crossover SUV". The Pilot is based on the more luxurious Acura MDX, but is larger and less expensive. In turn, both the Pilot and the Acura are based upon the very successful Honda Odyssey minivan platform. The Honda SUV can seat up to eight people with its important third-row seat and has lots of cargo room in a relatively compact space.

Critics note that the Pilot handles well on the road and is reasonably capable off-road. It is rated to tow 3,500 pounds, and 4,500 pounds for boats. The Pilot is also quick for its size, able to reach 60 miles-per-hour in about 7.9 seconds. The second and third rows are split 60/40 and can be folded flat, achieving a whopping 90.3 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are folded. Reviews say the Pilot is a terrifically well-rounded SUV with insightful design touches, such as conveniently placed storage for small items and an optional rear-seat DVD system. Car and Driver says the Pilot has "consistently mastered the duties we require of a large SUV."

Crash-test results in government safety tests are impressive, with the Pilot scoring excellent five-star marks for front and side impact tests. The EPA estimates fuel economy for the Pilot at about 18 miles per gallon in the city, 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Ford Explorer (*est. $26,530 to $35,940) started the SUV craze and remains among the most popular SUVs in reviews, and it saw a facelift for the 2006 model year. The Ford SUV wins awards from Autobytel.com, Road and Travel and the Detroit Free Press. Critics like the Ford Explorer's comfortable and controlled ride and exceptionally quiet interior. The Ford SUV seats seven with a wide range of available seating options. Ford claims the 2006 Explorer's new 4.0-liter V6 reduces emissions by 74% over the 2005 Explorer SUV. A new 4.6-liter V8 with three valves per cylinder replaces the two-valve per cylinder version found in 2005 models.

The Explorer SUV wins praise as a highway cruiser and a hauler. The V8 model can tow up to 7,300 pounds. Autobytel.com describes the ride as "controlled and compliant." At Road and Travel.com, the Ford SUV is described as "smooth and settled now, like it's a part of the road." The 2006 Explorer SUV is also much quieter than previous models. Government crash-test results for the Explorer SUV are impressive, with excellent five-star marks for front and side impacts. EPA fuel economy is estimated at about 15 mpg/city and 21 mpg/highway.

The Nissan Xterra ( (*est. $20,050 to $27,750) , depending on options) has been redesigned for 2006. Some reports claim that not a single part is carried over from last year's Xterra SUV. The Xterra has often been described as a no-frills SUV, built for off-roading, and this year it is even more so, with a body-on-chassis type design that's better for adventure driving. For off-roading, some excellent four-wheel-drive options include Hill Descent Control, Hill-Start Assist and low gearing with locking differentials. Ground clearance is excellent. A simpler version of the Xterra is available with two-wheel drive.

In a review at Car and Driver, much of the Xterra's improvement is credited to the chassis from Nissan's F-Alpha platform, which was developed for the Nissan Titan pickup truck. It uses boxed frame rails that are very strong. Ride quality is much improved. The interior on the new Nissan Xterra SUV is described in reviews as roomy, and it compares favorably with other SUVs in its price class. The Xterra will easily seat and carry four adults and some luggage or cargo. A brutish 265 horsepower 3.5 V6 mated to either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission powers the Xterra. Standard safety features include a depowered airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes and stability control. The Xterra scores good four-star marks for front impacts and excellent five-star scores for side impacts.

The Xterra wins an award as SUV of the Year at Motor Trend. Angus MacKenzie, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend says: "Our audience depends on us to honor the new model that best demonstrates overall superiority, significance and value, and the Xterra stood out in each of those categories for its outstanding engineering, impressive on and off-road ability and clear focus on its target customers." It also won first in an off-road test performed by Car and Driver in California's Mengel Pass. The EPA estimates fuel economy at about 17 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway.

The Subaru Forester (*est. $21,795 to $28,695) is the best choice among small SUVs, according to reviews. The Forester won awards in both 2005 and 2006 from Car and Driver, and an Editor's Choice award at New Car Test Drive in 2005. The Turbo version (with a 0 to 60 time of 5.3 second) impresses many reviewers, who say the Forester SUV is plain fun to drive. Based on the sporty Impreza compact car, this practical SUV is basically a tall station wagon, but reviews find that it offers excellent traction on slippery surfaces and in moderate off-road conditions.

The Subaru Forester SUV's ride and handling are good. Reviews describe the seats as comfortable and highly supportive, although there are only two rows (the larger Pilot has a third row). Rear-seat passengers have good head and legroom. The back seat folds into the floor for more cargo space (64.1 cubic feet), a third less than that of the larger Honda Pilot SUV. Safety features include ABS and breakaway foot pedals. The Forester's airbag system includes front airbags with dual stages for the passenger, and side-impact airbags in the front. Crash-test results for the Forester in government tests are impressive, with excellent five-star marks for front and side impacts. Fuel economy is estimated at about 23 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway.

Two nearly identical General Motors full-sized SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon (*est. $33,115 to $47,115) win more praise from critics than any other SUV in their class. Although these brutish trucks can seat up to nine passengers and tow more than four tons, they ride smoothly and are reasonably competent off-road. Reviews say these SUVs are more maneuverable than other vehicles with comparable passenger and towing capability. In fact, the turning circle of these large GM trucks is as tight as that of some mid-sized cars when equipped with optional four-wheel steering. This feature, however, will add significantly to the price, which puts it squarely in the luxury class (see our report on luxury SUVs).

In government crash-tests, the Suburban and Tahoe rated four-star (good) scores for frontal impacts. Results for side impacts tests are not available. Fuel economy for the Suburban and Tahoe SUVs ranges from a low of 13 mpg/city and 17 mpg/highway for versions with all-wheel drive and a V8 engine, to a high of 16 mpg/city, and 20 mpg/highway for models with two-wheel drive and a V8 engine.

The Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL (*est. $36,865 to $51,835) are mechanically identical to the Tahoe and Yukon, but are built on a stretched frame that gives them increased cargo room at the expense of maneuverability. The more compact versions win more critical favor. The Suburban/Tahoe XL did not rate as well in government crash tests, with four-star (good) scores for frontal impacts for the driver, and three-star results for the passenger. Results for side impacts tests are not available.

Runners-up: Compact SUVs

The compact Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute are nearly identical (*est. $26,000 to $27,000 when equipped with the optional V6 engine critics prefer), and they are very good small SUVs, according to critics. These compact SUVs are well equipped and sporty to drive, but they aren't intended for much off-road driving.

Crash-test results in government safety tests are good, with the Escape/Mariner/Tribute SUVs getting four-star marks for front impacts and excellent five-star marks for side impacts. EPA fuel economy for the non-hybrid Escape, Mariner, and Tribute ranges from a low of 19 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway for models with four-wheel drive, V6 engine and automatic transmission. SUVs with the 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission get around 24 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway.

As good as they are, the Escape, Mariner and Tribute fall short of The Honda CR-V and Honda Pilot SUVs' reliability and resale value. All but the hybrid versions also fall short on gas mileage. Reviews agree that these vehicles are good second-place choices. Although the Escape and Tribute SUVs can be purchased for about $19,000 with a 4-cylinder engine, air conditioning and power door locks, reviewers do not recommend these models. The 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine produces 153 horsepower, up from last year's 130 horsepower, but performance is still tepid. If you are set on the Escape or Tribute, reviewers recommend the V6 option -- which generates a more impressive 200 horsepower. The hybrid version is advertised to have similar performance figures as the V6, but Car and Driver testers found it to fall a little short on acceleration.

The compact Honda CR-V ( *est. $20,395 to $25,450 , depending on options) offers great versatility and is a good choice among inexpensive small SUVs. The five-passenger Honda SUV is based loosely on Honda's highly regarded Civic platform. Although the Civic itself is new for 2006, the 2006 CRV is still based on the earlier 2001-2005 platform. The CR-V SUV gets special mention at Kiplinger's for retaining a high resale value. Overall, however, we found more recent good reviews for the Subaru Forester compact SUV, and the Forester has won Car and Driver's award for the best small SUV the last two years running. Government safety ratings are good, with the Honda CR-V SUV scoring excellent five-star marks for both front and side impacts. The EPA estimates fuel economy of about 22 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway.

The Jeep Liberty (*est. $21,290 to $26,190) has garnered some favorable reviews. Like all Jeeps, this compact five-passenger SUV is competent in extreme off-road conditions. This competence comes at the expense of on-road ability, however. An advanced, 2.7-liter common-rail diesel engine became available in 2005 and sets new fuel economy standards (22 mpg/city, 26 mpg/highway). The diesel is backed by a five-speed overdrive automatic transmission. This model, named the Jeep Liberty Sport Diesel AWD, wins an award at Kiplinger's in the "Most Fuel Efficient" category. A new, six-speed manual transmission replaces the previous five-speed manual for other versions of the Jeep Liberty SUV.

Crash-test results in government safety tests are good, with the Jeep SUV scoring excellent five-star marks for the driver in front impacts and good four-star marks for the passenger in front impacts. The Liberty scores excellent five-star marks in side impacts. Fuel economy estimates for the gas-powered Liberty SUVs are about 17 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway for both engines with automatic transmission.

Runners-Up: Mid-sized SUVs

The Acura MDX (*est. $37,125 to $44,200) is much loved in reviews, and it is the higher-end cousin to the Honda Pilot mid-sized SUV. Reviewers praise this roomy, luxurious seven-passenger SUV for having a refined, sporty ride, and an innovative third row seat (for kids) that can fold into the floor for more cargo space. Long-term reliability is also good. The MDX scores excellent five-star marks for both front and side impacts in government crash tests. When equipped with a 6-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, fuel economy is about 17 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee (*est. $27,415 to $42,680) is highly regarded by critics for combining all-around capability in a tidy, easy-to-park package. It was last redesigned in 2005. Experts say the Grand Cherokee rides pretty well on paved roads and is one of the most capable off-road vehicles you can buy. Though it lacks the passenger and cargo room some large families may need, it is highly maneuverable. For 2006, engine options include a 3.7-liter V6, the earlier 4.7-liter V8 and a powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8. When equipped with the Hemi, the Jeep becomes one of the fastest SUVs, able to reach 60 mph in about seven seconds. Edmunds.com says it retains its classic style and unparalleled off-road ability while delivering a level of luxury never before seen in a Jeep SUV. For off-road use, the Jeep SUV is a good choice, but reviews commend other vehicles for their better road manners and superior gas mileage.

Crash-test results in government safety tests are notable, with the Grand Cherokee scoring excellent five-star marks for both front and side impacts. When equipped with the Hemi V8, fuel economy is pretty dismal -- about 12 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway. With the less powerful 6-cylinder engine, gas mileage estimates are better, about 17 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway.

The Jeep Commander (*est. $27,540 to $38,405) is a brand-new vehicle for 2006. It has won some praise in reviews, and it is the first Jeep SUV with three-rows of seats (seating seven). The Commander SUV is reported to have the highest level of safety and security equipment ever offered on a Chrysler Group vehicle. The Commander is available with either 2WD or 4WD. The standard engine is a 3.7-liter SOHC V6 with 210 horsepower. Also available are a 4.7-liter V8 engine with 235 horsepower and 330 horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The Hemi engine incorporates a cylinder shutdown system for light load conditions. Automotive.com describes the Commander as feeling "remarkably nimble and responsive around town."

Crash-test scores are only available for front impacts. The Jeep Commander SUV scores excellent five-star marks for front impacts. Gas mileage ranges from 14 mpg/city and 18 mpg/highway for the Hemi V8 engine, to a high of 16 mpg/city and 20 mpg/highway for models with two-wheel drive and a 6-cylinder engine.

The Lexus RX 330 (*est. $36,370 to $37,770) was redesigned and introduced as an all-new model for 2004. This year the Lexus RX is listed as a Best Buy among premium SUVs, although that title is shared with competitors such as the Acura MDX. Reviews say the Lexus SUV is among the most car-like SUVs available (based on the Toyota Camry), praising its quick acceleration, smooth ride and good handling. The third-generation Lexus RX 330 SUV is described as swift and silent, riding more quietly than most cars, not to mention other SUVs.

Passenger-car roots and a lack of low-range gearing mean the Lexus RX 330 SUV is not particularly well suited for rugged off-road conditions and can only tow 3,500 pounds. If loaded with options, this SUV easily exceeds the $40,000 cut-off we established to separate regular SUVs from luxury SUVs. A hybrid version called the Lexus RX 330h is now available and is covered in our report on hybrid cars. Government crash-test results are not available for either 2005 or 2006 models, but the 2004 Lexus SUV scored very well. Fuel economy is about 18 mpg/city and 24 mpg/highway.

Toyota's car-based RAV4 (*est. $20,300 to $25,870) was redesigned for the 2006 model year. Critics praise its build quality and handling; The new RAV4 SUV has a larger overall size and available V6 power. Edmunds.com describes the new V6 RAV4 as a "top compact SUV choice." The Toyota SUV offers all-wheel-drive in a tall, but compact, body, which has grown in almost all dimensions with the latest redesign. The RAV4 enjoys a reputation as one of the most reliable small SUVs on the road.

Crash-test results in government safety tests are good, with the RAV4 scoring excellent five-star marks for front impacts for the driver's position and good four-star marks for the passenger's position. It scores excellent five-star marks for side impacts. In EPA fuel economy estimates, the Toyota SUV gets about 21 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway for models with four-wheel drive and a 6-cylinder engine. When outfitted with the 4-cylinder engine, fuel economy improves to about 24 mpg/city and 30 mpg/highway.

The Toyota 4Runner ( *est. $27,635 to $38,385 , depending on options) scores lots of praise for its off-road capabilities. Motor Trend notes its competence at tackling serious off-road trails as well as snow and ice. Testers at Automotive.com note that the 4Runner is excellent at off-road while also being smooth, quiet and highly sophisticated. Predictable Toyota reliability and resale value are also notable.

Automotive.com describes the interior as roomy, functional and comfortable. Quality of interior materials is good, as is their fit and finish. An optional third-row seat increases the Toyota SUV's standard five-passenger capacity to seven. The third seat can be folded over or removed to regain cargo space. Safety features include an electronic stability control system, four-wheel ABS, traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system. A unique safety feature is the hydrophilic glass used in the 4Runner's windshield, side windows and side mirrors. This glass repels water like a waxed car or a window that has been treated with Rain-X. The resulting large drops of water are quickly shed by gravity or wind.

Crash-test results in government safety tests are good, with the 4Runner scoring good four-star marks for front impacts and excellent five-star marks for side impacts. Depending on engine, fuel economy ranges from 16-18 mpg/city and 19-22 mpg/highway.

More compact SUVs

Honda's Element (*est. $17,750 to $22,325) is shorter and wider than the Honda CR-V SUV on which it is based. It has a nice sliding roof panel, an easy-to-clean rubber floor and wide-opening center-hinged side doors. Some critics have questioned its aggressive styling, which is meant to appeal to twenty-somethings. A 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine with 156 horsepower powers all Element SUVs. Unfortunately, safety might be an issue. While the Element SUV scores excellent five-star marks for front and side impacts, the government Web site SaferCar.gov flags side impact test scores with a safety concern notice. Apparently, the test dummy's head struck the roof frame in side-impact tests; in a crash, this increases the likelihood of cranial injuries. Test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also indicate safety concerns about the Element, and they conclude that rear seat "head protection is inadequate."

The compact Hyundai Tucson (*est. $17,845 to $23,745) was introduced in 2005 and is based on the Hyundai Elantra. It offers lots of standard equipment (such as side-curtain airbags, ABS, traction control and stability control) to enable it to compete with established competitors. A 4-cylinder engine with 140 horsepower, or a V6 with 173 horsepower provides power. Four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive models are available. To help sell the Tucson, Hyundai offers a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. Crash-test scores are excellent, with the Tucson SUV scoring excellent five-star marks for the driver and passenger in both front and side impacts. The Tucson SUV should get about 19 mpg/city and 24 mpg/highway for models with four-wheel drive and the V6 engine. Models with two-wheel drive, 4-cylinder engine and a manual transmission Can reach 22 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway.

Experts say the Jeep Wrangler (*est. $18,390 to $28,735) is especially agile off-road. Jeep SUVs are also ruggedly built and have high resale values. Experts caution, however, that the Jeep has a harsh ride and what some describe as a cramped interior. A long wheelbase version was introduced in 2005 as well as a robust new model designated the Wrangler Rubicon. Jeep examined the modifications many off-road enthusiasts were making, and engineered many of those features into the new Rubicon model. Automotive.com describes the Rubicon as a 4x4 gem. Safety scores are average. Fuel economy estimates are low, from 14 to 18 mpg/city and 18 to 21 mpg/highway), depending on the engine.

The Kia Sportage SUV (*est. $15,900 to $22,545) is based on a car chassis. It is described as smooth riding with good handling and a roomy interior. Reviews like its split rear seat that folds flat, creating a smooth and level cargo floor, similar to some mini-vans. The Kia SUV has three engine choices. The Sportage SUV comes with front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel-drive is an available option. Crash-test results in government safety tests are not available. Fuel economy is about average for a small SUV.

The compact Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV (*est. $18,999 to $24,399) has been completely redesigned for this year. It is priced competitively and offers a long warranty of 7-years or 100,000-miles on the powertrain. The Grand Vitara SUV now comes with a standard V6 engine and more standard features. For less than $20,000, the base model offers cruise control, stability control, keyless entry and ABS. More luxurious models add leather interior and a sunroof.

Crash-test results in government safety testing are good, with the Grand Vitara scoring good four-star marks for front impacts. Side impact scores are not available. The Grand Vitara gets about 18 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway, regardless of whether it has an automatic or manual transmission.

More mid-sized SUVs

The Buick Rainier (*est. $30,580 to $32,580) shares a platform with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. It has distinctive Buick styling touches that include an elliptical grille. Buick made an extra effort to reduce interior sound levels when compared to the Chevrolet and GMC versions of this vehicle, and they used unique strategies, including acoustic laminate windows and reinforced seals in body pillars. Edmunds.com complains that the interior and overall fit and finish are not at the same level as other premium SUVs, and that comfort and space are mediocre, while praising the Rainier for being "as quiet as they come."

The Buick Rendezvous (*est. $24,280 to $27,780) is based on a minivan platform, and thus is roomier, but less competent off-road than most other SUVs. A new feature added in 2005 is a passenger-sensing system for the passenger's side front seat, which turns off the airbag if it detects a child (or very small person) or no occupant. This is intended to avoid possible injuries to children and/or unnecessary deployment of the airbag. SaferCar.gov flags the Rendezvous side impact test scores with a safety notice, even though the test result is a five-star score. Apparently, the driver door came unlatched during testing with the automatic door-lock feature turned off (this didn't happen when the auto door-lock was engaged).

The Hummer H3 (*est. $28,935) is a mid-sized SUV that seats five and is built on the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon pickup chassis. It also uses the Colorado's 220 horsepower, 3.5-liter, inline five-cylinder engine. The Hummer SUV does not offer a V8 engine option. The H3 SUV has a four-wheel drive system that features an optional 4.03 gear ratio transfer case, providing very low gearing for real rock crawling type off-road driving. Great ground clearance, big tires and skid plates are available for a truly off-road capable combination. Crash-test results for the H3 in government tests are good, with the H3 scoring excellent five-star marks for the driver in front impacts and good four-star marks for the passenger driver in front impacts. EPA fuel economy estimates are low, about 16 mpg/city and 19 mpg/highway.

The Hyundai Santa Fe (*est. $21,695 to $25,895) is a good value, partly for its long list of standard features. Caveats include a traditionally low resale value. Long-term dependability is also a concern in some reviews, but this may be alleviated by a long warranty (ten years/100,000 miles on powertrain and five years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper). Edmunds.com likes the Santa Fe: "We would certainly recommend the Santa Fe to the general consumer looking for a good deal on a family vehicle that doesn't have any serious faults." Crash-test results are good; with the Santa Fe scoring four-star marks for the driver in front impacts and excellent five-star marks for the passenger. Fuel economy is average, dependent on the engine (about 17-20 mpg/city and 23-27 mpg/highway.

The Kia Sorento (*est. $18,995 to $26,695) is reasonably refined and represents an excellent value, according to reviews. Even base models feature air conditioning, power windows and locks and cruise control. Four-wheel-drive models offer decent off-road ability. All models come with a 192-horsepower V6 that offers adequate performance. Resale value is a question mark for this relatively new entry to the market, but reviewers are impressed with the value Kia brings to the SUV market. Crash test results are good, and fuel economy is average, about 16 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway.

The Mercury Mountaineer ( *est. $29,150 to $35,500 , depending on options) is based on the Explorer chassis, but with a more stylish interior. The Mountaineer is tuned to ride softer than the Ford Explorer SUV, and it's not intended for off-road use. The formerly standard third row seat is now an option for 2006. Critics say it is a decent choice, offering a smooth ride and plenty of room. Safety scores are very good, with five-star ratings for all seating positions. Gas mileage is average.

The Nissan Murano (*est. $27,600 to $31,700) is a mid sized crossover SUV based on the same platform as the Nissan Altima and Maxima sedans. It has four-wheel independent suspension, and reviews say handling is good. The Murano SUV is powered by Nissan's smooth 3.5-liter V6, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which some reviewers claim is sluggish in traffic. Safety scores are excellent all around, and EPA fuel economy is average for its class.

The Nissan Pathfinder (*est. $25,400 to $35,700) has a long history. The current model was completely redesigned for 2005 and it now seats seven. It is a true truck-based SUV with good off-road capabilities. The standard engine is 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower. Both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models are available.

The Pontiac Torrent ( *est. $21,400 to $23,205 , depending on options) is an all-new model that is a sibling to the Chevrolet Equinox. Reviewers like this Pontiac SUV, which is a crossover SUV based on a car chassis. It is larger than competitors such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4. The Torrent has a more firmly tuned suspension than the Equinox, but little else differs except for styling. The Pontiac SUV gets high scores in crash tests, and average fuel economy.

The mid-sized Suzuki XL-7 (*est. $21,999 to $26,699) is based on the old Grand Vitara platform. It offers a long wheelbase and is built with body-on-frame construction and a transfer case. Reviews say that it handles well overall, with ample cargo space and seating for seven. Crash-test results are not yet available.

The Subaru B9 Tribeca (*est. $30,695 to $37,695) is new for 2006. The Subaru SUV is the largest and most expensive Subaru ever made. Motor Trend praises the Tribeca for its interior-space efficiency. It has three rows of seats and the center row slides, allowing legroom adjustment. Motor Trend likes the Subaru SUV's performance claiming, "This is an impressively astute road-runner."

Safety features for the Tribeca include standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, depowered air bag, head and side airbag, and traction and stability control as standard equipment. Crash tests results are excellent, with the Tribeca scoring top five-star marks in NHTSA front and side impact crash tests. The EPA estimates fuel economy at about 18 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway. The Tribeca's engine is rated at 250 horsepower and is a 3.0L flat six-cylinder.

The Toyota Highlander ( *est. $21,795 to $28,695 , depending on options) was first offered in 2001, and was among the first of the mid-sized crossover SUVs based on a car chassis. The Highlander was intended to offer Toyota buyers a mid-size alternative to the truck-based 4Runner SUV. It has been a hit due to advantages including a quieter cabin, better crash protection and being easier to get in and out of. Edmunds.com describes it as "one of the better values for families who need a comfortable, easy-to-drive vehicle."

The Toyota Highlander is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with a standard four-cylinder, and optional V6 and Hybrid powertrains. Towing is not a strong point, at a maximum of 3,500 pounds for V6 models. A hybrid version is now available and is covered in our report on hybrid cars. Safety scores are very good and fuel economy is average for its class.

Higher-end mid-sized SUVs, including the BMW X3 and X5, the Infiniti FX35 and FX45, the Saab 9-7S, Toyota Land Cruiser, the Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90 are covered in our report on luxury SUVs. Most of these models have a base-model price of around $37,000, but price quickly jumps to over $40,000 with options.

Large SUVs

Given rising fuel costs, it’s not a surprise that sales of large SUVs are dropping fast. General Motors will stop producing the most notorious full-size SUV, the >>  SUVs prices

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	details from Edmunds.com
5	Honda Pilot (*est. $26,995 to $35,245)	details
4	Ford Explorer (*est. $26,530 to $35,940)	details
4	Nissan Xterra (*est. $20,050 to $27,750)	details
2	Chevrolet Suburban (*est. $33,115 to $47,115)	details
2	Acura MDX (*est. $37,125 to $44,200)	details
2	Ford Escape (*est. $19,380 to $28,525)	details
2	Jeep Grand Cherokee (*est. $27,415 to $42,680)	details
2	Lexus RX (*est. $37,400 to $46,060)	details
2	Subaru Forester (*est. $21,795 to $28,695)	details
2	Toyota Land Cruiser (*est. $56,215)	details
2	Toyota RAV4 (*est. $20,300 to $25,870)	details
1 each	BMW X5 , Ford Expedition , Jeep Liberty Diesel , Land Rover LR3 , Mitsubishi Montero, Honda CR-V , Toyota FJ Cruiser

Our chart includes some luxury models, which are addressed in our report on luxury SUVs. Note that vehicles such as the Cadillac SRX , which is priced from $36,270 to $44,270 , can fit into both mainstream and luxury categories, depending on options. The Honda Pilot receives the most top picks in reviews this year. The Nissan Xterra wins praise for its off-road ability and low price tag. The Ford Explorer is more competent as a work vehicle than the Pilot. The Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe/GMC Yukon are good full-sized SUVs. Although the Subaru Forester shares a two-win status with other SUVs, a big win at Car and Driver gives it a credible nudge.

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