15 Best Midsize SUVs Of 2023, Ranked (2024)

Those wanting to purchase a midsize 2023 SUV are hardly left wanting a choice with many options available. In fact, the market for either two- or three-row midsized SUVs is so flooded with selections from every mainstream manufacturer that it can be very challenging to narrow down the top players. Plenty of models provide respectable performance, practicality, creature comforts, connectivity, and safety features, so standing out from the crowd is a tall order for any model in the class.

The best way to sort them out is by taking the starting price and comparing the performance, safety, and features to see if it is a value for the money. If not, it has been excluded from this list, but it does not mean it is a horrible SUV. For that, check out our list of *the worst midsized SUVs for 2023.

Still, some SUVs stand tall above their rivals for overall competency and value. Depending upon your exact need and usage, each model listed below will fit the bill. Still, one may be a better match than another. As such, TopSpeed has whittled through the fluff to deliver you the top 2023 midsize SUVs available today. These models vary in overall size, seating capacity, performance, and price, but our list includes models that will fit the needs of all prospective buyers who need a family hauler, commuter, off-road trek-er, or daily driver.

Updated on September 15, 2023: The midsized SUV has been around for decades and, as such, has found a place in many of our hearts. Because of that, we have decided to refresh and update this list rather than letting it get lost in the wasteland of old pieces floating around on the internet. Keep checking back here for more updates and fresh information.

RELATED: 10 Most Reliable SUVs According To Consumer Reports

15 2023 BMW X5

Starting Suggested MSRP: $62,595

Starting off this list simply because it is the most expensive offering is the luxury-minded 2023 BMW X-5. It comes in four trim levels with three very different powerplants. The first, and the standard if you do not opt for an upgrade, is the 335-horsepower turbocharged inline six-cylinder. The second is the plug-in Hybrid model that is paired with an inline six-cylinder that pushes out a combined 389 horses, and then you have the beast. The M50 performance model that sports a 523 horsepower twin-turbocharged V-8 under the hood that can shoot to 60 MPH from a standstill in under 4 seconds.

Specs and Features For 2023 BMW X5 xDrive45e

Inside the co*ckpit, you will find all the luxury and tech you would expect from a BMW. It has a pair of 12.3-inch screens on the dash; one is for the digital gauges, and the other accesses the infotainment center. The high-quality materials embrace you as you settle into the heated front seats with programmable memory, the armrests and steering wheel are heated, the seats have a massage feature for those rough days, and so much more. The bottom line is that if you are looking for a luxury midsize SUV, the BMW X-5 should be at the top of your list.

14 2023 Genesis GV80

Starting Suggested MSRP: $56,925

Unlike many of the other luxury midsized SUVs on the market, the Genesis looks and feels like it should cost substantially more than what you actually have to fork out for it. That is a very unusual position for a vehicle to find itself in, which is definitely not a bad thing. The reason being starts with the outer appearance, which is just absolutely stunning, and then once you get into the interior of the co*ckpit, all ideas of getting into an average vehicle can be thrown out the window because you will find a slim, streamlined infotainment display, wood trim, metal accents, and just enough ambient lighting to make the interior modern and upscale without being too cramped or gaudy.

Specs and Features For 2023 Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced+

The only downfall you will find with the Genesis GV80 is that there is no Hybrid or EV option, which means that you will not be able to work on lowering carbon emissions. There is an option, other than the turbocharged six-cylinder, that can save on fuel, though. You can go with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder instead, which produces around 300 horses and can get you up to 22 miles per gallon combined, with a breakdown of 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.

13 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Starting Suggesting MSRP: $42,830

Many midsize SUVs have gone away from the sport utility roots of prowess off the beaten path, but the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee sticks with tradition and offers all-terrain capability for the whole family, and it is the best midsize SUV for towing with a rating of up to 6,200 pounds. Several models include an electronically locking limited-slip differential, with the rough-and-tumble Trailhawk model equipped with an adjustable air suspension and disconnecting sway bar for tackling the great outdoors.

Specs and Features For 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

For that added capability, the Jeep commands a higher starting price, $42,830, than most of the entries on this list. Those willing to dish out more dough for upper trims receive a handsome, upscale cabin and appointments. The Grand Cherokee does not have a third-row option, limiting seating to five passengers, but the cargo hold behind the rear seats is a massive 37.7 cubic feet. The Grand Cherokee comes standard with a 3.6-liter V-6 dishing out 293 horsepower. However, a 375-horsepower plug-in hybrid "4xe" powertrain is also available and is the quickest (and most fuel-efficient) of the bunch, with a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds.

12 2023 Honda Passport

Starting Suggested MSRP: $41,100

The Honda Passport is not designed to be an all-out offroad vehicle, as you can see by looking at the trim models, except for the TrailSport, which puts all its efforts into the thrill of the great outdoors. But, the Passport provides an exceptional all-around family SUV that offers a no-thrills ride with decent power and adequate performance. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is plenty for most average hauling jobs. Under the hood is only one option: the basic 3.5-liter six-cylinder perfectly placed between the gas-guzzling V-8 and the fuel-efficient four-cylinder, giving you a good combination of both.

Specs and Features For 2023 Honda Passport EX-L

On the interior, you will find a co*ckpit designed with high-quality materials, which may account for the higher price tag than others in the class. First, you will notice that the seats are wrapped in leather, and the TrailSport has embroidered logos stitched into the fronts. The tri-climate controls will allow all five people to remain comfortable during any trip, and a one-touch power moonroof can open the skies up for a viewing pleasure like no other. To top it all off, the ambient lighting perfectly sets the mood, creating a calm and relaxing environment to make the cabin of the Passport your new home away from home.

11 2023 Mazda CX-9

Starting Suggested MSRP: $40,125

If you are looking for more of a sporty SUV in the midsize class, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 may be the perfect fit for you. That is only if you are willing to give up a little leg and headroom, though. Think about it this way. The point of getting an SUV for most people is to gain some extra room, which is why they have two or three rows designed into them and why they are higher off the ground and designed with more space inside. You will have to give up some of that space and height to keep some of the sportiness, but there is a middle ground where you can get both. That middle ground is the Mazda CX-9.

Specs and Features For 2023 Mazda CX-9 Touring

The power plant for the CX-9 is not the V-6 you would expect, like what you would find in most of the others in the class, but rather a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It is a zippy little four-cylinder that can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 7 seconds. It has a multilink front and rear suspension to help with handling and a firm suspension for traveling over rough roads. To top it off, the interior is loaded with high-tech gadgets and all the safety assistance technology you would expect to have in today's technology-driven world.

10 2023 Ford Explorer

Starting Suggested MSRP: $38,355

The Ford Explorer has been in production since 1991, and the three-row SUV continues to be a top player in the midsize class. The Explorer, which starts at $38,355, is among the most powerful non-luxury midsize SUVs on sale with three powertrain options — a 2.3-liter inline-four, 3.0-liter turbo V-6, and V-6 hybrid — offering between 300 to 410 horsepower, up to 415 pound-feet of torque, and a max tow rating of 5,600 pounds.

Specs and Features For Ford Explorer

The Explorer seats up to seven with standard second-row captain's chairs, and though rear passenger space trails some rivals, its 18.2 cubic feet of storage behind the second row is still accommodating. Those behind the first row can enjoy a rear-seat entertainment system, while a 10.1-inch tablet-like display is available along with a 12-speaker premium sound system and automatically sliding second-row seats for easy ingress/egress to the rear.

RELATED: Everything You Need To Know About The All New Toyota Grand Highlander

9 2023 Toyota Highlander

Starting Suggested MSRP: $37,775

Like many of its Toyota stablemates, the three-row Highlander is a well-composed overall choice with plenty of trims and powertrains available, generous standard features, and real-world practicality and comfort. The Highlander can accommodate seven or eight passengers with 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. It's available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder offering 265 horsepower (which replaces the previously standard V-6 engine), front or all-wheel drive, and a max tow rating of 5,000 pounds.

Specs and Features For 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain is also offered with dual electric motors for a combined output of 243 horsepower paired with a CVT. In addition to a suite of standard driver's aids, the Highlander can be had with dual 12.3-inch displays, a power-operated liftgate, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot with an intuitive dashboard setup for drivers. The Highlander isn't the quickest or most nimble midsize SUV, but it provides the kind of comfort and agreeable dynamics expected of a family hauler.

8 2023 Kia Telluride

Starting Suggested MSRP: $37,255

The Kia Telluride has become the darling of the midsize SUV segment that's been lauded by both automotive experts and consumers alike since its introduction — and for good reason. When it comes to delivering the best overall value in the class, the Telluride shines with a reasonable price starting at $37,255. The three-row Kia can seat either seven or eight passengers with a whopping 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and no matter the model, its cabin feels notably more upscale than many of its rivals. Opt for a higher trim and it feels downright luxurious with features like a head-up display, ventilated rear seats, and Nappa leather seats.

Specs and Features For 2023 Kia Telluride SX

Like the Palisade, it's powered by a 291-horsepower V-6 capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, and it is slightly more efficient at 20 combined MPG versus the 19 combined offered by the Hyundai. In our road test of the Telluride, we found that it edges its corporate cousin with its more spacious cargo area, better fuel economy, and higher ride height and ground clearance for all-terrain treks. And, subjectively, it's easy to appreciate its rugged looks. Overall, the Telluride sits at the top of the midsize SUV class with its proficiency in all categories and attractive pricing.

7 2023 Hyundai Palisade

Starting Suggested MSRP: $37,235

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade doesn't take the top spot on our list, but as the corporate cousin of our No. 1 pick (spoiler alert), the Kia Telluride, it barely misses topping the chart with very little separating the two fantastic three-row, midsized SUVs. The Palisade is powered by a 3.8-liter V-6, offering a respectable 291 horsepower and 5,000-pound towing capacity. In our road test, we were impressed with Palisade's performance as it had an athleticism that beguiles its footprint and is slightly improved over the Telluride.

Specs and Features For 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL

It is available in either seven- or eight-passenger seating arrangements with reasonable third-row passenger space and a generous 18 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats. And it's not just spacious — the Palisade's cabin feels far more upmarket than its pricing would suggest. There's also a seemingly mile-long list of standard features like a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, seven USB ports, ample safety features, and driver's aids, including Hyundai's unique Blind Spot View Monitor.

RELATED: TopSpeed's Best SUV Of 2022: Hyundai Palisade

6 2023 Honda Pilot

Starting Suggested MSRP: $37,295

The three-row Honda Pilot has been completely updated for 2023, and it's now as compelling as ever with an updated powertrain, stylish new looks, and the same overall pragmaticism as the previous iteration. The Pilot is still piloted by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine offering 285 horsepower with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. It can seat up to eight passengers, or seven with available second-row captain's chairs with a spacious 19 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats.

Specs and Features For 2023 Honda Pilot Elite

Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available, which ups the Honda's max tow rating to 5,000 pounds. The Pilot delivers a comfortable drive and is well-equipped throughout its range, with mid-range models offering niceties like leather seats, a power liftgate, and wireless charging. A new rugged Trailsport trim is also available with an offroad kit like a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, a tuned all-wheel-drive system, and skid plates.

5 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

Starting Suggested MSRP: $36,535

Nissan has a reputation for being a value-oriented choice in the segments in which it competes, and the Pathfinder is a prime example of that. Though it's $36,535 asking price is on par with much of the entries on this list, the top-of-the-range Pathfinder tops out at under $50,000 and comes well-equipped with a suite of safety features, and creature comforts like a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, wireless charging, and semi-aniline leather upholstery. The Pathfinder has three rows and seating for up to eight as standard, though second-row captain's chairs are available for up to seven seats.

Specs and Features For 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SL

Nissan's smaller three-row SUV (the Armada is in the full-sized segment) is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 cranking out 284 horsepower and paired with a traditional nine-speed automatic. The off-road-spec Rock Creek trim ups the power to 295 horses and includes a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and standard all-wheel drive. Max towing is an impressive 6,000 pounds, and while the Pathfinder offers less cargo space than its rivals, 17 cubic feet behind the rear row, it comes with convenient cabin storage spaces.

4 2023 Chevrolet Traverse

Starting Suggested MSRP: $35,915

The 2023 Traverse may not outshine its competition in all categories, but with its rich feature set, it remains a solid overall choice among three-row midsize SUVs, especially for those who put a premium on practicality. The Traverse offers a class-leading 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear row, and it will haul up to eight with bench seats or seven passengers with second-row captain's chairs.

Specs and Features For 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS

And unlike many of its rivals, adults won't have to be completely pinched to ride in the third row. All Traverse models, which start at $35,915, are powered by a 310-horsepower V-6 engine that pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and can haul up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. On the road, the Traverse delivers a quiet, comfortable ride with features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, power liftgate, and an available 10-speaker Bose sound system​​​​​.

RELATED: 2023 Mazda CX-9 Vs. 2024 Mazda CX-90

3 2023 Subaru Ascent

Starting Suggested MSRP: $35,120

The 2023 Ascent doesn't, well, ascend to the top of our list, but the Ascent is still an overall attractive option in the midsize SUV segment that continues Subaru's all-terrain prowess with standard all-wheel drive and an attractive starting price of $35,120. The Ascent can haul up to eight passengers as standard, with available second-row captain's chairs offering seating for up to seven. It's powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque with a max tow rating of 5,000 pounds.

Specs and Features For 2023 Subaru Ascent Premium

All models are equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The Subaru's cabin isn't as upmarket as some rivals, but it does feature amenities like an 11.6-inch touchscreen, an available 360-degree camera, and Cabin Connect, an interior speaker system for easier communication between passengers. Third-row space also falls behind some competitors, but the Ascent still manages 18 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats. Subaru's biggest SUV is on our list partly due to the Ascent being refreshed for 2023 with some new styling cues and better standard equipment.

2 2023 Kia Sorento

Starting Suggested MSRP: $30,090

11 different choices right out of the gate is what you get when considering the 2023 Kia Sorento. That is how many different trim levels there are, with numerous powertrain and powerplant options, including a Hybrid version that can get up to 34 combined miles per gallon. With the towing package installed and the turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood, you can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Otherwise, you can only expect to have around 2,000 pounds trailering behind you at any given time.

Specs and Features For 2023 Kia Sorento EX Hybrid

Inside, you can customize things however you want, including adding a captain's chair if needed. You will also find numerous cubby-holes and pockets to hold items, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment center, and ambient lighting to help you see even in the dark while setting a pleasant, calm atmosphere for everyone within the co*ckpit while traveling.

1 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting Suggested MSRP: $30,085

For those who don't need the larger dimensions, third-row seating, or towing capacity of the three-row Palisade, Hyundai's smaller but still midsize Santa Fe is a compelling choice with seating for five and 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear row. There's also seemingly a Santa Fe for almost all buyers, with 10 trims and four powertrains available. However, its towing capacity is limited to 3,500 pounds. We recently tested the top-spec Calligraphy trim. The standard powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder offering 191 horsepower with an optional 277-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, and both pair with an eight-speed automatic.

Specs and Features For 2023 Hyundai Sante Fe SEL Premium Hybrid

Meanwhile, the Santa Fe Hybrid is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and dual electric motors for a combined 226 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, while the plug-in-hybrid uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter with a single electric motor for a combined output of 260 horsepower. Inside, the Santa Fe's cabin is spacious for passengers in both rows with creature comforts like a head-up display, heated rear seats, dual 12.3-inch displays, and plenty of standard driver's aids and safety features. The Hyundai also delivers a composed and smooth ride and a solid build quality for its price point, starting at just $30,085.