If you need to move more than five people on a regular basis, you have two choices: an SUV or a minivan. Among Canadians, midsize SUVs are the preferred choice here. Minivans are more practical but aren’t currently in fashion, and large SUVs are too much truck for the majority of Canadian families. Midsize SUVs, on the other hand, strike a balance between space, seating positions, and desirable attributes like plenty of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
But midsize SUVs aren’t purely a three-row domain. Some drivers only need five seats but find a compact SUV to be uncomfortably small for their needs. A two-row midsize SUV can solve this problem, in some cases more affordably than a three-row SUV can.
As such, for this guide to the best midsize SUVs you can buy in Canada in 2024 we’ve provided a mix of two-row, smaller three-row, and larger three-row options, to provide a list of the best SUVs available from both mainstream and luxury brands. You’ll find gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models here. For full EV options, check out our guide to the Best Electric SUVs in Canada.
Best Midsize SUVs in Canada in 2024
- 2024 Acura MDX
- 2024 BMW X5
- 2024 Hyundai Palisade
- 2024 Genesis GV80
- 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2024 Kia Sorento
- 2024 Kia Telluride
- 2024 Lexus RX
- 2024 Mazda CX-90
- 2024 Subaru Outback
- 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
- 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
2024 Acura MDX
The three-row midsize MDX is Acura’s largest model. It comes with seven seats in a 2-3-2 setup by default, but the centre position in the second row can be folded to create a centre console with cupholders or removed to improve access to the third row in a clever modular setup. The standard powertrain is a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, which feeds through a 10-speed automatic transmission to Acura’s Super Handling All-wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as standard equipment. This version averages 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres combined.
New for 2024, the Acura MDX Type S Ultra adds a sporty option with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 making 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, the latter arriving as low as 1,400 rpm. If you choose this MDX, expect to consume 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving on average. The MDX is fun to drive and handles well, and the interior and exterior design elements are stylish and refined. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, Acura reliability is rated by J.D. Power as below average, and you’ll want to be sure you can live with the touchpad-based infotainment system before committing. Pricing for the 2024 Acura MDX starts in Canada at $64,909 for the base Tech grade and tops out at $88,409 for the MDX Type S Ultra.
Acrua MDX Review
2024 BMW X5
Among the German offerings, we rank the perennially popular BMW X5 among the best midsize SUVs from luxury brands. It’s spacious and opulent as a two-row SUV and has some updates for 2024 that improve its design and technology offerings. Four different versions are available. The base X5 xDrive40i starts at $89,255 and uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine to produce 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque while averaging 9.4 L/100 km combined. The sportier X5 M60i, starting from $109,906, has a 4.4-litre turbo V8 making 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque and averages 12.3 L/100 km combined.
For true supercar performance in a midsize SUV body style, lay down $154,306 for the X5M Competition for its uptuned version of that same V8 generating 617 hp and 553 lb-ft while burning 15.8 L/100 km combined. And if you’re interested in a plug-in hybrid, you can opt for the $93,755 X5 xDrive50e with its electrified powertrain, combined 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, and up to 63 kilometres of electric-only driving range. J.D. Power ranks the BMW X5 among the most reliable luxury mid-size SUVs. And while it’s a less practical option, you can also choose the BMW X6 if you want any of the gas-powered variants in a more fashion-forward coupe style package.
2024 Hyundai Palisade
The three-row flagship Hyundai Palisade is nearing the end of its first generation with a new one rumoured to be arriving sometime in 2025 or 2026. In the meantime, the Palisade continues to be a popular option and a great value for larger families. For 2024, the Hyundai Palisade is offered in Canada in seven- or eight-seat configurations and in two trims, Urban or Ultimate Calligraphy. A 3.8-litre V6 produces 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which pushes through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard AWD. Fuel efficiency averages 11.1 L/100 km in combined driving. Desirable features such as eight-way powered heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Pricing for the 2024 Hyundai Palisade starts in Canada at $57,431. If you’d prefer a smaller vehicle and will only use the third row occasionally, you could also consider the all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, which bring a seven-seat option back to the brand’s smaller mid-size SUV offering.
2024 Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80, a midsize SUV from Hyundai’s luxury division, was the first SUV to be launched by the brand. Although it’s been on the market for a few years now, it remains one of the best values among luxury SUVs in Canada. It’s offered in two- or three-row configurations and has two available powertrains. The base 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque and is offered with standard AWD on the 2.5T Advanced grade, which has a starting price in Canada of $76,000.
Canadian pricing for the Genesis brand includes at-home concierge services, five years of scheduled maintenance, and more. On the 3.5T grades, a larger 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 generates 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T Prestige grades include an electronic limited-slip differential, which can sent up to 100% of the rear axle’s available torque to the left or right wheel on demand. Pricing for the Genesis GV80 3.5T starts at $83,000. A new GV80 Coupe is on the way, which adds a fashionable sloping roofline.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
When the latest version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was released a couple of years ago, it really solidified Jeep’s desire to be considered a premium brand. And for the first time, you can purchase the standard two-row, five-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee, or you can opt for the three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L with up to seven seats. If you choose the two-row, you’ll be able to choose from the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque averaging 10.9 L/100 km combined, or the plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe with 42 kilometres of electric autonomy. In the Grand Cherokee L, expect to average 11.3 L/100 km with the V6, or opt for the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 and its 357 hp, 390 lb-ft of torque, and 14.1 L/100 km combined fuel economy average.
In true Jeep fashion, three different 4x4 systems are available to accommodate the needs of different drivers. Pricing in Canada for the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $60,565, while the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts at $62,565.
2024 Kia Sorento
Very few midsize SUVs give you the option of gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. With the Kia Sorento, all these choices are on the table, and all of them start at competitive prices. The Kia Sorento is a three-row midsize SUV, though it’s smaller than counterparts like the Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Pathfinder, and the brand’s own Kia Telluride, so its third row is tighter and better suited to occasional use. Still, for households that don’t need a full-time third row, this can be a practical alternative.
The 2024 Kia Sorento starts at $41,763 in Canada in its gas-only format, where it makes 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque with a normally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. It comes with standard AWD and averages 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid is a fuel-efficient alternative, averaging 6.8 L/100 km combined with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and starting from $42,083. If you can take advantage of the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid’s 51 kilometres of electric-only range, you may find it’s worth the premium starting at $51,583. Plus, the Sorento PHEV qualifies for federal and provincial/territorial EV rebates where they exist.
2024 Kia Telluride
If you like the Kia brand but need something larger than a Sorento, the 2024 Kia Telluride remains a popular midsize three-row SUV. It’s closely related to the Hyundai Palisade and has been attracting plenty of buyers with its rugged looks and great value since it launched for the 2020 model year.
Like the Palisade, the Kia Telluride is expected to receive a redesign for 2025 or 2026. In the meantime, the 3.8-litre V6 and its 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque come with standard AWD and average 11.7 L/100 km combined. The Telluride has two rugged trims, the X-Line and X-Pro, which offer varying levels of off-road capability. Pricing in Canada for the 2024 Kia Telluride starts at $53,433.
2024 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX has long been the midsize SUV darling of the Canadian automotive market, and for good reason. It’s practical, affordable, consistently the most reliable in its segment according to J.D. Power, and it has a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Plus, it’s built right here in Canada at Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Cambridge, Ontario.
The latest generation of the Lexus RX launched for the 2023 model year, and it now comes with four different powertrain options. The gas-only RX 350 generates 275 hp and averages 9.9 L/100 km combined with its 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. Two hybrids are on offer: the more efficiency-oriented RX 350h creates a total system output of 246 hp and consumes just 6.5 L/100 km combined, while the performance model, the RX 500h, has a total of 367 hp and averages 8.6 L/100 km combined. Opt for the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid and you can take advantage of 304 hp and up to 60 kilometres of electric driving per charge. Pricing for the 2024 Lexus RX in Canada starts at $63,136 for the RX 350, $65,136 for the RX 350h, $84,786 for the RX 500h, and $90,236 for the RX 450h+ PHEV.
2024 Mazda CX-90
Several compelling new midsize three-row vehicles landed last year to shake up the family SUV segment. One of those is the Mazda CX-90, the first eight-seat vehicle ever produced by the brand best known for engaging driving dynamics. Two powertrains are available at launch. The 3.3-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system has two iterations. The standard-output version delivers 280 hp, 332 lb-ft of torque, AWD as a standard feature, and an average combined fuel efficiency of 9.3 L/100 km combined. With the high-output version, you’ll receive 340 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque, and only a slightly higher fuel economy figure of 9.5 L/100 km combined.
Efficiency-minded families may appreciate the CX-90 plug-in hybrid SUV, a first from the brand. This powertrain blends a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 68 kW electric motor and a 17.8 kWh battery to produce up to 323 combined hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when filled with 93-octane fuel (or 319 hp/369 lb-ft with 87-octane). With the CX-90 PHEV, you can travel up to 42 kilometres on electric power alone.
Pricing for the 2024 Mazda CX-90 in Canada starts from $49,348 for the mild hybrid version and $58,348 for the plug-in hybrid. The latter’s price is low enough that it qualifies for a $5,000 federal EV purchase rebate as well as provincial and territorial rebates where they exist. If you like the look of the CX-90 but don’t need a third row, consider the 2024 Mazda CX-70, which offers similar configurations to the CX-90 in a midsize two-row SUV package.
Mazda CX-90 Review
2024 Subaru Outback
We appreciate that the Subaru Outback is unapologetically unlike every other vehicle on this list. It makes no bones about being a dedicated two-row midsize crossover. Its proportions land somewhere between a traditional SUV and a wagon, offering a lower profile and plenty of cargo capacity and practicality while still providing a very generous 22 centimetres of ground clearance on most models. And if you really want something rough-and-tumble, the Subaru Outback Wilderness comes from the factory with all-terrain tires, easy-clean upholstery, and even more ground clearance at 24.1 centimetres, delivering amazing versatility.
Two engines are available: the base naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder generates 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is good for 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Fuel consumption figures are 8.3 and 9.5 L/100 km combined respectively, while the Outback Wilderness will cost you more at the pumps with a 10.1 L/100 km average. Subaru’s reliability as a brand is roughly average according to J.D. Power, while the Outback receives the best possible safety rating of Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Pricing for the 2024 Subaru Outback in Canada starts from $36,572.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is another of the all-new midsize 3-row SUVs that entered the market last year. It’s a long-awaited solution to a gap that’s existed in Toyota’s line-up for a long time. The Toyota Highlander has long been valued for its safety and reliability, but it isn’t quite roomy enough for regular third-row use and is lower on cargo space. The full-size Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, is massive to the point of being impractical for a lot of suburban families. The Grand Highlander falls between the two and is spacious, has a great list of standard safety features, and offers a very comfortable ride. It’s no wonder the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) selected it as the 2024 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year.
Three powertrains are offered, each with standard AWD. The base 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder has 265 hp, a fuel consumption average of 10.0 L/100 km combined, and a starting price in Canada of $53,553. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid setup offers 243 combined hp, a fuel consumption average of 7.0 L/100 km combined, and a starting price of $56,853. And the 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder Hybrid Max powertrain delivers a combined power output of 362 hp, an average fuel efficiency of 8.8 L/100 km combined, and a new car price that starts at $68,513 in Canada. If your budget is higher and you want to add some premium touches, the all-new Lexus TX is a luxury SUV with these same underpinnings.
Toyota Grand Highlander Review
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Both the Volkswagen Atlas three-row midsize SUV and the slightly smaller two-row version, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, receive a refresh for 2024. The Atlas offers solid value and is one of the most spacious vehicles in its segment, but if you truly won’t use three rows of seats then the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is an appealing alternative. Its coupe body style gives it a stylish look without sacrificing much in the way of head room, and it’s offered in a visually striking Kingfisher Blue paint that’s not offered on its larger sibling.
The standard 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine produces 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque while averaging 10.8 L/100 km combined. It is worth noting, that J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen among the worst automotive brands for reliability, though the IIHS names it a Top Safety Pick. Pricing for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport in Canada starts at $52,178.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Review
Honourable mentions
We haven’t yet driven the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, a new version of the two-row midsize SUV from Ford’s luxury division, though its technology makes a huge first impression. If you need a midsize three-row SUV with plenty of towing capacity, check out the Nissan Pathfinder and its available 2,720-kilogram (6,000-pound) capability. The Honda Pilot and Honda Passport are worth considering for those who value interior space over all else, though pricing is higher than average. The Ford Bronco is technically a midsize SUV and is definitely worth a look if you think you’ll benefit from its impressive off-road capability. If you’re a General Motors afficionado and want to stick within those brands, consider the Chevy Blazer, the recently redesigned Chevrolet Traverse, or the Cadillac XT6. The Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango are vehicles that are getting on somewhat in age but still offer decent value. And if you’ve got a higher budget, the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most highly customizable vehicles on the market.
Note: All listed prices include destination charges and any declared dealer fees. Pricing is current as of the time of publication but is subject to change. Images may show US models.
Related Topics:
- Best 7-Seat SUVs in Canada
- Best Small SUVs in Canada
- The Cheapest SUVs in Canada
