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For Americans, freely traveling the road is one of our great freedoms. It’s part of who we are as a nation, and those iconic summer getaways are always made better with the right kind of vehicle. Sitting comfortably between the heavy-duty nature of full-size SUVs and the coziness of sedans is the midsize SUV. This style of car brings together safety, utility, and comfort in a way that’s difficult to get with any other kind of car.
The best midsize SUVs are those that balance all three of those considerations with a bevy of features and add-ons that represent a great quality of life and come in handy when you’re on the road. Between safety ratings, fuel efficiency, and cargo space, different models of midsize SUVs stand out from the crowd. While all makes and models share some qualities in common, we’ve found 8 of the best midsize SUVs of 2023 to help you choose your next road companion.
Our List of the 8 Best Midsize SUVs of 2023
Before we get to the list, it’s worth noting that any of these SUVs could be right for you. They each have their advantages, and we’d be happy to take any of them out for a road trip to explore the countryside this summer. Nevertheless, some models will be better suited to those who need more space or more comfort features or want to emphasize safety first. These offerings hit solid marks in each of those categories but will generally specialize in one category or the other.
- Kia Telluride – Kia continues its emphasis on safety and capacity for the 2023 edition of the Telluride. It boasts ample cargo space even as it seats up to 8 in its three rows of seats. Given Telluride’s emphasis on capacity, it’s no surprise that your passengers will enjoy the ride and be able to hop out naturally – which is something you can’t always take for granted in this class.
- Chevrolet Traverse – The Traverse’s engine will not let you down, even when seating maximum capacity. Its 3.6L V6 engine can keep up with the demand without guzzling gas the whole way. In average conditions, the 2023 Traverse manages up to 21 combined MPG. It’s not the highest-rated for safety, but the engine and other attributes make it easy for you to feel in control when you’re on the road.
- Hyundai Santa Fe – Creature comforts come easy to the Santa Fe. Hyundai’s design emphasizes clean acceleration and great handling without sacrificing driver and passenger comfort during long excursions. All its features are well-integrated and intuitive, making it a joy to drive even as you multitask with calls or the infotainment system. Its reasonable 26 combined MPG keeps it on the road more than the average SUV and saves some money at the same time.
- Lexus RX – Lexus completely revamped the RX for 2023, bundling an impressive suite of built-in features such as wireless Apple CarPlay with impressive safety standards and a competent engine that makes it a dream to drive. Its 2.4L I-4 engine musters the power of 275 horses to pull your metal chariot everywhere you need to go, but this model easily fits within the luxury category, starting at around $50k for base trims.
- Land Rover Defender – Speaking of higher price tags, the Land Rover Defender tops our list on price while landing at the bottom on efficiency. What it trades away on these points, it more than makes up for in terms of its comfort, spaciousness, and safety. It’s built with a robust chassis that can fit many people and all their equipment for any outdoor adventure. Meanwhile, it’s cozy enough to enjoy for those road trips that just explore the open road.
- Nissan Murano – This SUV falls in the middle of the road in many categories. It’s not the most economical or the most efficient, nor is it the safest or the most comfortable. Nevertheless, there’s nowhere that this midsize SUV is lacking completely. It offers a good blend of features, safety, and engine power. Most people can fit everything they need in it, and while it’s certainly not a bus when it comes to capacity, it can comfortably fit five passengers.
- Buick Enclave – With an emphasis on power, the Enclave doesn’t fuss as much about user experience. It’s a little less comfortable and less customizable than other options on this list, but it feels very well-balanced to drive, combining good handling with a 3.6L V6 engine that can handle this SUV’s weight. It’s not nearly as refined as Lexus and luxury brands such as BMW, but it’s a stepping stone as Buick pushes itself into the luxury midsize SUV market.
- Hyundai Palisade – This redesigned 2023 model improves on several aspects of the Palisade’s design, including efficiency, clocking in at around 25 combined MPG. While not the most expensive model on the market, it still has enjoyable interior trims and an engine that is responsive enough to help you get onto the highway easily and safely. Further, Palisade’s seating arrangement is comfortable and well-designed, meaning the whole family can feel good for the whole ride.
Regardless of the qualities you’re looking for, the midsize SUV market has something that suits you. These models represent the flexibility that this kind of vehicle brings to the table, so when you’re looking for the right ride for your next road trip, consider one of the best midsize SUVs of 2023 to get you safely and comfortably where you want to go.