No matter what you’re after in a new car, there are fewer and fewer terrible options to choose from every year. The range is more like decent to excellent. If you happen to be shopping for a midsize SUV boasting good versatility, competition is tighter than ever in this segment, and especially for three-rows. It wasn’t easy narrowing down our list of the best midsize SUVs this year. Because the segment has grown so quickly and competition is so tough, models such as the Subaru Outback, Volkswagen Atlas, Chevrolet Blazer, and Ford Explorer and Ford Bronco barely missed the cut. But, after much analysis, we pared down the vast selection to the 10 vehicles we consider the best midsize SUVs on the market.
The Best Midsize SUVs in 2026
The Best Midsize SUVs in 2026
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Hyundai Palisade
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Jeep Wrangler
- Kia Sorento
- Kia Telluride
- Honda Pilot
- Lexus RX
- Volkswagen Atlas
- Mazda CX-90
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1. Chevrolet Traverse
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious interior | Gruff engine |
| Pleasant ride | Too big to handle well |
| Lots of safety equipment | Mediocre power |
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is aimed at shoppers who need midsize SUV flexibility but keep finding themselves cross-shopping three-row family haulers. It’s sized and packaged to pull some of the daily-duty advantages people like in minivans—easy people-moving and a roomy cabin—while still delivering the higher seating position and SUV look many buyers prefer.
On the road, the Traverse prioritizes comfort with a pleasant ride that suits commuting and long highway trips, and it brings a healthy amount of safety equipment to the table for family use. The trade-off is that it’s simply a big vehicle, so it won’t feel especially nimble in tight turns or parking lots, and the powertrain can come across as more gruff than refined—especially when it’s working hard with a full load of passengers and cargo.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse substitutes for both minivans and full-size body-on-frame SUVs. " - Kirk Bell
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2. Hyundai Palisade
CarGurus expert rating: 8.8 out of 10 CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5 Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple powertrain options | XRT trim loses luxury features |
| Great ride quality | Fuel economy lags behind top rivals |
| Spacious |
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade arrives as a fully redesigned three-row SUV, offering families a premium driving experience with standout style, comfort, and utility. With its more upright, squared-off profile and distinctive front lighting, the Palisade makes a bold impression on the outside, while the inside takes inspiration from midcentury modern furniture, featuring soft, flowing lines, high-quality materials, and seating for seven or eight. The Palisade packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available AWD. For those who want to venture off the pavement, the new XRT Pro trim brings all-terrain tires, an inch of extra ground clearance, and advanced off-road tech.
Inside, the Palisade is all about family-friendly features and flexibility. Second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat provide roomy, comfortable accommodations, and even adults can find space in the third row for shorter trips. USB-C ports, cupholders, and air vents are accessible in all rows. Cargo capacity is practical: With the third row in use, you get up to 20.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 46.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 86.7 cubic feet with both rows down—outpacing the Ford Explorer but trailing class leaders like the Toyota Grand Highlander. Tech highlights include dual 12.3-inch digital displays, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Hyundai’s value proposition is strong, with a starting price undercutting most rivals and one of the industry’s best warranties.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is an improvement over the outgoing version it replaces in every meaningful way. Consider the Palisade a top choice if you’re in the market for a three-row SUV that’s comfortable for the whole family." - Jeremy Korzeniewski
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3. Hyundai Santa Fe
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ample storage cubbies and compartments | Polarizing design |
| Great safety ratings | Poor fuel economy |
| Excellent value | Cramped third row |
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe arrives fully redesigned with a boxy, upright silhouette that maximizes interior space without overextending exterior dimensions, and the result is a cabin that feels larger than the footprint suggests. Clear sightlines, easy entry and exit, a generously proportioned rear seat, and a cargo hold that opens hands-free make it one of the more practically considered midsize SUVs in the segment. Thoughtful details accumulate quickly — door panel slots sized for smartphones, upper cupholders on the rear door panels for rear passengers, a hidden storage well under the cargo floor, and dual wireless charging pads in the center console. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Highway Driving Assist, and a comprehensive driver-assist suite come without having to climb the trim ladder, and Hyundai's complimentary lifetime Bluelink+ connected services for original owners adds ongoing value that competitors typically charge a subscription for.
The Santa Fe earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star overall NHTSA rating, which gives it strong credentials on the safety front. Upper trims escalate meaningfully: the Limited adds a surround-view camera, a Bose audio system, remote parking assist, and fingerprint push-button start, while the top Calligraphy brings Nappa leather upholstery and an Alcantara headliner — near-luxury content at a mainstream price point. One genuine recommendation worth passing along to shoppers: the Santa Fe Hybrid is available at a modest premium and returns 34 mpg combined with AWD, making it an easy upgrade to justify over the gas model for most buyers.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Polarizing design aside, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a brilliant, family-friendly crossover SUV. We tested the XRT version, which trades fuel economy for off-road capability, so buyers who don’t need that should pick a different trim level." - Christian Wardlaw
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4. Jeep Wrangler
CarGurus expert rating: 6.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable seats | Poor fuel economy |
| Plenty of cargo space | Noisy |
| Incredibly capable off-road | Cramped back seat |
For shoppers who want midsize-SUV versatility but prioritize trail capability, the 2026 Jeep Wrangler remains one of the most purpose-built options you can buy. It’s engineered to handle rugged terrain with confidence, yet it still works for everyday tasks like commuting and weekend errands—helped by comfortable front seats and a layout that can be configured to carry plenty of gear.
As a daily driver, the Wrangler’s trade-offs are the same ones many buyers expect from a true off-roader. Fuel economy is a weak point, and the cabin can get noisy at speed, especially compared with more car-like midsize crossovers. If you regularly carry adults in the second row, it’s also worth noting the back seat can feel cramped, so families may want to test-fit child seats or take a longer ride before deciding.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2026 Jeep Wrangler is a capable off-roader that does a fair job as a daily driver." - Jill Ciminillo
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5. Kia Sorento
CarGurus expert rating: 8.3 out of 10 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful engine | Interior materials feel cheap |
| Impressive technology | Cramped third-row |
| Great warranty | Not much cargo space |
The Kia Sorento is for many a “right-sized” SUV, offering more space than most compact crossovers while slotting below many larger three-row models in overall size. This makes it a practical fit for families who need an occasional-use third row but don’t want to sacrifice maneuverability or fuel efficiency. The X-Pro SX Prestige trim delivers a near-luxury experience, complete with leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 24-inch panoramic display. Under the hood, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out an impressive 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the more powerful options in its segment. With AWD and all-terrain tires, the ride is comfortable and surprisingly quiet while still handling rougher roads with confidence.
Inside, the Sorento is packed with features designed for real-world usability, including heated and ventilated front seats with plenty of adjustment, generous cabin storage, and intuitive tech like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cargo capacity is versatile: With the third row folded, you get a generous 38.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 75.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down—great for road trips or hauling gear. The Sorento’s safety suite is robust, especially on higher trims, and includes semi-autonomous driver aids, though the third row is best reserved for occasional use. Combine all this with Kia’s strong warranty and competitive pricing, and the Sorento makes a compelling case for shoppers wanting value, flexibility, and a dash of style.
The CarGurus Verdict: "When something isn’t broken, you don’t fix it. That helps explain why the Kia Sorento is almost exactly the same as last year." - Christian Wardlaw
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6. Kia Telluride
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Outdated technology |
| Comfortable | Irritating lane-assist system |
| Great safety ratings | Sticky brakes in thick traffic |
The Kia Telluride was redesigned for 2027; read our review of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid here.
Here, we're recommending the first-gen Telluride, which continues to stand out among midsize three-row SUVs thanks to its combination of style, comfort, and real-world practicality. Even as newer competitors enter the market, the Telluride remains a favorite for families seeking space and value. Every 2025 Telluride comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, offering smooth and ample power whether you’re headed across town or embarking on a cross-country adventure. With a maximum of 87 cubic feet of cargo space when both the second and third rows are folded, and 21 cubic feet behind the third row, it easily accommodates family gear, groceries, and road trip essentials.
Inside, the Telluride impresses with thoughtful touches like heated and ventilated seats in both front and second rows, plenty of USB-C charging ports, and clever storage solutions throughout the cabin. Safety is another strong suit—every trim is loaded with advanced driver assistance features, and the Telluride boasts both a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. While the infotainment technology feels dated and the lane-centering assist can be intrusive, these are small trade-offs for a three-row SUV that consistently delivers comfort, value, and peace of mind.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Aging technology caused some irritation during a five-day road trip in the 2025 Kia Telluride. Otherwise, the Telluride was perfectly suited to long-distance travel–whether rolling down an Interstate, roaming a major city, or romping down trails near a national park." - Christian Wardlaw
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7. Honda Pilot
CarGurus expert rating: 7 out of 10 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Practical for daily living | Unimpressive fuel economy |
| Plenty of cargo space | Technology looks outdated |
| Great safety ratings | Front passenger seat lacks adjustment |
The Honda Pilot is a masterclass in three-row family SUV practicality, and the 2026 update gives it a brawnier new look to match its already-impressive utility. One of its standout features remains the removable second-row center seat, which gives families the flexibility of a bench or captain's chairs depending on the day—and when not in use, it stows neatly under the cargo floor. Cargo capacity is exceptional across the board: 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, up to 60.1 cubic feet with it folded, and a minivan-rivaling 112.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The third row is genuinely accessible thanks to a one-touch second-row fold, and average-sized adults can manage shorter trips back there comfortably. The full Honda Sensing safety suite comes standard on every trim, bundling forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more, and the 2025 Pilot earned a five-star NHTSA overall rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick—strong indicators that the 2026 model will perform similarly.
Under the hood, a 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission for confident, unhurried acceleration that suits a family hauler perfectly. AWD is standard on most trims and available on the rest, while revised steering for 2026 brings a more stable, composed highway feel. The updated 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is larger, quicker, and easy to use at a glance, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. Fuel economy of around 21–22 mpg combined is the one area where the Pilot trails rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid and Hyundai Palisade Hybrid—neither of which Honda currently offers a direct answer to. But for families who prioritize space, versatility, and dependability over efficiency, the Pilot remains one of the most thoughtfully engineered three-row SUVs in the segment.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Clever features help the Pilot stand out from other three-row SUVs. Our only major complaint is the lack of a more fuel-efficient model." - Mark Takahashi
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8. Lexus RX
CarGurus expert rating: 6.2 out of 10 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fuel-efficient | Potentially polarizing design |
| Comfortable | Fairly pedestrian performance |
| Quiet cabin | Some interior materials feel cheap |
The Lexus RX continues to be a top choice for drivers who value luxury, comfort, and impressive fuel economy in a midsize SUV. With a starting price just over $50,000, the RX lineup offers a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (275 hp, 317 lb-ft of torque), a 246-hp hybrid, a high-performance 366-hp RX 500h, and the new plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ with 304 hp and up to 37 miles of electric-only range. While the RX isn't the most thrilling SUV to drive, it delivers a plush ride, a whisper-quiet cabin, and user-friendly technology—making it a standout for daily commuting and family duties.
Inside, the RX impresses with its spacious front seats, thoughtful storage solutions, and high-quality materials in most areas—although some plastic trim may remind you this isn't a six-figure SUV. Rear-seat passengers enjoy ample legroom and a host of charging options, and while cargo space (up to 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with seats folded) is a bit below average for the class, the space is versatile and easy to access. Standard safety features are generous, and the RX continues to earn strong crash-test scores, making it a practical and reassuring choice for families.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The RX comes up short on performance and driver engagement, but should appeal to those who prioritize comfort and refinement." - Mark Takahashi
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9. Volkswagen Atlas
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 34.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Poor ride quality |
| High-end interior | Unintuitive technology |
| Plenty of cargo space | Pedestrian performance |
The Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most visually striking three-row SUVs at its price point, with an interior that punches squarely into luxury crossover territory—particularly in upper trims, where quilted diamond-pattern leather, metallic accents, and warm wood trim create an ambiance that rivals vehicles costing significantly more. Every Atlas comes standard with heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, and roof rails, while the full IQ.Drive safety suite—including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and semi-autonomous Travel Assist—is standard across all trim levels, a notable value proposition. Passenger and cargo space are genuine competitive strengths: the second-row captain's chairs tip forward without collapsing for easy third-row access, the rear bench sits high enough off the floor to provide real thigh support, and cargo capacity of 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 96.6 cubic feet total puts it near the top of the class. With base pricing starting at $40,785—undercutting the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Grand Highlander at their respective entry points—the Atlas offers a compelling style-to-value ratio that's hard to ignore.
On the road, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque with a wide, usable powerband that keeps highway driving smooth and unflustered, and the 4Motion AWD system is available across the lineup and standard on the Peak Edition and above. A five-star NHTSA overall safety rating and a prior IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation add further peace of mind. The main trade-offs are consistent ones: ride quality on larger wheel-and-tire packages can feel stiff over rough pavement, and the native MIB3 infotainment system is genuinely frustrating to navigate—touch-sensitive HVAC and volume sliders become invisible at night, and basic tasks require too many menu dives. Fortunately, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work flawlessly as a daily workaround, and fuel economy of around 21–22 mpg combined is adequate, if unspectacular in an era of increasingly available hybrid alternatives. For shoppers who prioritize style, space, and a premium interior feel over driving refinement, the Atlas remains one of the segment's most distinctive offerings.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas delivers on its core promise of style and space at a non-luxury price point. If you can tolerate its subpar ride quality and maddening infotainment system—or if you simply plan to rely on Apple CarPlay and ignore the native tech—this handsome three-row SUV offers compelling value for shoppers prioritizing looks and space." - Matt Smith, CarGurus Head of Content
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10. Mazda CX-90
CarGurus expert rating: 6.2 out of 10 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 34.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Underwhelming base engine |
| Premium interior materials | Noisy |
| Great safety ratings | Unintuitive technology |
The Mazda CX-90 offers unique powertrain options, including a turbocharged inline-six engine and an available plug-in hybrid. Mazda focuses on premium design, with lustrous paint and upscale Nappa leather interiors that give the CX-90 the look and feel of a luxury SUV—at a mainstream price. The cabin oozes sophistication, but some ergonomic quirks, like a non-touchscreen infotainment system for native functions and a fussy electronic shifter, may require patience for everyday use.
On the road, the CX-90 delivers engaging and sporty handling, making it more fun to drive than many family haulers. The 3.3 Turbo model produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined—though real-world numbers may be slightly lower depending on driving style and conditions. Third-row space and cargo capacity are on the smaller side for the class, with 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 40 cubic feet with it folded, but safety is a clear highlight: The CX-90 boasts top crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as a generous suite of standard driver aids.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Can the CX-90’s elegant design, premium interior, unusual powertrains, enjoyable driving dynamics, and impressive safety ratings ensure competitiveness in a family-size SUV segment where the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride dominate? With more attention to detail and better technology, this Mazda SUV could lead instead of follow." - Christian Wardlaw
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Best Midsize SUVs in 2026: FAQs
Which midsize SUV is best for families?
The Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot are consistently ranked as top choices for families. The Telluride and Palisade offer near-luxury interiors, spacious three-row seating, and robust safety features. The Honda Pilot is praised for its practical interior, flexible seating with a removable second-row center seat, and proven reliability.
What is the most reliable midsize SUV?
The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot have long-standing reputations for reliability. The Jeep Wrangler is also noted for its durable build and dependable off-road performance.
Which midsize SUV has the best gas mileage?
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models offer the best fuel economy. The Lexus RX Hybrid lineup is a strong contender, with the RX 450h+ PHEV delivering up to 83 MPGe. The Mazda CX-90 also offers an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. Among gasoline-only models, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Traverse offer competitive fuel economy for their size.
Which midsize SUV is best for off-roading?
The Jeep Wrangler is the undisputed champion for serious off-roading, thanks to its body-on-frame construction, solid axles, and standard 4WD. For buyers who want a more comfortable daily driver with some off-road chops, the Chevrolet Traverse Z71, Hyundai Palisade XRT, and Kia Telluride X-Pro trims offer increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires.
What's the difference between the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride?
While they share the same platform and V6 powertrain, the Palisade and Telluride have distinct differences. The Telluride often has a slight edge in cargo space and a more rugged exterior design. The Palisade focuses more on a luxurious and comfortable ride with a sleeker design and, in some trims, more advanced tech features.
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