Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.

This may not be the best time to introduce another fast and fuelish SUV, but Jeep is plunging ahead with the 2006 Grand Cherokee SRT8. As predicted here and elsewhere, this new high-performance Jeep shares a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 with SRT8 versions of parent Chrysler's 300C sedan and related Dodge Magnum and Charger models. The Jeep makes do with "only" 415 hp, 10 less than in the cars, but that's still enough for a claimed 0-60 mph of less than 5 sec. Jeep says that outdrags the current king of SUV speed, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, yet towing capacity is unchanged at 3500 pounds. Like lesser Hemi GCs, the SRT8 comes only with 5-speed automatic transmission and Jeep's Quadra-Drive II full-time 4-wheel drive, though the latter is reengineered to handle the bigger V8's extra power and torque. Other upgrades include a firmer and lowered suspension, standard antiskid/traction control with special calibrations, Brembo-brand 4-wheel disc brakes, 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, and high-speed run-flat Goodyear tires. The SRT8 also sports more aggressive front and rear fascias, "performance" front seats, and unique interior trim. Pricing won't be announced until close to this fall's on-sale date, but we'd guess $40,000 to start.

The SRT8 was unwrapped at the recent New York Auto Show, where Jeep fulfilled another rumor by unveiling its first 7-passenger SUV, the 2006 Commander. This is basically a Grand Cherokee with a somewhat taller body that offers 3-row seating despite being a mere two inches longer overall. Powertrains and options mimic those of Grand Cherokee, but Commander has its own boxy, somewhat "retro" styling and specific interior appointments. Again, pricing won't be disclosed until just before sales begin this fall. Keep checking back with us for late-breaking news.