The Consumer Guide to Midsize SUVs

Bell, Kirk. "The Consumer Guide to Midsize SUVs." 27 December 2006. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/the-consumer-guide-to-midsize-suvs-cga.htm> 24 July 2008.

by Kirk Bell

Midsize SUVs began to catch on as replacements for family sedans or minivans in the early 1990s. The market started small, with just a few models, but today there are 25 vehicles that Consumer Guide® classifies as midsize SUVs and 15 more that we put into our premium midsize SUV class. The SUV segment as a whole has grown to account for 26.7 percent of industry sales as of 2005 and midsize SUVs make up the lion's share of those sales.

Evolved from compact pickups, the first midsize SUVs used ladder frames and live rear axles, and therefore rode and handled like trucks. Today's midsize SUVs are much more refined. Sure trucklike workhorses, such as the Toyota 4Runner and Chevrolet TrailBlazer are still offered, but car-type SUVs, like the Nissan Murano and Ford Freestyle, have been popular in recent years. These car-based SUVs ride and handle like large sedans.

Unique Midsize SUV Features

- The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a legitimate hot rod.

- The Toyota Highlander offers the only hybrid powertrain in the class.

- The Hummer H3, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Nissan Xterra are highly capable off-road vehicles.

- Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot offer seating for eight.

- Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent have an adjustable rear parcel shelf.

Dodge Durango

Midsize SUVs typically come with six- or eight-cylinder engines. They tend to ride high, have lots of passenger space and cargo room, and present a tough, brawny appearance. Typical tradeoffs vs. a midsize sedan are bad fuel mileage, poor maneuverability, trucky handling, bumpy ride, and an image that's less than ecofriendly.

Midsize SUVs are a good choice for families on-the-go or singles that enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, skiing, or hiking. Five-passenger seating is the norm, but many midsize SUVs offer a third row that expands seating capacity to seven and in a couple instances, eight.

What to look for in a midsize SUV
Most midsize SUVs offer rear-drive or a choice of four-wheel- or all-wheel-drive. A few offer front-drive. Your choice for drive wheels, as well as your choice of SUV, should depend on your needs.

If you live in an area where snow is likely for much of the year, opt for front-drive, AWD, or 4WD. If you intend to go off-roading, a 4WD or AWD system with low-range gearing is the way to go. If you're only going to drive your SUV on the street, rear-drive or front-drive will work just fine. You shouldn't pay extra for built-in off-road capability if you're never going to use it.

The disadvantages of AWD or 4WD vs. a two-wheel drive model include reduced fuel economy and higher insurance and maintenance costs. The higher cost of AWD or 4WD is, however, somewhat offset by higher resale value.

Some owners use their SUVs for towing and only a handful of midsize SUVs offer real towing versatility. This limits the choices considerably. If you plan to tow with your SUV, make sure your vehicle of choice is rated to tow the weight of your intended load. Larger engines can tow bigger loads. Midsize SUV towing capacities range from 3000 lb to 7300 lb. For more information on towing capacity, see the specification chart below.

As the name implies, SUVs are utility vehicles. As such, your choice of midsize SUV should meet your cargo needs. Check the rear seating and cargo arrangement. All midsize SUVs have rear seats that fold. Some into the floor, creating a flat surface convenient for loading large items. Other SUVs have rear seats that fold unevenly, making it difficult to load longer cargo. Also check the tailgate. Some tailgates have opening rear glass that makes it easier to load items such as groceries. Some have power opening tailgates. And some tailgates open toward the curb, which can be a hassle in the city.

Car-Type	Truck-Type
Buick Rendezvous Chevrolet Equinox Chrysler Pacifica Ford Freestyle Honda Pilot Jeep Commander Jeep Grand Cherokee Mitsubishi Endeavor Nissan Murano Pontiac Torrent Subaru B9 Tribeca Toyota Highlander Click links for Consumer Guide's New-Car Reviews.	Chevrolet TrailBlazer Dodge Durango Ford Explorer GMC Envoy Hummer H3 Isuzu Ascender Kia Sorrento Mercury Mountaineer Mitsubishi Montero Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Xterra Suzuki XL-7 Toyota 4Runner Toyota FJ Cruiser

Car-type or Truck-type?
The original SUVs were built on truck frames. Many still use this type of architecture, but others use a car-type unitized body design. These SUVs use the body shell as the main structural component instead of a frame. To the right is a list of car-type (unibody) and truck-type (ladder frame) midsize SUVs.

Truck-type SUVs tend to be heavier and more capable off-road, but have poor fuel economy compared to car-type SUVs. Conversely, car-type SUVs usually have a more car-like ride, with less bounding and lean, and they are more nimble and maneuverable, but shouldn't tread far off the beaten path. There are exceptions on each side, so we suggest checking our individual vehicle reviews to see how each model stacks up. For buyers who don't intend to tow or go off-road, Consumer Guide® generally recommends car-type SUVs.

Consider Safety
Regardless of which midsize SUV you choose, be sure it has antilock brakes and curtain side airbags. They are two very important safety features that might save your life. According to a 2003 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, head-protecting side airbags account for a 45 percent reduction in risk of death in side collisions. Usually, curtain side airbags and antilock brakes cost less than $1000 total.

Another important safety feature available for most midsize SUVs is stability control, also known as an antiskid system. This system helps the driver maintain the intended path on slippery roads. It is especially important on heavy midsize SUVs where the grip of a 4WD or AWD system might have drivers going too fast through turns.

Some antiskid systems also have rollover sensors. Systems equipped as such use these sensors to detect an impending tip, and activate the antiskid system to prevent a rollover. On truck-type SUVs especially, which are more prone to tipping, roll-over sensors are worthwhile safety feature.

Best Buys

Honda Pilot
Toyota Highlander

Recommended Picks

Dodge Durango
Ford Explorer
Ford Freestyle
Nissan Murano
Nissan Xterra
Toyota 4Runner

Toyota Highlander

Another good safety innovation is park assist. When the vehicle is in reverse, sensors embedded in the rear bumper detect an object behind the vehicle and alert the driver through audible tones. The high ride height of midsize SUVs can prevent drivers from seeing behind them when backing up, so rear park assist makes sense and could be a lifesaver.

Buy Smart
While many buyers prefer the image of an SUV to that of a minivan, midsize SUVs are poor substitutes for more practical minivans. The tall ride height of an SUV presents a fun, jungle gym-like challenge for children, but it can make for painful falls and extra effort for parents who have to lift tired children into high-positioned seats. The rear doors also aren't as convenient as the sliding doors of a minivan.

In these days of high gas prices, larger, more-powerful SUVs cost considerably more to run. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a 6.0-liter V8-powered 4WD Chevy TrailBlazer will cost you $2401 per year in fuel, while a front-wheel drive Ford Freestyle will cost $1436. What could you do with an extra $1000 per year? There are varying degrees of cost savings between these extremes, but the point is this: Don't buy what you don't need unless you're willing to pay for it.

Finally, consider if you really need an SUV. If you don't plan to tow or go off-road, a regular station wagon would be more convenient and cheaper to run. If you're only going to drive on the road and you still want an SUV, the car-type models reviewed here, especially the Ford Freestyle, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander, are your best options.

Buick Rendezvous
Buick Rendezvous Base Price Range: $26,595-$29,785
EPA MPG Range: 18-27
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Buick pitches Rendezvous as a lower-priced alternative to premium SUVs such as the Acura MDX and Lexus RX. GM's 3.6-liter engine is as refined as any competitor's V6, but Rendezvous falls well short of the polished moves and high-end ambience of premium SUVs, while generally costing more than stellar midsize competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

Chevrolet Equinox
Base Price Range: $21,955-$24,875
EPA MPG Range: 18-24
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Sloppy steering and handling make Equinox and its Pontiac Torrent cousin feel like cumbersome trucks, even though these SUVs are based on GM car platforms. Both also lack the mechanical finesse of car-type competitors such as the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander. On the upside, Equinox and Torrent have soft rides, plenty of utility, and prices that undercut those of most midsize rivals.

Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Chevrolet TrailBlazer Base Price Range: $26,700-$32,770
EPA MPG Range: 14-21
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
TrailBlazers are the most affordable of GM's midsize truck-type SUVs and match most rivals for pace and space. But GM's Active Fuel Management 5.3-liter V8, while a nice idea, won't work the economy wonders many SUV buyers are hoping for. We prefer Envoy among GM's truck-type midsize SUVs as the best blend of performance, quality, and dollar value.

Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Pacifica Base Price Range: $25,165-$36,685
EPA MPG Range: 17-23
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Pacifica feels smaller inside than its generous exterior dimensions suggest, and it drives like a heavy minivan. It does have some upscale appeal, and sales have been slower than expected, so healthy discounts are available.

Dodge Durango
Dodge Durango Base Price Range: $28,300-$37,310
EPA MPG Range: 14-21
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Durango accelerates and rides like a good midsize SUV, but matches some large models for space and towing capacity. Unfortunately, it matches the big SUVs in poor fuel economy, too. Still, avoid the underpowered V6 in favor of a V8, preferably the 5.7-liter Hemi. Thus equipped, Durango is a Recommended pick.

Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer Base Price Range: $26,530-$35,940
EPA MPG Range: 14-21
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Explorer and its Mercury Mountaineer sibling are highly competent overall performers with an outstanding array of useful features. These include standard curtain side airbags, antiskid system, available V8 power, 7-passenger seating, and a power-folding 3rd-row seat. Their truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize SUVs with car-type construction. There's nothing of consequence the higher-priced Mountaineer provides over similarly equipped Explorers, making the Ford version our Recommended pick.

Ford Freestyle
Ford Freestyle Base Price Range: $25,105-$30,850
EPA MPG Range: 19-27
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
This Recommended choice excels as an on-road family wagon. It won't tow or go off-road like truck-type SUVs, but Freestyle does match most rivals--and even some minivans--for utility, space, and comfort. Ride and handling are agreeable, as are prices. But more power would be welcome, particularly for heavier loads.

GMC Envoy
GMC Envoy Base Price Range: $28,950-$40,115
EPA MPG Range: 15-22
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
We judge Envoy the best choice among GM-built midsize SUVs. It has a pleasing enough interior, and a good ride/handling mix with the optional rear air suspension. Truck-tough engineering is a plus for towing. Still, car-type SUVs remain more sensible for most everyday users.

Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot Base Price Range: $26,995-$35,245
EPA MPG Range: 17-24
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Pilot is the Honda Accord of midsize SUVs--pleasant, practical, and family friendly. There's no question about this wagon's laudable balance of utility and comfort, refinement and power. Toss in Honda's strong reputation for reliability and resale value, and Pilot is a bona fide Best Buy.

Hummer H3
Hummer H3 Base Price Range: $28,935
EPA MPG Range: 16-20
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Hummer's smallest offering is also its most sensible SUV. H3 combines comfortable accommodations and good on-pavement dynamics with the promise of off-road proficiency. Shoppers looking for more power and passenger room are better served by the similarly capable Jeep Grand Cherokee. But for adventure seekers comfortable with Hummer styling, H3 is worth a look.

Isuzu Ascender
Isuzu Ascender Base Price Range: $25,959-$31,193
EPA MPG Range: 15-22
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Though Ascender matches most rivals for pace and space, Isuzu's longer warranty doesn't fully compensate for a spotty dealer network. Additionally, Isuzu's financial woes put the company's future in doubt. Shoppers considering Ascender would do well to consider the similar GMC Envoy instead.

Jeep Commander
Jeep Commander Base Price Range: $27,290-$38,205
EPA MPG Range: 14-19
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
With its square-rigged styling and seating for seven, Commander gives Jeep buyers a clear alternative to the sportier Grand Cherokee, even if the two are similar under the skin. All-wheel-drive V8 Commanders live up to Jeep's expected off-road prowess, and any version admirably balances comfort and real-SUV utility, though their cramped 3rd row is among the least accommodating in this class.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee Base Price Range: $27,165-$42,480
EPA MPG Range: 12-22
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Rear-seat room and comfort disappoint, as does the lack of 3-row seating, though Jeep's new Commander answers that. But Grand Cherokee is solid, rides comfortably, has fine ergonomics, handles well, and is tenacious off-road. It's also competitively priced. The V6 is too weak for this vehicle's weight, but not the workhorse 4.7 V8 or muscular 5.7 Hemi. And the SRT8 is a hot rod wagon.

Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento Base Price Range: $18,995-$26,100
EPA MPG Range: 15-22
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Sorento is priced like a compact SUV yet acts like a midsize, and impresses for interior decor and features per dollar. Sadly, the ride grows rough on bumpy roads and handling is subpar, even in this class. Resale values haven't matched those of top Japanese rivals, but those rivals can't match Kia's generous warranty.

Mercury Mountaineer
Base Price Range: $29,150-$35,500
EPA MPG Range: 14-21
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Mercury Mountaineer is highly competent overall with an outstanding array of useful features. These include standard curtain side airbags and antiskid system, and available V8 power, 7-passenger seating, and a power-folding 3rd-row seat. The truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize SUVs with car-type construction. There's nothing of consequence the higher-priced Mountaineer provides over similarly equipped Explorers, making the Ford version our Recommended pick.

Mitsubishi Endeavor
Mitsubishi Endeavor Base Price Range: $26,599-$32,299
EPA MPG Range: 17-23
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Endeavor presents bold styling, pleasant driving manners, and a roomy interior. It is discounted more than such rivals as the Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander. That recognizes the stronger overall appeal of those competitors, but also reflects Mitsubishi's troubled image, lower-rung customer-satisfaction scores, and mediocre resale values.

Mitsubishi Montero
Base Price Range: $35,159
EPA MPG Range: 15-19
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Montero delivers a solid build, 3-row seating, versatile 4WD, and a standard antiskid/traction-control system. But the lack of curtain side airbags betrays an aging design. So do mediocre performance and trucklike ride and handling. Poor fuel economy and the Mitsubishi brand's weak resale values round out Montero's list of demerits.

Nissan Murano
Nissan Murano Base Price Range: $27,450-$31,550
EPA MPG Range: 19-25
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
You may not love the design, but at least Murano brings some style to the conservative world of the family SUV. Its tangible assets include secure handling, good utility, and a strong, efficient V6 powertrain. Competitive pricing rounds out this Recommended pick's dossier.

Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Pathfinder Base Price Range: $25,250-$35,550
EPA MPG Range: 15-23
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
For everyday driving ease and fuel economy, this truck-type SUV trails such car-type rivals as the Honda Pilot and Nissan's own Murano. Only the top-line LE offers the convenience of 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. However, Pathfinder does possess a solid array of true-SUV attributes, including real off-road prowess and 6000-lb trailering capacity.

Nissan Xterra
Nissan Xterra Base Price Range: $19,950-$27,650
EPA MPG Range: 16-22
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Xterra is slightly smaller than most in the midsize SUV class, hence the somewhat tight interior space. Its off-road orientation accounts for subpar ride comfort, and its backwoods-ready avoidance of luxury touches makes it seem relatively unrefined. Indeed, it's that rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful appeal that makes it a Recommended pick at this price level.

Pontiac Torrent
Pontiac Torrent Base Price Range: $22,400-$24,300
EPA MPG Range: 18-24
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Like Equinox, Torrent's sloppy steering and handling make it feel like a large, cumbersome SUV. But it has a carlike ride, plenty of utility, and prices that undercut those of most midsize rivals. A bit more mechanical finesse is all that is required for Torrent to pressure competitors such as the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander.

Subaru B9 Tribeca
Subaru B9 Tribeca Base Price Range: $30,695-$33,895
EPA MPG Range: 18-23
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Subaru's new SUV delivers fine handling, versatile interior accommodations, and a generous list of standard equipment. However, acceleration is lackluster, and Tribeca pricing reaches into the upper realm of midsize SUVs, where there are compelling alternatives.

Suzuki XL-7
Suzuki XL-7 Base Price Range: $21,999-$26,699
EPA MPG Range: 17-22
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Prices are attractive, particularly when compared with other 7-passenger SUVs. But XL-7 can't match the accommodations, on-road performance, and resale value of top rivals either. Basically, it's a mediocre midsize SUV with a cramped, available 3rd-row seat as its one asset.

Toyota 4Runner
Toyota 4Runner Base Price Range: $27,635-$38,385
EPA MPG Range: 16-22
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Some like-priced rivals offer a smoother ride and sharper on-road handling, but 4Runner is tough to beat for refinement, off-road ability, and overall execution. Few direct competitors match its available safety features and traction enhancers. Toyota's reputation for reliability and high resale value clinch our Recommended ribbon.

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Base Price Range: $21,710-$23,300
EPA MPG Range: 16-22
Body Styles: 4-door wagon
The FJ pays a price for its exaggerated styling and off-road-biased engineering with on-road performance and daily practicality that don't match those of less-radical rivals. But it is solidly built and looks like no other SUV. That, plus Toyota's reputation for reliability and high resale value, should satisfy its relatively narrow target audience.

Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander Base Price Range: $24,530-$39,290
EPA MPG Range: 18-33
Body Styles: Four-door wagon
Any Highlander is a family focused SUV offering great practicality, solid quality, and Toyota's deserved reputation for reliability and high resale value. Versions with the conventional V6 engine best represent Highlander's Best Buy status. The 4-cyl models are too slow and noisy. Hybrids are the costliest versions, and their price premium may take years to offset in fuel savings. But they also are the quickest Highlanders, and their value calculation also takes into account emissions benefits.

**Midsize SUV Specification Comparison**
Vehicle	Wheel-base, in.	Curb Weight, lb.	Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	Max. Towing, lb.	Fuel Capacity, gal.	Front Head Room, in.	Front Leg Room, in.	Rear Head Room, in.	Rear Leg Room, in.
Buick Rendezvous	112.2	4250	108.9	3500	18.0	40.9	40.5	40.1	39.0
Chevrolet Equinox	112.5	3776	68.6	3500	17.0	40.9	41.2	40.1	40.2
Chevrolet TrailBlazer	113.0	4594	80.1	5800	22.0	40.2	41.4	39.6	37.0
Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT	129.0	4954	107.0	6400	25.0	40.2	41.4	39.6	37.0
Chrysler Pacifica	116.3	4337	92.7	3500	23.0	39.2	40.9	40.0	39.9
Dodge Durango	119.2	5024	102.4	8850	27.0	40.8	41.4	39.3	37.4
Ford Explorer	113.7	4615	85.8	7300	22.5	39.8	42.4	38.7	36.9
Ford Freestyle	112.9	3825	86.5	2000	19.0	39.4	41.2	38.6	41.9
GMC Envoy	113.0	4612	80.1	5800	22.0	40.2	41.4	39.6	37.0
GMC Envoy XL	129.0	4954	107.4	6400	25.0	40.2	41.4	39.6	37.0
Honda Pilot	106.3	4453	87.6	4500	20.4	41.9	41.4	40.1	37.4
Hummer H3	111.9	4700	55.7	4500	23.0	40.6	41.9	39.9	35.0
Isuzu Ascender 5-pass.	113.0	4594	80.1	5800	21.7	40.2	41.4	39.6	37.0
Isuzu Ascender 7-pass.	129.0	4954	107.4	6400	25.0	40.2	41.4	39.6	37.0
Jeep Commander	109.5	4783	68.9	7200	20.5	42.1	41.7	40.3	36.1
Jeep Grand Cherokee	109.5	4441	67.4	6500	20.8	39.7	41.7	39.3	35.5
Kia Sorento	106.7	4387	66.4	3500	21.1	9.7	41.6	39.5	36.1
Mercury Mountaineer	113.7	4562	84.7	7300	22.5	39.8	42.4	38.7	36.9
Mistubishi Endeavor	108.3	4079	76.4	3500	21.4	39.6	41.4	38.7	38.5
Mitsubishi Montero	109.7	4718	91.7	5000	23.8	41.5	42.3	40.6	35.2
Nissan Murano	111.2	3983	81.6	3500	21.7	40.7	43.4	39.7	36.1
Nissan Pathfinder	112.2	4629	79.2	6000	21.1	40.0	42.4	39.0	34.2
Nissan Xterra	106.3	4347	65.7	5000	21.1	39.9	42.4	39.3	34.4
Pontiac Torrent	112.5	3776	68.6	3500	16.6	40.9	41.2	40.1	40.2
Subaru B9 Tribeca	108.2	4155	74.4	3500	16.9	38.9	42.3	38.2	34.3
Suzuki XL-7	110.2	3759	72.0	3000	16.9	40.0	41.4	39.2	31.4
Toyota 4Runner	109.8	4300	75.1	7300	23.0	39.7	41.8	39.1	34.6
'07 Toyota FJ Cruiser	105.9	4290	66.8	5000	19.0	41.3	41.9	40.3	31.3
Toyota Highlander	106.9	3748	80.6	3500	19.2	40.0	40.7	39.8	36.4
Curb weight listed for 4WD or AWD models.

Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this How Stuff Works article:

Bell, Kirk. "The Consumer Guide to Midsize SUVs." 27 December 2006. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/the-consumer-guide-to-midsize-suvs-cga.htm> 24 July 2008.