midsize suvs
2008 Toyota Highlander

Midsize SUVs began to catch on as replacements for family sedans, station wagons, and minivans in the early 1990s. The market started small, with just a few models, but today there are 32 vehicles that Consumer Guide classifies as midsize SUVs and 17 more that we put into our premium midsize SUV class. Despite rising fuel costs, automakers continue to introduce new midsize SUVs.

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, GMC Acadia, and Ford Taurus X, have grown in popularity in recent years. These car-based SUVs ride and handle like large sedans.

Best Buys
GMC Acadia
Honda Pilot
Mazda CX-9
Saturn Outlook

Recommendeds
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Veracruz
Toyota Highlander

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 versus a midsize sedan are poor fuel economy and maneuverability, trucky handling, and a bumpy ride.

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

So far, the 2008 model year saw the introduction of one completely redesigned model, the Toyota Highlander. Other vehicles received styling and powertrain updates. The Subaru Tribeca received freshened exterior styling. The Nissan Pathfinder got revised interior and exterior styling and an optional V8 engine. A new top-line Alpha model was introduced for 2008 on the Hummer H3. The Chevrolet Equinox has two new models, the luxury-themed LTZ, and the high-performance Sport. The Pontiac Torrent received a new high-performance GXP model. After the 2007 production run, the Buick Rendezvous went to the great parking lot in the sky. Nissan's Murano is taking a year off and will return redesigned for 2009.

What to Look For in a Midsize SUV

Most midsize SUVs offer rear-wheel drive or a choice of four-wheel or all-wheel drive. A few offer front-drive. Your choice of 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 an off-road-capable vehicle if you don't intend to leave paved surfaces.

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

Some owners use their vehicles for towing, and only a handful of midsize SUVs offer real capacity in this regard. 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 2000 lb to 8950 lb.

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 fold 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 are actually cargo doors that open toward the curb, which can be a hassle for city dwellers.

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.

Car-Type
Chevrolet Equinox
Chrysler Pacifica
Ford Edge
Ford Taurus X
GMC Acadia
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Veracruz
Mazda CX-7
Mazda CX-9
Mitsubishi Endeavor
Pontiac Torrent
Saturn Outlook
Subaru Tribeca
Suzuki XL7
Toyota Highlander

Truck-Type
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Dodge Durango
Dodge Nitro
Ford Explorer
GMC Envoy
Hummer H3
Isuzu Ascender
Jeep Commander
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sorento
Mercury Mountaineer
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Xterra
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota FJ Cruiser

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. Consumer Guide generally recommends car-type SUVs for buyers who don't intend to tow or go off-road.

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.

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, rollover sensors are a worthwhile safety feature.

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. A back-up camera also comes in handy here. The high ride height of midsize SUVs can prevent drivers from seeing behind them when backing up, so rear park assist and/or a back-up camera make sense and could be a lifesaver.

Buy Smart

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 $3472 per year in fuel, while a front-wheel drive Ford Taurus X will cost $2201. What could you do with an extra $1200 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, there are other alternatives that would be more convenient and less expensive to operate. If you're only going to drive on the road and you still want an SUV, we suggest shopping for any of the car-type SUVs that made the Consumer Guide Best Buy or Recommended vehicle list.