Discover the game-changing midsize SUVs that set the new standards for performance, luxury, and efficiency in 2023! Explore Top 10 Best Midsize SUVs To Buy In 2023!
When it comes to midsize SUVs, 2023 promises to be an exciting year, with automakers upping their game to provide the perfect balance of comfort, performance, safety, and tech features. Based on insights from trusted automotive magazines, we have compiled a list of the top 10 midsize SUVs that are set to shine in 2023. Buckle up and check out our carefully curated picks!
1.Top 10 Best Midsize SUVs To Buy In 2023
1. 2023 Hyundai Palisade
Price Starting From: $35,250
Pros: The vehicle combines style and functionality at a remarkably budget-friendly cost. Its interior is roomy and comfortable, and it comes equipped with numerous standard features.
Cons: There is no hybrid or PHEV variant available for this car. It comes with a higher price tag compared to its Kia counterpart. Additionally, it may not offer a particularly thrilling driving experience.
Why choose it:
When the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride made their debut around four years ago, they redefined the baseline for the segment. While they didn’t introduce groundbreaking hardware or technology, their success came from skillfully blending attributes that precisely matched what buyers desired. With a bold update for 2023, including a refreshed exterior with a new fascia, grille, and headlamps, as well as an updated interior featuring a new instrument panel, steering wheel, and upholstery choices, the Hyundai Palisade edges slightly ahead of the Telluride, but just by a small margin.
Under the hood, a 291-horsepower V6 powers the Palisade, emphasizing smooth performance over raw power. It excels more as an all-weather station wagon than an off-road powerhouse. The second and third-row offer generous amounts of room, almost comparable to full-size SUVs, with various seating configurations available. There’s ample storage space too, with 18 cubic-feet behind the third row and up to 86.4 cubic-feet with all seats folded. The Palisade boasts numerous standard safety features and performs exceptionally well in crash tests.
With a starting price in the mid-$30,000 range, it offers a significant amount of utility and convenience at a reasonable cost. While the highest trim levels can reach over $50,000, the Palisade offers a range of five trims to accommodate most family budgets, and essential features like safety equipment, spaciousness, convenience, and style are included across all models.
2. 2023 Honda Pilot
Price Starting From: $37,645
Pros: The latest Pilots boast a much more distinctive and charming design compared to their predecessors. They come with standard V6 power and introduce a new TrailSport off-road trim. The vehicle offers three spacious rows and a multitude of convenient features.
Cons: As of now, there is no hybrid or PHEV variant available. The vehicle has grown larger compared to its previous version, now approaching the dimensions of a full-size SUV. However, its off-road capabilities have yet to be proven.
Why choose it:
The 2023 model year introduces a fresh version of the Pilot, long-awaited and significantly enhanced in appearance, with a nearly half-foot increase in length, making it far more visually appealing than its previous design. The new TrailSport variant further enhances its off-road capabilities.
The larger size of the Pilot translates into more spacious second and third rows, along with increased cargo capacity. The second-row legroom has grown by 2.4 inches, and the third-row legroom by 0.6 inches. Cargo space has also seen an improvement, with nearly six additional cubic-feet behind the third row, reaching 22.4 cubic-feet, and an impressive maximum of 113.7 cubic-feet when all seats are folded down, putting it in competition with cargo leaders like the Chevy Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas. Additionally, a new removable second-row middle seat can be stowed beneath the rear cargo floor to facilitate access to the third row.
The interior showcases the latest advancements from Honda’s design, capitalizing on the larger space. Although not as exciting as some other models, the Pilot remains one of the most practical and value-packed choices in its segment. It will be interesting to see how it fares against tough competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride over time.
For those who desire a similar package but don’t require a third row, Honda also offers the slightly smaller two-row Passport, which is lighter and provides a bit more performance.
3. 2023 Kia Telluride
Price Starting From: 35,690
Pros: The vehicle boasts an attractive design and impressive capabilities. It offers an excellent value for what it provides, with plenty of space and a wide array of features.
Cons: The 2023 updates will be available shortly. However, the vehicle’s fuel economy falls slightly behind comparable models. Similar to the Palisade, it may not deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
Why choose it: The Telluride has been highly sought after since its 2019 launch, competing with the Hyundai Palisade. Sales have continued to rise, reaching nearly 100,000 units in 2022. For 2023, the Telluride received mild updates and introduced the new X-Line and X-Pro trims, offering enhanced features like increased ground clearance and improved towing capacity. The SUV’s appealing aesthetics, spacious interior, and safety features contribute to its success, making it an excellent family vehicle with practicality and style. It performs well in light off-road situations, especially in the X-Line trims. Additionally, Kia provides an outstanding warranty, providing added peace of mind for buyers.
4. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Price Starting From: $39,000
Pros:
Genuine off-road capabilities, especially in Trailhawk version
Outstanding performance and fuel efficiency with the plug-in hybrid powertrain
Upscale, tranquil, and smooth ride experience.
Cons:
Becomes costly rapidly, especially the PHEV variant
V6 models have average fuel efficiency
Infotainment system can be overly complex for certain functions.
Why choose it: The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been redesigned, staying true to its core principles of comfort for five passengers and impressive off-road capability. The new version introduces the Grand Cherokee L, featuring a longer wheelbase with a third row, as well as a plug-in hybrid model (PHEV) that offers up to 26 miles of electric-only range. The vehicle offers a choice between the standard 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and the 4Xe plug-in, delivering 375 horsepower through a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and twin electric motors. While the Grand Cherokee offers a luxurious and capable ride, it can become costly, especially with extensive options. Nonetheless, it provides plenty of style, versatility, and ample space for passengers.
5. 2022 Ford Bronco
Price Starting From: $30,800
Pros: Sleek appearance and enjoyable driving experience
Option for a seven-speed manual transmission
Impressive off-road capabilities with good performance on pavement.
Cons: The base model is minimalistic.
Strong demand and limited supply lead to high dealer markups.
High fuel consumption.
Why choose it: The new 2021 Ford Bronco offers a retro-themed style and excels as an off-roader, though it also serves as a family vehicle. The four-door version with the hard top mimics fixed-roof SUVs, providing a versatile driving experience with the soft top option. Its serious off-road capabilities complement the bold styling. The base powertrain is a turbocharged 270-horsepower four-cylinder, while a twin-turbo 310-horsepower V6 offers a slightly more relaxed vibe. Both provide sufficient power for climbing obstacles and smooth traffic navigation. The Bronco’s value lies in its capability, though higher trims can get pricey due to dealer markups. Nonetheless, lower-end models offer a good value compared to similar family vehicles and are more affordable than the Grand Cherokee.
6. 2023 Kia Sorento
Price Starting From: $29,990
Pros: Impressive handling with three excellent powertrain options
Abundance of standard features and various available tech enhancements
Attractive interior and exterior design.
Cons: Higher trims and PHEV come close to Telluride pricing
Tiny third row is useless for all but little kids and eats into cargo space
Underpowered base engine
Why choose it:
The 2021 Sorrento got a redesign, moving up from a compact crossover to a small-ish midsize SUV with a third-row seat. Its fresh exterior styling sets the tone for a nearly luxurious interior with upgraded technology.
It offers two gasoline engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower for LX and S trims, and a turbocharged version with 281 horsepower for EX, SX, and SX-P models, both with eight-speed automatic transmissions.
The Sorento Hybrid and PHEV combine a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor, offering 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of system torque in the hybrid version and 258 horsepower in the AWD-only PHEV version, with a 23-mile EV-only range.
Just like the larger Telluride, it boasts generous standard features and excellent safety ratings. Its stylish appearance sets it apart from the Hyundai Santa Fe. Positioned at the smaller and more affordable end of midsize SUVs, the Sorrento is a strong contender.
7. 2023 Subaru Ascent
Price Starting From: $33,895
Pros: Spacious and comfortable interior
Abundance of standard active-safety features and outstanding crash test ratings
Comes with standard all-wheel drive and genuine off-road capabilities.
Cons: Lacks power and thrill on roads
Plain design
Seats are firm.
Why choose it:
As Subaru’s largest vehicle in North America, the Ascent aims to offer loyal customers a larger option as they transition from Foresters and Outbacks. Built on a stretched Outback platform, the Ascent provides a familiar driving experience with the benefit of a third row.
Equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine and a CVT, it delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, but remains slower than its smaller counterparts. The standard all-wheel drive system is impressive for a midsize crossover, although it’s not built for extreme off-roading. The Ascent boasts ample cargo space and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, complemented by a wide range of standard safety features.
However, there is no hybrid option, and the driving experience on pavement lacks excitement, with constant steering corrections required on highways. Nonetheless, it smoothly integrates into the Subaru lineup, retaining the brand’s trademark characteristics that appeal to Subaru customers.
Conclusion
With innovation and technology at their forefront, midsize SUVs in 2023 are all set to redefine the driving experience. From safety to performance, versatility to connectivity, these top 10 picks are poised to impress even the most discerning buyers. Whether you crave adventure, luxury, or family-friendliness, there’s a midsize SUV on this list that’s perfect for you. Stay ahead of the pack and be ready to explore the open roads with these remarkable vehicles in 2023!
