Midsize SUVs are a very popular auto category, and for good reason. Not too big, not too small, vehicles in this class offer more power, cargo space and towing capacity than compact SUVs but are still reasonably agile and fuel-efficient. And they offer better fuel efficiency than the behemoths in the class.
Many mid-size SUVs carry only five or six people comfortably. However, as noted below, some of our picks have a seven-passenger capacity, carried in three rows of seats. However, if you often carry a crowd in the car, you may choose a mid-size to larger SUV for their greater space per passenger. (Our list of the best large SUVs includes some such vehicles.)
Using step by step Methodology Through the automaker’s Certified Pre-Owned Programs (CPOs), we evaluated the best midsize SUVs available today for the features that matter to us — including value for money, safety and suitability for buying used. is
Below are our top five picks, along with an explanation of how each differs from the pack. The features listed below each review are for the most expensive version of the vehicle.
(If you’re interested in a comprehensive look at the new vehicle marketplace, check out our full list. The best cars of 2025.)
The best midsize SUVs of 2025
Best Overall: Mazda CX-5
Best for luxury: Toyota Crown Signia
Best for safety: Kia Sorento
Best for cargo space: Hyundai Santa Fe
Best to buy used: Honda CR-V
Best Overall: Mazda CX-5
- price: $28,570
- Mileage: 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway
- Sporty, especially in its turbo version
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Less passenger and cargo space than others
You won’t find a sportier SUV in this segment than the 2025 Mazda CX-5. What it lacks in rear passenger space and cargo room, it makes up for in performance. All-wheel drive is standard.
Starting at $28,570, the base model delivers an adequate 187 horsepower, but (if you can afford it) we recommend splashing out on the $37,000 2.5 Carbon Turbo model with a 227-horsepower turbo-four if you Want your SUV to feel like another. Sporty sedan. The extra power will also provide an advantage when merging onto the highway or passing slower drivers.
Ride quality is balanced, smooth and controlled, especially around corners.
The 2.5 Carbon Turbo version also comes with leather and synthetic suede upholstery, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.
Best for luxury: Toyota Crown Signia
- price: $43,590
- Mileage: 39 mpg city/37 mpg highway
- Exceptionally elegant interior
- Best fuel economy from its hybrid power
- Relatively expensive
- Performance is lower than others on the list
New for 2025, the Toyota Crown Signa succeeds in creating a near-Lexus-like experience for a Toyota price. The new SUV starts at $43,590, which is on the high side, but you get sleek exterior styling, leather upholstery and comfortable seating for five.
However, the Crown Signia falls short of the best midsized SUVs when it comes to performance. Tuned for comfort, it lacks the chops of a Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Santa Fe and can make a droning noise when under pressure. Still, the SUV delivers a respectable 240 horsepower, via its hybrid setup, and comes with standard all-wheel drive.
Toyota offers plenty of options that will quickly push the price above $50,000 into Audi or BMW territory. So if you want more amenities than the base model offers, you might be better off with an entry-level SUV from a luxury brand.
Best for security: Kia Sorento
- price: $31,990
- Mileage: 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway
- Very cheap for a 3-row SUV
- Loaded with security features
- Among the best warranties in the business
- Cargo space is less than others on the list
The 2025 Kia Sorento is a three-row SUV with seating for up to seven. With pricing starting at just $31,990, it’s the most affordable three-row model on the market.
For that price, you get a well-appointed cabin with a 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Notably, you also benefit from a number of standard safety features for the money, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance and rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian and cyclist detection, among the list of equipment to keep you safe. Includes blind spot monitoring, lane. -Departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights and more.
All models also come with a rear-seat alert that reminds you to check for children or pets and Safe Exit Assist, which prevents the door from opening if an obstruction is detected.
The standard 191-horsepower setup drives well and delivers mediocre fuel economy. Note, however, that the third row comes at the expense of the cargo space you’d typically find in a midsize SUV.
Like its corporate cousin the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Sorento is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Best for cargo space: Hyundai Santa Fe
- price: $34.200
- Mileage: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway
- Very roomy, both in the cabin and cargo areas
- Among the best warranties in the business
- Sitting tight in the third row
- Worst fuel economy of the bunch
Starting at $34,200, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a family-friendly three-row hauler. It offers plenty of value for the price, including first- and second-row seating, as well as a large cargo hold and a hands-free power liftgate to access.
The seven-seater comes with a 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a suite of safety features and a muscular 277-horsepower turbo-four.
Like its corporate cousin the Kia Sorento, the Santa Fe gets a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—the best in the business. This means you’ll be safe from shelling out for expensive repairs in the long run.
Best to buy used: Honda CR-V
- price: $31,450
- Mileage: 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway
- Comfortable interior
- Excellent fuel economy
- Light on the elegant touches
- Performance is lower than others on the list
The 2025 Honda CR-V is a constant crowd pleaser in the mid-size SUV segment. Starting at $31,450, the five-seater is a versatile, well-rounded ride whether you’re using it to cart your family around town or bring your surfboard to the beach.
What it lacks in luxury and performance chops, it makes up for in comfort, fuel economy and interior space – at an attractive price. Honda’s excellent reputation for long-term reliability and residual value doesn’t hurt either.
You can save money on your CR-V through the HondaTrue Certified+ program, one of the best such programs for buying nearly-new vehicles. To qualify, vehicles must be less than a year old with less than 12,000 miles on the odometer and pass a 182-point inspection, which means you save thousands on the Certified+ CR-V. Will and get a vehicle that has been inspected and rarely used. .
