Midsize SUVs can be compared to "Jack-of-all-trades" handymen. They need to appeal to a diverse buyer, because while one person may need a family-hauler, another may be looking for generous towing abilities. To make the list of best midsize SUVs, a vehicle needs to have a lot to offer. Seating for five should be generous, and sometimes third-row seating is available. A strong engine, smooth ride and comfortable cabin are all important as are safety technology and entertainment features. (full review continues below)
Midsize SUVs can be compared to "Jack-of-all-trades" handymen. They need to appeal to a diverse buyer, because while one person may need a family-hauler, another may be looking for generous towing abilities. To make the list of best midsize SUVs, a vehicle needs to have a lot to offer. Seating for five should be generous, and sometimes third-row seating is available. A strong engine, smooth ride and comfortable cabin are all important as are safety technology and entertainment features.
The 2012 Acura MDX has earned a top spot on the list of best midsize SUVs for plenty of reasons. The third row seat is roomy enough for adults, and the 300 horsepower V6 can tow 5,000 pounds. MDX comes in one nicely loaded trim, but Technology and Advance packages are available for customization.
Next is the 2012 Lexus RX Hybrid. A stunning exterior is complemented by a luxurious cabin in a vehicle that earns top safety scores and returns 32 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Seating for five is roomy and comfortable, thanks to the reclining and sliding rear seat.
All three rows are spacious in the 2013 Buick Enclave. A significant refresh is appreciated this model year with changes to interior and suspension tuning. Enclave can tow 4,500 pounds, and is packed full of safety features, including the standard OnStar system.
The stunning good looks of the 2012 Audi Q7 may lure you in, but it has a lot more to offer than what meets the eye. The front seats are unparalleled when it comes to comfort, and with standard all-wheel drive, three engines and three trims per engine, there is plenty of room for customization.
The 2013 Lexus RX 350 is another one of the best midsize SUVs. Rear seat passengers can really stretch their legs out in this vehicle, and as you would expect from Lexus, the cabin is exceptionally designed. Its 270 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 offers plenty of power, and the vehicle earns "Good" crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
A midsize SUV list would not be complete without the 2013 Dodge Durango. An adult-friendly third-row seat, generous towing capacity, athletic handling and abundance of cargo space earns it loyal customers who would never think to stray away from the beloved Durango name.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is next. Although technically a wagon by design, it offers all the functionality of a midsize SUV. Seating for six is standard, but if you opt for the second row bench seat then this number increases to seven. It's poised and composed on the road, and is equipped with a ton of innovative safety features, such as Pre Safe, which can close the sunroof and windows and ready the seatbelts if an imminent collision is detected.
Next is the 2012 Toyota Highlander; a vehicle that offers a little something for everyone. An innovative second-row seat design comes in handy for larger families, while its standard inline-4 engine returns impressive fuel economy at 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
The 2013 Lincoln MKT can be equipped with a powerful yet fuel-efficient turbocharged engine. It offers three rows of seating, top safety scores and a plethora of standard features as well as high-tech options.
Another one of the best midsize SUVs is the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. It has a lot to offer at a modest price. Seating for up to eight, generous cargo capacity and improvements to interior materials and exterior styling make it one to check out.
Making the list of best midsize SUVs is not easy. A few more vehicles that deserve an honorable mention include 2012 models of the Acura ZDX, Porsche Cayenne, Infiniti FX, Nissan Murano and Volkswagen Touareg, as well as 2013 models of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Jeep Grand Cherokee.