The best midsize SUV for 2021 – Roadshow [CNET]

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If you’re shopping the SUV segment, the midsize SUV corner is chock full of options. Trust us. But, some of them are a lot better than others, and that’s why we put together our favorite high-riding haulers automakers rolled out.

Not too large and not too small, midsize SUVs do a great job fitting into most people’s lifestyles — and most people’s garages. Whether you’re after something efficient and affordable, or something where money is less of a factor, we’ve got a recommendation for you. Let’s dive in!

Comparison of the best midsize SUVs for 2021

Category Name Base Engine Output Fuel Economy (mpg, city/hwy/combined) Base Price
Best midsize SUV 2021 Kia Sorento 2.5L I4 191 hp / 182 lb-ft 24 / 29 / 26 $30,565
Best midsize luxury SUV 2021 Genesis GV80 2.5L I4 300 hp / 311 lb-ft 21 / 25 / 23 $49,925
Best midsize exotic SUV 2021 Lamborghini Urus 4.0L V8 641 hp / 627 lb-ft 12 / 17 / 14 $218,000
Best midsize performance SUV 2021 Dodge Durango SRT 6.4L V8 475 hp / 470 lb-ft 13 / 19 / 15 $65,490
Best midsize hybrid SUV 2021 Toyota Venza 2.5L I4 Hybrid 219 hp net 40 / 37 / 39 $33,645
Best midsize electric SUV 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Single electric motor 255 hp / 306 lb-ft 105 / 93 / 100 (MPGe) $43,995
Best midsize SUV for towing 2021 Dodge Durango 3.6L V6 293 hp / 260 lb-ft 19 / 26 / 21 $33,490
Best midsize SUV for off-roading 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 3.6L V6 285 hp / 260 lb-ft 20 / 24 / 21 $40,210
Best midsize SUV with three rows 2021 Kia Telluride 3.8L V6 291 hp / 262 lb-ft 20 / 26 / 23 $33,415
Best midsize SUV for tech lovers 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2.0L I4 255 hp / 273 lb-ft 19 / 26 / 22 $58,300
Best midsize SUV with a long warranty 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L I4 191 hp / 182 lb-ft 25 / 28 / 26 $28,025
Best midsize SUV for cargo space 2021 Chevy Traverse 3.6L V6 310 hp / 266 lb-ft 18 / 27 / 21 $30,995
Best midsize SUV for passenger space 2021 Hyundai Palisade 3.8L V6 291 hp / 262 lb-ft 19 / 26 / 22 $33,700
Best midsize SUV for safety 2021 Subaru Ascent 2.4L I4 260 hp / 277 lb-ft 21 / 27 / 23 $33,345
Best midsize SUV worth waiting for 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee N/A N/A N/A N/A

How we made our list

Roadshow’s editors spend countless hours on the road every year, evaluating the living heck out of vehicles across a variety of categories. Our collective experiences combine to create these lists, plucking the best of the best to highlight here. Of the many vehicles you could own in each of these categories, the ones we’ve chosen represent some of our favorites.

Your mileage may vary, as every family’s needs are different from the next. We also can’t evaluate long-term reliability; editors traditionally receive about a week with each car, although some of our long-term testers give us the chance to experience a specific vehicle for an entire year. It’s also worth noting that, while base prices are listed here, it’s up to each dealership to set pricing individually, and incentives may vary from dealer to dealer.  

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