12 Mid-Size SUVs Owners Love Most, Backed by Consumer Reports

Looking for a mid-size SUV that real owners can’t stop praising? Consumer Reports has ranked these 12 models as the most satisfying to own, thanks to their comfort, driving feel, reliability, and value. If you want a vehicle that delivers joy every time you get behind the wheel, these SUVs deserve a spot on your shortlist.

Toyota Highlander

Okay, so, like, the Toyota Highlander is… honestly, it’s everywhere, right? You probably have a neighbor with one. It’s one of those you see at every soccer game and school pickup, and, you know, there’s a reason for that. People love how reliable it is, and there’s, what, a solid V6? Or a hybrid oh, yeah, the hybrid’s actually kind of cool, now that I think about it, ‘cause good luck finding an SUV that gets like, I dunno, 35 miles per gallon? The interior’s “nice enough,” not flashy, but comfy and the price, uh, hmmm, I think it’s like $41,000-ish to start, but you know how Toyota packages get pricey fast. Worth it, though, if you ask me, but I mean, it’s a Highlander, you can’t go wrong, right?

Honda Passport

So, the Honda Passport… I got mixed feelings, not gonna lie. It kinda looks tough, but underneath, it’s a Pilot, just with, you know, shorter jeans. But owners? They can’t get enough of how roomy it is, and all the space for their stuff when, like, going to the hardware store or dragging kids’ sports gear around. If you’re the outdoor type, the Passport won’t really get stuck, but don’t expect it to be like, a Jeep or something. The ride’s smooth, it’s Honda-reliable so, bulletproof engine, at least but you’re paying, what, around $44,000 for it? Worth it if you want something practical, but sometimes I just wish it looked… less like a Pilot in disguise. Uhm, sorry Honda!

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is, like, honestly, a cult. People who own them talk about them all day. It’s not even really an SUV, I feel like it’s a wagon pretending to be big, but it wins people over ‘cause, well, it’s got the all-wheel drive thing and it’s basically impossible to kill. Tons of cargo space, decent ground clearance so like, you could, I dunno, hit a trail or just truck through a snowstorm without blinking. Oh, and you can get one for maybe $36,000? Not bad for all that adventure cred, unless you get wild with the options, but who doesn’t every now and then?

Kia Telluride

Ahhh, the Kia Telluride. I swear, this thing was like, an overnight Insta-celebrity. Everyone wanted one, nobody could get one, and for good reason the interior makes you feel like you should pay double. I mean, quilted seats, fancy screens, and still, it’s like, starting at $38,000. Owners love that it looks like a tank but rides smooth, the third row is eh mostly for kids, but otherwise, it’s just solid. If resale value wasn’t a thing I’d say “Who cares about Lexus?” (sorry Lexus). Not perfect, but kiiiinda close.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of those “sleeper hits” I guess. Nobody gets excited about a Santa Fe, but once you drive one, it’s like wait, why aren’t more people talking about this? It’s pretty affordable, like $36,000-ish to start, super comfy, and Hyundai throws in all the techy bits lots of safety stuff, wireless charging, all that jazz. People love the warranty ohhh, that 10-year thing is no joke and the hybrid version is sneaky good too. But design-wise? I mean, let’s just say it’s not turning heads in a parking lot, unless someone’s really into tasteful rectangles.

Mazda CX-90

You want fun? Mazda is basically, like, the “secret sauce” of driving, so the CX-90 comes along and owners geek out about, oh, “zoom zoom,” handling, and all that. It’s got a fancier look, posh inside, and honestly, the steering is actually, uh, fun like, you’d almost forget you’re in a mid-size SUV and not a Miata with back seats. I’ve seen one loaded up close to $50,000, which… oof, but even base is around $40,000. People say it feels more “premium” than it should kinda like a deal, but, I dunno, you better love sporty vibes ‘cause it’s not just vanilla.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer what can I say, it’s a “classic.” Owners swear by them for family duty, and I mean, everyone has that childhood memory of a family trip in an Explorer, right? It’s got tons of space, and now you can get turbo engines if you want, plus optional all-wheel drive. But the price creeps up fast—like, $39,000 to start, but if you want bells and whistles, $50,000 is easy. Some folks complain about the infotainment system (I get it), but others say it tows their campers without a sweat. Reliable enough, pretty mainstream, not crazy exciting, just “solid.”

Nissan Murano

So the Nissan Murano, hmm, it’s kind of the “odd duck” here. It looks cool, kinda spaceship-y, and owners like how cushy the seats are; it’s quieter than a library most days. The V6 is smooth, not gonna win any drag races, but it’ll cruise forever. Price is like $38,000 to kick off for a Nissan, that’s a chunk, but people say it feels almost “Lexus-lite.” Cargo’s not huge, but if you hate boring cars and want to stand out just a little, Murano’s not a bad call.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Oh boy, the Jeep Grand Cherokee… talk about “game face.” Owners love it for the off-road chops, and it’s legit you can rough it up and still take it to dinner later. The new versions have really stepped up the luxury, too, like, all wood trim and posh leather. It’s pricier now though, starting almost $44,000, but, eh, you’re paying for the name as much as the brawn. Some folks say the reliability can, uh, wander occasionally, but if you need a real Jeep, this ain’t pretending. Just maybe budget for, uh, repairs here and there.

Chevrolet Blazer

Here’s a weird one: remember when the Blazer was a total, like, off-road beast? Now it’s more of a stylish, swoopy mid-size SUV, and honestly, it turns heads. People buy it ‘cause it looks like nothing else at the grocery store and, like, those two-tone roofs? Chef’s kiss. Owners say it drives more like a car, good visibility, but the cargo space is a little meh. Prices run $37,000-$46,000, depending on how wild you get with packages. Not my fave, but it’s pretty fun if “sporty” is what you’re after.

Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen Atlas, yeah, so… it’s huge. Like, “I have four kids and a dog” huge. Owners absolutely rave about the third row actually fitting adults, which let’s be honest usually doesn’t happen. It’s a bit boxy, for sure, and the tech can be quirky (Volkswagen loves weird infotainment), but you get what you pay for, which is about $38,000 base, real-world probably more. It feels, uh, German solid, kinda heavy, but comfy on road trips. Downsides? Eh, could use a bit more “fun,” but families dig it.

Buick Enclave

Last one Buick Enclave. I know, I know, Buick sounds like something your grandma drove, but seriously, this is a low-key luxury ride. Owners like how quiet it is, kinda floats over bumps, loads of space, and the price yeah, okay, it’s a little higher, like $44,000, but it really does feel like a cheaper Lexus RX some days. The touchscreen inside is simple, which is, like, a blessing, you know? You’ll see a lot of these at no joke country clubs, but also tons in suburbia too!