Sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) are extremely popular, as they afford you all the cargo space, family seating, and extra utility on demand. Mid-size SUVs are a step up from smaller crossover vehicles, providing more space while still offering fuel efficiency. Some mid-size SUVs also offer tow packages, advanced safety technology and seating for up to eight people. Understand why the best mid-size SUVs can fit into any lifestyle.
What SUV Should You Buy?
With so many vehicles on the market and different trim levels, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of information and options. The best strategy when shopping is to focus on what you need most. Do you want to take the vehicle off-road frequently? Do you really need three rows? How much cargo space will you really use?
Each SUV on the market is designed to address specific needs. Keep your primary needs in mind when shopping. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to pick a reasonable spot to start looking. Here are the top mid-size SUVs to check out in 2022.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is the perfect family vehicle. It has comfortable and roomy seating for eight people and more cargo space than you know what to do with. This year’s model adds a bunch of great features. Highlights include an improved infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, and adaptive cruise control.
The base price and long list of standard features make the Telluride an incredible value. However, the optional features take it to a new level. You can equip it with ambient lighting, a dual-panel sunroof, a universal garage door opener, and even a standard household outlet.
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport has waved goodbye to the Sport and Touring trims for 2022. On the other hand, the TrailSport trim is new and tailored to outdoor enthusiasts who want to get off the beaten path. The Passport features a powerful and responsive engine, a lot of leg and shoulder room, and ample cargo space.
The roof rack is great if you need to bring a kayak to the lake or don’t want to squeeze your skis inside the cabin with your family. Honda wants you to know that the Passport is for more than just soccer practices and Costco trips.
Dodge Durango
Dodge describes the Durango as a “seven-seat thrill ride.” When you check out the available engine options, you can see why. The HEMI V8 can accelerate from 0-to-60 mph in only 4.7 seconds while offering you up to 8,700 pounds of towing ability. That’s plenty of power to pull a trailer or boat.
The 2022 Durango offers standard three-row seating and blind-spot monitoring to add value to its base price. If you really need to add some excitement to your life, choosing the top tier SRT 392 trim combines the utility of an SUV with the performance handling of a sports car.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge has a responsive, aggressive engine that gives you up to 28 mpg on the highway. It now comes with a standard all-wheel drive, adding to an impressive list of standard features for 2022. You can get a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB ports, and keyless entry. That’s solid value!
That’s not all that comes standard. Every Edge comes with a teenage driver system that allows you to set speed and volume limits, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and a rear-view camera.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe brings a new trim level for 2022, but no other major changes. It’s ideal for smaller families and has a premium, spacious interior with upgraded materials. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable SUVs around.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or need to escape the city, the Santa Fe offers excellent fuel economy. There’s also a trailer sway control system for when you need to hitch up a trailer. Standard safety features include a rear-seat alert that sounds the alarm if a child or pet is left inside the vehicle, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and a rear-view camera.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent doesn’t have any major changes to the 2022 lineup besides adding the Onyx Edition trim level. The Ascent is built for off-road challenges, so it comes with standard all-wheel drive. You won’t have to worry about wet roads, ice, and snow. It also provides tons of space for up to eight people (or a lot of cargo).
The Ascent is packed with standard safety features, such as headlights that turn when you steer, lane departure and drift warning, a rear-seat reminder, lane centering system, automatic emergency braking, and a rear-view camera. That’s a ton of value.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been completely redesigned for 2022. It has an aggressive, rugged stance worthy of its off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee is designed to endure some of the roughest terrains on Earth. The optional four-wheel drive gives you the confidence to take on rocks, mud, ice, and snow. The new interior is also inviting and upscale, with premium materials.
Multiple USB ports, a six-speaker stereo system, and an infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay all come standard.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade has added a bunch of new standard safety features. You can now get forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, lane keep assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, a vehicle exit warning, and a rear-view camera without buying a luxury vehicle.
You also get a ton of convenience and comfort features on every Palisade. The infotainment system comes with an HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s also five USB ports to connect all your mobile devices.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is both rugged and versatile. It has an adjustable interior that allows you to manage your cargo effectively while making room for up to seven passengers. Whether you’re looking for fuel economy or enough power to tow, there are engine choices available to suit your unique needs.
There aren’t any significant changes for 2022, but you can still get the intelligent four-wheel-drive system, trailer sway control package and Ford CoPilot 360, which is loaded with driver assistance and safety tech.
Toyota Highlander
The 2022 Toyota Highlander is unchanged from last year. It has a muscular exterior and offers excellent fuel economy for an SUV. If you want to go even farther on a tank of gas, try the hybrid version. With an upscale interior and room for up to eight people, it’s a great choice if you have a lot of luggage to haul around or are involved in the neighborhood carpool.
It offers a ton of standard safety features and has an infotainment system that connects to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Kia Sorento
The 2022 Kia Sorento is mostly unchanged but now allows you to add rear-heated seats. It has a chic and functional interior. If you want some extra power, you can upgrade to a 281-horsepower engine that’s responsive when you need it to be. The infotainment system comes with standard Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker stereo system, and six USB ports. You have the option of upgrading to a system with rear-seat entertainment screens, a wireless phone charger, voice-activated navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system.
The Sorento also offers a robust standard safety package loaded with driver assistance technology. Elevated trim levels provide even more state-of-the-art technology to protect you from all directions.
