- Price isn’t everything when shopping for an SUV. Consider whether the standard equipment package, cost of ownership, and warranty justifies a vehicle’s cost.
- Most mid-size SUVs have a starting price range of $33,000 to $35,000. However, there are some more affordable options available.
- Some safety features aren’t always standard, so consider what features are deal breakers for you.
Sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) are extremely popular these days. They afford you all the space you need for cargo, seating for a whole family, and extra utility on demand. There are plenty of options available if you’re in the market for an SUV. So many, in fact, that may have trouble knowing where to begin your search. Mid-size SUVs are a step up from smaller crossover vehicles. They provide a bit more space than crossovers, but still save you a bit on gas compared to full-sized SUVs.
Some mid-size SUVs also offer seating for up to eight people or come with tow packages. Another advantage is that they’re more affordable. Advances in safety technology have also make them much safer than in the past.
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.
ShutterstockKia 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 has a base price of $33,090 and 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.
Source: KiaHonda 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 has a starting MSRP of $37,870 and 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.
Source: HondaDodge 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 a base price of $35,475. 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.
Source: DodgeFord 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 for a base price of $35,395. 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.
Source: FordHyundai 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. It’s one of the most affordable SUVs around, with a starting price of only $27,400.
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.
Source: HyundaiSubaru 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 for a base price of $32,295.
Source: SubaruJeep 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 at a starting MSRP of $37,785.
Source: JeepHyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade has added a bunch of new standard safety features for 2022. 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 at $33,350 to start.
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.
Source: HyundaiFord 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. The Explorer also has an attractive starting price of $33,245.
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.
Source: FordToyota 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’s affordable with a starting price of $35,205, offers a ton of standard safety features and has an infotainment system that connects to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Source: ToyotaKia Sorento
The 2022 Kia Sorento is mostly unchanged but now allows you to add rear-heated seats. It starts at an affordable $29,590 and 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.
Source: KiaMazda CX-9
The 2022 Mazda CX-9 now has standard all-wheel drive and continues to impress with an athletic appearance to match its punchy engine and smooth handling. It starts at $35,280 and comes with a premium interior and extensive standard technology package. You can control the temperature in the driver and front passenger seats and the back row independently, enter the vehicle without your key, enjoy the push-button start, and take advantage of an advanced infotainment system without any upgrades.
The safety package boasts forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and a rear-view camera as standard features.
Source: Mazda
