SUV Rankings: Affordable Midsize SUVs
Ranking of midsize SUVs and crossovers, generally priced under $35,000. Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.
- MSRP: $28,625 - $33,035
- Invoice: $27,051 - $31,218
- MPG: 16 City / 24 Hwy
#1
2008 Saturn Outlook
The Outlook earns a high ranking for its quick acceleration, competitive list of standard safety features, spacious cabin, and decent fuel economy for its size. For 2008, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $30,140 - $38,665
- Invoice: $28,181 - $36,152
- MPG: 16 City / 24 Hwy
#2
2008 GMC Acadia
The Acadia's high ranking is based on its class-leading seating capacity, cargo space, and ride quality, although it's not as powerful as some may expect.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 8.9 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $34,200 - $40,450
- Invoice: $30,780 - $36,202
- MPG: 27 City / 25 Hwy
#2
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid ranks near the top of its class for offering a spacious interior, smooth ride, and refined hybrid powertrain. However, some feel its price is ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 5.6 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $33,220 - $37,455
- Invoice: $31,061 - $35,020
- MPG: 16 City / 24 Hwy
#4
2008 Buick Enclave
The Enclave has a smooth, quiet ride and a stylish exterior, but there is a noticeable absence of an optional V8 engine. Still, it ranks near the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $27,500 - $34,350
- Invoice: $24,475 - $30,571
- MPG: 18 City / 24 Hwy
#4
2008 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander's high ranking is based on its family-friendly, practical functionality. Though it places in the top third of affordable crossovers, it's outranked by competitors with more ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.0 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $23,750 - $28,000
- Invoice: $22,225 - $26,188
- MPG: 17 City / 22 Hwy
#6
2008 Mazda CX-7
The CX-7 delivers a fun, sporty ride in a distinctive-looking, safe and functional crossover SUV package. The Mazda's strong all-around appeal helps it earn a ranking in ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.9 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $21,270 - $29,920
- Invoice: $20,457 - $28,076
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#7
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe delivers safety and value, but still can't match the performance of competitors. Overall, it ranks near the middle of its large class and in ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $28,415 - $39,135
- Invoice: $25,374 - $34,946
- MPG: 16 City / 21 Hwy
#7
2008 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner delivers excellent reliability, a car-like ride and impressive off-road prowess. Consequently, it ranks in the top half of its class and among other off-road SUVs.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 7.9 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $25,735 - $32,845
- Invoice: $24,276 - $30,489
- MPG: 16 City / 24 Hwy
#9
2008 Ford Edge
The Edge's ranking is based on its solid performance, comfortable seating and stylish looks. However, some find its interior quality lacking compared to rivals, and several complain ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $27,595 - $39,995
- Invoice: $25,011 - $36,216
- MPG: 17 City / 23 Hwy
#9
2009 Honda Pilot
With the first redesign since its 2003 introduction, the eight-seat Pilot gets more interior space, a new muscular exterior, and a more powerful engine. Despite not quite ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 6.0 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $23,045 - $24,635
- Invoice: $20,969 - $22,416
- MPG: 16 City / 20 Hwy
#9
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
In keeping with its 40 year-old namesake, the eye-catching FJ Cruiser delivers solid off-road performance and ranks near the middle of its class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $27,599 - $29,099
- Invoice: $26,012 - $27,426
- MPG: 15 City / 22 Hwy
#12
2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
The Endeavor is a solid performing SUV with a unique exterior and stylish interior, but it ranks in the bottom half of its competitive class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $26,495 - $36,690
- Invoice: $24,771 - $34,048
- MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
#13
2008 Ford Explorer
The Explorer delivers good towing and off-road capabilities, but can't match the on-road performance of others in its class and ranks in the bottom half. However, itranks ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 5.3 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 8.2 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $28,295 - $36,555
- Invoice: $26,607 - $33,840
- MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
#14
2009 Ford Flex
The all-new Flex is Ford's largest crossover yet. This highly-anticipated retro-styled SUV has generated plenty of positive press since it began making the rounds at auto shows ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $29,420 - $43,290
- Invoice: $27,009 - $39,388
- MPG: 14 City / 19 Hwy
#14
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee offers excellent off-road capabilities and a better-equipped, more refined interior than the previous model -- but still can't match the rear-seat comfort or cargo ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $26,870 - $36,450
- Invoice: $24,759 - $33,569
- MPG: 18 (Est) City / 23 (Est) Hwy
#14
2009 Nissan Murano
The 2009 Nissan Murano delivers an even more refined ride and interior than its predecessor, making it an attractive and affordable choice within its class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 6.4 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $29,995 - $37,795
- Invoice: $28,311 - $35,327
- MPG: 16 City / 21 Hwy
#14
2008 Subaru Tribeca
The Tribeca delivers plenty of power and responsive handling, but in a highly competitive segment, it can easily get lost in the crowd and ranks near the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 6.5 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $24,635 - $36,195
- Invoice: $22,745 - $33,034
- MPG: 15 City / 22 Hwy
#18
2008 Chrysler Pacifica
The Pacifica carries many of the features now expected in crossover vehicles, but doesn't deliver the engine power or value of class leaders and ranks in the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $20,125 - $28,535
- Invoice: $18,914 - $26,282
- MPG: 19 City / 25 Hwy
#18
2009 Dodge Journey
The Journey is an all-new model that comes packed with family-friendly features for a very affordable price. However, reviewers complain about the base engine's poor performance and ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 6.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $26,980 - $39,980
- Invoice: $25,283 - $37,024
- MPG: 15 City / 22 Hwy
#18
2008 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder delivers spacious seating for seven, a versatile interior, and above-average off-roading capabilities, but can't match the on-pavement handling and interior refinement of others in its ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 6.4 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $35,840 - $37,590
- Invoice: $33,051 - $34,626
- MPG: 16 City / 24 Hwy
#21
2008 Lincoln MKX
The MKX delivers a nice combination of luxury and refinement in a crossover vehicle that drives and sips fuel like a sedan while offering the utility of ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $26,800 - $32,935
- Invoice: $23,934 - $29,333
- MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
#21
2008 Mercury Mountaineer
The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is a comfortable SUV with great safety features. But lower-than-average fuel economy and a sluggish base engine lead to a ranking in the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.2 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $30,995 - $30,995
- Invoice: $28,670 - $28,670
- MPG: 13 City / 18 Hwy
#23
2008 Hummer H3
The H3 demonstrates terrific off-road prowess in a distinctive, rugged package, but can't match the on-road performance or comfort of many competitors. Consequently, it ranks in the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.1 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 7.3 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $27,980 - $37,105
- Invoice: $26,161 - $34,693
- MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
#24
2008 GMC Envoy
The Envoy delivers a spacious interior and outstanding towing capacity. However, it falls short of the handling, reliability and value offered by competitors and ranks near the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.6 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.8 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 6.5 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $27,745 - $37,725
- Invoice: $25,942 - $35,273
- MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
#25
2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer falls far short of top competitors in reliability, refined interior and -- unless you're talking about the powerful SS model -- performance. Consequently, it ranks ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.2 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 6.1 |
| Safety: | 6.5 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $27,149 - $29,149
- Invoice: $25,656 - $27,546
- MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
#26
2008 Isuzu Ascender
The Ascender delivers an outstanding warranty and a smooth ride, but it can't match the fuel economy or interior quality of rivals and ranks near the bottom ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 5.5 |
| Performance: | 5.7 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 6.5 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
Unranked: Affordable Midsize SUVs
Our rankings are based on analysis of third party reviews. Sometimes, we are unable to find enough reviews to publish a definitive ranking. Please check back later, as we are constantly updating our reviews.
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