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: $35,515 - $43,995
- Invoice: $33,739 - $41,795
- Avg. Paid: $34,666 - $42,881
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#1
2010 Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave's upscale appointments, smooth ride and stylish exterior put it near the top of its class -- and nearly on par with some luxury SUVs. ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $29,224 - $39,985
- Invoice: $27,763 - $37,986
- Avg. Paid: $28,796 - $39,233
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#1
2010 Chevrolet Traverse
Reviewers say the Traverse is an affordable, stylish and versatile minivan alternative. Since it was just introduced last year, it remains unchanged for 2010. As Chevy's first ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $28,050 - $38,180
- Invoice: $25,845 - $35,160
- Avg. Paid: $26,875 - $36,423
- MPG: 18 City / 23 Hwy
#3
2010 Nissan Murano
Redesigned just last year, the Murano continues to be an attractive and affordable choice within its class, offering an especially sporty ride.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $26,275 - $29,550
- Invoice: $23,777 - $26,595
- Avg. Paid: $26,137 - $29,332
- MPG: 19 (2009) City / 26 (2009) Hwy
#3
2010 Toyota Venza
Reviewers praise the Venza, Toyota's Camry-based crossover for providing all the comforts of a sedan with the functionality of an SUV. Unlike Toyota's other crossover SUVs, the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 9.1 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $28,550 - $42,065
- Invoice: $26,942 - $38,954
- Avg. Paid: $28,337 - $41,357
- MPG: 17 (Est) City / 24 (Est) Hwy
#5
2010 Ford Flex
Introduced in 2009, the Flex is Ford's largest crossover yet. Test drivers are already calling this young retro-styled SUV a great alternative for families who want minivan ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $25,855 - $34,670
- Invoice: $23,269 - $31,202
- Avg. Paid: $25,217 - $33,567
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
#5
2010 Toyota Highlander
Toyota has resumed sales of the Highlander on a case-by-case basis. It had suspended sales and production to address a problem with the SUV's accelerator. For more ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $26,920 - $35,770
- Invoice: $25,407 - $33,191
- Avg. Paid: $26,940 - $34,984
- MPG: 18 City / 25 Hwy
#7
2010 Ford Edge
Reviewers praise the Ford Edge for its sharp styling, comfortable cabin and solid performance - but they still say the aging SUV is in dire need of ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.7 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $31,740 - $42,185
- Invoice: $30,153 - $40,076
- Avg. Paid: $31,115 - $41,200
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#7
2010 GMC Acadia
Built on the same platform as its General Motors siblings, the Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook, the GMC Acadia is both affordable and luxurious. It offers class-leading ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.8 |
| Interior: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $34,900 - $41,220
- Invoice: $31,759 - $37,303
- Avg. Paid: $34,016 - $40,027
- MPG: 27 City / 25 Hwy
#7
2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid offers a spacious interior, smooth ride, and refined hybrid powertrain. However, even with excellent fuel economy, many reviewers say its steep price as compared ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 6.0 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $21,695 - $30,295
- Invoice: $20,861 - $28,425
- Avg. Paid: $21,717 - $30,071
- MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
#10
2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe delivers safety and especially value, but lackluster performance prevents it from standing out in a competitive segment. For 2010, the Santa Fe receives ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $24,180 - $25,770
- Invoice: $22,244 - $23,707
- Avg. Paid: $24,543 - $26,179
- MPG: 17 City / 22 Hwy
#10
2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
The eye-catching Toyota FJ Cruiser continues to impress reviewers with its unique, retro-inspired styling and solid off-road performance. But all that comes at a price -- the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $27,895 - $40,245
- Invoice: $25,282 - $36,442
- Avg. Paid: $26,900 - $38,645
- MPG: 17 City / 23 Hwy
#12
2010 Honda Pilot
After a major redesign last year, the Pilot sees no changes for 2010, and pricing should remain about the same. With interior space, a new muscular exterior, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 6.8 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $30,710 - $43,325
- Invoice: $29,234 - $40,658
- Avg. Paid: $29,912 - $41,930
- MPG: 16 (2009) City / 21 (2009) Hwy
#13
2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an excellent off-road vehicle with a luxurious interior -- a rare combination in the realm of SUVs. Nonetheless, it still can't match ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.8 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $21,550 - $32,885
- Invoice: $20,523 - $30,762
- Avg. Paid: $20,713 - $31,537
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#13
2010 Mazda CX-7
For 2010, Mazda's performance-minded SUV gets a makeover inside and out. The changes add up to a great value equation -- the CX-7 is a great family ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.5 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $29,175 - $39,800
- Invoice: $26,548 - $36,218
- Avg. Paid: $28,985 - $39,280
- MPG: 17 (Est) City / 23 (Est) Hwy
#13
2010 Toyota 4Runner
Since its 2003 introduction, the Toyota 4Runner has been a capable off-road vehicle with poor fuel economy and a sub-par highway ride. Changes for 2010, however, have ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | NA |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: NA
- Invoice: NA
- MPG: NA
#16
2010 Kia Borrego
Introduced in 2009, the eight-passenger Kia Borrego stands out from the crossover SUV pack by offering true off-road performance. It offers good value and surprising interior quality, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $27,999 - $31,499
- Invoice: $26,389 - $29,688
- Avg. Paid: $27,116 - $30,481
- MPG: 15 City / 22 Hwy
#16
2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
The Endeavor receives good reviews for its distinctive styling, strong engine and responsive handling. However, it's based on an aging design and doesn't offer a stand-out total ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $33,390 - $41,705
- Invoice: $31,053 - $38,786
- Avg. Paid: $33,792 - $41,756
- MPG: 14 (2009) City / 18 (2009) Hwy
#18
2010 Hummer H3
The H3 boasts great off-road capability in a distinctive, rugged package. However, it costs a lot more than similar SUVs, offers only mediocre highway performance, and has ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $30,495 - $35,795
- Invoice: $28,635 - $33,611
- Avg. Paid: $29,083 - $34,032
- MPG: 16 City / 21 Hwy
#18
2010 Subaru Tribeca
While auto reviewers praise the Subaru Tribeca's powerful engine, responsive ride and well-equipped cabin, some wonder if it offers enough to distinguish itself from the competition. In ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 6.8 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $38,345 - $40,195
- Invoice: $35,336 - $37,001
- Avg. Paid: $37,660 - $39,525
- MPG: 18 City / 25 Hwy
#20
2010 Lincoln MKX
The Lincoln MKX's major strength is a spacious interior filled with luxury features. However, test drivers say the driving experience of Lincoln's first crossover SUV just doesn't ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: NA
- Invoice: NA
- Avg. Paid: $19,449 - $27,725
- MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
#20
2010 Mazda Tribute
The Mazda Tribute continues to be an excellent value thanks to its reasonable base price and high fuel economy. However, many reviewers still say it falls short ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $20,490 - $28,545
- Invoice: $19,826 - $27,236
- Avg. Paid: $20,109 - $27,754
- MPG: 19 City / 25 Hwy
#22
2010 Dodge Journey
All-new last year, the Dodge Journey is a solid minivan alternative. As Dodge's first crossover, it seeks to incorporate the practicality of an SUV with the comfort ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $28,880 - $38,200
- Invoice: $26,950 - $35,432
- Avg. Paid: $28,619 - $37,556
- MPG: 14 (2009) City / 20 (2009) Hwy
#22
2010 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer continues to be a solid but unspectacular performer in its class. Thanks to a 2006 redesign, most test drivers say the Explorer rides better ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 5.7 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $28,145 - $35,895
- Invoice: $26,706 - $33,274
- Avg. Paid: $26,995 - $34,359
- MPG: 17 City / 23 Hwy
#22
2010 Hyundai Veracruz
The seven-passenger Veracruz is a surprisingly luxurious family-friendly ride. The well-equipped base trim represents a good value within its class. However, the Veracruz still can't match the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $29,440 - $42,160
- Invoice: $27,584 - $39,041
- Avg. Paid: $28,502 - $40,435
- MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
#25
2010 Nissan Pathfinder
First introduced in 1986, the long-running Nissan Pathfinder is a good choice for those who want a versatile cabin and decent off-road capabilities. However, this SUV lags ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $29,670 - $36,220
- Invoice: $26,886 - $32,805
- Avg. Paid: $29,764 - $36,284
- MPG: 18 City / 27 Hwy
#26
2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
The all-new Honda Accord Crosstour is one of the most luxurious and smooth-riding crossovers on the market. However, it’s also one of the most expensive -- and ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 6.0 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $29,080 - $36,780
- Invoice: $27,167 - $34,174
- Avg. Paid: $29,100 - $36,574
- MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
#26
2010 Mercury Mountaineer
Based on the same platform as the Ford Explorer, the truck-based Mountaineer is a competent and comfortable SUV. But it has difficulty competing with its car-based crossover ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
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.
It's a confusing time to be shopping for a new car. While there are some incredible deals to be had, many of those incentives are for cars that don't offer a lot of value in the long term.
The U.S. News