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: $34,700 - $41,020
- Invoice: $31,577 - $37,122
- MPG: 27 City / 25 Hwy
#1
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Redesigned last year, the Highlander Hybrid offers a spacious interior, smooth ride, and refined hybrid powertrain. However, some feel its price is too steep compared to the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Performance: | 8.5 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $27,600 - $34,520
- Invoice: $24,840 - $31,067
- MPG: 18 City / 24 Hwy
#2
2009 Toyota Highlander
Redesigned last year, the Highlander is a functional, family-friendly crossover. Riding on a new platform shared with the Toyota Camry and Avalon, the second-generation Highlander boasts a ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $25,975 - $29,250
- Invoice: $23,506 - $26,325
- MPG: 19 City / 26 Hwy
#3
2009 Toyota Venza
The Venza is Toyota's new entry into the growing car-based SUV segment. Unlike Toyota's other crossover SUVs, it does not feature three-row seating -- giving it an ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 9.1 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $23,900 - $28,400
- Invoice: $22,365 - $26,561
- MPG: 17 City / 23 Hwy
#4
2009 Mazda CX-7
The CX-7 is a performance crossover with a turbocharged engine that reviewers say makes for a fun driving experience.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 8.6 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $31,890 - $40,490
- Invoice: $30,136 - $38,263
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#5
2009 GMC Acadia
The Acadia offers an excellent combination of class-leading seating capacity, good cargo space and smooth ride quality. Built on the same platform as General Motors siblings Buick ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.8 |
| Interior: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $21,695 - $30,545
- Invoice: $20,861 - $28,657
- MPG: 17 (Est) City / 24 (Est) Hwy
#6
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
Redesigned in 2007, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a value-priced family hauler that just doesn't stand out in a competitive segment. It delivers safety and value, but ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $23,320 - $24,910
- Invoice: $21,453 - $22,917
- MPG: 16 City / 20 Hwy
#6
2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
In keeping with its iconic namesake, the eye-catching Toyota FJ Cruiser delivers solid off-road performance. If you want to stand out from the crowd and can live ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $27,680 - $37,260
- Invoice: $25,504 - $34,315
- MPG: 18 City / 23 Hwy
#8
2009 Nissan Murano
The redesigned Murano delivers an even more refined ride and interior than its predecessor, making it an attractive and affordable choice within its class. For an even ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $28,640 - $39,360
- Invoice: $25,574 - $35,147
- MPG: 16 City / 21 Hwy
#8
2009 Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner's versatility for on-road or off-road driving will satisfy most prospective buyers. Its downsides include limited cabin space and poor fuel economy.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 7.5 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: NA
- Invoice: NA
- MPG: NA
#10
2009 Mitsubishi Endeavor
Despite its aging design, the Endeavor still receives good reviews for distinctive styling, a strong engine and responsive handling. However, it doesn't offer a stand-out total package ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $20,925 - $29,335
- Invoice: $19,517 - $27,170
- MPG: 19 City / 25 Hwy
#11
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: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $30,450 - $44,845
- Invoice: $28,090 - $41,081
- MPG: 16 City / 21 Hwy
#12
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Redesigned last year, the Grand Cherokee is an excellent off-road vehicle with a luxurious interior, plenty of options and five strong engine choices. But it still can't ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 8.5 |
| Exterior: | 8.8 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $24,635 - $36,195
- Invoice: $22,745 - $33,034
- MPG: 15 City / 22 Hwy
#13
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: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 9.1 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 8.1 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $29,995 - $37,795
- Invoice: $28,336 - $35,352
- MPG: 16 City / 21 Hwy
#13
2009 Subaru Tribeca
While auto reviewers praise the Subaru Tribeca's powerful, responsive ride and excellent performance in crash tests, some wonder if it offers enough to distinguish itself from the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $26,245 - $32,995
- Invoice: $24,640 - $30,410
- MPG: 17 City / 21 Hwy
#15
2009 Kia Borrego
Named after a state park in California and meaning "bighorned sheep," the Borrego is Kia's brand new midsize SUV -- and the manufacturer's largest offering yet. With ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $27,210 - $40,210
- Invoice: $25,499 - $37,238
- MPG: 15 City / 22 Hwy
#16
2009 Nissan Pathfinder
First introduced in 1986 and redesigned in 2005, the long-running Pathfinder delivers spacious seating for seven, a versatile interior, and decent off-road chops. However, it lags behind ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 8.2 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $30,750 - $43,130
- Invoice: $28,598 - $40,111
- MPG: 14 City / 18 Hwy
#17
2009 Hummer H3
The H3 boasts great off-road capability -- but only mediocre highway performance and comfort -- in a distinctive, rugged package. If you can live without the brawny ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 6.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $25,595 - $29,980
- Invoice: $24,572 - $28,781
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#18
2009 Suzuki XL7
While it's a competent people hauler, the Suzuki XL7 can't match the acceleration, handling and interior quality of top rivals. However, it succeeds as a value-priced seven-passenger ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.9 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $30,625 - $38,670
- Invoice: $28,634 - $36,156
- MPG: 15 City / 21 Hwy
#19
2009 GMC Envoy
The Envoy's strengths are its spacious interior and outstanding towing capacity. However, these are eclipsed by sub-par handling and questionable reliability and value. For better value and ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.8 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 9.1 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 6.1 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $29,155 - $39,330
- Invoice: $27,260 - $36,774
- MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
#20
2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
The TrailBlazer's strong point is its comfortable, roomy and relatively well-equipped cabin, but that can't make up for sub-par handling and cheap interior materials. For a smoother ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.7 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.8 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 6.1 |
| 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.
2010 Buick Enclave
MSRP: $35,165 - $43,695 | Invoice: $33,231 - $41,292 | MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
2010 Ford Edge
MSRP: $26,920 - $35,770 | Invoice: $25,407 - $33,191 | MPG: 17 (2009) City / 24 (2009) Hwy
2010 Ford Explorer
MSRP: $28,880 - $38,200 | Invoice: $26,950 - $35,432 | MPG: 14 (2009) City / 20 (2009) Hwy
2010 Ford Flex
MSRP: $28,550 - $42,065 | Invoice: $26,942 - $38,954 | MPG: 17 (2009) City / 24 (2009) Hwy
2010 Lincoln MKS
MSRP: $38,345 - $40,195 | Invoice: $35,336 - $37,001 | MPG: 17 (2009) City / 24 (2009) Hwy
2010 Mercury Mountaineer
MSRP: $29,080 - $36,780 | Invoice: $27,167 - $34,174 | MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
