What Are The Highest-Rated Midsize SUVs Of 2021?

As your life evolves, you may find yourself having to put down the dreams of the two-door convertible, and go for a more practical option. People that may need to accommodate more younger passengers who require carseats and trunk space for a stroller will find that SUVs are a nice transition to a different stage of life. They  can provide a nice, sleek ride that come with amenities perfect for your needs, and without breaking the bank.

A midsize SUV has the distinction of being not too big…not too small…but just right. You can load it up with plenty of passengers and gear, and get to your destination in comfort and ease. And on top of it all, today’s midsize SUVs have a distinct style that’s not bulky or boxy, but is instead stylish and sophisticated.

Here are five of the top midsize SUVs that you’ll find are anything but middle of the road.

Honda Passport

Priced from $32,790, the five-passenger Honda Passport offers trim selections that range from the Sport to the mid-level EX-L to the Passport Elite (only available with AWD; all other examples have FWD or AWD capability). It’s ideal for those who don’t need a third-row seat. Fold the rear seat down and you can enjoy 77.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and Passports can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Owing to its standard 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, the Passport allows you to tackle a range of driving scenarios with confidence. In addition to being easy to handle, it’s youthful styling is easy on the eyes. The generously sized seats mean there’s no shortage of comfort when you’re taking a long drive.

Hyundai Palisade

Priced from $32, 675, the Hyundai Palisade is pulsing with bold exterior styling and an interior that, depending on trim configuration, legitimately rivals luxury models costing thousands more. Buyers can choose from four trim levels, and FWD or AWD. Each Palisade is fitted with a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine that boasts 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and various driving modes are available, which means you can select throttle response and suspension tuning that runs the gamut from subdued to sporty. Top safety scores and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty seal the deal, making the Palisade seem like a touch of paradise. It’s bold styling and luxury on a budget.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

With a price of $32,075, go where you want to go, do what you want to do, in the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The body-on-frame construction with solid axles provides an exceptionally balanced ride and handling that allows you to make the road your own. The Wrangler Unlimited has an etorque mild-hybrid system for the standard V6 (when paired with an automatic transmission), a 4xe plug-in hybrid model and a V8-equipped Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392 that will put 470 horses at drivers’ feet. A removable roof and doors, room for five, a boatload of trim options, and the standard six-speed manual transmission have made the Wrangler the object of unlimited praise. Adventure awaits. ‘Nough said.

Kia Telluride 

The Kia Telluride’s superb styling suggests it’s the offspring of a rugged Chevy and a sophisticated Volvo. But wait…there’s more. At a price of $32,190, the interior offers the luxury and comfort of a Mercedes-Benz, which is definitely unexpected. Sure, there are a few odds and ends that can’t be called luxury grade, but this large midsize SUV is truly an SUV owner’s dream.  All versions of the 2021 Kia Telluride are equipped with a 291-horsepower V6 and either FWD or AWD capability. The cargo area expands to 87 cubic feet, and there’s plenty of room for eight passengers to just sit back (or stretch out) and enjoy the ride. Be prepared to repeat to multiple admirers, “It’s a Kia.”

Toyota Highlander

With the Toyota Highlander, luxury hits a high note. Where to look first in terms of the value this brings? Take your pick from distinctive, sharp creases and dramatic swoops in the sheet metal; super sleek head- and taillights; and distinctive alloy wheels. Then feast your eyes on a Lexus-like interior that envelops up to eight people in sophisticated, refined comfort. Priced at $34,190, the Highlander configurations range from the relatively basic FWD L all the way up to the highly appointed AWD Hybrid Platinum, and all offer three rows of seating plus two years of free factory-scheduled maintenance. And for those looking for an environmentally conscious option, the Highlander hybrid version offers an impressive EPA-rated 35 mpg highway (FWD).