Need convenience, versatility, and sophistication?
Whether you're looking for something big enough to make sure that your next family vacation goes off without a hitch, or versatile enough to guarantee you can accommodate all your passengers comfortably, a midsize SUV fits the bill. With plentiful storage space, towing capacities, and enough tech for driver and passenger convenience, it's easy to see why midsize SUVs have ballooned in popularity over the last few years. But at the same time, it's important to remember that every driver is a little bit different. So which midsize SUV is actually right for you and your needs?
See also: Best SUVs of 2018, Best Compact SUV and Best SUVs with 3 Rows.
Interested in the #1 ranked Ford Explorer? See it inside and out with our new 360 interior photos.
In this article, we'll dive into some of the hottest midsize SUVs at CarMax stores in 2017 to help you find the right SUV for you. This list was developed using CarMax sales data from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017.
The 2017 Toyota Highlander has an upscale and spacious interior. It sits between seven and eight people comfortably and offers a wide range of driver assistance features that come standard for a smooth and quiet ride. Technology options like Bluetooth® connectivity, a touchscreen infotainment system, and not one, but five USB ports, all help the Highlander fit into the lifestyle of even the busiest families.
Equally impressive is the 2017 Nissan Murano, which blends sleek exterior style with a comfortable drive. The first thing you'll notice about this vehicle is that it looks a bit different from just about every other midsize SUV on the road – that's because of the floating, curved roofline. The neutral-posture seats are designed to help make those long drives as comfy as possible.
Honda Pilot
The 2017 Honda Pilot looks attractive from the outside and is even better once you get in. The high quality interior materials, combined with options like one-touch sliding second-row seats, make this one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get the whole family back and forth from baseball practice. Available in both FWD and AWD depending on the trim level, the vehicle sits up to eight people in three distinct rows – also providing more than ample cargo space along the way.
Ford Edge
If you've been looking for a nice, roomy midsize SUV that handles like a sedan, consider the 2017 Ford Edge. It offers more than enough cargo space for hauling all your important gear and still seats five. With hard plastic material all throughout the cabin, cleaning up after those spills is a breeze. You've got four different trim levels to choose from, FWD or AWD, and even technology features like a push-button start and Bluetooth connectivity.
With ample seating for between seven and eight people, a very spacious cabin with plenty of cargo space, and a large towing capacity, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is an ideal option for families that require comfort and performance in one smooth ride. The Chevrolet Traverse can actually tow up to 5,200 pounds when properly equipped (by way of an optional towing package available on all trim levels with the exception of the LS Base trim).1 With both FWD and RWD available and more cargo space than a lot of alternatives, it's easy to see why this particular model is so popular.
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has long been a trendsetter in terms of the best midsize SUVs – it was actually one of the earliest vehicles in this category on the market in the first place. Even the base level manages to impress with a plethora of features aimed at making your hectic family life more convenient, like Bluetooth connectivity and keyless ignition. You also get four different trim levels to choose from depending on your preferences and you can get the Pathfinder in 4WD or FWD. The Pathfinder can also tow up to 6,000 pounds (when properly equipped), making it an ideal option for when you need to tow the family boat to the lake for your next weekend adventure.1
The 2017 Dodge Journey is easy to maneuver and has seating options for either five or seven passengers. Additionally, you get a very user-friendly infotainment system, five different trim levels, the option to pick between FWD and AWD, and even a V6 engine option if performance is a priority for you.
Kia Sorento
The 2017 Kia Sorento manages to bring together quality and value in more ways than one. You get good cargo space, a sleek interior with spacious seating for up to five people, a modern infotainment system, and more. The Sorento is available in FWD and AWD options, comes with a powerful V6 engine, and includes all of the tech options you need, like Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports.
If you had to make a list of all the notable qualities of the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, performance would undoubtedly be right at the top. The Grand Cherokee’s is an appropriate midsize SUV for families who want a smooth ride, and for people who want to go off-road for a little fun every now and again. You get standard seating for up to five people, individual cargo spaces, dual-zone automatic climate control, a push-button ignition, and much, much more.
Last but not least we have the 2017 Ford Explorer – a vehicle that takes the number one position on this list as a top-seller. Drivers enjoy the Explorer for its smooth handling, comfortable seating for seven people, and all of the classic trim levels you've come to expect. You get three different engine choices to pick from depending on your needs and a high-quality interior construction designed to help bring you the quietest experience possible at all times. With seating for up to seven and a huge amount of cargo space, you can also enjoy voice-control, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a powerful six-speaker audio system, and so much more.
Looking for more information as you shop for your next ride? Be sure to check out some of our other helpful articles here:
1Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.