Say hello to versatility and convenience!
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 2018 to help you find the right SUV for you. This list was developed using CarMax sales data from June 1, 2018 through November 30, 2018.
If you're looking for a midsize SUV that offers a little power behind the wheel and extra features, the 2018 Infiniti QX60 is a solid choice. This three-row SUV offers comfortable seating for up to seven and comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine; both front- and all-wheel drive configurations are available as well. Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate this model’s generous standard features, which include leather upholstery, keyless ignition/entry, a rearview camera, and a seven-inch touchscreen interface. Upper trims also include options for in-car Wi-Fi, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium 15-speaker Bose sound system.
The 2018 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.
GMC Acadia
The 2018 GMC Acadia is also a top contender when it comes to midsize SUVs. This three-row SUV has a slightly smaller profile than many other midsize SUVs, but it still packs quite a punch both in terms of driving experience and space. This model is available in four different trim levels: the SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. The base SL trim has a two-row configuration and offers seating for up to five passengers, so those looking for that third row will want to bump up to the SLE, SLT, or Denali trim for greater seating capacity.
The standard engine on the 2018 Acadia is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, whereas the SLT and Denali trims are equipped with a more powerful 3.6-liter V6. This is a great SUV for those who are looking for a smooth and quiet ride, which is great for those long road trips and even the daily commute.
Ford Edge
If you've been looking for a nice, roomy midsize SUV that handles like a sedan, consider the 2018 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.
The 2018 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.
Lexus RX350
If a luxury midsize SUV is more your speed, you'll definitely want to check out the 2018 Lexus RX350. This vehicle offers an incredibly quiet and smooth ride, along with a comfortable and spacious interior and generous features that drivers and passengers will love. This SUV comes with two rows of seating to carry up to five passengers, so it is a little smaller than some of the other vehicles on this list with three rows and seating for up to seven.
The 2018 RX350 is available in both base and F Sport trims. Even in the base trim, features include dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, a rearview camera, smartphone integration, and a power liftgate. It also comes standard with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine for a little power behind the wheel. This is an excellent choice for those in the market for a head-turning road trip car and an overall fun driving experience.
The 2018 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
Kia Sorento
The 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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.