The Best Midsize SUVs of 2025

Midsize SUVs are a very popular autos category, and for good reason. Not too big, not too small, vehicles in this category offer more power, cargo space and towing capability than compact SUVs but are still reasonably agile and fuel-efficient. And they offer better fuel efficiency than the behemoths in the class.

Many midsize SUVs carry only five or six people comfortably. However, as noted below, some of our picks have a capacity of seven passengers, carried in three rows of seats. However, if you'll often carry a crowd in the car, you may want to choose an SUV that's larger than midsize, for their greater space per passenger. (Our list of the best large SUVs includes some such vehicles.)

Using a step-by-step methodology, we evaluated the best midsize SUVs available today for the attributes that we think matter — including value for money, safety and suitability to buy used, through the automaker’s certified pre-owned programs (CPOs).

Below are our five top choices, with explanations on how each stands out from the pack. The specs listed below each review are for the least expensive version of the vehicle.

(If you’re interested in a broader look at the new vehicle marketplace, check out our full list of the Best Cars of 2025.)

Best Midsize SUVs of 2025

Best Overall: Mazda CX-5
Best for Luxury: Toyota Crown Signia
Best for Safety: Kia Sorento
Best for Cargo Space: Hyundai Santa Fe
Best to Buy Used: Honda CR-V

Best Overall: Mazda CX-5

• Price: $28,570
• Mileage: 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway

You won’t find a sportier SUV in this segment than the 2025 Mazda CX-5. What it lacks in rear passenger space and cargo room, it makes up for in performance. All-wheel drive is standard.

Starting at $28,570, the base model delivers an adequate 187 horsepower, but (if you can afford it) we recommend splashing out for the $37,000 2.5 Carbon Turbo model with a 227-horsepower turbo-four if you want your SUV to feel more like a sporty sedan. The extra power will also offer an advantage when merging onto the highway or passing slower drivers.
The ride quality is balanced, smooth and controlled, especially around corners.

The 2.5 Carbon Turbo version also comes with leather and synthetic suede upholstery, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.

Best for Luxury: Toyota Crown Signia

• Price: $43,590
• Mileage: 39 mpg city/37 mpg highway

New for 2025, the Toyota Crown Signia succeeds at creating a near-Lexus-like experience for a near-Toyota price. The new SUV starts at $43,590, which is on the high side, but you get sleek exterior styling, leather upholstery and comfortable seating for five.

The Crown Signia falls short of the peppiest midsized SUVs when it comes to performance, though. Tuned for comfort, it lacks the chops of a Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Santa Fe and can emit a droning noise when under pressure. Still, the SUV delivers a respectable 240 horsepower, via its hybrid setup, and comes with standard all-wheel drive.

Toyota offers plenty of options that will quickly ratchet the price above $50,000, edging into Audi or BMW territory. So if you want more amenities than the base model offers, you may be better off with an entry-level SUV from a luxury brand

Best for Safety: Kia Sorento

• Price: $31,990
• Mileage: 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway

The 2025 Kia Sorento is a three-row SUV with seating for up to seven. With pricing that starts at a mere $31,990, it’s the most affordable three-row model on the market.

For that price, you get a well-appointed cabin with a 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Notably, you also benefit from plenty of standard safety features for the money, The list of equipment to keep you safe includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist and rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights and more.

All models also come with a rear-seat alert which reminds you to check for kids or pets and safe exit assist, which stops the doors from opening if it detects an obstacle.

The standard 191-horsepower setup drives decently and delivers middling fuel economy. Note, however, that the third row comes at the expense of the cargo space you’d typically find in a midsize SUV.

Like its corporate cousin the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Sorento is covered by a standout five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Best for Cargo Space: Hyundai Santa Fe

• Price: $34.200
• Mileage: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway

Starting at $34,200, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a family-friendly three-row hauler. It provides plenty of value for the price, including roomy seating in the first and second rows as well as a large cargo hold and hands-free power liftgate to access it.

The seven-seater comes with a 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a suite of safety features and a muscular 277-horsepower turbo-four.

Like its corporate cousin the Kia Sorento, the Santa Fe is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty – the best in the business. That means you’ll be protected from shelling out for costly repairs over the long run.

Best to Buy Used: Honda CR-V

• Price: $31,450
• Mileage: 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway

The 2025 Honda CR-V is a consistent crowd pleaser in the midsize SUV segment. Starting at $31,450, the five-seater is a versatile, well-rounded ride whether you’re using it to cart your family around town or bring your surfboard to the beach.

What it lacks in luxury and performance chops, it makes up for in comfort, fuel economy and interior space – at an attractive price. Honda’s stellar reputation for long-term reliability and residual value doesn’t hurt, either.

You can save money on your CR-V through the HondaTrue Certified+ program, one of the best such programs for buying nearly-new vehicles. To qualify, vehicles must be under a year old with fewer than 12,000 miles on the odometer and pass a 182-point inspection, which means you’ll save thousands on a Certified+ CR-V and get a vehicle that’s been inspected and is barely used.