J.D. Power compiles the facts and figures regarding what vehicle owners think about their purchases. The independent outlet measures a myriad of facets to discern quality and reliability, dealership experience, on-road performance, and resale value. This year, three upper midsize SUVs tied with the 2022 Kia Telluride for first place.

General Motors (GM) took three of the top spots on the J.D. Power list. The Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia scored 84 out of 100, the same as the other vehicle: Kia’s Telluride. Below, we’ll dive into why consumers thoroughly enjoyed American-made midsize SUVs, but first, let’s see what South Korea has to offer.

Is the 2022 Kia Telluride a good SUV?

Three-row SUVs often only have room for children or the family dog in the third row. However, the 2022 Kia Telluride is much different. J.D. Power says owners lauded the ease with which they can get in and out of the third-row seats. Cabin comfort and appointments are an area where Kia’s Telluride shines, but there are downfalls.

Customers say the infotainment is finicky to set up, especially the navigation settings. However, at least they can find solace in having enough space to conveniently store items like sunglasses, napkins, and sports equipment. Base LX models begin at just over $33,000 but go up well past the $50,000 range for top-of-the-line SX models. 

Is the 2022 Buick Enclave a good SUV?

The 2022 Buick Enclave SUV has a higher starting price than many midsize three-row SUVs. Beginning above $42,000 and slipping into the $60,000 range, GM’s luxury brand can seem like a lot. Yet, with more money comes less noise. 

Customers told J.D. Power they were impressed with how quiet the Enclave is on the road. Additionally, consumers have high ratings for driver assistance systems and the SUV’s powerful 3.6-liter V6.

On the downside, the Buick Enclave’s infotainment system gave customers a hard time setting it up. Owners also commented that the front seats are slightly cramped and found them less easy to get in and out of than others.

Is the 2022 GMC Acadia a good SUV?

The GMC Acadia is one of the most economical three-row SUVs on the market. While the same V6 from the Buick can be optioned for the Acadia, the standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. 

Customers also enjoyed the sound quality offered by the vehicle’s infotainment system. Base SLE models have a starting price of around $35,000, and go up nearly to $55,000 for the Denali trim level.

Even in the premium trim level, customers weren’t happy that the interior was relatively small. Owners said that getting in and out of the third row was challenging. As well, cargo space needed to be improved.

Is the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse a good SUV?

The Chevrolet Traverse is the least expensive of the three-row GM offerings on the list. With a starting price near $30,000, it’s a welcome sight, but the base model does sacrifice quality materials. The top High Country trim level mitigates inferior cabin quality, but it does come with a price above $55,000.

Regardless of trim level, each Traverse comes with a 3.6-liter V6, which consumers favored. As well, it’s the easiest one to get in and out of the third-row seats. Although it’s mechanically similar to the other GM offerings, owners seemed to have issues with stopping power.

Which is the best upper midsize SUV?

The SUV segment is where American manufacturers reign supreme. Considering they’re the best-selling vehicles in the U.S., that’s to be expected. However, while the Acadia, Enclave, and Traverse tied with the Telluride for number one on J.D. Power’s list, there must be a winner.

Given its high marks in every J.D. Power category, the Telluride sits on top. Its 291 horsepower 3.8-liter V6 is powerful enough to tow 5,000 pounds and achieve above 20 mpg in all settings. The Telluride also features a very competent driver assistance suite as standard and has an incredible resale value.