3 Best New Midsize SUVs to Buy in 2023, According to Car and Driver
The midsize SUV segment is fiercely competitive — with many models vying for the top spot. The are some strong choices — and according to Car and Driver, three of them stand out the most. The automotive media site’s three best new midsize SUVs to buy in 2023 are the 2023 Kia Telluride, 2023 Ford Bronco, and 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor.
2023 Kia Telluride is the best new 2023 midsize SUV, says Car and Driver
According to Car and Driver, the 2023 Kia Telluride is the best new midsize SUV to get in 2023. The Telluride also earned a spot on Car and Driver’s “10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2023” list. In praising the midsize SUV, the automotive site stated that “a smooth-running V-6 engine, a quiet cabin, and confident handling give the Telluride a refined feel on the road.”
Car and Driver also highlighted the Telluride’s many standard features and 5,500-pound maximum towing capacity. Also, the cabin is spacious and comfortable, and the top trims “offer a near-luxury experience.”
For the 2023 model year, the Telluride has a refreshed design. This includes a new grille, bumpers, wheel designs, rear fascia, and exterior lighting. Inside the cabin, the midsize SUV offers massive curved dual 12.3” display screens. Also, the cabin features a redesigned dashboard and steering wheel. Additionally, the Telluride has greater off-road capabilities with the rugged X-Line and X-Pro trims.
2023 Ford Bronco is another great choice
The second model on Car and Driver’s list of best new 2023 midsize SUVs is the 2023 Ford Bronco. Like the Kia Telluride, the Bronco earned a spot on the automotive site’s “10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2023” list. The reintroduction of the Bronco has been an enormous success — with very high demand. The demand is so high that there’s a lengthy waitlist to get one.
Part of what makes the Bronco a great choice for a midsize SUV is that it has some serious off-road chops — but also functions well for on-road use. Car and Driver stated that the Bronco has a “thoroughly liveable ride” and is the “most exciting off-roader since the Jeep Wrangler.”
Another strength of the Bronco is its impressive configurability. There is a wide variety of model choices, trims, feature options, and accessories. The configurability enables the Bronco to cater to a range of needs for midsize SUVs drivers, whether it’s a daily family driver — or an off-road powerhouse. Other highlights of the Bronco are its powerful engine lineup and a generous amount of passenger and cargo space.
2023 Ford Bronco Raptor is a more powerful and off-road-capable version of the Bronco
Two of the strengths of the Bronco are performance and off-road capabilities. The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor, Car and Driver’s third-best new midsize SUV to get in 2023, elevates these two things even higher. Ford has achieved much success with the high-performance Ford F-150 Raptor off-road pickup truck — and now, it gives the Raptor treatment to the Bronco SUV.
On the performance front, the Bronco Raptor comes equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine, which delivers 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. The powerful engine enables the Bronco Raptor to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.
For off-road capabilities, the Bronco Raptor has a more advanced suspension setup than the standard model. The upgraded suspension is helpful for driving over rough terrain — or absorbing the impact after jumping through the air. Additionally, the Bronco Raptor has a significantly wider track, which provides a more stable ride, especially when traveling off-road at high speeds. Other off-road features include Fox adaptive dampers, 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 all-terrain tires, and protective skid plates.
Other models on the Car and Driver best new 2023 midsize SUV list
The 2023 Kia Telluride is the best new 2023 midsize SUV to buy, according to Car and Driver, followed by the 2023 Ford Bronco and the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor. Also, the media site highlights some other models.
Here are the six best new 2023 midsize SUVs, according to Car and Driver:
- 2023 Kia Telluride
- 2023 Ford Bronco
- 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor
- 2023 Hyundai Palisade
- 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Hyundai Palisade is mechanically similar to the Kia Telluride but has a different design. And the Jeep Grand Cherokee models, like the Ford Bronco, offer a nice combination of on-road ride quality and off-road capabilities.
