Best New Midsize SUV in 2023 Isn’t a Toyota or Honda: Surprising Pick!
The Toyota Highlander is one of the top-selling midsize SUVs. Another popular model is the Honda Pilot, which received a redesign. However, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the best new midsize SUV in 2023 isn’t either of these two models. It’s the 2023 Kia Telluride.
2023 Kia Telluride is the best new midsize SUV in 2023, according to Kelley Blue Book
The Toyota Highlander is the quintessential family SUV. With its roomy interior, smooth ride, and efficient hybrid model, it’s at or near the top of the sales charts year after year. And in 2023, the Honda Pilot received a pleasing redesign, which makes it a more compelling choice for the segment.
However, the best new midsize SUV in 2023 is neither the 2023 Toyota Highlander nor the 2023 Honda Pilot, says Kelley Blue Book. KBB ranks the 2023 Kia Telluride as the top model in the midsize SUV class. Following the Telluride, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2023 Kia Sorento place second and third, respectively. The Pilot ranks fourth, while the Highlander is in 11th place.
Here are the best new midsize SUVs in 2023, according to KBB:
- 2023 Kia Telluride
- 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2023 Kia Sorento
- 2023 Honda Pilot
- 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid
- 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
- 2023 Subaru Outback
- 2023 Hyundai Palisade
- 2023 Toyota Highlander
- 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
What makes the Kia Telluride a top choice for a midsize SUV?
There are multiple reasons why the 2023 Kia Telluride is a KBB top choice for a midsize SUV — beating out the 2023 Toyota Highlander and the 2023 Honda Pilot. Kelley Blue Book states that it is “strong on many fronts.” This includes a comfortable and spacious cabin, which can seat up to eight passengers — with a generous amount of headroom and legroom.
Also, the Telluride is a safe vehicle with its abundance of safety features. This includes an extensive suite of driving assistance technologies. Also, the Kia SUV delivers a good driving experience, providing a comfortable ride with its smooth suspension — and solid performance with its 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 engine.
Furthermore, the Telluride is an excellent value choice. It starts at only $35,890 MSRP and has many standard features. In comparison, the starting price is $36,420 MSRP for the Highlander and $35,950 MSRP for the Pilot.
Adding to the affordability of the Telluride is its long warranty coverage, making it cheap to own with lower repair costs. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, for the Toyota and Honda midsize SUVs, the coverage is much less. Both models have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is the automotive industry standard.
Refreshed design for the 2023 Telluride
The Kia Telluride is even better in 2023 with a refreshed design — both inside and out. For the exterior, there is a new grille, bumpers, wheel designs, vertical headlights, tailights, and rear fascia. And the cabin is more refined and technologically sophisticated, especially with the new curved dual 12.3” display screens.
Also, the Telluride is more capable for off-road use with the rugged new X-Line and X-Pro trims. With features like all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance, and an upgraded traction control system, they are ready to hit the trails.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the best new midsize SUV is the 2023 Kia Telluride. KBB ranks it higher than all other midsize SUV models, including the 2023 Toyota Highlander and the 2023 Honda Pilot.
