SUVs are some of the most popular types of cars on the market right now, and there are many reasons why SUVs are more popular than sedans. One of those reasons is that SUVs have many size options, and one of the more popular SUV sizes is the midsize SUV. Here’s a look at the pros and cons and the best midsize SUVs that car shoppers may want to consider.

Pros of owning a midsize SUV

MotorTrend recently published a guide that covers many aspects of SUV shopping. Regarding midsize SUVs, there are many benefits to choosing this segment over others. The biggest advantage is their size. Midsize SUVs are typically some of the largest cars on the road, and as far as SUVs go, they’re only beaten by full-size SUVs. 

As a result, midsize SUVs tend to have very spacious interiors. This allows them to provide passengers with plenty of passenger space while having a lot of cargo capacity. On top of that, since the segment is so diverse, there are spacious midsize SUVs that only have two rows of seats and some with three rows of seats. 

The extra size also tends to mean larger engines, which translates to more power and capability. This isn’t guaranteed, but it’s generally true amongst the segment. The exact numbers will vary a lot, but midsize SUVs tend to have a good amount of towing capacity, especially compared to smaller and weaker cars. The most powerful ones are usually luxury options, which can tow over 7,000 pounds.

Here are the cons of this SUVs

While the main advantages of midsize SUVs have to do with their size, their main disadvantages also have to do with their size. Since midsize SUVs are so large, they can be hard to handle, especially in tight spaces. This also makes parking a pain, especially for folks who live or visit the city often. The extra size can also hurt the visibility drivers have, making it even harder to drive in some areas.

Due to the laws of physics, the extra size will hurt the SUV’s fuel efficiency. Whether it’s a regular gas-powered car, a hybrid, or an EV, it doesn’t matter. The extra size will make the car’s powertrain less efficient than a smaller vehicle. Plus, larger vehicles tend to be more expensive than smaller vehicles, so some shoppers may not have the budget one.

There are a lot of great midsize SUVs on the market right now

Shoppers interested in buying a midsize SUV have plenty of options, however. The Subaru Outback is a top-rated midsize SUV, according to MotorTrend. It scored 8.7 out of 10, starting at just over $28,000. Its two rows of seats allow it to carry five people comfortably. It also has plenty of passenger room and cargo capacity. When the seats are folded down, it maxes out at 75.6 cu-ft.

The Kia Telluride is another great midsize option. It starts at about $36,000 and receives a score of 8.9 out of 10. Unlike the Outback, the Telluride is a three-row midsize SUV that allows drivers to seat up to eight people. Owners also have a max cargo capacity of 87 cu-ft. However, the Telluride only gets about 23 mpg combined, which isn’t great.