The midsize SUV segment has rapidly gained popularity in the United States, offering an appealing blend of space, comfort, performance, and versatility. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging for consumers to find the right vehicle for their needs. In this article, we will explore the top 10 midsize SUVs for 2024, considering factors such as performance, interior space, safety features, and technology.
1. Toyota Highlander
Overview
The Toyota Highlander continues to be a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment for 2024. Known for its reliability, spacious interior, and family-friendly features, the Highlander appeals to a broad audience.
Performance
The Highlander offers a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering excellent fuel efficiency. With available all-wheel drive, the Highlander performs admirably in various driving conditions.
Interior and Cargo Space
Inside, the Highlander boasts three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers. The cabin is well-designed, featuring high-quality materials and user-friendly technology. With 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, the Highlander expands to 84.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down, providing ample room for luggage and gear.
Safety and Technology
The Highlander comes equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The infotainment system features a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with available upgrades to a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility further enhance the tech offerings.
See Also: Top 10 Luxury SUVs in the USA
2. Honda Passport
Overview
The Honda Passport is a rugged and versatile midsize SUV that strikes a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort. With its spacious interior and advanced safety features, the Passport is an excellent choice for families and adventure seekers alike.
Performance
Under the hood, the Passport features a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower. The nine-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifts, while the available all-wheel drive ensures confident handling in various conditions. The Passport also boasts a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for trailers and boats.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Passport offers a roomy cabin with seating for five passengers. The rear seats provide ample legroom and comfort, making long journeys more enjoyable. The cargo area is impressive, with 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 77.9 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. Clever storage solutions, such as under-floor compartments, enhance practicality.
Safety and Technology
Safety is a priority for Honda, and the Passport is no exception. It includes Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features such as collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation. The infotainment system features an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, ensuring that drivers stay connected on the go.
3. Ford Edge
Overview
The Ford Edge is a stylish and spacious midsize SUV that offers a comfortable ride and impressive technology features. With a range of engine options and a user-friendly interior, the Edge appeals to a diverse group of drivers.
Performance
The Edge comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower, while an available 2.7-liter V6 engine increases output to 335 horsepower for those seeking more power. The eight-speed automatic transmission provides smooth acceleration, and the available all-wheel drive enhances performance in inclement weather.
Interior and Cargo Space
The interior of the Edge is well-appointed, featuring high-quality materials and a spacious cabin. With seating for five, the Edge offers 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 73.4 cubic feet when the second row is folded. The rear seats also offer a comfortable recline feature for added passenger comfort.
Safety and Technology
Ford includes a host of standard safety features in the Edge, including Ford Co-Pilot360, which encompasses blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. The infotainment system utilizes Ford’s SYNC 4 technology, featuring a large 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
4. Chevrolet Traverse
Overview
The Chevrolet Traverse is a family-friendly midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and user-friendly technology. With a powerful engine and comfortable ride, the Traverse is ideal for large families or those needing extra cargo space.
Performance
The Traverse is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse offers a smooth and confident ride, with available all-wheel drive for added traction in challenging conditions. It also boasts a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it versatile for various activities.
Interior and Cargo Space
With three rows of seating for up to eight passengers, the Traverse prioritizes space and comfort. The cargo area is particularly generous, offering 23 cubic feet behind the third row and an impressive 98.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Traverse also features convenient storage solutions throughout the cabin.
Safety and Technology
The Traverse is equipped with Chevrolet’s Safety Assist package, which includes features like forward collision alert and lane keep assist. The infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring a standard 7-inch touchscreen (with an optional 8-inch upgrade), Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto support, ensuring that connectivity is at the forefront.
5. Hyundai Palisade
Overview
The Hyundai Palisade has quickly gained recognition for its upscale interior, spacious design, and extensive feature set. This midsize SUV caters to families seeking a combination of luxury and practicality.
Performance
The Palisade features a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available all-wheel drive enhances performance in adverse weather conditions, while the Palisade’s ride quality remains comfortable and refined.
Interior and Cargo Space
Inside, the Palisade offers a premium feel, with high-quality materials and a spacious layout. It comfortably seats up to eight passengers, with 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum of 86.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Palisade also features multiple USB ports and thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin.
Safety and Technology
Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite includes features like forward collision-avoidance assist and blind-spot monitoring. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with an optional 10.25-inch display available. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, allowing for seamless smartphone integration.
6. Kia Telluride
Overview
The Kia Telluride has quickly become a favorite in the midsize SUV market, offering a well-rounded package of style, space, and features. Its bold design and impressive interior make it a standout choice for families.
Performance
The Telluride is powered by the same 3.8-liter V6 engine as the Palisade, producing 291 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ride is smooth, with available all-wheel drive providing added confidence on various terrains.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Telluride’s interior is spacious and well-appointed, offering seating for up to eight passengers. Cargo space measures 21 cubic feet behind the third row and expands to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Telluride also includes numerous cupholders and storage compartments, enhancing its practicality for family outings.
Safety and Technology
Kia’s Drive Wise suite of safety features includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The infotainment system comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and available 10.25-inch upgrade, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.
7. Subaru Ascent
Overview
The Subaru Ascent is an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, combining spaciousness with Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive system. This midsize SUV is designed to handle a variety of terrains while offering comfort and safety.
Performance
The Ascent is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 260 horsepower. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides a smooth driving experience, and the standard all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction in adverse conditions.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Ascent offers three rows of seating for up to eight passengers, with plenty of legroom and headroom for all occupants. Cargo space measures 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and expands to 86.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The interior is designed for family use, featuring durable materials and thoughtful storage solutions.
Safety and Technology
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, enhancing overall safety. The infotainment system features a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8-inch upgrade available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility allow for easy smartphone integration.
8. Nissan Pathfinder
Overview
The Nissan Pathfinder has undergone a significant redesign for 2024, bringing a fresh look and updated technology to this midsize SUV. With its family-friendly features and capable performance, the Pathfinder remains a strong contender.
Performance
The Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 284 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and control, while the Pathfinder also offers a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, making it suitable for various recreational activities.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Pathfinder accommodates up to eight passengers across three rows, with comfortable seating and ample legroom. Cargo space measures 18.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cabin includes various storage compartments to keep belongings organized.
Safety and Technology
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite includes features like automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert. The infotainment system features a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with available navigation and premium audio options, ensuring drivers stay connected and entertained.
9. Volkswagen Atlas
Overview
The Volkswagen Atlas is known for its spacious interior and practicality, making it an ideal choice for families needing extra room. With its solid build quality and advanced technology, the Atlas remains a popular midsize SUV option.
Performance
The Atlas offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 276 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth driving experience. All-wheel drive is available for those needing additional traction.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Atlas excels in space, offering seating for up to seven passengers. The cargo area measures 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and expands to a generous 96.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. The interior features high-quality materials and an intuitive layout, enhancing overall comfort.
Safety and Technology
Volkswagen includes a host of safety features in the Atlas, including forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The infotainment system features a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8-inch display available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, ensuring seamless connectivity.
10. Mazda CX-9
Overview
The Mazda CX-9 combines a sporty design with engaging driving dynamics, making it a standout option in the midsize SUV segment. With a luxurious interior and advanced technology, the CX-9 appeals to those seeking a refined driving experience.
Performance
The CX-9 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower when using premium fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission delivers responsive performance, while the standard all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and control.
Interior and Cargo Space
The interior of the CX-9 is upscale, featuring high-quality materials and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. Cargo space measures 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row and expands to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The CX-9 also includes several premium features, enhancing its overall appeal.
Safety and Technology
Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The infotainment system features a standard 10.25-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring drivers stay connected.
See Also: Top 10 Best-Selling SUVs in the USA
Conclusion
The midsize SUV segment continues to evolve, offering a wide range of options to cater to diverse consumer needs. From the reliable Toyota Highlander to the luxurious Mazda CX-9, these vehicles provide a balance of performance, comfort, and technology. When choosing the right midsize SUV, it’s essential to consider individual preferences, lifestyle requirements, and budget. The options outlined in this article represent the top choices for 2024, ensuring that families and adventurers alike can find the perfect vehicle to suit their needs.
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