Reliable and Fuel-Efficient Midsized SUVs Recommended by Consumer Reports

Smart buying decisions can be tough. Especially when you are looking to make the most of your dollar with a fuel-efficient SUV that although is not the size of its bigger brothers, can still hold its own when it comes to SUV utility needs for SUV shoppers looking for dependable models that are perfect for around-town drives, commutes, and even longer trips

Midsized SUVs’ Are Popular with Shoppers

Consumers have discovered that midsized SUVs can fit the bill in both fuel efficiency and utility as recently announced in a Consumer Reports newsletter.

“The midsized SUV is the workhorse of many families. Two-row models are roomy enough to carry three kids in the back seat, along with their school, sports, or camp gear. Opt for a three-row version and you can carry enough stuff for a weeklong vacation for a family of five or take six passengers to all the activities you can schedule. In any form it can operate as a mobile office or, on weekends, it can be the perfect tailgating support vehicle,” states CR automotive experts.

And while the versatility of midsized SUVs is a big plus, shoppers know that fuel economy and reliability are deal-closers as well when it comes to their SUV vehicle choices.

Related article: Popular Midsized SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead Recommendations from Consumer Reports

With than in mind, CR analysts have based their latest selections with an eye toward attractive Overall Scores earned, based on owner satisfaction with utility, fuel economy, and reliability and the inclusion of desired safety features that SUV owners want and expect, in new vehicles today.

That said, here is a summary of 20 top choices among new model two- and three-row midsized and Luxury SUVs you should be looking for as a smart fuel-efficient purchase that CR analysts state, “…scored well in Consumer Reports’ road tests, have average or better predicted reliability ratings, and get 21 mpg overall or better.”

RELIABLE AND FUEL-EFFICIENT MIDSIZED SUVS

Two-Row SUVs

1. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $36,210 - $41,870

CR MPG:  Overall 30 / City 23 / Hwy 37 mpg

#1 of 15 Midsized SUVs

2. Subaru Outback 2023

Price Range:  $28,395 - $42,295

CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg

#2 of 15 Midsized SUVs

3. Toyota Venza 2023

Price Range:  $34,620 - $42,765

CR MPG:  Overall 37 / City 31 / Hwy 42 mpg

#3 of 15 Midsized SUVs

4. Ford Edge 2023

Price Range:  $37,945 - $46,485

CR MPG:  Overall 22 / City 15 / Hwy 31 mpg

#5 of 15 Midsized SUVs

5. Honda Passport 2023

Price Range:  $41,100 - $46,560

CR MPG:  Overall 21 / City 14 / Hwy 28 mpg

#6 of 15 Midsized SUVs

6. Nissan Murano 2023

Price Range:  $34,160 - $47,410

CR MPG:  Overall 21 / City 14 / Hwy 29 mpg

#8 of 15 Midsized SUVs

7. Hyundai Santa Fe 2023

Price Range:  $28,750 - $47,670

CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 17 / Hwy 32 mpg

#9 of 15 Midsized SUVs

8. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2023

Price Range:  $34,460 - $51,625

CR MPG:  Overall 21 / City 14 / Hwy 30 mpg

#10 of 15 Midsized SUVs

Three-Row SUVs

9. Kia Telluride 2023

Price Range:  $35,890 - $52,985

CR MPG:  Overall 21 / City 14 / Hwy 30 mpg

#1 of 18 Midsized SUVs 3-row

10. Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $36,620 - $53,025

CR MPG:  Overall 35 / City 27 / Hwy 41 mpg

#2 of 18 Midsized SUVs 3-row

11. Toyota Highlander 2023

Price Range:  $36,620 - $53,025

CR MPG:  Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 33 mpg

#5 of 18 Midsized SUVs 3-row

12. Mazda CX-90 2024

Price Range:  $39,595 - $59,950

CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 33 mpg

#3 of 18 Midsized SUVs 3-row

13. Hyundai Palisade 2023

Price Range:  $35,900 - $51,750

CR MPG:  Overall 21 / City 15 / Hwy 29 mpg

#4 of 18 Midsized SUVs 3-row

14. Subaru Ascent 2023

Price Range:  $33,895 - $48,195

CR MPG:  Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg

#8 of 18 Midsized SUVs 3-row

15. Kia Sorento Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $30,090 - $49,990

CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 22 / Hwy 34 mpg

#9 of 18 Midsized SUVs 3-row

16. Mazda CX-9 2023

Price Range:  $38,750 - $48,460

CR MPG:  Overall 22 / City 15 / Hwy 32 mpg

#10 of 18 Midsized SUVs 3-row

Luxury SUVs

17. BMW X5 2023

Price Range:  $61,600 - $108,900

CR MPG:  Overall 23 / City 15 / Hwy 33 mpg

#1 of 15 Luxury midsized SUVs

18. Lexus RX Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $52,235 - $57,045

CR MPG:  Overall 34 / City 29 / Hwy 38 mpg

#2 of 15 Luxury midsized SUVs

19. Lexus RX 2023

Price Range:  $47,800 - $62,000

CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 34 mpg

#3 of 15 Luxury midsized SUVs

20. Porsche Cayenne 2023

Price Range:  $72,200 - $188,700

CR MPG:  Overall 21 / City 15 / Hwy 29 mpg

#5 of 15 Luxury midsized SUVs

For a more detailed breakdown of each vehicle’s features, please visit the Consumer Reports website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research. Furthermore, you can also use this site’s search engine to find past reviews of many of the models at no cost to you.

And finally…

For more about CR recommended new and used models, here are a few selections for your consideration to help you find the right car for you:

• 10 Cheap Cars That Consumer Reports Recommends
• Consumer Reports' Most Popular New Cars and SUVs
• Used Midsized Sedans with the Best Fuel Economy Recommended by Consumer Reports

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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