Top 10 Mid-Size SUVs 2025 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

The best mid-size SUV of 2025 overall is the Kia Telluride, starting at $36,190, which pairs a roomy three-row cabin, a strong V6, an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating into one of the most complete family packages on the market.

The best value is the Hyundai Palisade, starting at $38,695, the Telluride's mechanical twin that adds a richer standard-feature list, the same 291-horsepower V6, and the same long warranty for a price that still undercuts most loaded rivals. This list is built for families, road-trippers, and budget-minded buyers who want three rows, real cargo room, strong safety scores, and low long-term ownership cost — without stepping up to a pricier luxury badge.

Below are the ten best mid-size SUVs of 2025, each with real 2025 trims, pricing, and specs.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted the things that actually matter to a family buyer over a 5-to-7-year ownership window, leaning on published 2025 MSRP data, EPA fuel-economy figures, IIHS and NHTSA crash results, and long-term reliability and resale data rather than marketing copy. Each vehicle was scored on the following:

• Reliability and ownership cost — 25%
• Safety ratings — 20%
• Interior space and comfort — 15%
• Powertrain and efficiency — 15%
• Tech and value — 15%
• Price-to-performance — 10%

Sources used include Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, U.S. News, the IIHS, the EPA, and the manufacturers' own 2025 press materials. Where trims spanned a wide price band, we anchored to the real base-trim MSRP for the 2025 model year.

1. Kia Telluride 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $36,190 | Best for: Families who want the most complete three-row package

The 2025 Kia Telluride is the rare SUV that does almost everything well. Power comes from a 3.8-liter V6 making 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front or all four wheels, with EPA estimates around 20 city / 26 highway in front-drive form. It seats up to eight in three rows, tows up to 5,000 pounds (5,500 on the rugged X-Pro), and the cabin feels a class above its price.

Standard tech includes a large touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a deep roster of driver aids, and the Telluride earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ — the institute's highest honor. Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty seals the case.

Pros:

• Top Safety Pick+ rating, the best available
• Genuinely upscale interior at a mainstream price
• Industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Eight-passenger room plus 5,000-lb towing

Cons:

• No hybrid option, so fuel economy trails the Toyotas
• Popular trims can be hard to find at MSRP

Verdict: The Telluride is the most well-rounded mid-size SUV of 2025 and our Best Overall pick.

2. Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $40,860 (gas) / $44,210 (hybrid) | Best for: Big families who want hybrid efficiency without giving up space

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander stretches the Highlander formula into a roomier three-row body that finally fits adults in the back. The standard hybrid uses a 2.5-liter system rated at 245 combined horsepower and returns up to a remarkable 36 mpg combined, while the available Hybrid MAX turbo setup makes 362 horsepower and still tows 5,000 pounds.

Cargo room is generous at 20.6 cu ft behind the third row and 97.5 cu ft with both rows folded, and seating is for up to eight. Toyota's reputation for reliability and strong resale, plus a long list of standard safety tech, makes this one of the smartest big-family buys of the year.

Pros:

• Up to 36 mpg combined from the standard hybrid
• Huge cargo hold and true adult-friendly third row
• Hybrid MAX adds 362 hp and 5,000-lb towing

Cons:

• Hybrid pricing climbs quickly on upper trims

Verdict: The Grand Highlander Hybrid is the best pick for big families who refuse to choose between space and efficiency.

3. Hyundai Palisade 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $38,695 | Best for: Buyers who want maximum content and warranty per dollar

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade shares its bones with the Telluride but plays the value card harder, loading more standard equipment into the price and wrapping it in a plush, quiet cabin. The same 3.8-liter V6 makes 291 horsepower, EPA figures land around 19 city / 26 highway, and towing is rated at 5,000 pounds with a transmission cooler and trailer pre-wiring standard.

Total cargo volume is a generous 86.4 cu ft, seating runs up to eight, and Hyundai backs it with the same 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. With strong safety scores and a feature list that shames pricier competitors, the Palisade delivers more SUV per dollar than almost anything else in the segment.

Pros:

• Loaded standard-feature list at a sharp price
• Same 291-hp V6 and 10-year powertrain warranty as the Telluride
• Quiet, upscale three-row cabin

Cons:

• AWD fuel economy is merely average for the class
• No hybrid variant for 2025

Verdict: The Palisade gives you near-luxury content and a long warranty for thousands less than rivals, earning our Best Value award.

4. Honda Pilot

Starting MSRP: $39,900 | Best for: Buyers who want maximum cargo flexibility and Honda durability

The 2025 Honda Pilot is the practicality champion of the group. Every Pilot runs a 3.5-liter V6 making 285 horsepower through a 10-speed automatic, returns up to 22 mpg combined, and tows up to 5,000 pounds with AWD. Cargo space is enormous — up to 113.7 cu ft with both rows folded — and the clever removable middle second-row seat adds flexibility no rival matches.

Seating is for eight (seven on the TrailSport with captain's chairs), and the Pilot earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Honda's long-haul reliability record and strong resale value round out a deeply sensible package.

Pros:

• Class-leading cargo volume up to 113.7 cu ft
• Removable second-row seat for unmatched flexibility
• Top Safety Pick rating plus proven Honda reliability

Cons:

• Cabin design is more functional than plush
• No hybrid offered on the 2025 Pilot

Verdict: The Pilot is the most flexible and family-friendly hauler here, and a safe long-term bet.

5. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $47,470 | Best for: Smaller families chasing efficiency and resale value

The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid remains a benchmark for efficiency in a three-row SUV. Its 2.5-liter hybrid system makes 243 horsepower and posts an EPA-rated 36 mpg city / 35 mpg highway, numbers no V6 rival can touch. The trade-off is a tighter third row better suited to kids, but cargo room still reaches 84.3 cu ft with the seats folded, and seating is for up to eight.

Towing is modest at 3,500 pounds. The Highlander earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a 5-star NHTSA overall rating, and Toyota's resale strength means it holds its value better than almost anything in the segment.

Pros:

• 36 mpg city efficiency from a three-row SUV
• Top Safety Pick plus 5-star NHTSA rating
• Excellent resale value and reliability

Cons:

• Third row is tight for adults
• Higher base price than the Telluride and Palisade

Verdict: The Highlander Hybrid is the efficiency and resale king for families who don't need a cavernous third row.

6. Mazda CX-90

Starting MSRP: $38,045 | Best for: Drivers who want luxury feel and engagement

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the enthusiast's mid-size SUV, with a premium interior and the segment's most rewarding driving manners. Its 3.3-liter inline-six turbo makes up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft on premium fuel (319 on regular), returning about 25 mpg combined, while an available plug-in hybrid offers a 27-mile electric range and 323 horsepower.

Both powertrains tow up to 5,000 pounds (3,500 for the PHEV). Cargo room is the smallest here at 75.2 cu ft maximum, and the third row is best for kids, but the cabin materials rival luxury brands. The 2025 CX-90 earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the top award.

Pros:

• Luxury-grade cabin and best-in-class driving feel
• Smooth 340-hp inline-six turbo, plus a PHEV option
• Top Safety Pick+ rating

Cons:

• Tightest cargo and third-row space in the group
• Premium fuel needed for full power

Verdict: The CX-90 is the pick for buyers who want premium feel and driving joy without a luxury badge.

7. Subaru Ascent

Starting MSRP: $38,910 | Best for: Snow-belt and outdoorsy families who want standard AWD

The 2025 Subaru Ascent comes with standard all-wheel drive on every trim, making it a natural choice for buyers in harsh climates. Its 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine makes 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft, returns about 20 city / 26 highway, and tows up to 5,000 pounds — the most of any Subaru.

Flexible seven- or eight-passenger seating, 72.8 cu ft of max cargo room, and standard EyeSight driver assistance round out the package. The Ascent has a long history of IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition, reinforcing Subaru's safety-first reputation.

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive on every trim
• 5,000-lb towing and flexible 7- or 8-seat layouts
• Strong safety record with standard EyeSight tech

Cons:

• Turbo-four fuel economy trails the hybrids
• CVT power delivery feels less brisk than V6 rivals

Verdict: The Ascent is the go-to mid-size SUV for buyers who want all-weather grip baked in as standard.

8. Chevrolet Traverse

Starting MSRP: $40,700 | Best for: Buyers who want the most interior room near $40k

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is one of the largest SUVs in this class, with a cabin that borders on full-size. A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft replaces the old V6, pairs with an eight-speed automatic, and returns up to 23 mpg combined in front-drive form.

Every Traverse tows 5,000 pounds, and cargo space is vast at 97.6 cu ft with both rows folded. Standard second-row captain's chairs seat seven, with an available bench for eight, and the 2025 Traverse earns a 5-star NHTSA overall rating. The roomy, rugged-styled cabin makes it a strong road-trip hauler.

Pros:

• Near-full-size interior and 97.6 cu ft of cargo room
• Punchy 328-hp turbo engine
• 5-star NHTSA overall rating

Cons:

• Turbo-four can feel strained when fully loaded
• Pricing starts higher than the Korean rivals

Verdict: The Traverse is the space champion for families who want the biggest cabin without going full-size.

9. Volkswagen Atlas

Starting MSRP: $38,200 (three-row) | Best for: Buyers wanting European feel and a roomy third row

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offers one of the most adult-friendly third rows in the segment, wrapped in a clean, Euro-flavored design. A single 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 269 horsepower across the lineup, returns roughly 20 city / 26 highway, and tows up to 5,000 pounds.

Cargo space is generous at 96.8 cu ft with the rear seats folded, and the Atlas seats six or seven depending on the second row. The Atlas has appeared on the IIHS Top Safety Pick list, and Volkswagen backs it with a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranty plus two years of complimentary maintenance.

Pros:

• One of the most spacious third rows in the class
• Clean European styling and solid road manners
• 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with free scheduled maintenance

Cons:

• Turbo-four is adequate rather than quick
• Reliability history trails the Japanese and Korean leaders

Verdict: The Atlas is the pick for buyers who prioritize third-row room and a European driving feel.

10. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Starting MSRP: $36,495 | Best for: Buyers who want real off-road capability and towing muscle

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee brings genuine trail capability and the strongest tow rating in this group. The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 makes 293 horsepower and returns about 22 mpg combined, while the 4xe plug-in hybrid delivers 375 horsepower, a 26-mile electric range, and up to 56 MPGe in hybrid mode.

With the trailering kit, it tows up to 6,000 pounds — the most here. Cargo room is 70.8 cu ft maximum in the two-row body, and the available air suspension and 4x4 systems make it the off-road leader. The 2025 Grand Cherokee is an IIHS Top Safety Pick with 5-star NHTSA frontal and side scores.

Pros:

• Best-in-group 6,000-lb towing capacity
• Real off-road hardware and an available 375-hp 4xe plug-in hybrid
• Top Safety Pick with 5-star NHTSA frontal and side ratings

Cons:

• 4xe trims get expensive quickly
• Fuel economy and reliability trail the segment leaders

Verdict: The Grand Cherokee is the choice for buyers who actually tow and venture off pavement.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Mid-Size SUV

• Reliability and resale: Toyota, Honda, Kia, and Hyundai consistently lead in long-term dependability and hold their value best — this is where the biggest dollars are won or lost over five years.
• Safety ratings: Look for an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star NHTSA overall rating; the Telluride, Palisade, CX-90, and Pilot all score at or near the top.
• Hybrid vs gas: A hybrid like the Grand Highlander or Highlander can return 35-plus mpg, but the price premium takes years of fuel savings to recover unless you drive a lot.
• Two-row vs three-row: If you rarely carry more than four people, a roomy two-row model gives you more cargo space and a lower price; only buy the third row if you'll actually use it.
• Towing: If you tow a boat or trailer, confirm the real rated capacity and factory trailering package — the Grand Cherokee leads at 6,000 pounds, with most rivals at 5,000.
• Total cost of ownership: Factor warranty, insurance, fuel, and projected resale together, not just the sticker price — a longer warranty and stronger resale can outweigh a slightly higher MSRP.

What matters less than marketing implies: massive horsepower figures and the largest available touchscreen rarely change daily satisfaction. Buyers are far happier focusing on ride comfort, real-world space, and proven reliability than on a spec-sheet bragging right they will never use.

FAQ

What is the best mid-size SUV for 2025? The Kia Telluride is our Best Overall pick for its balance of space, safety, a 291-horsepower V6, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a Top Safety Pick+ rating, all starting at $36,190.

Which 2025 mid-size SUV is the best value? The Hyundai Palisade at $38,695 offers the most standard content and the same long warranty as the Telluride, making it the strongest dollar-for-dollar buy in the class.

Which mid-size SUV gets the best fuel economy? The Toyota Highlander Hybrid leads at an EPA-rated 36 mpg city, with the Grand Highlander Hybrid close behind at up to 36 mpg combined.

Which 2025 mid-size SUV tows the most? The Jeep Grand Cherokee tows up to 6,000 pounds with the trailering package, edging out the 5,000-pound rating shared by most rivals.

Are three-row mid-size SUVs good for adults in the back? The Toyota Grand Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas have the most adult-friendly third rows; many rivals, including the Highlander Hybrid and CX-90, are best reserved for children back there.

Should I buy a hybrid mid-size SUV? A hybrid makes sense if you drive a lot of miles and value low fuel cost; if you drive less or tow heavy, a V6 like the Telluride or Pilot may be the better overall value.

Bottom Line

For 2025, the Kia Telluride is the best mid-size SUV overall, combining a roomy three-row cabin, strong V6 power, top-tier safety, and the segment's best warranty for a starting price of $36,190. If your priority is squeezing the most content and capability out of every dollar, the Hyundai Palisade at $38,695 is the clear value champion.

Beyond those two, the right SUV depends on your needs — hybrid efficiency, maximum cargo, standard AWD, or serious towing — so use the decision tree above to route yourself to the model that fits your family best.

Sources

• Car and Driver — 2025 mid-size and three-row SUV reviews and rankings
• MotorTrend — 2025 SUV buyer's guide and road tests
• Edmunds — 2025 Telluride, Palisade, Pilot, CX-90, and Grand Cherokee specs and pricing
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — 2025 MSRP, fuel economy, and resale data
• U.S. News Best Cars — 2025 mid-size SUV rankings
• IIHS — 2025 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ award listings
• EPA fueleconomy.gov — 2025 MPG and MPGe ratings
• Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Subaru, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, and Jeep official 2025 press and specification pages
• Consumer Reports — 2025 reliability and owner-satisfaction data
• Subaru U.S. Media Center — 2025 Ascent pricing and safety announcements

*Mid-size SUV review — mid-size SUV reviews, rating, best mid-size SUV 2025, and a review of the top family SUV picks for buyers.*