Top 10 Mid-Size SUVs 2019 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Toyota Highlander

The 2019 Highlander ranks first because it paired the segment's most bankable reliability with a strong 295-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 5,000-lb tow rating. It seated seven or eight, offered 13.8 cu ft behind the third row expanding to 83.7 cu ft, and standard Toyota Safety Sense. J.D. Power rated predicted reliability above average, and its 2019 MSRP of $31,330 was competitive. It remains the resale champion of the class.

This is for families who plan to keep an SUV for a decade and prioritize trouble-free ownership over flash. It trades a dated interior design and a sluggish base four-cylinder for bulletproof longevity. Compared to the Kia Sorento below, it costs thousands more upfront but holds value far harder. The Highlander is the safe, smart, do-everything pick that aged better than anything else here.

2. Kia Sorento

The 2019 Sorento ranks second as the best value because it delivered genuine three-row capability for thousands less than the field, starting at $26,290. Its available 3.3-liter V6 produced 290 hp and a 5,000-lb tow rating with AWD, while the base 2.4-liter four managed about 22/29 MPG. Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty was a backstop no rival matched. IIHS scores were solid, and it undercut nearly every three-row competitor on price.

This is for budget-minded buyers who still want a third row and a V6 without the Toyota premium. It trades a tighter third row, best for kids, and V6 fuel economy that trailed four-cylinder rivals. Compared to the Highlander above, it gives up some refinement and resale strength but offers far more car for the money. Used examples remain among the most affordable real V6 three-rows on the market.

3. Honda Passport

The 2019 Passport ranks third because Honda's revived nameplate delivered a fresh debut, essentially a shortened Pilot with the third row deleted. Its single 3.5-liter V6 made 280 hp through a nine-speed automatic, with FWD or AWD and about 20/25 MPG. The two-row layout freed up a huge 41.2 cu ft behind the seats, expanding to 77.9 cu ft, plus more ground clearance than the Pilot.

This is for two-row families who want Pilot space without the third row and value a cavernous cargo area. It trades the third-row seat entirely, so it is not for those who occasionally need to carry seven. Compared to the Sorento above, it costs more at $31,990 but offers a stronger, smoother V6 standard and better predicted reliability. Used values have held up nicely, making it a smart pick for active families.

4. Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2019 Santa Fe ranks fourth because its full redesign brought a standard active-safety suite at no extra cost, a standout in the class. The base 2.4-liter four made 185 hp with up to 22/29 MPG, while the 2.0-liter turbo added 235 hp. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise were all standard. Cargo measured 35.9 cu ft, and Hyundai's long warranty mirrored Kia's, with IIHS rating it well.

This is for value shoppers who want the most standard safety tech for the lowest price, starting at $25,500. It trades a third row, as this body is two-row only, and the turbo four returned only modest economy. Compared to the Passport above, it is less spacious and less powerful but significantly cheaper and more tech-laden. Used prices stay friendly, making it a strong budget pick for safety-conscious families.

5. Mazda CX-9

The 2019 CX-9 ranks fifth because it punched far above its mainstream badge with an interior that rivaled an Audi or Lexus, especially in Signature trim. Every CX-9 used a 2.5-liter turbo four making 250 hp on premium fuel with a meaty 310 lb-ft of torque, good for 22/28 MPG in FWD. It seated seven, though the third row was strictly for kids, and sharp steering made it the driver's choice of the segment.

This is for drivers who want a near-luxury cabin and the best handling in the class, starting at $32,280. It trades a cramped third row and tighter cargo hold for that premium feel and driving dynamics. Compared to the Santa Fe above, it is more expensive and less practical but far more engaging and upscale. The torquey turbo four provides strong real-world pull, making it the enthusiast's and style-seeker's pick.

6. Subaru Ascent

The 2019 Ascent ranks sixth because it marked Subaru's return to the three-row class with standard symmetrical AWD on every trim, a rarity in the segment. Its 2.4-liter turbo flat-four produced 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, paired with a 5,000-lb tow rating on Premium and up. It seated eight, offered up to 86.5 cu ft of cargo, and returned about 21/27 MPG.

This is for snow-belt families wanting standard AWD and eight-passenger seating, starting at $31,995. It trades a CVT that drones under hard acceleration and first-year build reliability questions for that all-weather capability. Compared to the CX-9 above, it is less refined and less fun to drive but more practical and genuinely roomier. The 5,000-lb towing from a four-cylinder is a bonus, making it a versatile family hauler.

7. Chevrolet Traverse

The 2019 Traverse ranks seventh because it was the space king of the bunch, with a usable third row and a colossal 98.2 cu ft of cargo when folded flat. Power came from a 3.6-liter V6 making 310 hp and 266 lb-ft, returning 18/27 MPG in FWD and slightly less with AWD. It seated up to eight and could tow up to 5,000 lb when equipped.

This is for buyers who need maximum cargo and adult third-row room, starting at $30,925. It trades interior materials that felt low-rent in places and below-average predicted reliability for that class-leading space. Compared to the Ascent above, it offers more room and power but lacks standard AWD and Subaru's safety reputation. Big families keep used demand steady, and it depreciates faster, making it a used-market bargain.

8. Honda Pilot

The 2019 Pilot ranks eighth because it brought Honda's renowned packaging to the three-row class with smart storage and seating for up to eight. Its 3.5-liter V6 made 280 hp, returning 19/27 MPG, and could tow up to 5,000 lb with AWD. The ride stayed comfortable and handling secure, though road noise on coarse pavement was a known gripe. Predicted reliability sat lower than the Toyota benchmark, but real-world owner experiences ranged from good to excellent.

This is for families wanting clever interior packaging and a strong V6, starting at $31,450. It trades pronounced road noise on rough surfaces and lower predicted reliability than class leaders for that space-smart design. Compared to the Traverse above, it is less cavernous but more refined and better built. Used Pilots remain a popular, plentiful family choice, though the Highlander above holds value harder.

9. Ford Explorer

The 2019 Explorer ranks ninth because it closed out its generation before the all-new 2020 redesign, remaining a capable mainstream pick. The standard 3.5-liter V6 made 290 hp, a 2.3-liter turbo four offered 280 hp with better economy at 19/27 MPG, and Sport and Platinum trims packed a 365-hp twin-turbo V6. It seated up to seven, towed up to 5,000 lb, and offered a cargo-friendly cabin.

This is for buyers wanting available big power and strong towing in the final pre-redesign year, starting at $32,365. It trades a tight third row and high load floor, plus a dated interior, for that broad engine lineup. Compared to the Pilot above, it offers more muscle options but less refinement and packaging smarts. Strong used-market value today makes it a solid bargain for those comfortable with its reliability profile.

10. Volkswagen Atlas

The 2019 Atlas ranks tenth because it was VW's big play for American three-row buyers, delivering space and composure in equal measure. The available 3.6-liter V6 made 276 hp, returning 17/24 MPG, with a turbo four also offered. It seated seven, swallowed a huge 96.8 cu ft of cargo with the rear rows folded, and drove with the planted, substantial feel VW is known for.

This is for buyers who want German road feel with American-sized space, starting at $31,890. It trades a thirsty V6 fuel economy and mixed long-term reliability reputation for that composed ride and massive room. Compared to the Explorer above, it is more spacious and easier to access the third row but less powerful at the top end. Reliability question marks keep used prices reasonable, making it a value pick for space-and-substance buyers.

How we ranked these

We ranked each 2019 mid-size SUV using a weighted scorecard reflecting how a family actually shopped that year. Reliability and ownership cost carried 25%, safety 20%, interior space and comfort 15%, powertrain and efficiency 15%, in-period value 15%, and used value today 10%. Data came from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, IIHS, NHTSA, EPA, and period road tests from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book.

We deliberately ignored subjective styling preferences, brand loyalty, and performance metrics like 0-60 times beyond basic adequacy. We also excluded dealer incentives and regional pricing variations, which distort true value comparisons. Nostalgia and modern-day reputation were set aside; only verifiable 2019 specifications, crash scores, warranty terms, and current resale data influenced the final order. This keeps the ranking useful for both period buyers and today's used shoppers.

What to look for

When choosing among these, prioritize the items that drive long-term cost and daily satisfaction: confirmed service records, especially transmission fluid and timing maintenance on nine-speed automatics; actual active-safety equipment on the specific VIN, since standard features varied by trim; and whether the third row truly fits adults or only children. Verify AWD versus FWD, as most tow ratings require AWD, and check NHTSA for open recalls before purchase.

The biggest mistake buyers make is overvaluing horsepower differences or brand prestige. A 15-hp gap between a Pilot and Highlander never decided a family's happiness. Instead, they ignore reliability data, resale strength, and real cargo measurements. They also overpay for a third row they will rarely use, or skip a thorough pre-purchase inspection on a high-mileage example, which leads to costly repairs down the road.

Related questions

What is the best overall mid-size SUV of 2019?

The Toyota Highlander earned that title for its combination of proven reliability, a strong 295-hp V6, three-row practicality, and class-leading resale value. It started at $31,330, offered a 5,000-lb tow rating, and standard Toyota Safety Sense. Its reputation for dependability has kept used values near the top of the segment, making it a smart choice for families planning to keep a vehicle for a decade or more.

What is the best value mid-size SUV of 2019?

The Kia Sorento was the value champion, starting at just $26,290. It included a standard third row, an available 290-hp V6, and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that no rival matched. Its low entry price and strong warranty made it the smart money pick in 2019, and used examples remain among the most affordable real V6 three-rows on the market today.

Which 2019 mid-size SUVs were brand-new or redesigned?

Three significant debuts reshaped the class in 2019: the revived Honda Passport, a two-row version of the Pilot with cavernous cargo space; the fully redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe, which dropped its third row but added a standard active-safety suite; and the all-new Subaru Ascent, which brought standard AWD and eight-passenger seating to Subaru's lineup for the first time since the Tribeca.

Which 2019 mid-size SUV had the most cargo space?

The Chevrolet Traverse led the class with up to 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear rows folded. The Volkswagen Atlas was close behind at 96.8 cubic feet. Both offered genuinely usable third rows and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, making them the top choices for families who needed maximum hauling capacity and adult-friendly rear seats.

Which 2019 mid-size SUV came standard with all-wheel drive?

The Subaru Ascent was the only model in this class to include symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every trim. This was a significant advantage for snow-belt families, as most competitors charged extra for AWD. The Ascent also offered a 5,000-lb tow rating on Premium and higher trims, making it a capable and practical choice for year-round driving.

Are these 2019 SUVs good used buys now?

Yes, but with caveats. The Toyota Highlander and Honda Passport hold their value best and offer the strongest reliability reputations. The Chevrolet Traverse, Volkswagen Atlas, and Ford Explorer have depreciated more, making them used-market bargains for buyers comfortable with their reliability profiles. Always check service records, recall completion, and the specific trim's safety features before purchasing any used example.

What should I look for when buying a used 2019 mid-size SUV?

Focus on service records, especially transmission fluid and timing maintenance on nine-speed automatics. Verify that all recalls were completed by running the VIN through NHTSA. Check the actual active-safety equipment, as standard features varied by trim. Confirm whether AWD is present, as it affects towing capability. Finally, assess the third row's real usability—some models like the Sorento and CX-9 are only suitable for children.

How does the 2019 Honda Passport compare to the Pilot?

The Passport is essentially a shortened Pilot with the third row deleted. This gives it significantly more cargo space—41.2 cubic feet behind the seats versus the Pilot's smaller area—and slightly better ground clearance. Both share the same 280-hp V6 and nine-speed automatic. The Passport is better for two-row families who want maximum hauling space, while the Pilot is for those who occasionally need a third row.

FAQ

What was the best overall mid-size SUV of 2019?

The Toyota Highlander was the best overall pick for its blend of proven reliability, a smooth 295-hp V6, three-row seating, and class-leading resale value. It started at $31,330, offered a 5,000-lb tow rating, and came standard with Toyota Safety Sense. Its dependability reputation has kept used values strong, making it a smart long-term investment for families.

What was the best value mid-size SUV of 2019?

The Kia Sorento was the best value, starting at just $26,290. It included a standard third row, an available 290-hp V6, and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This combination of low price, strong warranty, and genuine three-row capability undercut nearly every rival, and used examples remain among the most affordable real V6 three-rows on the market today.

Which 2019 mid-size SUVs were brand-new or redesigned?

2019 introduced three major debuts: the revived Honda Passport, a two-row SUV based on the Pilot; the fully redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe, which dropped its third row but added a standard active-safety suite; and the all-new Subaru Ascent, which brought standard AWD and eight-passenger seating. These three reshaped how families shopped the class, offering fresh alternatives to established models.

Which 2019 mid-size SUV had the most cargo space?

The Chevrolet Traverse offered the most cargo space with up to 98.2 cubic feet when the rear rows were folded. The Volkswagen Atlas was a close second at 96.8 cubic feet. Both provided genuinely usable third rows and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, making them ideal for large families or those who frequently haul bulky items.

Which 2019 mid-size SUV came standard with all-wheel drive?

The Subaru Ascent was the only model in this class to include symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard on every trim. This was a major selling point for buyers in snowy regions, as most competitors charged extra for AWD. The Ascent also offered a 5,000-lb tow rating on Premium and higher trims, combining capability with standard AWD.

Are these 2019 SUVs good used buys now?

Yes, but with caveats. The Toyota Highlander and Honda Passport hold value best and have the strongest reliability reputations. The Chevrolet Traverse, Volkswagen Atlas, and Ford Explorer have depreciated more, making them used-market bargains for buyers comfortable with their reliability profiles. Always check service records, recall completion, and the specific trim's safety features before purchasing any used example.

What should I look for when buying a used 2019 mid-size SUV?

Focus on service records, especially transmission fluid and timing maintenance on nine-speed automatics. Verify that all recalls were completed by running the VIN through NHTSA. Check the actual active-safety equipment, as standard features varied by trim. Confirm whether AWD is present, as it affects towing capability. Finally, assess the third row's real usability—some models like the Sorento and CX-9 are only suitable for children.

How does the 2019 Honda Passport compare to the Pilot?

The Passport is essentially a shortened Pilot with the third row deleted. This gives it significantly more cargo space—41.2 cubic feet behind the seats versus the Pilot's smaller area—and slightly better ground clearance. Both share the same 280-hp V6 and nine-speed automatic. The Passport is better for two-row families who want maximum hauling space, while the Pilot is for those who occasionally need a third row.

What is the towing capacity of the 2019 Toyota Highlander?

The 2019 Toyota Highlander with the 3.5-liter V6 and available AWD had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This was competitive with most rivals in the class, including the Kia Sorento, Subaru Ascent, and Chevrolet Traverse. The base four-cylinder engine had a lower tow rating, so buyers needing maximum towing capability had to opt for the V6.

Which 2019 mid-size SUV has the best safety ratings?

Several models earned top safety ratings in 2019. The Subaru Ascent was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick, as was the Mazda CX-9. The Toyota Highlander also scored well in IIHS tests and came standard with Toyota Safety Sense. The Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive standard active-safety suite. Always check the specific trim and options, as safety features varied.

Sources

• https://www.kbb.com/toyota/highlander/2019/
• https://www.edmunds.com/honda/passport/2019/review/
• https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/santa-fe/2019/review/
• https://media.subaru.com/pressrelease/1229/1/subaru-america-inc-presents-all-new-2019-ascent
• https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2019/kia/sorento
• https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-9/2019/overview/
• https://www.thecarconnection.com/specifications/chevrolet_traverse_2019
• https://www.cars.com/research/honda-pilot-2019/

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