Top 10 Mid-Size SUVs 2024 — Best Overall + Best Value

*Published June 15, 2026 · Updated June 15, 2026*

Direct Answer

For the 2024 model year, the Kia Telluride 🏆 BEST OVERALL is the mid-size SUV to beat, blending a 291-hp V6, a genuinely roomy three-row cabin, a class-matching 5,000-lb tow rating, and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, all for a starting MSRP of $35,990. If your priority is stretching every dollar, the Subaru Ascent 💎 BEST VALUE delivers standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, three rows of seating, and a 5,000-lb tow rating at a starting MSRP of $34,395 — the cheapest standard-AWD three-row in this group.

Both are strong family picks, but the Telluride simply does more things at a high level, while the Ascent wins on price-to-capability for snow-belt buyers who want AWD without paying extra for it.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted six factors that matter most to real family-SUV shoppers, drawing on published data from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, U.S. News, Cars.com, the IIHS, and the EPA. The weighting:

• Reliability and ownership cost — 25%. Long-term dependability, warranty coverage, and projected cost to own carry the most weight because a family SUV gets used hard for years.
• Safety — 20%. IIHS Top Safety Pick / Top Safety Pick+ status and NHTSA crash ratings, plus standard driver-assist content.
• Interior space and comfort — 15%. Third-row usability, cargo volume, and material quality.
• Powertrain and efficiency — 15%. Horsepower, EPA combined MPG, and how the drivetrain behaves in daily use.
• Tech and value — 15%. Infotainment, standard features, and what you actually get for the money.
• Price-to-performance — 10%. How the starting MSRP stacks up against the total package.

Every spec below is for the 2024 model year specifically — pricing, powertrains, and ratings shift year to year, so figures here are distinct from later 2025, 2026, and 2027 guides.

1. Kia Telluride 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $35,990 | Best for: Families who want one SUV that does everything well

The 2024 Telluride pairs a 3.8L V6 making 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft with an 8-speed automatic, available in FWD or AWD, and seats up to eight across three rows. EPA combined economy lands at 21 mpg (19 city / 24 highway) with AWD, cargo runs 21 cu ft behind the third row and a cavernous 87 cu ft with the rear rows folded, and properly equipped it tows 5,000 lb (up to 5,500 lb on the X-Pro).

The cabin punches well above its price, the Kia 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is the best in the segment, and the 2024 Telluride earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick with strong NHTSA scores.

Pros:

• Best-in-class warranty at 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain coverage
• Upscale interior that feels a class above the sticker
• Strong V6 with no turbo lag and an easy 5,000-lb tow rating
• Genuinely usable third row and huge max cargo space

Cons:

• 21 mpg combined trails hybrid rivals
• Popularity means thin dealer discounts

Verdict: The Telluride wins because it has no real weakness — space, value, warranty, and refinement all land near the top, making it the default recommendation for most 2024 mid-size SUV buyers.

2. Toyota Grand Highlander

Starting MSRP: $41,500 | Best for: Big families who need a roomy third row plus a hybrid option

The 2024 Grand Highlander offers three powertrains: a 265-hp turbo gas four, a 245-hp standard hybrid, and a 362-hp Hybrid MAX, with FWD or AWD and three rows seating up to eight. The standard hybrid earns up to 36 mpg combined, while the gas model returns around 23 mpg and the Hybrid MAX about 27 mpg.

Cargo maxes out at a generous 97.5 cu ft, towing reaches 5,000 lb (gas and Hybrid MAX) or 3,500 lb (standard hybrid), and Toyota's reputation for reliability plus an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ make it a standout. Toyota's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty trails Kia's.

Pros:

• Roomiest third row and cargo hold in this group
• Hybrid and Hybrid MAX choices cover efficiency or power
• Toyota dependability and strong resale value
• Top Safety Pick+ crash credentials

Cons:

• Higher entry price than most rivals
• Hybrid MAX trims climb quickly past $50,000

Verdict: If you need maximum interior space with a true hybrid choice and Toyota durability, the Grand Highlander is the most sensible big-family buy in 2024.

3. Hyundai Palisade

Starting MSRP: $36,650 | Best for: Buyers wanting Telluride luxury with a softer ride

The 2024 Palisade shares its mechanicals with the Telluride: a 3.8L V6 with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft, FWD or AWD, and three rows for up to eight. EPA combined economy is about 22 mpg (19 city / 26 highway), cargo tops out near 86.4 cu ft, and the tow rating is 5,000 lb.

The Palisade leans plusher and quieter than its Kia twin, comes with Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick with strong NHTSA results. Calligraphy trims rival entry-luxury SUVs for a fraction of the price.

Pros:

• Quiet, plush ride with a premium-feeling cabin
• Same excellent warranty as the Telluride
• Strong standard tech and driver-assist content
• Loaded Calligraphy trim undercuts luxury rivals

Cons:

• 22 mpg combined is only average
• Styling is polarizing for some buyers

Verdict: Effectively a Telluride with a softer, quieter personality — pick the Palisade if comfort and a hushed cabin matter more to you than rugged styling.

4. Toyota Highlander

Starting MSRP: $39,520 | Best for: Efficiency-minded families who want proven reliability

The 2024 Highlander offers a 265-hp turbo four or a 243-hp hybrid, with FWD or AWD and three rows seating up to eight. The hybrid is the star, earning up to 36 mpg combined (35 mpg AWD), while the gas model returns about 24 mpg combined. Cargo measures roughly 16 cu ft behind the third row and 48 cu ft behind the second, towing is 5,000 lb gas / 3,500 lb hybrid, and it carries an IIHS Top Safety Pick with strong NHTSA scores.

The third row is tighter than the Grand Highlander's, but the smaller footprint is easier to park.

Pros:

• Up to 36 mpg combined from the hybrid
• Toyota reliability and excellent resale
• Easy-to-maneuver size for daily driving
• Strong standard safety tech

Cons:

• Third row is best for kids only
• Less cargo room than newer rivals

Verdict: The Highlander Hybrid remains one of the most efficient three-rows you can buy in 2024, ideal for families that value fuel savings and bulletproof dependability over maximum space.

5. Honda Pilot

Starting MSRP: $37,090 | Best for: Buyers who want flexible seating and big cargo space

The 2024 Pilot runs a 285-hp 3.5L V6 with a 10-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, and three rows seating seven or eight. EPA economy is 22 mpg combined for FWD and 21 mpg for AWD, cargo is excellent at 21.8 cu ft behind the third row and up to 111.8 cu ft total, and towing reaches 5,000 lb with AWD.

The Pilot's removable middle second-row seat and rugged TrailSport trim add versatility, and it earns strong IIHS and NHTSA scores. Honda's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty is shorter than the Korean rivals'.

Pros:

• Class-leading total cargo volume
• Clever removable second-row middle seat
• Off-road-ready TrailSport option
• Smooth, dependable V6

Cons:

• No hybrid option for 2024
• Warranty trails Kia and Hyundai

Verdict: The Pilot is the practicality champion — if you haul gear as often as people, its cargo flexibility and rugged trims make it a smart family pick.

6. Mazda CX-90

Starting MSRP: $39,595 | Best for: Drivers who want premium feel and engagement

The 2024 CX-90 brings a 3.3L inline-six turbo making up to 340 horsepower, plus a 323-hp PHEV option, all with standard AWD and three rows. The turbo six returns about 25 mpg combined (24 city / 28 highway), the PHEV hits 56 MPGe with roughly 26 miles of electric range, towing is 5,000 lb (3,500 lb PHEV), and cargo runs to about 75 cu ft with seats folded.

The cabin is the most upscale here, it drives like a sport sedan, and it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The third row is snug, however.

Pros:

• Genuinely premium interior materials
• Powerful, smooth inline-six turbo
• Engaging, sporty handling
• Top Safety Pick+ rating

Cons:

• Tight third row and lower cargo volume
• Firmer ride than family rivals

Verdict: The CX-90 is the enthusiast's mid-size SUV — choose it if you want near-luxury feel and driving engagement, and the third row is mostly for occasional use.

7. Subaru Ascent 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $34,395 | Best for: Snow-belt families wanting standard AWD for the least money

The 2024 Ascent comes only with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, powered by a 2.4L turbo flat-four making 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft through a CVT, seating up to eight across three rows. EPA economy is 23 mpg combined (21 city / 27 highway), towing is a solid 5,000 lb, and it carries strong IIHS Top Safety Pick credentials with Subaru's standard EyeSight driver assist.

Nineteen cupholders, abundant USB ports, and standard AWD at the lowest entry price in this group make it the value leader for foul-weather buyers.

Pros:

• Lowest starting price with standard AWD
• Standard EyeSight safety suite
• 5,000-lb tow rating matches pricier rivals
• Family-friendly storage and cupholders galore

Cons:

• CVT drone under hard acceleration
• Interior materials trail the segment's best

Verdict: No other 2024 three-row gives you standard all-wheel drive, a 5,000-lb tow rating, and top safety scores for less — the Ascent is the clear value pick for snow-belt families.

8. Chevrolet Traverse

Starting MSRP: $37,600 | Best for: Buyers who want maximum space with a torquey turbo four

The redesigned 2024 Traverse swaps its old V6 for a 2.5L turbocharged four making 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, and three rows seating up to eight. EPA combined economy lands around 23 mpg, towing is 5,000 lb with the trailering package, and cargo is among the largest in the class.

The rugged Z71 trim adds off-road hardware, and the cabin gains a big standard touchscreen. As a first-year redesign, long-term reliability data is still thin.

Pros:

• Strong 328-hp turbo with abundant torque
• Huge cabin and cargo capacity
• Off-road Z71 trim available
• Large standard infotainment screen

Cons:

• First-year redesign reliability unproven
• GM's warranty trails the Korean brands

Verdict: The new Traverse is one of the roomiest and most powerful options here — a strong buy for space-hungry families willing to bet on a fresh redesign.

9. Ford Explorer

Starting MSRP: $36,860 | Best for: Buyers wanting rear-drive dynamics and strong towing

The 2024 Explorer offers a 300-hp 2.3L turbo four or a 400-hp 3.0L twin-turbo V6, with rear-wheel-drive-based RWD or AWD layouts and three rows seating up to seven. The four-cylinder returns about 24 mpg combined (RWD), the V6 manages around 21 mpg, towing reaches 5,300 lb (four) or 5,600 lb (V6), and cargo tops out near 87.8 cu ft.

It earns solid IIHS and NHTSA scores, and the ST trim brings genuine performance. The base interior, though, trails the segment's plushest rivals.

Pros:

• Strong tow ratings up to 5,600 lb
• Available 400-hp V6 in the ST
• Rear-drive-based handling balance
• Spacious cargo area

Cons:

• Base interior materials feel plain
• Mixed long-term reliability history

Verdict: The Explorer is the towing-and-driving pick — its rear-drive bias and potent engines suit buyers who want capability and a sportier feel over plush refinement.

10. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Starting MSRP: $38,290 | Best for: Buyers who want real off-road capability or a plug-in hybrid

The 2024 Grand Cherokee (two-row) runs a 293-hp 3.6L V6 or a 375-hp 4xe plug-in hybrid, with RWD or 4WD and seating for five (a three-row L model is also offered). The V6 returns about 22 mpg combined, the 4xe earns roughly 23 mpg plus about 26 miles of electric range, towing reaches a class-leading 6,200 lb, and cargo runs near 37.7 cu ft behind the rear seats.

Available air suspension and Quadra-Drive hardware make it the off-road and towing champ here, and it carries strong safety credentials. The 4xe's near-$60k price is steep.

Pros:

• Best-in-class 6,200-lb towing
• Genuine off-road capability with available 4x4 hardware
• 4xe plug-in hybrid with electric-only range
• Upscale, well-trimmed cabin

Cons:

• Standard model is two rows, not three
• 4xe pricing climbs near $60,000

Verdict: The Grand Cherokee is the capability specialist — pick it if towing, trail ability, or a plug-in hybrid matter more than a roomy third row.

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

What to Look For When Buying a Mid-Size SUV

• Third-row usability. Many "three-row" SUVs fit only kids back there; sit in it before you buy if adults will ride.
• Warranty coverage. Kia and Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties meaningfully lower long-term risk versus 5-year rivals.
• Drivetrain match. AWD helps in snow but adds cost and cuts MPG; if you rarely see winter, FWD saves money — though standard-AWD Subaru changes that math.
• Hybrid math. A hybrid pays off fastest for high-mileage drivers; light commuters may never recoup the premium.
• Real-world cargo. Check volume behind the third row, not just the maximum seats-folded figure, since that is what you live with daily.
• Total cost of ownership. Insurance, fuel, and projected resale often outweigh sticker price over five years.

One thing that matters less than marketing implies: raw horsepower. Nearly every SUV here makes 260 hp or more, which is plenty for family duty, so chasing the highest figure rarely improves your daily experience as much as space, comfort, and reliability do.

FAQ

Which 2024 mid-size SUV is the most reliable? Toyota (Highlander and Grand Highlander) and Kia (Telluride) consistently earn top dependability marks, and the Korean pair backs that with 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties.

What is the best value 2024 mid-size SUV? The Subaru Ascent, at a starting MSRP of $34,395, delivers standard all-wheel drive, three rows, a 5,000-lb tow rating, and Top Safety Pick credentials for the least money.

Which 2024 mid-size SUV gets the best gas mileage? The Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Grand Highlander Hybrid lead at up to 36 mpg combined, with the Mazda CX-90 PHEV adding plug-in electric range.

Which 2024 mid-size SUV tows the most? The Jeep Grand Cherokee leads at 6,200 lb, followed by the Ford Explorer at up to 5,600 lb; most three-row rivals here are rated at 5,000 lb.

Do I really need all-wheel drive? Only if you regularly face snow, ice, or loose surfaces. AWD adds cost and reduces MPG, so FWD is fine for most temperate-climate buyers — though the Subaru Ascent includes AWD at no premium.

Which 2024 mid-size SUV has the most cargo space? The Honda Pilot (up to 111.8 cu ft total) and Toyota Grand Highlander (97.5 cu ft) lead the class for maximum cargo volume.

Bottom Line

For 2024, the Kia Telluride is the mid-size SUV to buy for most families: it combines a strong V6, a spacious and upscale three-row cabin, a 5,000-lb tow rating, and the segment's best warranty at a $35,990 starting price. Shoppers chasing the most value should look hard at the Subaru Ascent at $34,395, the only pick here with standard all-wheel drive at that price.

From there, the Grand Highlander and Highlander Hybrid win on efficiency, the Pilot and Traverse on space, the CX-90 on premium feel, and the Grand Cherokee on towing and off-road grit — so the right answer depends on whether your family prioritizes space, efficiency, capability, or price.

Sources

• Edmunds — 2024 Kia Telluride prices, reviews, and specs: https://www.edmunds.com/kia/telluride/2024/
• Cars.com — 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander specs, prices, MPG: https://www.cars.com/research/toyota-grand_highlander_hybrid-2024/
• Kelley Blue Book — 2024 Hyundai Palisade pricing and ratings: https://kbb.com/hyundai/palisade/2024/
• Cars.com — 2024 Toyota Highlander specs, prices, MPG: https://www.cars.com/research/toyota-highlander-2024/
• Cars.com — 2024 Honda Pilot specs, prices, MPG: https://www.cars.com/research/honda-pilot-2024/
• Kelley Blue Book — 2024 Mazda CX-90 price and specs: https://www.kbb.com/mazda/cx-90/2024/
• Edmunds — 2024 Subaru Ascent prices and specs: https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/ascent/2024/
• Edmunds — 2024 Chevrolet Traverse prices and reviews: https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/traverse/2024/
• U.S. News — 2024 Ford Explorer review, pricing, and specs: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/ford/explorer/2024
• Kelley Blue Book — 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee price and specs: https://www.kbb.com/jeep/grand-cherokee/2024/
• IIHS — vehicle safety ratings and Top Safety Pick awards: https://www.iihs.org/ratings
• EPA — fuel economy ratings: https://www.fueleconomy.gov

*Mid-size SUV review — mid-size SUV reviews, rating, best mid-size SUV 2024, and a review of the top family SUV picks for buyers.*