Best Midsize SUVs for 2021 and 2022

In the beginning, buying anSUValmost certainly means you'll be buying a midsizeSUV.Early models like the Explorer, Blazer, Grand Cherokee, Pathfinder and 4Runner were the reason why a niche off-road vehicle segment evolved into a family transportation option, then based on size, capability, performance and luxury.

All of these different directions can be easily seenin today's selection of midsizeSUVs , most of which are technically crossovers, including the current versions of those SUV pioneers.There are three-row family vans that consumers are happy to gorge on rather than minivans.There are two-row, style-oriented options like the Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Murano, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, which are resolutely designed to keep things tidy on the road.At the other end, there's the old-school body-on-frame, definitely not the crossovers Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner.In between is the versatile Jeep Grand Cherokee. Then you have segment-bending oddities that don't quite fit into a single category like the Kia Sorento and Subaru Outback.Oh, and there are plenty of extravagant options, but we'll save them for another list.

So here are our best midsize SUVs, listed in alphabetical order: two-row midsize SUVs and three-row midsize SUVs

Best three-row midsize SUV

Hyundai Palisades

Why it stands out: More third row and cargo space; well-executed tech; premium interior

Could be better: no hybrid or performance version

Read our full 2022 Hyundai Palisade review and follow updates from our long-term Palisade test

Choosing between a modern-day fence mechanically related Kia Telluride, and this pair of skilled execution home porters basically boils down to a coin toss.Or, more realistically, which one do you think looks better.For its part, the Palisade has a more luxurious vibe, most evident in its Limited Edition (pictured above) and Calligraphy trim levels, which can easily compete with true luxury brand SUVs.The main reason for this is that the sleek, well-made cabin not only looks great, but has practical storage space, user-friendly infotainment tech and more space than almost any competitor - bigger kids and even adults will. It's very comfortable in the third row, and you can fit a lot more behind the raised third row. Hyundai's driver-assistance and safety tech is also one of the best-executed in the business.If there's a major hole in its game, it's the lack of a hybrid powertrain or a more powerful version.