The two-row midsize crossover is a bit of a dying breed. With compact models growing larger and many buyers opting for larger three-row crossovers, the value proposition of a midsize SUV can be a challenge. There are still more than half a dozen models to choose from.
But that doesn’t mean midsize SUVs aren’t without merit. They offer more passenger space, power and towing capacity than compact SUVs while having a lower price than the larger three-row crossovers.
Midsize SUVs tend to have a starting price in the $25,000-$30,000 range. Let’s take a look at 2015 midsize SUV models.
Dodge Journey
The Journey is more of a people-mover than SUV but it does offer midsize SUV attributes and an optional 3.6-liter 283 horsepower V-6 engine. The Journey has the lowest price of all midsize SUVs with a $20,990 starting MSRP. With the V-6 and all-wheel drive, the Journey’s fuel economy is rated at 16-mpg city and 2-4mpg highway.
Ford Edge
The Edge is one of the few midsize SUV that is completely revamped for 2015. Most of the dimensions have grown including cargo and passenger space. The Edge comes standard with a 2.0-liter 240 horsepower EcoBoost four-cylinder engine.
The Edge’s starting price is $28,995 with front-wheel drive, which is the same price as the 2014 model. With more power, more interior room, more luxurious features and nearly the best fuel economy among all midsize SUVs, the Edge is becoming a better value proposition.
Honda Crosstour
The Crosstour is essentially the Accord, a midsize sedan, jacked up with a sloped hatchback. It’s offered in base form with a 2.4-liter 192 horsepower four-cylinder engine and an optional 3.5-liter 278 horsepower V-6 engine with front or all-wheel drive. The Crosstour’s fuel economy is rated at 22-mpg city and 31-mpg highway with the four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive.
The Crosstour EX’s starting price is $28,410. A well-optioned EX-L V-6 model with all-wheel drive can approach $40,000.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
The Sport is a smaller version of it’s seven passenger Santa Fe sibling. The Santa Fe Sport comes standard with a 2.4-liter 190 horsepower four-cylinder engine. It’s fuel economy rating is 20-mpg city and 27-mpg highway. The Sport is also offered with an optional 2.0-liter 264 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Sport has a starting price of $26,000.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee has the highest starting price, $30,590, among midsize SUVs. The model also offers the greatest off-road capability and the largest offering of engines in midsize SUV class. The Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel is the only diesel engine offering in the class. It’s fuel economy is rated at 22-mpg city and 30-mpg highway.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is built on the same platform as the Santa Fe Sport and shares many similar attributes. However, instead of a four-cylinder turbo option, the Sorento offers an optional 3.3-liter V-6 engine that produces 290 horsepower. The Sorento’s price can exceed $42,000 with a well-optioned V-6 with all-wheel drive.
Nissan Murano
The Murano is completely revised for 2015. The model features more sculpted exterior styling and a more premium interior. For all the details on the 2015 Murano, check out our Murano vs. Ford Edge comparison.
Subaru Outback
The Outback has received a refresh for 2015. The Outback has numerous positive attributes. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which makes it a more competent off-road SUV. But perhaps the Outback’s best numbers are 25-mpg city/33-mpg highway, making it the most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs.
The Outback 2.5i features a 2.5-liter 175 horsepower four-cylinder engine. The Outback 3.6R has a more robust 3.6-liter 256 horsepower V-6 engine. The 3.6R has a fuel economy rating of 20/27.
Toyota Venza
The Venza is the crossover version of the Toyota Camry. The Venza hasn’t changed much since it debuted in 2010 but for 2015 it does offer a standard rear-view camera.
The 2015 Venza has the worst fuel economy in midsize SUV class with its base engine. The 2.7-liter 181 horsepower four-cylinder engine is rated at 20-mpg city and 26-mpg highway with front-wheel drive. An optional 3.5-liter 268 horsepower V-6 engine is available.
More Midsize SUV Models
There are other midsize SUV models such as the Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Xterra, but we have classified them in the off-road ready SUV segment. There are also luxury midsize models such as the Lexus RX350 and Lincoln MKX, which you can learn more about on or luxury SUV page
Models like the Chevrolet Equinox and Mitsubishi Outlander are sometimes classified in the midsize segment but you can find them in our compact SUV guide. And for larger-three row SUVs, we have a separate resource on those models.
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