Do you want to know what are the top 10 midsize SUVs for 2022 and 2023 model year? We believe the Ford Explorer will be the best midsize SUV for 2022. Also, we expect the completely redesigned Honda Pilot to be unrivaled in 2023.
The demand for midsize SUVs is higher and higher every year. Generally, this is the most favorite, and one of the most profitable segments in the world. According to the last quarterly sales in the United States, the most selling midsize SUV is the Ford Explorer, with 65,244 selling numbers. However, just behind it`s Toyota Highlander 63,831, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee with 55,197.
Basically, hundreds of models with different styling and engines are available, and we know that selecting the best one is more challenging than ever before. So, here you go, a list of the Best Midsize SUVs for 2022-2023.
Ford Explorer – The Best Midsize SUV for 2022
One of the most popular and selling midsize SUVs in the United States, the 2022 Ford Explorer, is ready to introduce some mild improvements. This SUV benefited from a complete redesign last year, featuring a beautiful exterior styling. The Explorer also offers a very roomy cabin with seating for up to seven passengers and a spacious cargo area. All things considered, Blue Ovals’ most recognized SUV provides plenty of utility. It comes with the latest in-car tech and driver aids.
The offerings range from a slick infotainment system and tablet-sized touchscreen navigation to adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. On top of that, it’s available with mighty engines. The base one uses a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300-hp turbocharged. However, besides this engine, Ford also offers a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that on the Platinum delivers 365-hp or 400-hp with sporty Explorer ST. A hybrid model is available as well, and it consists of a 3.3-liter V-6 engine and an electric motor, which combined makes 318 horsepower,
Generally, considering all above, the Explorer has a lot of tough competition. In the same segment are SUVs like Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and mighty Honda Pilot. According to Ford, the new version of Explorer will arrive later in the year, starting at little less than $35,000.
Read full review – HERE
2022 Toyota Highlander
Toyota’s most spacious SUV, the 2022 Toyota Highlander, looks more sleek and modern. Redesigned last year, the fresh new model is announced for the following year. However, from many reports, the upcoming Toyota Highlander should only get a mild upgrade compared to its predecessor. Generally, this SUV is one of the complete that you can find in the market. It features a stretched-looking front fascia that housing an attractive grille and LED headlights. There’s probably a rule that every generation has to be bigger than its predecessor. Compering to the outgoing model, the new Highlander has been grown a couple of inches in wheelbase and overall length. Thanks to that, the Highlander can praise with more cabin space.
Inside, even the base model is well equipped. It including an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, tri-zone climate control, 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Amazon Alexa, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 array of driver aids.
On top of that, the new Highlander uses a potent 3.5-liter V6 powertrain that generates 295 hp and 263 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version is also in the works, and we are waiting for official figures. At this point, there is no debut date, but based on previous schedules, expect this model to arrive later this year. Pricing is also not official, but it will most than likely remain close to the current model’s price of $36,000.
More about the new 2022 Toyota Highlander – HERE
One of the best midsize SUVs for 2022 – Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most important SUV for the company. This three-row hauler offers lots of available luxury appointments and features. Generally, after the Highlander model, it’s the most selling SUV in the United States. It has a traditional design look that buyers love. For the 2022 model year, the manufacturer will make some changes, making this SUV even more competitive. Although the Jeep Grand Cherokee shares many cues with the old-gen model, the new architecture is visible.
The step forward is an updated cabin with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, stepping into Laredo and Limited models, buyers will get standard six-speaker stereo, with the option to upgrade to a nine-speaker Alpine audio setup or a high-end 19-speaker McIntosh arrangement.
Like the last generation, the new one can be choose with either a 3.6-liter V-6 or a more potent 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 powertrain. If it is to believe, Jeep is also preparing to introduce a plug-in hybrid 4Xe powertrain. The plug-in hybrid 4Xe should deliver a much better fuel economy, and we are eagerly waiting for more details regarding that powertrain. All models should be available sometime in the year. Pricing is not yet official, but expect slightly higher numbers compared to the outgoing model that cost around $34,000.
2022 Mazda CX-9
After so many years of waiting, the redesigned 2022 Mazda CX-9 is coming. Reportedly, the new model will bring better styling and even more standard equipment. As one of the giant Mazda’s SUVs, rivals such as the excellent Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade will finally get a model that can match them. Generally, the design of the new Mazda CX-9 will vary depending on trim level and packages. The most favorite is still the Carbon Edition package, which adds black exterior trim, including a blacked-out grille and black 20-inch wheels.
By the way, most of the updates should be noticeable inside. The Mazda CX-9 now incorporates a new 10.3-inch display and the same updated interface that we recently saw on the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback models. On top of that, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature models offer a standard wireless smartphone charging pad. Moreover, the Touring package represents the best value for the money. It adds two additional USB ports in the third row, a Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, front and rear parking sensors, and much more.
Under the hood, the latest CX-9 deploys the same proven turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 250 horses and 320 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard as the front-wheel-drive (FWD). However, all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard only on the Signature trim but is optional elsewhere. Mazda confirms that its flagship SUV will arrive next year as the 2022 model.
Honda Pilot – Best Midsize SUV for 2023
Much bigger and bolder, the 2022 Honda Pilot is coming. Honda’s next-generation Pilot was spied testing a few days ago for the first time this year. The redesigned SUV, which represents the fourth generation, is captured fully camouflaged. However, judging from the first spy shots, the upcoming Pilot will feature a more rugged design than the outgoing model. Generally, this SUV is every year bigger and bigger, looking more closely to a minivan than SUV. Proportionally is similar to those of the redesigned 2023 Acura MDX, sharing the same platform and architecture.
As the most important Honda member, the forthcoming Pilot will also come more comfortable. It features three rows of seats, offering room for up to seven passengers. Also, it is filled with technology like an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi hot spot, and navigation.
As for the engine, power should come from a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid option should also come at some point as well. The redesigned Pilot will be most likely to debut later this year as a 2022 model.
2022 Toyota 4Runner
Big, boxy, and built for off-roading, the new 2022 Toyota 4Runner is the answer for Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco models. However, for 2022, we don’t expect significant changes. Sure, the new version will be more attractive, and there are no family haulers on the market at this point with such high ride heights and tall roofs as this model. Like many SUVs nowadays, the 4Runner is a body-on-frame model offering plenty of off-roading capabilities.
In the last few years, Toyota updated this SUV with many techs and safety features. Stepping in, you’ll find a revised dashboard that is housing an 8-inch touchscreen that incorporates Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, more features are available choosing the TRD model like water-resistant seat fabric, locking rear differential, and multi-terrain selection with crawl control.
Toyota’s 4Runner SUV also deploys a very potent engine. This model uses a 4.0-liter V6 powertrain generating 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is standard on the base model, while a part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is available on the TRD models. Toyota confirms the new 4Runner, and we should expect its release at the end of the year. Pricing is not yet officially revealed, but it might be around $38,000, which is slightly higher than before.
Read more of the upcoming 2022 Toyota 4Runner – HERE
2022 Kia Sorento
The 2022 Kia Sorento is an attractive SUV that receives a complete redesign. Its boxier proportions and bolder styling depart it from the curvier and softer appearance of the outgoing model. This model looks handsome, and it offers a very spacious cabin featuring three rows of seating and room for up to seven passengers. Behind the 3rd-row seat, it offers 12.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which increases to 38.4 cubic feet when that 50/50-split third row is down. Basically, the Sorento is more spacious inside than its Telluride sibling.
On top of that, it’s filled with more technology and plenty of quality materials. The new Sorento, compared to its predecessor, also includes much more standard features. Even with the entry trim, this SUV offers LED headlights and taillight, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, cloth seats, privacy glass, a 6-speaker audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The safety suite is generous, and Sorento includes Rear Occupant Alert, a forward-collision warning system, and automatic emergency braking.
As for the engine, this SUV deploys a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that produces 191-hp. Besides this powertrain, Kia also offers an optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 281-hp. Both ones are available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A more eco-friendly hybrid system is also available. This model features the combination of a turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 44-kW electric motor. According to many rumors, Kia will eventually offer for the first time a plug-in-hybrid version that consists of a turbocharged 1.6-liter and 66.9-kW electric motor. The 2022 Kia Sorento will arrive something this year, starting at $30,000 for the standard model.
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
The upcoming 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe won’t receive significant upgrades this time. Instead, this subcompact crossover-SUV will gain some mild changes that will make it look more handsome. However, the most exciting news is that Hyundai again offers a plug-in hybrid version. Hyundai claims that the new Santa Fe PHEV model is rated at 33 mpg and can travel 30-miles on the electric range. Besides this engine, the Hyundai also offers a 2.5-liter inline-4 and 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4. Still, cosmetic upgrades are not so exciting, and the same design is present. The design of this SUV remains eye-catching, with some beautiful parts, especially on the front.
Inside, the Hyundai Santa Fe does not shy away from tech, like many other models in the same segment. This SUV is available with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch-wide navigation screen. On top of that, you’ll found inside plenty of soft-touch materials, Nappa leather, and unique ambient lighting. Hyundai is taking its customers very seriously. They added a wide range of advanced driver assists, such as forward-collision avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and driver attention alert.
According to Hyundai, the mild refreshed Santa Fe will hit markets later in the year, starting at $28,000. Of course, more ranging trims will boost price significantly.
2022 Dodge Durango
If you love muscle cars, then the new 2022 Dodge Durango is worth considering. For 2022, this SUV receives a mild styling refresh and some interior tweaks. Unlike many other rivals in the segment, the Durango is recognized by its Challenger/Charger design language, featuring an attractive grille, hood, and LED headlights. Besides one of the best styling in the class, this model also offers one of the spacious cabins. Cargo space is 17.2 cubic feet, and it can be expanded to 85.1, folding all seats down. Inside, everything is upscale and modern.
Dodge introduced a new 10.1-inch infotainment screen, and it added more standard features. Entry-level SXT trim includes 3-zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, keyless entry/ignition, smartphone integration, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Upper trim levels like SRT bring more equipment, such as automatic high beams, powered tailgate, sunroof, navigation, Nappa leather upholstery, and more.
In the engine department, this mighty SUV offers four engine options. The entry-level model deploys a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 293 horsepower, while Dodge also offers an optional 5.7-liter V8 producing 360 horsepower on the R/T and Citadel trims. On top of that, a more massive 6.4-liter V8 is available on SRT 392 model, and it develops 475 horsepower. The last one is a potent supercharged 6.2-liter V8 developing an astonishing 710 horsepower. The 2022 Dodge Durango will arrive sometime this year with a fresh new look. The new SUV will cost slightly higher from some early reports than the current one that starts at $32,000.
More information about the new 2022 Dodge Durango – HERE
2023 Porsche Cayenne
The spy shots of the upcoming 2023 Porsche Cayenne reveals significant upgrades. The famous performance SUV looks refreshed, and the most noticeable changes are visible on the front fascia. This model comes with a thoroughly revised front, featuring new headlights, daytime running lights, and a more angular shape similar to the design we saw on the Taycan sedan. On the back, we can also see that the latest Cayenne received new LED taillights, featuring more better graphics.
At this point, there is no available spy image of the interior, but assume the same dash we see in the Taycan. That means Cayenne might integrate a fully digital dash and large infotainment screen. It also isn’t clear yet what Porsche has planned for the powertrains.
From various reports, the new 2023 Porsche Cayenne will surely continue to be offered with a Turbo S E-Hybrid system, which is rated at 670 hp. We’ll update the engine lineup as soon as officials release some figures. Meantime, expect the new SUV to hit the market in 2022 as a 2023 mode. Pricing and other important information about this SUV should be available in the coming months.