Every year, our Car Confections Team gets behind the wheels of hundreds of cars, from every size and price point, to make reviews for the channel. Today, we will be sharing our Best Midsize Two-Row SUVs for 2025, all of which we have spent extensive time with. We have hand-crafted segment specific scores, to help tailor them for each unique buyer. For an in-depth video about each, be sure to check out each linked video, as well as our full rankings at the bottom of this article!
Scoring Criteria
From reading thousands of comments our viewers have left on our channel; we developed a list of the most important categories for shoppers looking for a Midsize Two-Row SUV.
We have spent countless hours testing out each of these models, driving them over all types of terrain, testing the technology, sampling the space, and living with them. We then took the time to craft these rankings based off our experience into the following criteria categories.
#10: Nissan Murano
Following many years with few changes, the Nissan Murano was fully redesigned for 2025, and the changes certainly paid off! The Murano now carries a very futuristic look with continued luxury inro this new generation. As expected, the Murano scores the best in terms of overall luxury, with exclusive features like massaging seats even offered and nappa leather. Complimenting the features is a new advanced dual display setup and lots of standard safety features. However, the Murano is not very capable at all, and we would love to see an additional powertrain, like a hybrid, added for more diversity.
#9: Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Adding style to its larger three-row sibling, the VW Atlas Cross Sport is our sole German on this list. Pulling from its German heritage, the Cross Sport is a strong competitor in terms of luxury, bringing many Audi-esque features down to every seat of the Atlas. It is also a fairly large option yet is more of a fun option to drive. On the downside of things, VW as a whole struggles in terms of resale and reliability, lacks a more diverse engine offering, and is not suited for off-road duty.
#8: Toyota Land Cruiser
Buyers were very excited to see the Toyota Land Cruiser name revived just a few years ago but were surprised to see it placed in a new segment. Based more on the Prado version of the LC, this new generation for the US puts a unique spin on the Land Cruiser brand. While still very off-road capable, this model focuses more on efficiency as well, with a standard hybrid engine. The Land Cruiser is still also a strong player in terms of resale and reliability, and adds being one of the biggest in the segment to its list of pros. However, in a Countdown first, the Land Cruiser gets a score of 0 for value, as there is no trim option to be had for under $45k.
#7: Subaru Outback
One of the veterans of this segment, the Subaru Outback is a funky wagon-like SUV with a sort of cult following in the car world. And, in terms of its score, the Outback is a very well-rounded offering, scoring above average in most every category. Outside of its top tier resale, reliability, and overall value, the Outback is a strong player in terms of off-road capability and having very usable rear seats. With Subaru gearing up for a redesign on this model, we would love to see them add better technology, more luxury, and some heartier powertrains to compete with the top players in this segment.
#6: Toyota Crown Signia
Another new offering to the segment, and another wagon-like offering, is the new Toyota Crown Signia. Having recently spent time with this model, we loved its Lexus-like refinement in a reliable Toyota package. Not to mention, the hybrid system overperforms as usual. Since it is low to the ground, the Signia is also pretty fun to take down a backroad. Due to its sleek wagon-like exterior and very little capability off-road, the Signia fails to climb higher in this segment.
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#5: Mazda CX-70
Mazda debuted their first entry into this segment this year with the new CX-70, which excited us to have their driving dynamics and luxury in a new market. Despite its simple origins from the CX-90, the 70 still delivers a lot in terms of luxury and driving dynamics, staying true to the Mazda name. It also has unique powertrains, including a smooth Inline-6 and a PHEV. It performs well in most of its other categories as well, though it is not meant for going off road. We also wish Mazda would improve their resale, reliability, and overall value proposition.
#4: Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has also long-been a veteran in this segment, and it scores well on this year’s countdown as a very unique offering with many exclusive elements. It scores the strongest in overall luxury, with the nicest cabin offering things like a passenger display, and plushness that continues to the rear seat as well. Additionally, despite its plush cabin, this Jeep still is quite capable off-road, which makes it a unique option for this segment. However, for all this luxury, you will have to pay for all the extra features, and this model is not a high scorer for reliability and resale.
#3: Toyota 4Runner
With three options in the segment, it’s fitting (yet ironic) that the third-place option in this segment is the Toyota 4Runner, which is all new for this year. Taking many elements from the Land Cruiser, Tacoma, and Sequoia combined, the 4Runner is now more luxurious and tech-filled than ever, while still being able to tackle any obstacle in its path. While the V6 is gone, the 4Runner still offers two very strong powertrains, even one with a hybrid. But, it’s body-on-frame platform makes the back seats more uncomfortable, and all trims of this new model will be very pricey.
#2: Kia Sorento
Now, our top two contenders both define what it is like to be well-rounded, and we will start off with the recently refreshed Kia Sorento. Part of the reason the Sorento scores so well is because it has so many options, from ICE to PHEV, Luxury to Off-road, and all these trims can be had for a fairly affordable price. In additional to the many options, the Sorento packs in great tech and luxury for this segment and even offers a third row for all models. However, Kia is lower in terms of resale and reliability, and the Sorento won’t be able to climb as many obstacles as the body-on-frame competitors.
#1: Hyundai Santa Fe
Finally, while it may be the most divisive looking of the bunch, the new Hyundai Santa Fe comes in first place for this countdown, as it builds on much of what the Sorento also does well. When Hyundai redesigned this model last year, they not only filled the cabin with leading tech and luxury, but they also made this model bigger than ever, for all three rows. Though with fewer options than the Sorento, the Santa Fe is still a very diverse option, with a hybrid trim that we think is the one to buy. Similar to the Sorento, the Santa Fe still has work to do in terms of resale, reliability, and off-road capability.
Scoring Chart
We understand that buyers value different categories, which is why the chart below is a great tool to check out! This chart allows you to sort this competitive segment by category, to help choose your personal winner. If top tier reliability is your most important trait, then this tool can help you find the best!
| LUXURY FEATURES | POWERTRAIN | DRIVE EXPERIENCE | OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY | CARGO SPACE | REAR SEATS | TECHNOLOGY | ACTIVE SAFETY | RELIABILITY & RESALE | VALUE | TOTAL (out of 50) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 40.5 |
| Kia Sorento | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 | 40.5 |
| Toyota 4Runner | 4 | 4 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 2 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 36.5 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 36.5 |
| Mazda CX-70 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 1 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 35.5 |
| Toyota Crown Signia | 4 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 34 |
| Subaru Outback | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 33.5 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | 4 | 3.5 | 2 | 4.5 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | N/A | 33 |
| VW Atlas Cross Sport | 4.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 1 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 3.5 | 32.5 |
| Nissan Murano | 4.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2.5 | 4 | 4 | 2.5 | 4 | 31 |
| Honda Passport | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 1.5 | 3 | 5 | 2.5 | 31 |
| Chevy Blazer | 2 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 29 |
| Ford Bronco | 2 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2.5 | 2 | 1 | 24.5 |
| Jeep Wrangler | 1 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2.5 | 1 | 22.5 |
Close Calls for a Highly Competitive segment!
As you can see, the point values over these categories create many close calls, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. As far as our personal picks, Drew and Josh lean towards the Mazda CX-70, and Mason would choose the rugged and capable Toyota 4Runner. With car prices being so high nowadays, it’s a breath of fresh air to see some value packed options!
Thank you for checking out our expert picks for the Top 10 Two-Row Midsize SUVs of 2025! Let us know in the comments which one you would choose and be sure to check out the associated video, as well as our individual reviews for each vehicle. We hope this helps in your journey to purchase a new vehicle!
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