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 10 Midsize Two-Row SUVs for 2026, all of which we have spent extensive time with. We have hand-crafted segment specific scores, to help tailor them for each unique buyer. After we share our top rankings, we will also include our “Do Not Buy” model for 2026, as well as what we’d personally park in our driveways. 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 ten most important categories for shoppers looking for a Midsize Crossover.
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.
Of course, consumer priorities do vary, so be sure to sort these categories and weigh them based on what’s most important to you.
#10: Ford Bronco
Ford’s revived icon, the Bronco, has captured the hearts of many buyers since its launch a few years ago. First and foremost, the Bronco is an off-roader, offering capability on all trims with this body-on-frame model. The Bronco also offers quite a few engine options, to suit your efficiency or power needs, and it one of the larger offerings in this segment with a boxy shape. While capability is one element of the equation in this segment, the Bronco’s trade-offs for capability include luxury and refinement, and it is quite expensive in the upper trims. For a truly off-road oriented model, the Bronco will be a great fit for you.
#9: Toyota Land Cruiser
Buyers were very excited to see the Toyota Land Cruiser name revived just a few years ago, just not in the same way it was in its previous US Model. Based on the Prado version of the LC, this model 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, and the base models are quite bare in features.
#8: Nissan Murano
The newest Nissan Murano has put itself back into the running in this segment with its recent redesign. Now with a more futuristic look, this model also has continued luxury into this new generation. As expected, the Murano scores the best in terms of overall luxury, with exclusive features like massaging seats even offered and semi-analine leather. Complimenting the features is a new advanced dual display setup and lots of standard safety features. However, the Murano is not off-road capable, and is in need of a more refined hybrid powertrain, for more diversity.
#7: 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, now including things like massaging seats. It is also a fairly large option for the segment, but is also the more 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.
#6: Toyota Crown Signia
Another newer offering to the segment, and the most wagon-like of its competitors, is the new Toyota Crown Signia. Pulling from the Japanese Crown heritage, we appreciate the Signia’s Lexus-like refinement in a reliable Hybridized package. It is also one of the most comfortable models in this segment for road tripping and daily commutes. Since it is low to the ground, the Signia is also decently fun to take down a backroad. Due to its lesser space due to the wagon-like exterior and very little capability off-road, the Signia fails to climb higher in this segment.
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#5: Honda Passport
An all-new offering for 2026, the Honda Passport made quite the splash in this segment. While the old model had been showing its age for many years, the new Passport takes a massive step forward. If you’re looking for the best mix of both comfort and capability, the Passport is one of the leading options, boasting comfortable ride quality from its unibody platform and spacious rear seats, while still offering better than average off-road capability on most models. The Passport is a very utilitarian model though, so don’t expect range-topping luxury like an Atlas Cross Sport or Crown Signia. Additionally, due to only offering three trims, you will be a bit hard-pressed to find a lower priced model.
#4: Toyota 4Runner
Toyota has multiple options in this segment, but the best performing of them is the Toyota 4Runner, which is coming off a large redesign. 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 as a body-on-frame vehicle. While the V6 is gone, the 4Runner still offers two very powerful engine, including a more efficient hybrid. Once again, the tradeoff in capability makes the back seats more uncomfortable, and all trims of this new model will be very pricey, so getting a value-packed model is harder to come by.
#3: Mazda CX-70
Mazda debuted their first entry into this segment last year with the new CX-70, an exciting addition considering their driving dynamics and luxury reputation. Despite its close ties 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. Mazda continues to add value to this model as well, with the CX-70 offering more luxury on more trims as the years pass by. 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 upgrade the tech experience from the more outdated non-touchscreen setup.
#2: Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has also long-been a veteran in this segment, and this unique offering is refreshed with new tech and style this year. This Jeep continues to score best in overall luxury, with the nicest cabin offering things like a passenger display, and plushness that continues to the rear seats as well. Additionally, despite its plush cabin, this Jeep still is quite capable off-road, which makes it a unique option for this segment. It also has three unique powertrains, ranging from a powerful new Turbo I-4, PHEV, and traditional V6. 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, resale, and overall cargo capacity.
#1: Subaru Outback
While not the full lifted wagon it once was, the all-new Subaru Outback has made a splash in this segment this year to take the number one spot! The Outback’s strength come from being a very well-rounded offering, scoring above average in almost every category this year. Building from its Subie roots, the Outback scores highest in safety, reliability, and resale value, offering buyers peace of mind while buying. It’s new larger body also allows for more space and rear seat comfort, making this model a prime road trip companion. Finally, top trims of the Outback pack the cabin full of luxury, and a new infotainment software that works better than ever. If we could change anything about this model, we wish Subaru would offer a hybrid engine, or at least an engine without a CVT.
Our “Do Not Buy” Option for 2026: Jeep Wrangler
One of the oldest offerings in this segment in terms of nameplate and heritage, the Jeep Wrangler is a very popular model among off-road enthusiasts. While quite a versatile option, with 2-Door, 4-Door, Hybrid, non-Hybrid, and more configurations, the Wrangler is a very barebones model that still costs a lot of money. While there is certainly a culture for buying a Wrangler, when it comes to our top categories, the Wrangler fails to score well when it comes to a family perspective. We wish Jeep would add additional safety, refinement, and value to the Wrangler to give it more advantages within the segment.
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 | POWERTRAIN | DRIVE EXPERIENCE | OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY | CARGO | REAR SEATS | TECHNOLOGY | SAFETY FEATURES | RELIABILITY & RESALE | VALUE UNDER $45,000 | TOTAL (out of 50) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback | 4 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 | 38 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 3.5 | 38 |
| Mazda CX-70 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 37 |
| Toyota 4Runner | 3.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 2.5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 1.5 | 36.5 |
| Honda Passport | 3 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | 36 |
| Toyota Crown Signia | 4 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 34 |
| VW Atlas Cross Sport | 4.5 | 2 | 3.5 | 1 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 0.5 | 4 | 30.5 |
| Nissan Murano | 4.5 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2.5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 3.5 | 30.5 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | 3 | 3.5 | 2 | 4.5 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 30 |
| Ford Bronco | 2 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 3.5 | 1 | 2.5 | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 25.5 |
| Chevy Blazer | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 2 | 4.5 | 2 | 24.5 |
| Jeep Wrangler | 2.5 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 1.5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 22 |
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 Mason lean towards the more value packed than ever Mazda CX-70, and Josh would go with the all-new Honda Passport. This segment is very unique and offers varying choices for buyers to choose from!
Thank you for checking out our expert picks for the Top 10 Two-Row Midsize SUVs of 2026! 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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