Overview
Since 2020, the light truck class (which includes pickup trucks, SUVs, crossovers, and vans) has continued to attract high demand. Accounting for three-quarters of all new vehicle sales in 2020, it is clear that drivers covet the combination of safety, reliability, and luxury provided by SUVs.
SUVs have also become the default choice in vehicle class for drivers with families, primarily due to the extra space they provide in tandem with the improved safety offered by the larger vehicle. If you are shopping for your family’s next vehicle, a midsized SUV may be your best choice. Here are some stand-out midsized SUV models to consider.
Table of Contents
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-350
Mercedes-Benz has established a reputation for high-performance luxury vehicles, and the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE is no exception. Starting at $58,650, the roomy GLE-350 is a favorite among luxury SUV aficionados.
Like other Mercedes-Benz models, the GLE-350’s exterior is refined and modern. With an aerodynamic design, the sleek, attractive exterior is an engineering marvel and helps make the GLE-350 one of the most stylish vehicles in the class.
While the exterior is beautiful, where the GLE-350 really shines is its interior. With standard 64-color LED ambient lighting, an intuitive infotainment center, and a spacious third row of seating, the GLE-350 lives up to the luxury moniker.
The real standout for the GLE-350 is its integrated artificial intelligence, which allows drivers to control vehicle functions using their voice – much like Siri or Alexa. Drivers can say, “I need a coffee,” to get directions to the nearest coffee shop, or “It’s cold in here” to have the GLE-350 instantly adjust the climate controls.
This artificial intelligence makes the GLE-350 an excellent choice for families, as drivers can keep their focus on driving safely and protecting their precious cargo.
2023 BMW X5
The 2023 BMW X5, this model year’s version of BMW’s classic midsized luxury SUV, is another standout among its class. Starting at $61,600, the X5 is slightly on the expensive end of the price spectrum, but it has the features to back up the elevated price point.
The X5 offers better performance than most other luxury hybrid SUV models, with a base 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine providing a solid 335 horsepower and reaching 60 miles per hour in just 5.3 seconds.
The engine also features 48V mild-hybrid technology, facilitating a fuel economy rating of up to 26 miles per gallon. For the 2023 model year, BMW upgraded the suspension and drivetrain to improve ride quality.
On the interior, the X5 is loaded with features that will be perfect for families. The X5 seats seven with a third row of seating that folds down as needed for improved storage capacity.
The integrated infotainment center is minimalist and easy to use, which is a welcome change from the large, hard-to-navigate infotainment centers that are often featured in vehicles of this type. The infotainment center is not short on features, with standard wireless CarPlay technology allowing you to listen to music or get directions touch-free.
2023 Lincoln Aviator
Another attractive midsized luxury SUV option is the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, starting at $53,340. Based on the Ford Explorer, the Aviator is one of the roomier models in our SUV rankings, which is an invaluable feature for families. With the third row of seating expanding the vehicle’s capacity to seven, even the largest families will have enough space in the Aviator.
Another family-friendly feature included in the Aviator is its available plug-in powertrain. This feature allows a charged vehicle to travel just over 20 miles before switching to gas operation. If you regularly charge your Aviator, this can save you an incredible amount on fuel costs, especially if you need to make several short daily trips.
The Aviator is also known for its smooth ride; with comfortable seating, a solid suspension, and a quiet cabin, your road trips will be more enjoyable.
2023 Genesis GV80
The 2023 Genesis GV80, starting at $55,550, is one of the most luxury-minded vehicles on the market. On the exterior, your family will be impressed by the luxurious and classy body design, which is often mistaken for a Bentley.
The class doesn’t end there. On the interior, every corner of the cabin has been optimized to provide the most luxurious ride possible. From the newly-standard panoramic sunroof to the ventilated massaging seating, you and your family will be able to ride in absolute comfort with the GV80. The center-console-mounted infotainment center is feature-rich and easy to use, and the available third row of seating provides plenty of space for children (and their friends).
The base-model GV80 provides 21 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, which falls right in the middle of the road for its class.
2022 Porsche Cayenne
Porsche is another manufacturer commonly associated with luxury, and the 2022 Cayenne demonstrates why. Starting at $72,700, the Cayenne is one of the more expensive luxury midsized SUVs, though the extra features and performance may be worth it.
On the exterior, The Cayenne hasn’t changed much from previous years with its iconic sleek and rounded body. On the interior, the ever-customizable Cayenne offers luxury at every turn, led by a newly-revamped sixth-generation infotainment system that includes voice recognition and command technology.
For an SUV, the Cayenne’s performance is second-to-none, and it handles more like a sports car than an SUV. The base model Cayenne offers a turbo V6 engine capable of delivering 355 horsepower and other levels of trim options to up the performance even more. With unmatched driving dynamics, the 2022 Cayenne is an ideal choice for families that want some performance in their luxury SUV.
2022 Acura MDX
Due to its affordability, one of the most popular midsized luxury SUVs is the 2022 Acura MDX. With a price starting at $48,000, it’s one of the least expensive luxury SUVs on the market; however, the 2022 MDX doesn’t sacrifice features for price.
The exterior is modern-looking and fits well among the luxury midsized SUV class. A panoramic sunroof and rear spoiler are standard on all MDX trims, adding an extra level of luxury and sportiness to the vehicle’s appearance.
Besides the price, one of the main reasons for the MDX’s popularity is its standard safety features. While many other makes and models offer enhanced safety features, they are often locked behind more expensive trim levels.
The MDX’s leading safety features – adaptive cruise control, hands-free communication and navigation, braking assist, stability and traction control, lane keeping assistance, and cross traffic monitoring are standard equipment. As a result, the MDX is incredibly popular with families, where the vehicle’s safety is a primary consideration.
2022 Volvo XC90
The newly-revitalized Volvo XC90’s 2022 model is another midsized luxury SUV standout. With a starting price of $43,450, the XC90’s price falls just below the Acura MDX, far on the less-expensive end of the price spectrum; however, the XC90 offers some great value.
One of the things that Volvo added to the 2022 XC90 model is a mild-hybrid engine, which improves fuel economy compared to the 2021 model by about 2 miles per gallon. This new feature allows the XC90 to deliver 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway, one of the better fuel economy ratings in the class.
Beyond the fuel economy, the Volvo XC90 also delivers luxury and safety. The uncluttered and high-quality interior will make your driving experience comfortable, and the ample cargo space is a huge plus for families.
The XC90 offers several advanced safety features in the standard trim package, including evasive steering assist and automatic emergency braking. Combined, these features make the XC90 incredibly attractive at its price point.
2022 Audi Q8
Another major luxury vehicle manufacturer is Audi, and their 2022 Q8 model is one of the better choices for families searching for a luxury midsized SUV. The Q8 is one of the smaller midsized SUVs on the market, with a significant decrease in cabin size compared to the otherwise-similar Audi Q7.
While the Q8 removes third-row seating, it adds a plethora of bells and whistles that make it a solid choice for smaller families that don’t need the extra seating.
The interior is one of the best in the class, headlined by high-quality material construction and a class-leading infotainment system. The Q8’s performance is another plus, with standard all-wheel drive and a quick 5.6-second 0-60 time.
As a result, the Q8 is an excellent choice for smaller families that want a balance of luxury and performance; however, for a vehicle starting at $71,800, it is more expensive than many comparable models.
SUViews Can Help You Find the SUV of Your Dreams
With nearly every major manufacturer offering one or more luxury midsized SUVs, it can be challenging to narrow down your choices as you shop. That’s why SUViews offers in-depth vehicle reviews and informative blogs; with the help of our industry insiders, you can choose the perfect vehicle for you and your family.
Check out our SUV recommendations and reviews before you decide to buy.
