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Identifying the First-Gen Ford MustangBest 2-Row Mid-Size SUVs of 2023
We ranked the best 2-row mid-size SUVs of 2022 based off of their powertrains, interiors, technology, and options. Who comes out on top?Ranking the Best 2-Row Mid-Size SUVs of 2023
Nearly every major manufacturer has a mid-size SUV to offer, some of them even provide three. These middleweights of the SUV realm provide some of the best fuel economy numbers, can haul families comfortably, are packed with the latest in safety and entertainment tech, and there are a few that can tackle going off road. While the 3-row variety of the mid-size SUV segment may offer more seating, these 2-row models make up for it with better cargo room and a little more personality. We took a look at all the available 2-row mid-size SUVs for 2023 and ranked them according to how well they scored with our writers.
8. Nissan Murano
The Breakdown
Elegant cabin
Six standard driver aids
Curvaceous style
Nothing innovative
Weak towing ability
Dated tech
Time for an overhaul
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.0/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$33,660 – $45,2105
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
20 City / 28 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Nissan Murano is lagging behind in terms of major updates and technology, but is otherwise a reasonably priced option for its class. Powering this 2-row mid-size SUV is a 3.5L V6 engine making 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Mated to that engine a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that directs power to the front wheels (FWD) or all four (AWD) optionally. Towing for the Murano maxes out at 4,000 pounds and can achieve a fuel economy rating of 23 mpg combined.
Inside the 2023 Nissan Murano you’ll find a functional interior that climbs from absolutely basic up to premium level adornments like diamond-quilted leather and wood trimmings. The Nissan Zero Gravity seats are comfortable for front and rear passengers and the available cargo space is somewhat on par with the rest of the segment. Nissan’s entertainment tech isn’t impressing much, as the infotainment screen measures out to 8 inches no matter how much you pay. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced safety features is standard at least.
7. Toyota 4Runner
The Breakdown
Excellent off-roading capabilities
Lots of standard safety features
Versatile cargo area
Poor fuel economy
Outdated powertrain
Bouncy ride
It’s time for a sleeker design
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.3/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$39,555 – $54,020
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
16 City / 19 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is running on the same body-on-frame platform since 2010, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sure, the 4Runner isn’t wowing anybody at the pump with 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, but it is one of the more capable 2-row mid-size SUVs here. The 4.0L V6 engine under its hood makes 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque that’s paired with a five-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear or all four wheels optionally. That setup can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is pretty significant for this crowd. The 4Runner is also prepared better to crawl itself over more obstacles than a majority of the competition on this list, especially the TRD Pro models.
The interior of the 4Runner is pretty spartan in its design, but it does a nice job of hauling with its 47.2 cu-ft of cargo space behind the second row. The 4Runner also benefits from being able to have a third row be installed, which would consider it for 3-row contention were it not an optional item. Toyota provides as much as they can in this dated SUV, but the 8-inch infotainment screen and limiting speaker space puts it slightly behind modern competition. The standard advanced safety features and added two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance coverage does sweeten this deal though.
6. Chevrolet Blazer
The Breakdown
Camaro-esque front end
Standard 10-inch touchscreen
Ample rear legroom
Busy cabin layout
Best gear requires a package
Can get pricey
A sharp-dressed SUV
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.8/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$36,495 – $44,195
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
22 City / 29 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer isn’t the burly SUV it once was long ago, but it’s Camaro inspired styling and updated technology do make it an interesting option for the 2-row mid-size SUV segment. Powering the Blazer is either the base 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine that makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque or the 3.6L V6 making 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The smaller unit gets the best gas mileage when paired with FWD, while the V6 can tow up to 4,500 pounds with the trailering package and AWD. A 9-speed automatic transmission is the standard fare no matter which engine you choose, but the RS trimmed models do gain a unique dual-clutch AWD system and performance tuning to the handling.
The Blazer’s interior is somewhat busier than other SUVs as it continues to take design queues from the sporty Camaro. Otherwise, the passenger space inside is good, cargo room is standard for this class, and the available entertainment tech like the standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen are nice. Chevrolet still only offers a majority of their advanced safety features and driver-assistance tech as optional and there isn’t much in the way of notable bonuses to the purchase of the Blazer.
5. Jeep Wrangler
The Breakdown
Excellent off-road
Limitless customizability
An engine for everyone
Very expensive
Lags behind on safety
Numb handling
More on-road refinement is needed
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.9/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$31,195 – $82,495
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
49 MPGe Combined
The Wrangler has been Jeep’s champion vehicle for a long while and it continues to show out as an off-roading SUV with a bevy of options. Shoppers have the choice of a base 3.6L V6, optional 2.0L turbocharged I4, optional mild-hybrid 3.6L V6, the powerful 6.4L V8 SRT HEMI from the Rubicon 392, or the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 2.0L turbocharged unit from the 4xe models. There’s something for everyone, especially if you love the four-wheel driving, off-road capabilities of a Wrangler. The 4xe variants achieve the best gas mileage at a 49 MPGe combined rating, but towing maxes out at 3,500 pounds even with the HEMI installed.
Wranglers aren’t the most luxurious in terms of interiors, but they’re tailored specifically for the adventures. The doors can come off, the roof comes off, all the surfaces are easy to clean, and there are drains in the floor. Seating isn’t the most comfortable, the unique center control stack can take some time to get used to, and the available infotainment screens max out at 8.4-inches, but most of those gripes can be overlooked just for being a fun Jeep. There isn’t much for advanced safety tech on the 2023 Jeep Wrangler even at some higher trim levels, but Jeep does shine with their three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage with purchase.
4. Subaru Outback
The Breakdown
Great ground clearance
Good cargo space
Capable for off-roading
Most models have an 11.6-inch touchscreen
Standard AWD
Standard adaptive cruise control on all models
Dual-zone climate control on most models
Acceleration hesitates with the CVT
Built-in navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot aren’t standard
The cabin is OK, but could use a refresh
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$28,395 – $42,295
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
26 City / 32 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Subaru Outback straddles the line of a family SUV and off-roading option. It isn’t tackling as rocky of terrain as the Wrangler or 4Runner, but it still has Subaru’s tremendous AWD drivetrain that’ll keep drivers confident over any terrain. Under the hood of the Outback is either a 2.5L naturally aspirated flat-four making 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque or a 2.4-L turbocharged flat-four making 260 horsepower and 227 lb-ft of torque on top level trims. Both engines are mated to a Lineartronic CVT. Towing maxes out at 3,500 pounds for the turbocharged Outback, while the non-turbocharged model gets the best gas mileage at 29 mpg combined.
Inside is nicely laid out space for passengers with 32.6 cu-ft of cargo room behind the second row. Subaru adds on a 11-inch vertically oriented touchscreen for infotainment duties and the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance tech as standard features. There’s no complimentary maintenance added, but the Outback comes in at a great price for what you’re getting.
3. Honda Passport
The Breakdown
Great drivetrain
Comfortable interior
Spacious cargo area
A bit pricey
No hybrid option
Boring to drive
A Ridgeline without the bed
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.1/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$41,100 – $46,560
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
19 City / 24 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Honda Passport is a carryover model with the only change being that it comes with standard AWD at every level. Powering the Passport is a 3.5L V6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque that’s paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It’s able to achieve a 21-mpg combined rating and towing maxes out at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Passport isn’t quite as rugged as some other options, but it can do well enough on trails and meets top towing figures for this class while generating good enough gas mileage.
Inside the Passport is one of the most cargo capable for this 2-row mid-size SUV group. The cargo room behind the second row measures out to 41.2 cu-ft while the rest of the interior holds a number of different expansive cubbies to store items in. Seating is comfortable, supportive, and spacious in either row. The infotainment system screen is only available as an 8-inch unit, but provides a nice group of standard advanced safety features and offers two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Breakdown
An engine for everyone
Handsomely styled
Plenty of driver assists
Underpowered base motor
Top-spec PHEV is pricey
Fuel economy isn’t great
Signature Hyundai value proposition
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.9/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$28,450 – $42,300
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
76 MPGe Combined
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in as one of the top 2-row mid-size options once again with its great interior, numerous fuel-efficient options, and value packed trim levels. Santa Fe models come equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-four engine, a turbocharged variant of that same 2.5L, or a 1.6L inline-four engine that comes as a hybrid or PHEV. Each of these power units can achieve good gas mileage numbers, but the PHEV variant achieves 76 MPGe combined. Towing maxes out at 3,500 with the 2.5L turbocharged I4 engine. The Santa Fe isn’t much for off-roading, but it does offer a nice ride on the road for long road trips.
The interior of the Hyundai Santa Fe is nicely appointed with premium adornments throughout its cabin. Passengers will experience comfy seating, plenty of space, and a quiet ride. Cargo space behind the second row measure out to 36.4 cu-ft and there are plenty of helpful cubbies throughout the Santa Fe’s design. Entertainment duties are handled by either a standard 8-inch display or a 10.25-inch display found on higher trim levels. Hyundai provides their Smart Sense suite of driver aids as standard fare and they also provide one of the best warranty coverages in the business, including three years of complimentary maintenance.
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Breakdown
Chiseled good looks
Real off-road skills
Screens aplenty
Can get very pricey
V8 fuel economy stinks
Mind-bending array of options
Leather-lined off-roader
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
9/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$43,350 – $77,470
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
56 MPGe Combined
Another mid-sized contender from Jeep comes in the form of the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While not much of a rock crawler as the Wrangler, the Grand Cherokee still offers some off-roading chops that mixes with premium adornments. Grand Cherokee models come installed with a 3.6L V6 engine, 5.7L V8 engine, or the 4xe PHEV 2.0L turbocharge inline-four setup. All engine options are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission that directs power to the rear wheels or all four optionally. The V8 in the Grand Cherokee achieves some of the best towing numbers of this group with a 7,200-pound max. Opting for the 4xe model opens up a 56 MPGe combined rating for a more economical day-to-day SUV.
Grand Cherokee models have nicely laid out spacious interiors that can reach luxurious levels. Passengers will experience a nice ride in either row, but front passengers have access to more screens to explore. The standard infotainment touchscreen comes in at 10.1 inches, but climbing the trim ladder opens up tech like a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and a separate passenger-side dashboard infotainment screen. The Jeep Grand Cherokee rounds itself out a number of advanced safety features and three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
