10 Affordable Mid-Size SUVs

2019 Kia Sorento dusk ・ Photo by Kia

Today, SUVs — in particular, car-based crossover SUVs — are America’s favorite type of vehicle. The leading SUVs aim to combine the driving experience and fuel economy of a car with the extra cargo capacity, higher seating position, and available all-wheel drive of a truck. The best mid-size SUVs also tend to offer more spaciousness and luxury than compact models, without the extra bulk of full-size models.

Of course, some of the best mid-size SUVs are expensive luxury models. But you don’t have to spend big bucks to get a great option. To prove it, we’ve rounded up 10 affordable mid-size SUVs that punch above their price brackets. We didn’t simply find you the cheapest models, but models that are great deals for what you get — some indeed because of their low prices, but others for their economical operating costs or how much they offer for the money. We also have one especially great bargain you’ll likely overlook if you focus your search too narrowly. Keep reading for our full list.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

Korean cars are known for their affordability, and Hyundai’s five-passenger mid-size SUV is no exception. The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe crossover has a base price of $25,900 — comparable to some compact models. The Santa Fe’s fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines also keep costs down. The base 2.4-liter, 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine is rated for up to 25 miles per gallon in mixed driving, while a zestier 2.0-liter 235-horsepower turbo manages just 2 mpg less.

Even so, the Santa Fe doesn’t feel like a budget car: It’s comfortable, user-friendly, and well-built. Nor did Hyundai remove valuable features to keep the price down. Even the base model includes advanced safety technology that inflates some competitors’ price tags by more than $10,000.

Photo by Hyundai

2020 Subaru Outback

One of America’s favorite five-seat mid-size SUVs, the 2020 Subaru Outback crossover is redesigned this year with updated styling, a new turbocharged engine, and a more high-tech dashboard. But it retains its familiar blend of hardy capability, comfortable on-road driving dynamics, and affordable pricing.

Starting from $26,645, the Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive — typically about $2,000 extra on affordable mid-size SUVs — along with advanced safety technology. Better still, its engines score phenomenal EPA fuel economy ratings: The base 2.5-liter 182-horsepower four-cylinder achieves a whopping 29 mpg in mixed driving, while even the available 2.4-liter 260-horsepower turbo manages 26 mpg. Some buyers might want a more truck-like seating position, though, while the Outback has more of a station wagon vibe.

Photo by Subaru

2020 Ford Edge

Some folks buy mid-size SUVs because they want more room, and others lean toward their performance and luxury compared to smaller, cheaper models. The 2020 Ford Edge is an affordable mid-size SUV that provides stretch-out space for five passengers along with a premium-grade ambiance.

The Edge’s interior isn’t super-fancy to look at, but this crossover delivers ride and handling poise and polish that would be the envy of some luxury models. And while its base price isn’t the lowest in its class — $31,100 — its generous standard equipment narrows the gap. Standard equipment on the Edge includes advanced safety and infotainment features, along with a peppy 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that achieves up to 24 mpg in mixed driving. An even zestier 335-horsepower V6 is also available on the sporty ST model, though bargain-hunters need not apply.

Photo by Ford

2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Most affordable mid-size SUVs are car-based crossovers. Not only are they better-suited for most customers’ daily lives than heavy-duty truck-type models, but they’re typically less expensive, too. But this 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited — the four-door version Jeep’s most iconic model — is as “trucky” as they come. Unlike most modern mid-size SUVs, you’ll never feel like you’re in a smooth, quiet, ordinary car. Buyers pay up for its meticulously engineered and sturdily constructed suspension, so they can bound over boulders or enjoy knowing that they can.

Still, several factors let us name the Wrangler Unlimited an affordable mid-size SUV. First of all, Jeep’s stinginess with standard equipment keeps its base price reasonable at $31,795. True, it’s easy to push that past $50,000, but you can still choose a sparsely equipped vehicle. Secondly, a newly optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushes its EPA fuel economy ratings to 21 mpg in mixed driving. Next, it’s one of the most affordable open-top convertibles you can buy, SUV or otherwise. And perhaps most significantly, Wranglers have famously high resale value, which will pay dividends at trade-in time.

2020 Kia Sorento

Turning firmly back to the crossover field, the 2020 Kia Sorento is one of the most affordable mid-size SUVs with seven-passenger seating. The three-row Sorento starts at $26,690 and includes a third-row seat as standard equipment on every model, along with a beautifully finished and ergonomically sensible dashboard.

What’s more, if you appreciate easy maneuverability over maximum interior volume, you’ll love that the Sorento is one of the smallest seven-passenger SUVs in the U.S. You probably won’t fit adults into the third-row seat, but you will fit into tight parking sots. As with several of the most affordable mid-size SUVs, the Sorento’s base four-cylinder engine delivers thrifty fuel economy (up to 25 mpg in mixed driving) but unremarkable horsepower (185). Upper trim levels switch to a thirstier (20 to 22 mpg) V6 with 290 horsepower.

Photo by Kia

2020 Mazda CX-9

If you appreciate an affordable mid-size SUV that looks and feels small, yet you still want a decently sized seven-passenger vehicle, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 is one of our longtime favorites. Although it’s one of the largest crossovers that could still get away with the “mid-size” designation rather than full-size, you’d never guess by looking at it or even driving it. This stylish, agile vehicle is agreeably cozy up front yet usefully spacious in the back.

The CX-9 is priced from $33,790, which doesn’t make it the most affordable three-row crossover on the market. But this Mazda’s generous standard equipment, upscale design, and polished driving experience make the CX-9 a bargain alternative to a luxury marque. What’s more, fuel economy is among the best of any seven-passenger crossover, at up to 24 mpg in mixed driving despite a punchy 250-horsepower turbo engine.

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

If you measure affordability at the gas pump, look no further than the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — the gas-electric version of Toyota’s perennially popular three-row mid-size crossover. Newly redesigned for the 2020 model year, the Highlander Hybrid sips fuel at a pace that would shame most economy sedans: a promised 34 mpg in mixed driving.

While the 2020 Highlander Hybrid’s prices aren’t yet available, we’re confident it will start comfortably below $40,000 and come with generous standard equipment. And like the rest of the redesigned Highlander lineup, we expect an upgraded interior with higher-quality materials, the latest infotainment connectivity, and more space. Just be warned that the new Highlander Hybrid swaps last year’s powerful and quiet V6 engine for a thriftier four-cylinder.

2020 Kia Telluride

At 197 inches long and 78 inches wide, the Kia Telluride admittedly stretches the definition of a mid-size SUV. But if you’re looking for value, don’t let those extra few inches stand in your way. The all-new Telluride brings luxury appeal and stretch-out spaciousness to the masses, all wrapped up with upscale styling, well-executed driving dynamics, stellar interior build quality, and thoughtful family-friendly touches.

The Telluride starts at $31,690 with a standard 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine. That’s less money than several smaller, less powerful, and less luxurious mid-size crossovers. And even that base model feels upscale and high-tech, with a sharp infotainment system, a generous complement of advanced safety features, and leatherette upholstery.

Photo by Kia

2020 Acura MDX

While many buyers will be happy with a luxurious mainstream-brand SUV, others will prefer the panache of a true luxury marque. One of the most affordable luxury mid-size SUVs is the 2020 Acura MDX, which brings three rows of seats and a powerful 290-horsepower V6 engine for $44,400 — the price of a much smaller four-cylinder European model.

The MDX doesn’t quite match an Audi or Mercedes-Benz for unflappable driving composure or extra-gorgeous interior details. But it brings a long list of high-end features, attractive styling, and a spacious, family-friendly interior. The standard MDX achieves a respectable 23 mpg in mixed driving, though a pricey gas-electric hybrid model bumps that as high as 27 mpg.

Photo by Acura

2020 Honda CR-V

We’ll close our list of 10 affordable mid-size SUVs with a model that doesn’t quite meet that definition but which merits consideration anyway: the 2020 Honda CR-V. It’s a compact crossover (measuring 182 inches long) that’s packaged so well it delivers more passenger and cargo space several pricier, less fuel-efficient mid-size models.

Besides its spaciousness, the CR-V brings a well-finished interior, polished ride and handling, and a smooth and peppy turbocharged engine — a 190-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder that sounds small but works well in the compact, light CR-V. True, some mid-size SUVs have a third-row seat, an extra-powerful engine, or an extra-cushy ride. But if those aren’t requirements, be sure to check out the CR-V before buying something bigger. Prices start at just $25,050, and the CR-V achieves up to 30 mpg in mixed driving. A CR-V Hybrid is also joining the lineup this year, and it’s expected to top 40 mpg.

Photo by Honda