Alongside pickup trucks, it seems like there's a never-ending demand for SUVs and crossovers at the moment. Buying a mid-size model provides a great combination between family-hauling size and penny-pinching affordability, so it's a popular option with buyers all over the country. There's more choice than ever in the segment, with most major manufacturers now offering at least one model that fits the bill.
The Ford Explorer is the Blue Oval's offering, and there's a lot to like about the car. It's practical, economical, and decently priced, but it's no longer the class-leading car that it once was. In fact, many models have now far surpassed it in terms of performance and luxury, all while staying competitively priced. The Ford Explorer was once the obvious choice for suburban families, but now it's little more than an unremarkable competitor in a very crowded segment. Let's take a look at ten mid-size SUVs that have come from behind and left the Explorer standing.
10 Hyundai Palisade
Starting off strong with the Hyundai Palisade, this upstart newcomer has quickly risen towards the top of the mid-size class. It offers luxury features for an economy price tag, with optional extras like heated and ventilated second-row seats. It's one of the most economical SUVs of its size on the market, and it feels smooth and refined on the road.
Combine that with a ten-year or hundred-thousand-mile warranty and the Palisade boasts a combination that very few rivals can beat. Its quality assembly and bargain starting price of $32,645 make it arguably the best way to own a luxury SUV without having to pay for one.
9 Dodge Durango
In a market where SUVs have generally become softer and cushier to appeal to a luxury-oriented suburban market, the Durango stands out from the crowd for its muscly demeanor. The base-level V6 offers a healthy 296 hp and trims rise all the way up to the deranged 710-hp SRT Hellcat.
It's by no means the most refined of crossovers, nor is it anywhere near as luxurious as many of its competitors. But, with a base price of $33,490, it's a traditionally American SUV that bucks the market trend and, as a result, offers a unique and compelling package.
8 Honda Pilot
Is it unique? Not particularly. It is exciting? Nope. Instead, the Honda Pilot is built for drivers who just need to get from A to B with minimal fuss, time after time. For that, it has to be commended, as the Pilot's commitment to a hassle-free driving experience makes it one of the easiest SUVs to own and maintain.
It comes with AWD that's got sand, mud, and snow modes, so driving should be a breeze no matter what the terrain. The 280 hp V6 engine is enough for brisker overtakes, although the Pilot never verges into being entertaining to drive. Still, for just getting the job done, it's a very strong contender.
7 Jeep Grand Cherokee
As much as many cars in this segment would like buyers to think they're off-road capable, in reality, most will crumble at the sight of a dirt trail. Not the Grand Cherokee, which remains one of the best choices for a family-oriented all-terrain SUV.
The Trailhawk version will add even more capability, but most buyers will be plenty happy with the regular Grand Cherokee's off-roading chops. It's still a comfortable and refined car to drive on the road as well, although its base starting price of $37,330 is a bit steep compared to other rivals' offerings.
6 Kia Sorento
The first thing that prospective buyers should notice about the Kia Sorento is its great value price. Starting at $30,565, it's one of the cheapest mid-size SUVs out there but despite that, it still offers a competitive spec sheet and design.
Base trims will get a 191 hp four-cylinder engine which gets an EPA rating of 29 mpg highway. In many respects, the interior and features are typical Kia fare, but that's no bad thing. In fact, Kia's current SUV lineup is arguably the best in the segment, and the only real issue is the Sorento's lack of interior space. That flaw is fixed with the best-in-class Telluride, which we'll get to later.
5 Toyota Highlander
If a driver's main focus is transporting a family in comfort, then they'd do well to opt for a Toyota Highlander. It's available in fuel-sipping hybrid form, which will save both money and the inconvenience of having to find a gas station on longer road trips. It comes as standard with SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G WiFi hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Starting at $36,085, it's far from the cheapest car in its class, but then it does boast a lot more features even on base models. The main issue with the Highlander is that it's pretty boring to drive, but as a reliable and pleasant family hauler it ticks all the right boxes.
4 VW Atlas
The VW Atlas is attractively styled and reasonably priced, starting at $32,565 for the base model. It's also one of the roomiest mid-size SUVs, as its third row of seats is big enough to seat two adults relatively comfortably. There's even still space for luggage behind them.
In terms of style, the Atlas lags behind its competitors slightly, as its cabin is comparatively quite drab next to a Hyundai Palisade or Mazda CX-9. Still, it feels better to sit in than the Ford Explorer, and it can haul a lot more things to boot.
3 Hyundai Santa Fe
A car that just about squeaks into the mid-size category, the Santa Fe is really the mid-size SUV for people who don't want a mid-size SUV. As paradoxical as that might seem, it's not a bad thing, as this two-row offering fills a niche between the compact Tucson and the larger Palisade.
Its smaller size is also reflected in its rock-bottom starting price of just $28,185. It's versatile though, as there's a huge range of trims and packages, right up to the $41,935 Calligraphy trim that adds a level of luxury similar to the lower levels of many SUV offerings from the likes of Mercedes and Audi.
2 Mazda CX-9
Mazda has been on a roll lately with making family-oriented cars that are genuinely fun to drive, a feat that's incredibly difficult to achieve while still keeping it affordable. The CX-9 starts at a middling base price of $35,335, but it offers top-of-the-class driving dynamics and a more athletic look than many other mid-size SUVs.
The interior is also exceptional, with fit and finish that could well be taken straight out of a premium German manufacturer's cabin. It's only available with a 250 hp four-cylinder, which means it's more limited in terms of pulling power than some of its rivals. But, for driving fun, the CX-9 is about the best car of its size on the market.
1 Kia Telluride
There's no denying that the Telluride is simply the best mid-size SUV for the money right now, as it simply outclasses its competition in handling, ride quality, and luxury. It's similar in construction to its sibling the Hyundai Palisade, but with a lower asking price and a number of key tweaks.
It's spacious for both passengers and cargo, it's equipped with premium features that better luxury SUVs that cost tens of thousands more, and it looks great too. It seems most other reviewers are in agreement too, as the Kia won three major industry awards last year and it's been in Car and Driver's 10Best list ever since it debuted in 2019. With the Telluride and all these other great models, it's no surprise that the Ford Explorer has not only lost its crown but tumbled down towards the bottom of the mid-size SUV table.