Top 10 Mid-Size SUVs 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

The Best Overall mid-size SUV for 2027 is the Kia Telluride, starting around $39,190, which pairs a roomy three-row cabin, a strong warranty, and an available 329-hp turbo-hybrid rated at 35 mpg to beat the class on the metrics that matter most to families. The Best Value pick is the Hyundai Palisade, starting near $38,935, which delivers nearly identical space, safety, and feature content for slightly less money plus an available hybrid that targets 34 mpg combined.

This list is built for family buyers who want three usable rows, real reliability, modern safety tech, and a sensible total cost of ownership — whether the budget sits under $40,000 or stretches toward a loaded $55,000 flagship. Every pick below uses real 2026–2027 model-year specs, MSRPs, and safety ratings.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each SUV against the priorities real shoppers tell dealers and survey firms they actually care about. We leaned on published data from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), U.S. News, the IIHS, the EPA, and manufacturer pages. The weighting:

• Reliability and ownership cost — 25%
• Safety ratings — 20%
• Interior space and comfort — 15%
• Powertrain and efficiency — 15%
• Tech and value — 15%
• Price-to-performance — 10%

A vehicle that nails space but flunks safety, or wins on horsepower but bleeds money at trade-in, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Kia Telluride 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $39,190 | Best for: Families who want one SUV that does everything well

The redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride is the most complete three-row in the class. The base 2.5-liter turbo gas engine makes 274 hp and 311 lb-ft, while the new turbo-hybrid combines for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft and an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined on front-drive trims. It seats seven or eight across three rows, swallows up to 88.3 cu ft of cargo with seats folded, and tows up to 5,000 lb (gas) or 4,500 lb (hybrid) with available AWD.

Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a long record of IIHS Top Safety Pick+ results seal the win.

Pros:

• Available 329-hp hybrid hitting 35 mpg combined
• Class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Genuinely spacious, premium-feeling three-row cabin
• Strong resale value and proven safety record

Cons:

• Hybrid trims push pricing toward $46,490
• Top trims feel close to luxury money

Verdict: The Telluride wins on balance — space, safety, efficiency, and warranty with no real weak spot.

2. Hyundai Palisade 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $38,935 | Best for: Shoppers who want maximum SUV per dollar

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the Telluride's mechanical twin and the smartest value play in the segment. The standard 3.5-liter V6 makes about 287 hp, while the hybrid delivers an estimated 329 hp and an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined in front-drive form with up to 619 miles of range.

It seats seven or eight, tows up to 5,000 lb (gas) or 4,000 lb (hybrid), and brings the same 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty as Kia. Hyundai consistently earns strong IIHS scores, and the cabin tech and material quality punch well above the price.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price of any top pick at $38,935
• Hybrid targets 34 mpg and roughly 619 miles of range
• Same long warranty and safety pedigree as the Telluride
• Upscale interior with generous standard features

Cons:

• 2026 crash ratings still pending official publication
• Hybrid availability can be limited at launch

Verdict: The Palisade is the value champion — nearly everything the Telluride offers for a few hundred dollars less.

3. Toyota Grand Highlander

Starting MSRP: $46,505 (Hybrid) | Best for: Buyers who want Toyota reliability and a big third row

The 2026–2027 Toyota Grand Highlander is the spacious sibling to the standard Highlander, with a third row adults can actually use. Its standard hybrid produces 362 hp and 400 lb-ft paired with AWD, earning an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined on FWD versions and around 34 mpg with AWD.

The Hybrid Max trades efficiency (about 27 mpg) for muscle. Seating runs seven or eight, and it earns mostly Good IIHS scores with Acceptable marks on small-overlap and headlights. Toyota's reputation for durability and resale anchors the appeal.

Pros:

• Standard 362-hp hybrid with up to 36 mpg combined
• Toyota reliability and strong resale value
• Truly adult-friendly third row
• Standard AWD on hybrid models

Cons:

• Higher entry price than the Korean rivals
• Hybrid Max efficiency drops sharply

Verdict: A superb hybrid hauler — the safe, efficient choice for long-haul family duty.

4. Honda Pilot

Starting MSRP: $42,195 | Best for: Eight-seat families who want rugged versatility

The 2026 Honda Pilot keeps things simple with a smooth 3.5-liter V6 making 285 hp and 262 lb-ft through a 10-speed automatic. EPA figures land at 22 mpg combined for FWD and around 20 mpg for the rugged TrailSport. It seats up to eight (seven on TrailSport), offers up to 113.7 cu ft of cargo behind the first row, and tows up to 5,000 lb with AWD available.

Honda's strong safety suite and proven mechanicals make it a low-stress long-term ownership pick.

Pros:

• Standard eight-passenger seating on most trims
• Huge cargo capacity up to 113.7 cu ft
• Proven V6 reliability with no hybrid complexity
• Capable TrailSport trim for light off-road use

Cons:

• No hybrid option, so efficiency trails rivals
• Base Sport trim is sparsely equipped for the price

Verdict: A dependable, family-first hauler — ideal if you want V6 simplicity over a hybrid.

5. Mazda CX-90

Starting MSRP: $50,495 (PHEV) | Best for: Drivers who want a near-luxury feel and a plug-in option

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the enthusiast's pick, with a premium cabin and rear-biased dynamics. The PHEV pairs a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a combined 323 hp and 369 lb-ft, adding short electric-only commutes; the inline-six gas models add real punch. It tows up to 5,000 lb and seats up to eight.

Crucially, both CX-90 versions earned the 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ — Mazda led the industry in those awards for a third straight year — making it one of the safest three-rows you can buy.

Pros:

• 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ on every CX-90 version
• Plug-in hybrid allows short all-electric commutes
• Premium, near-luxury interior and driving feel
• 323-hp combined PHEV output with 369 lb-ft

Cons:

• Highest entry price of the group at $50,495
• Third row is tighter than rivals

Verdict: The safest and most upscale pick here — worth it if driving feel and a plug-in option top your list.

6. Subaru Ascent

Starting MSRP: $42,982 (Premium) | Best for: All-weather families who want standard AWD

The 2026 Subaru Ascent comes only with standard all-wheel drive, a real edge for snow and unpaved roads. Its 2.4-liter turbo flat-four makes 260 hp and 277 lb-ft through a CVT, returning roughly 21–22 mpg combined. It seats seven or eight, tows up to 5,000 lb, and has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ every year since launch.

The Ascent's ground clearance and grip make it the natural choice for buyers in tough climates who don't want to pay extra for AWD.

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive on every trim
• Consistent IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ record
• Strong 5,000-lb towing for the class
• Generous standard safety and driver-assist tech

Cons:

• Fuel economy of 21–22 mpg trails hybrid rivals
• No hybrid powertrain offered

Verdict: The all-weather value play — buy it for the standard AWD and rock-solid safety history.

7. Chevrolet Traverse

Starting MSRP: $40,800 | Best for: Cargo-first buyers who want big-SUV space

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is one of the roomiest options here, with up to 98 cu ft of cargo space. A single 2.5-liter turbo four makes a stout 328 hp and 326 lb-ft through an eight-speed automatic, returning about 22 mpg combined (FWD). It seats seven or eight, tows up to 5,000 lb, and offers the rugged Z71 off-road trim alongside sportier RS and upscale High Country versions.

For families who haul gear as often as kids, the Traverse's sheer volume is hard to ignore.

Pros:

• Among the largest cargo holds in class at 98 cu ft
• Strong 328-hp turbo four standard
• Available Z71 off-road and High Country luxury trims
• Competitive $40,800 starting price for the space

Cons:

• Turbo-four fuel economy is only average
• Cabin materials trail the class leaders

Verdict: The space champion — pick it when maximum cargo and seating volume matter most.

8. Ford Explorer

Starting MSRP: $38,465 | Best for: Drivers who want choice of power and a low entry price

The 2026 Ford Explorer opens at a class-low $38,465 and offers two strong engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four with 300 hp and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 making 385 hp and 415 lb-ft in the ST. The four-cylinder RWD model earns up to 24 mpg combined, while V6 versions land near 20–21 mpg.

It seats up to seven, tows up to 5,000 lb, and offers available AWD with optional second-row captain's chairs. Its rear-drive-based platform gives it a more carlike feel than most front-drive rivals.

Pros:

• Lowest entry MSRP in the group at $38,465
• Available 385-hp EcoBoost V6 in the ST
• Rear-drive-based handling balance
• Up to 24 mpg combined with the base four-cylinder

Cons:

• Reliability history trails the Japanese and Korean leaders
• Third row is tighter than class best

Verdict: A strong-value all-rounder — compelling if you want power choices and the lowest sticker.

9. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Starting MSRP: $38,415 | Best for: Buyers who want real off-road capability and towing

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee brings genuine trail credibility to the family-SUV shopping list. The 3.6-liter V6 makes 293 hp, while the new 2.0-liter Hurricane turbo four delivers 324 hp and 332 lb-ft at about 23 mpg combined. It tows up to a class-best 6,200 lb, offers up to 70.8 cu ft of cargo with the rear seats folded, and provides serious off-road hardware through trims like Trailhawk.

Note that the standard Grand Cherokee is a two-row five-seater; the L model adds a third row.

Pros:

• Best-in-group 6,200-lb towing capacity
• Genuine off-road capability and ground clearance
• New 324-hp Hurricane turbo engine
• Low $38,415 starting price

Cons:

• Base model is two-row only (third row needs the L)
• Reliability and fuel economy trail leaders

Verdict: The capability pick — buy it for towing and trail ability over outright efficiency.

10. Volkswagen Atlas

Starting MSRP: $39,310 | Best for: Buyers who want German feel and a top safety rating

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas rounds out the list with a roomy, well-built cabin and a 2.0-liter turbo four making 269 hp and 273 lb-ft through an eight-speed automatic. EPA figures reach 23 mpg combined (FWD), and 4Motion AWD is available. It seats six or seven, offers up to 96.6 cu ft of cargo, and tows up to 5,000 lb.

Most importantly, the 2026 Atlas earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the institute's highest honor, making it a smart choice for safety-focused families.

Pros:

• IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating
• Spacious, solidly built German-feel interior
• Up to 96.6 cu ft of cargo space
• Available second-row captain's chairs

Cons:

• Single turbo-four lacks a hybrid or V6 option
• Resale value trails the class leaders

Verdict: A safe, spacious, well-finished pick — strongest for buyers who prize the top IIHS award.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Mid-Size SUV

• Reliability and resale — A vehicle that holds value and avoids the shop saves thousands over five years. Toyota, Honda, Kia, and Hyundai lead here.
• Real safety ratings — Check published IIHS Top Safety Pick / Top Safety Pick+ status and NHTSA star results, not marketing claims. The CX-90 and Atlas earned 2026 Top Safety Pick+.
• Hybrid vs gas tradeoffs — Hybrids like the Telluride, Palisade, and Grand Highlander cut fuel costs and add range, but cost more upfront; gas V6s like the Pilot keep purchase price and complexity down.
• Two-row vs three-row space — Confirm whether the third row fits real people; the standard Grand Cherokee is two-row, while the Grand Highlander and Telluride seat adults in back.
• Towing if needed — Most here tow 5,000 lb; the Grand Cherokee leads at 6,200 lb. Match capacity to your trailer or camper.
• Total cost of ownership — Factor insurance, fuel, depreciation, and warranty. Kia and Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty lowers long-term risk.

What matters less than marketing implies: giant touchscreen sizes, trim-name badges, and quoted horsepower peaks. A 30-hp difference is invisible on a school run; warranty, safety scores, and resale value affect your wallet far more.

FAQ

Which mid-size SUV is the best overall for 2027? The Kia Telluride earns our top spot for balancing space, safety, an available 329-hp hybrid at 35 mpg, and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty with no major weaknesses.

What is the best value mid-size SUV? The Hyundai Palisade starting near $38,935 offers nearly identical space, tech, and warranty to the Telluride for slightly less money, making it the value leader.

Which mid-size SUV has the best fuel economy? Hybrids lead: the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid reaches about 36 mpg combined, and the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade hybrids hit roughly 34–35 mpg.

Which mid-size SUV can tow the most? The Jeep Grand Cherokee tows up to 6,200 lb, ahead of most rivals that top out near 5,000 lb.

Which mid-size SUVs are the safest? The Mazda CX-90 and Volkswagen Atlas both earned the 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the institute's highest honor, while the Subaru Ascent has earned a Top Safety Pick award every year since launch.

Do I need a hybrid mid-size SUV? If you drive a lot of miles, a hybrid like the Telluride, Palisade, or Grand Highlander pays back its premium in fuel savings; lower-mileage buyers may prefer a simpler gas V6 like the Honda Pilot.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Kia Telluride is our Best Overall mid-size SUV — starting around $39,190, it wins on space, safety, an available 329-hp hybrid, and the segment's strongest warranty. The Hyundai Palisade, from about $38,935, is our Best Value, delivering nearly the same package for a little less.

If your needs lean toward maximum towing, top-tier safety awards, standard AWD, or a plug-in option, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the Grand Cherokee, CX-90, Ascent, or Atlas instead. Buy on warranty, safety, and total cost of ownership — not headline horsepower — and you will be happy years down the road.

Sources

• Car and Driver — mid-size SUV reviews and rankings
• MotorTrend — SUV buyer's guides and specs
• Edmunds — 2026/2027 SUV prices and reviews
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — pricing and ownership data
• U.S. News — Best SUV rankings and reviews
• IIHS — Top Safety Pick and crash-test ratings
• EPA — fuel economy ratings
• Kia Media — 2027 Telluride pricing and specs
• Toyota.com — Grand Highlander specs
• Mazda USA News — IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards

*Mid-size SUV review — mid-size SUV reviews, rating, best mid-size SUV 2027, and a review of the top family SUV picks for buyers.*