15 Best Midsize SUVs of 2023, Ranked: Used-Buyer’s Guide

The 2023 Kia Telluride is the best overall midsize SUV for most buyers. It combines a genuinely useful three-row cabin, strong standard equipment, comfortable road manners, competitive towing, available all-wheel drive, and a strong safety record. The Hyundai Palisade is nearly as good with a more upscale feel, while the redesigned Honda Pilot is the strongest all-around alternative.

That said, the Telluride is not automatically the best choice for every driver. The Toyota Venza and Highlander Hybrid are better for fuel economy, the Subaru Outback is better for all-weather two-row utility, the Ford Bronco is better for serious trail driving, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee family is better for buyers who want premium comfort plus towing and off-road capability.

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This ranking covers mainstream, non-luxury SUVs sold in the United States for the 2023 model year. It includes two-row and three-row crossovers, traditional off-road SUVs, and hybrid or plug-in-hybrid versions. Luxury SUVs, full-size SUVs, and electric SUVs are outside the main ranking. Because it is now August 2026, the buying advice also treats these vehicles as used-car candidates: recall status, maintenance history, warranty coverage, and previous use matter as much as the original specifications.

Quick comparison: the best 2023 midsize SUVs

The table is a starting point, not a substitute for checking the exact trim and drivetrain. Fuel-economy figures are representative combined ratings or ranges from the cited 2023 listings; towing figures are maximum ratings that apply only to specified equipment combinations.

#1 Best Overall

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For official specifications, compare the 2023 Kia Telluride specifications, Hyundai’s 2023 Palisade information, the 2023 Subaru Outback trim comparison, and the 2023 Kia Sorento specifications.

How this ranking was decided

This is an editorial synthesis of contemporary testing, official specifications, fuel-economy data, IIHS results, and ownership evidence. It is not a new instrumented comparison test, and the ranking should not be read as an objective score accurate to the nearest decimal point.

The priorities are weighted approximately as follows:

• 25% everyday usability: seating, cargo space, visibility, controls, second-row access, and practical third-row space.
• 20% ride and driving quality: acceleration, braking, handling, comfort, noise, and highway stability.
• 15% powertrain and efficiency: EPA economy, hybrid or plug-in-hybrid availability, transmission behavior, and engine refinement.
• 15% safety: IIHS and NHTSA results where available, standard driver-assistance features, visibility, and braking aids.
• 15% value: original equipment, trim pricing, warranty, operating costs, and the amount of vehicle for the money.
• 10% capability and ownership: towing, ground clearance, AWD or 4WD hardware, reliability evidence, and resale considerations.

Different publications emphasize different parts of that equation. Car and Driver’s 2023 ranking says it uses roughly 200 data points, including acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo, fuel efficiency, value, and driving enjoyment. Kelley Blue Book’s ranking considers test driving, cargo, technology, features, performance, options, fuel economy, build quality, and value. That difference helps explain why Car and Driver placed the Bronco very high while KBB’s broad recommendations leaned toward family crossovers.

1. 2023 Kia Telluride: best overall

The Telluride wins because it has the fewest major compromises for the average family. It offers a spacious, useful three-row cabin, an attractive dashboard, straightforward controls, strong standard equipment, a comfortable ride, available AWD, and competitive towing. Kelley Blue Book named it the 2023 three-row midsize SUV Best Buy, Car and Driver rated it 10/10, and IIHS awarded qualifying versions a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ designation.

Kia’s official specifications list a 3.8-liter V6 with 291 horsepower, 46 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, 21 cubic feet behind the third row, and up to 5,500 pounds of towing for certain AWD X-Pro versions. The 2023 model also introduced the more rugged-looking X-Line and more trail-oriented X-Pro trims. Those trims expand the Telluride’s usefulness without turning it into a Bronco substitute.

Best fit: Families that want one vehicle to handle commuting, road trips, car seats, occasional adults in the third row, and moderate towing.

Main compromises: Fuel economy is ordinary for a modern family SUV, and the model has no hybrid option. The V6 is smooth and sufficiently powerful, but buyers focused on fuel cost should look at the Highlander Hybrid or Venza.

Used-buyer note: Check the VIN before buying. On July 9, 2026, NHTSA issued an urgent park-outside alert for certain 2020–2024 Kia Telluride vehicles involving a power-seat motor that could overheat and create a fire risk. That does not mean every 2023 Telluride is affected. Confirm the individual vehicle’s recall status and completed remedy through the VIN-specific NHTSA recall lookup.

2. 2023 Hyundai Palisade: best upscale family SUV

The Palisade is the Telluride’s closest rival. It uses the same basic 3.8-liter V6, rated at an estimated 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, but presents the experience in a quieter, more polished, slightly more upscale package. Car and Driver rated it 9.5/10, and IIHS listed it as a Top Safety Pick+.

Its three-row seating is useful for a midsize SUV, the cabin has a premium feel, and the ride is well suited to long highway trips. The Palisade is especially appealing to buyers who like the Telluride’s practicality but prefer its interior design, seating details, or available comfort features.

Best fit: Families prioritizing quiet transportation, a high-quality cabin, and easy long-distance travel.

Main compromises: The V6 is the only powertrain, so there is no hybrid route to lower fuel consumption. The Palisade is also less adventurous than a Telluride X-Pro, Outback Wilderness, Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, or Bronco. Verify towing capacity and equipment on the exact vehicle rather than assuming every Palisade has the same rating.

3. 2023 Honda Pilot: best redesigned family SUV

The 2023 Pilot deserves a high ranking because it was completely redesigned for the model year. It has a roomier and more useful three-row layout than the outgoing vehicle, flexible seven- or eight-passenger configurations, good visibility, sensible storage, and an available TrailSport trim for buyers who want more ground clearance and off-road hardware than a typical crossover provides.

Honda used a 3.5-liter V6 rather than adding a hybrid, so the Pilot is not an efficiency leader. Properly equipped AWD versions can tow up to 5,000 pounds under Honda’s load-limit guidance. That rating still depends on passengers, cargo, tongue weight, trailer brakes, and the exact equipment.

Best fit: Buyers who value an easy-to-live-with family layout, flexible seating, and the confidence of a new design for 2023.

Main compromises: Fuel economy is only average, and the gas-only powertrain gives the Highlander Hybrid, Sorento Hybrid, and Venza an advantage at the fuel pump. The Pilot TrailSport improves rough-road capability but is not a Bronco or 4Runner.

Honda’s 2023 Pilot towing guidance is worth reading before matching one to a trailer. The Pilot also earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation for the 2023 model year.

4. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L: best premium capability

The Grand Cherokee family is the strongest choice for buyers who want a more premium interior and genuine off-road ability without moving to a luxury brand. The two-row Grand Cherokee is easier to maneuver and offers more cargo flexibility for some owners; the Grand Cherokee L adds a third row and greater family practicality but is longer and heavier.

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Gas versions can tow up to 7,200 pounds in the right configuration, while the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid is rated for up to 6,000 pounds. Available four-wheel-drive systems and the Trailhawk trim give the Jeep meaningful capability away from pavement. Cars.com named the Grand Cherokee family its Best SUV or SUVs of 2023, highlighting its comfort, interior quality, available 4WD systems, and Trailhawk capability.

Best fit: Buyers who need more towing than a Telluride or Pilot, want a premium-feeling cabin, or expect to travel on demanding unpaved roads.

Main compromises: The Grand Cherokee costs more in comparable configurations and has more mechanical and powertrain complexity, particularly as a 4xe. Used examples deserve a careful inspection of service history, electronics, four-wheel-drive operation, and battery-system documentation. The 4xe is a poor match for owners without reliable charging access or those who need maximum cargo and towing flexibility.

IIHS safety awards require special attention here: the 2023 Grand Cherokee award applied to vehicles built after March 2023, and the Grand Cherokee L award applied to vehicles built after May 2023. Check the build date and exact configuration rather than treating every 2023 vehicle as identical.

5. 2023 Subaru Outback: best all-weather two-row utility

The Outback is often called a wagon-like crossover rather than a conventional SUV, but it appears in many midsize SUV comparisons because its ride height, cargo space, standard AWD, and utility compete directly with two-row SUVs. It is one of the best choices for buyers who face snow, gravel roads, rain, and outdoor equipment but do not need a third row.

Many base-engine versions are rated at 32 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Cargo volume is 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded. Towing ranges from 2,700 to 3,500 pounds, depending on engine and trim. The turbocharged XT and Wilderness versions are substantially stronger than the base 2.5-liter flat-four, which can feel slow when the vehicle is loaded.

Best fit: Active two-person or small-family households that want standard AWD, excellent visibility, a low loading floor, and more cargo flexibility than a typical compact crossover.

Main compromises: The Outback is not as quiet or as spacious in the rear as the top three-row SUVs. Its continuously variable transmission and base engine are not ideal for frequent heavy towing. Choose a turbocharged version if acceleration and the 3,500-pound tow rating matter.

Subaru’s 2023 Outback specifications and trim comparison show why the exact engine and wheel package matter.

6. 2023 Toyota Highlander: best efficient three-row choice

The Highlander is a sensible family SUV with a comfortable ride, strong visibility, a good safety record, and Toyota’s widely valued resale reputation. For 2023, gas models replaced the previous V6 with a turbocharged four-cylinder, while the hybrid remained the fuel-economy standout at an estimated 36 mpg combined.

Gas versions can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the hybrid is rated for up to 3,500 pounds. The important trade-off is interior size: the Highlander’s third row and cargo area are noticeably tighter than those of the Telluride, Palisade, Pilot, or Chevrolet Traverse. It can technically seat seven or eight depending on configuration, but adults will find the rearmost row less accommodating.

Best fit: Buyers who want a three-row vehicle but prioritize fuel economy, conservative ownership, and manageable exterior dimensions.

Main compromises: Do not choose it for maximum third-row comfort or cargo behind the third row. The hybrid is efficient but not the right choice for frequent heavy towing.

Toyota describes the 2023 engine changes in its official Highlander newsroom information.

7. 2023 Ford Bronco: best serious off-road SUV

The Bronco is the specialist in this group. Standard four-wheel drive, removable body panels, available locking differentials, useful ground clearance, and a broad range of engines and trims make it an excellent trail vehicle. Car and Driver rated the 2023 Bronco 10/10 and listed a 300-horsepower base engine.

It ranks seventh only because this is an overall midsize-SUV list rather than an off-road contest. A Bronco can be the best vehicle for rock, mud, sand, or trail exploration while being a poor choice for a family that wants quiet highway travel, easy child-seat loading, good fuel economy, and a large enclosed cargo area. The cited Car and Driver listing shows about 17–20 mpg combined, and towing is far below the Grand Cherokee, Pathfinder, or top family crossovers.

Best fit: Drivers who will genuinely use trail hardware and accept noise, wind, ride firmness, and reduced everyday efficiency.

Main compromises: It is less refined and less practical than a Telluride, Palisade, Pilot, or Highlander. Inspect the underbody, suspension, steering, transfer case, differential, tires, and signs of water intrusion on any used example. The Bronco Raptor should be considered a specialized trim of the Bronco line, not a separate overall competitor.

8. 2023 Kia Sorento: best affordable three-row flexibility

The Sorento sits near the compact/midsize boundary, but major U.S. shopping guides place it in the midsize comparison set. It gives buyers three rows, a lower entry price than the larger Telluride, good equipment, and a wider range of powertrains than most rivals. Gas, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid versions were available for 2023.

Rank #3

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Kia’s specifications list about 24–26 mpg combined for gas versions, depending on drivetrain and trim, and up to 3,500 pounds of towing with the proper package. The smaller body is easier to park than a Telluride, but its third row is best treated as occasional child seating rather than a regular adult space.

Best fit: Buyers who need occasional third-row seating, want a smaller vehicle, or are shopping for hybrid or plug-in-hybrid flexibility at a relatively accessible price.

Main compromises: Families carrying adults in the third row or large amounts of luggage should move up to the Telluride, Palisade, Pilot, or Traverse. PHEV buyers should verify battery warranty, charging equipment, electric range, and any reduction in cargo or towing capability.

9. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe: best two-row value

The Santa Fe is the strongest two-row value choice in this group. Kelley Blue Book rated the 2023 model 4.7 out of 5 and named it the 2023 two-row midsize SUV Best Buy. It offers a comfortable ride, strong equipment, an attractive cabin, and a useful balance of price and space.

The cited gas model is rated at 25 mpg combined, and electrified versions broaden the choices. The Santa Fe is a better match than the Sorento for buyers who do not need a third row and would rather have a simpler, more spacious two-row cabin.

Best fit: Couples, small families, and commuters seeking value and comfort without paying for a third row they will rarely use.

Main compromises: Its cargo and seating flexibility cannot match a larger three-row SUV. As with any used turbocharged or hybrid version, verify oil-change records, cooling-system service, battery warranty, and the exact remaining factory coverage.

10. 2023 Toyota Venza: best fuel economy and refinement

The Venza is hybrid-only, quiet, and more upscale in feel than its size and price might suggest. Kelley Blue Book listed approximately 39 mpg combined, making it the fuel-economy winner among the ranked SUVs. It is a good choice for buyers who want a smooth two-row commuter and do not need to tow or carry bulky cargo.

The compromises are substantial enough to keep it out of the top five. Cargo space is limited, rear visibility is not especially good, and the vehicle’s high pricing can make the larger Highlander Hybrid more appealing. The Car Guide identified limited towing, poor visibility, and high pricing as principal weaknesses.

Best fit: Drivers who prioritize quiet operation and fuel economy over maximum passenger or cargo capacity.

Main compromises: It is not the right SUV for large strollers, bulky outdoor equipment, frequent towing, or a family that regularly uses the rear seats and cargo area simultaneously.

11. 2023 Mazda CX-9: best driver’s SUV

The CX-9 remains one of the most enjoyable three-row SUVs to drive. Its steering, handling, braking, design, and premium-feeling interior give it an advantage over many family-oriented rivals. Car and Driver rated it 8.5/10 and listed about 23 mpg combined; IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick.

The CX-9’s problem is packaging. Its third row and cargo area trail the Telluride, Palisade, Pilot, and Pathfinder, and the underlying design was aging by 2023. It is better viewed as a polished two-row vehicle with occasional third-row capacity than as a full-time large-family hauler.

Best fit: Drivers who care about handling and interior design but still want occasional access to a third row.

Main compromises: Turbocharged-engine maintenance history matters, and the cramped third row should be tested with the intended passengers before purchase.

12. 2023 Honda Passport: best roomy two-row utility

The Passport provides generous two-row seating, useful cargo space, good visibility, and V6 power in a shorter, more rugged-looking package than the Pilot. Car and Driver rated it 8.5/10 and listed about 21 mpg combined.

It ranks below the newer Santa Fe, Outback, and Venza because the Passport did not receive the Pilot’s 2023 redesign. It remains a practical choice, particularly for buyers who do not need a third row and want a roomy Honda with standard-style SUV proportions.

Best fit: Small families and active owners who want a spacious two-row cabin and straightforward V6 power.

Main compromises: It lacks a hybrid option, is less fresh than the 2023 Pilot, and does not stand out as strongly on efficiency or refinement.

Rank #4

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13. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder: best towing alternative

The Pathfinder is a practical three-row option with a 3.5-liter V6, a nine-speed automatic, and a maximum tow rating of up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. That makes it one of the strongest alternatives to the Grand Cherokee for buyers who need towing capacity but prefer a conventional family layout. The 2023 model was listed at about 22 mpg combined in the cited KBB data and earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.

Best fit: Families that tow a moderate trailer and need three rows more often than they need serious trail capability.

Main compromises: Its interior design, material quality, and driving refinement do not quite match the Telluride, Palisade, or Pilot. Confirm the tow package, hitch wiring, cooling equipment, payload, and trailer-brake setup on the actual vehicle.

Nissan’s 2023 Pathfinder brochure lists the towing variations by equipment.

14. 2023 Subaru Ascent: best standard-AWD family transport

Every 2023 Ascent has Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, making it an easy recommendation for buyers who want three rows and year-round traction without selecting an AWD option. Properly equipped versions can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and 18-inch-wheel versions are listed at 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The turbocharged flat-four provides useful power, but the engine and CVT combination is not as smooth or quiet as the best V6-powered competitors. Third-row space and access are average rather than exceptional. The Ascent still earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.

Best fit: Families in snowy regions that value standard AWD and need occasional three-row seating.

Main compromises: Test the third-row access with real passengers, and inspect turbo-engine maintenance, oil-change records, cooling-system condition, and CVT behavior during a long test drive.

15. 2023 Toyota 4Runner: best traditional 4×4 durability

The 4Runner remains a compelling choice for a specific buyer: someone who values body-on-frame construction, traditional four-wheel-drive hardware, trail capability, resale strength, and a long-running design over fuel economy and modern road manners. It uses a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and is listed at up to 16 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.

It is not a good universal family recommendation. The design is very old, the infotainment and cabin packaging feel dated, the ride is less refined, and fuel consumption is poor. A historical J.D. Power result placed the 4Runner among the top three in its midsize SUV category, but that study evaluated problems reported by owners of principally 2020-model-year vehicles after three years. It is evidence about historical dependability, not proof that every 2023 4Runner will be trouble-free.

Best fit: Owners who will use its traditional off-road capability and value durability and resale more than efficiency.

Main compromises: Inspect the frame and underbody for rust or impact damage, along with the transfer case, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, steering, suspension, alignment, tires, and evidence of water crossings or hard trail use.

Reference specifications through the 2023 Toyota 4Runner research page, and treat the J.D. Power dependability study as historical context rather than a guarantee.

Category winners

How to choose between two-row and three-row SUVs

A seating count does not tell you whether a vehicle will work for your family. The Telluride, Palisade, Pilot, and Grand Cherokee L are better choices when adults regularly use the third row. The Highlander and Sorento can work well when the rearmost seats are occasional or child-sized. The CX-9 and Ascent should be tested carefully because third-row access and cargo space are merely average.

For a two-row buyer, the choice is clearer:

• Choose the Santa Fe for value and everyday comfort.
• Choose the Outback for standard AWD, outdoor gear, and all-weather versatility.
• Choose the Venza for maximum fuel economy and quiet operation.
• Choose the Passport for roomy seating, cargo space, and V6 power.
• Choose the CX-9 if driving enjoyment matters more than third-row space, while remembering that it technically has three rows.

Which 2023 midsize SUV is best for fuel economy?

The Toyota Venza is the efficiency winner at approximately 39 mpg combined, followed by the Toyota Highlander Hybrid at approximately 36 mpg combined. The base-engine Subaru Outback is listed at 32 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for many configurations. The Kia Sorento Hybrid is also substantially more efficient than the gas model, but its rating varies with drivetrain and trim.

These are not direct like-for-like comparisons. The Venza and Highlander Hybrid use hybrid powertrains, the Sorento may be a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, and the Bronco, Telluride, Passport, and 4Runner are primarily gas-powered choices. Compare the combined EPA estimate for the exact VIN, drivetrain, wheel and tire package, and intended use. AWD can also change the rating.

Which one is best for towing?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L lead the group with up to 7,200 pounds in certain gas configurations. The Nissan Pathfinder follows at up to 6,000 pounds, the Kia Telluride X-Pro at up to 5,500 pounds, and the Honda Pilot AWD, Toyota Highlander gas, and Subaru Ascent at up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Subaru Outback XT and Wilderness reach up to 3,500 pounds, as does the Kia Sorento with its towing package.

A maximum tow rating is not a recommended loaded trailer size. The practical limit can be reduced by passengers, luggage, payload, tongue weight, altitude, heat, trailer brakes, hitch hardware, cooling equipment, and the vehicle’s gross combined weight rating. Before buying, calculate the loaded trailer weight and tongue weight, then compare them with the exact vehicle’s door-jamb payload label and owner’s manual.

Which is safest?

IIHS results are more useful than vague statements that one SUV is simply safe. For 2023, IIHS listed Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards for the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, and Toyota Highlander.

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The IIHS 2023 midsize SUV award page includes configuration and production-date qualifications. In particular, the Grand Cherokee award applies to vehicles built after March 2023, while the Grand Cherokee L award applies to vehicles built after May 2023. An SUV absent from that list should not automatically be called unsafe; testing availability, trim equipment, headlights, crash-prevention systems, and award thresholds all affect the result.

Which is most reliable?

There is no defensible universal reliability winner based only on brand reputation. J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study measured problems reported by owners of three-year-old vehicles, principally 2020 model-year vehicles. That makes it useful historical evidence, not a direct forecast for a 2023 SUV.

For a used buyer, a documented, lightly used vehicle can be a better bet than a supposedly reliable model with neglected maintenance, accident damage, repeated towing, or extensive off-road use. Pay particular attention to oil changes on turbocharged engines, hybrid and PHEV battery coverage, transmission behavior, recall completion, tire wear, alignment, and evidence of towing abuse.

SUVs that narrowly missed the ranking

Several 2023 SUVs are worth considering even though they did not make the top 15:

• Chevrolet Traverse: A strong space-first family alternative, especially for buyers who need generous passenger and cargo room.
• Volkswagen Atlas: Roomy and comfortable, but its overall value and reliability case were less convincing than the leaders in the cited comparisons.
• Ford Explorer: Strong engine choices and capability, but Kelley Blue Book considered it due for an update and rated it below newer competitors.
• GMC Acadia: Upscale ambitions and useful features, but a cramped third row and weaker overall value hold it back.
• Chevrolet Blazer: Attractive and engaging as a two-row SUV, but not as practical or broadly competitive as the Santa Fe, Outback, Passport, or Venza.
• Jeep Wrangler: More capable for extreme rock crawling than almost anything here, but its on-road noise, ride, cargo compromises, and daily usability make it a specialist rather than a universal recommendation.

Kelley Blue Book’s 2023 coverage rated the Explorer, Acadia, and Blazer around 3.8 out of 5 and placed the Atlas and Wrangler below the leading family SUVs.

2026 used-buying checklist for a 2023 midsize SUV

A 2023 SUV is now old enough that condition and history can outweigh small differences in original road-test scores. Use this process before putting down a deposit.

1. Run the VIN through NHTSA. Look for unrepaired recalls at the NHTSA recall lookup. Recall status changes over time and is specific to the vehicle, not merely the model name. Recall repairs are generally completed free of charge through the manufacturer’s dealer network.
2. Get a pre-purchase inspection. A mechanic should inspect the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, underbody, cooling system, fluids, leaks, frame or unibody damage, and evidence of flood or collision repairs.
3. Demand maintenance records. Look for regular oil changes using the correct specification, transmission service where required, differential and transfer-case service on AWD or 4WD models, brake work, tire rotations, and documented recall repairs.
4. Inspect the tires and alignment. Uneven inner-edge wear can indicate alignment, suspension, or accident problems. Compare tire brands and ages across all four corners, particularly on AWD vehicles.
5. Test every safety and convenience system. Confirm that cameras, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warnings, infotainment, wireless charging, power seats, heated seats, the power liftgate, and all warning lights work correctly.
6. Test the family hardware. Move the second-row seats, install the intended child seats, climb into the third row, check seat-belt access, fold the rear seats, and confirm that the cargo area works with the family’s stroller, luggage, or sports equipment.
7. Verify towing equipment. Inspect the hitch, wiring, trailer-brake controller, cooling equipment, tow mirrors if fitted, and the door-jamb payload label. Do not rely on a seller’s generic statement that the SUV can tow its advertised maximum.
8. Inspect off-road SUVs underneath. Bronco, 4Runner, Grand Cherokee, Outback Wilderness, and TrailSport examples may have skid-plate damage, bent suspension parts, leaking differentials, damaged CV joints, water intrusion, aftermarket wiring, or recovery-point modifications.
9. Verify hybrid or PHEV documentation. Check the battery warranty, charging cable, charging operation, electric range, service records, and any applicable state or utility incentives. Confirm whether the hybrid system changes cargo or towing limits.
10. Check remaining warranty and title history. Confirm whether the factory warranty transfers, review accident and ownership history, and compare the seller’s records with an independent vehicle-history report.

A basic OBD-II scan can reveal stored diagnostic codes, but it is only a screening step. Codes can be cleared, some faults do not trigger a warning light, and a scan cannot replace a mechanical inspection.

Powertrain-specific cautions

Turbocharged engines

The 2023 Highlander, Mazda CX-9, Subaru Ascent, turbocharged Outback, Santa Fe, and several other models use turbocharged engines. Turbocharging is not automatically a reliability problem, but maintenance history becomes especially important. Check oil-change intervals and oil specification, cold-start behavior, boost delivery, cooling-system condition, and any smoke, whistle, hesitation, or oil leaks during the test drive.

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids

The Toyota Venza, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Kia Sorento Hybrid, Kia Sorento PHEV, and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe should be compared as separate powertrain choices rather than lumped together. Confirm battery warranty coverage, charging equipment, actual PHEV electric range, service records, and whether the vehicle’s reduced cargo or towing rating fits the buyer’s needs.

Traditional off-road SUVs

Bronco and 4Runner buyers should assume that advertised trail capability may have attracted hard use. Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and heavily optioned Outback examples deserve the same scrutiny. Look for underbody impacts, differential or transfer-case leaks, damaged driveshafts and CV joints, steering or suspension wear, alignment problems, water intrusion, aftermarket wiring, and mismatched or aged tires.

Important price and award qualifications

Do not copy a current dynamic used-car price and call it the original 2023 MSRP. Kelley Blue Book’s current 2023 Telluride page can display a starting-price figure around $28,100, while Kia’s original 2023 price information listed the LX at $35,890 before destination charges. Those numbers describe different things: current used-market context versus original new-vehicle pricing. For a purchase decision, compare current local asking prices, condition, mileage, equipment, and vehicle history. Use original MSRP only as historical context, and verify it through Kia’s original 2023 pricing information.

The same caution applies to safety awards and towing. IIHS designations can depend on tested equipment or build date. Fuel economy depends on drivetrain, wheels, tires, and trim. Towing depends on hitch hardware, cooling equipment, payload, tongue weight, trailer brakes, and the individual vehicle’s limits.

Bottom line

Buy the 2023 Kia Telluride if you want the best overall blend of three-row space, comfort, equipment, safety, towing, and value. Choose the Hyundai Palisade for a more upscale family atmosphere, the Honda Pilot for its complete 2023 redesign and flexible family packaging, and the Subaru Outback if two-row all-weather utility matters more than maximum seating.

For specialized needs, the Toyota Venza is the fuel-economy choice, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the efficient three-row choice, the Ford Bronco is the serious off-road choice, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the towing and premium-capability choice, and the Toyota 4Runner is the traditional 4×4 choice. Whichever model makes the shortlist, check the VIN, complete the recalls, verify the service history, and pay for an independent inspection before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Kia Telluride still a good used SUV in 2026?

Yes, it remains the strongest overall choice in this ranking, but condition and recall status are critical. Check the VIN for open recalls, including the 2026 NHTSA alert affecting certain 2020–2024 Tellurides, and obtain a pre-purchase inspection.

Is the Subaru Outback really a midsize SUV?

It is often described as a wagon-like crossover rather than a conventional SUV. It is included because major U.S. midsize-SUV comparisons place it alongside two-row SUVs and because its AWD, ride height, and cargo utility compete directly in this shopping category.

Which 2023 midsize SUV has the most usable third row?

The Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot are the strongest mainstream choices for regular third-row use. The Toyota Highlander and Kia Sorento technically offer three rows, but their rearmost seats are better suited to children or occasional passengers.

Can any of these SUVs tow their maximum rating every day?

Not automatically. Maximum towing depends on drivetrain, hitch and cooling equipment, payload, passengers, tongue weight, trailer brakes, altitude, and the vehicle’s gross combined weight rating. Calculate the loaded trailer and verify the exact vehicle’s owner’s manual and door-jamb payload label.

The Bottom Line

Best overall: 2023 Kia Telluride. Best alternatives: Hyundai Palisade for upscale family comfort, Honda Pilot for redesigned family practicality, Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Venza for efficiency, Subaru Outback for all-weather two-row utility, and Ford Bronco for serious off-roading. In 2026, a clean service history, completed recalls, and an independent inspection matter more than a small difference in the original ranking.

Quick Recap

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