Best Midsize SUVs for 2020 - Drivers Only

Shopping for a 3-Row Midsize SUV in 2020? These are the Best Midsize SUVs for 2020 ranked by Drivers Only. These are the best 3-Row Midsize SUVs I've reviewed thus far and later this year I'll be updating the list.
Big Thanks To These Dealerships:
Honda of Lisle: www.hondaoflisle.com/
The Autobarn Subaru: www.theautobarnsubaru.com/
Continental Toyota: www.continentaltoyota.com/
To see the complete list of Compact SUVs ranked, check out driversonlyrankings.com

[@DriversOnly]

Watch the full review videos for these 6 Midsize SUVs at driversonlyrankings.com

[@kevinr2072]

Drivers Only cryptosrus channel is showing as removed ???

[@DriversOnly]

cryptosrus.com/cryptosrus-banned-from-youtube/

[@kevinr2072]

Drivers Only we will all have a drink with George at $20,000

[@sulavsharma277]

I currently drive a Accord & Rav4. I am trading in my Rav4 for Pilot Black edition. My reasons to pick Black edition: 1. I am still not comfortable with a Korean vs Japanese Brand. Although Telluride has a nice new design, there is no way I am paying Msrp price for any car. 2. For Japanese segment, I liked the redesigned 2020 Highlander but when i sat on it, I didn’t feel much of a difference in cabin size conpared to Rav4. Mazda & Subaru were never on my list. 3. Honda Pilot has everything I need for my family in terms of size & features. I really enjoyed driving it as well. 4. Pilot’s design is not great compared to others but since they released black edition, it felt really rugged and masculine. 5. Lastly i was able to negotiate 6.5K off MSRP.

[@2527cordero]

1. Telluride 2. Pallisade 3 Highlander 4 Pilot 5 Mazda 6 Subaru. For me I’ll go with the Highlander

[@BakaWoodworker]

Almost did palisade, but after seeing the android auto on the screen which was much smaller and not as clear due to shorter height than my 2016 Tucson screen, I went the highlander hybrid route. V6 was almost winner, but ultimately the mpg won out. Telluride would have been contender, but no one seems to talk about the overpriced 5k over MSRP that dealerships are charging.

[@2527cordero]

Clayton Dool Same Happen to me when test drive de Telluride. They did not what to negóciate a penny. They did not have it stock and they were taking advantage of that and saying buy it now. (Over priced MSRP). Or your going to be down on waiting list.

[@five18audio]

I own a highlander best vehicle so far

[@MrFlyboy1313]

Clayton Dool the dealers are charging what people are willing to pay. Kia priced the MSRP too low not knowing what a huge hit the car would be to Americans.

[@tonykim4392]

@@BakaWoodworker That's dealership's fault. Many don't. Plenty of dealers are selling it for MSRP.

[@bongobreathman]

First time to your channel. Your review is excellent, you show the differences, the pros & cons and your videos are outstanding. Well done sir, well done!

[@moriai3462]

Thanks I really needed this

[@justinfontaine9069]

Looked at them all and went with the CX-9. It is a premium german feeling suv that handles remarkably well. The turbo motor is fun with all that torque at the low end, is by far the best looking. Reliabilty has been great on this now 5 year old vehicle with few reported issues. If you don't need the extra space or a usable 3rd row do not over look the Mazda. You can get some good deals and was 10k cheaper than the KIA for the top trim

[@vincentv1790]

The only Japanese brand I trust nowadays would be Mazda and Lexus/Toyota. Mazda really comes so far off since they left Ford... Mazda is really a premium "german" version with plush interior quality and comfort...

[@danny6796]

Very informative video! I’m in the market for a SUV and your videos are a great help! Thank you!

[@DriversOnly]

Thanks for the support!

[@alohafromkauai6569]

Great video!🤙🏼

[@louisbrou4061]

You are really good at this .I hope more people tune in

[@stephenhendricks103]

The mainstream 3 row midsize SUV category currently includes 14 or so vehicles ranging in length from 188" to 203" in length. They're divided between 2 row vehicles that typically run from 188" to 192" and three row versions that range from 195" to 203" long. Looked at this way there are a couple of outliers. The two row Atlas Cross Sport is nearly 196" long and the KIA Sorento offers 3 rows in a vehicle slightly over 189" in length. With all this in mind, here are a couple of points. () None of the midsize 3 row crossovers offers truly accommodating seating in the rear row compared to minivans. But that doesn't mean there aren't significant differences. The Toyota Highlander provides 27.7" of legroom in the third row, the least of any 3 row SUV. A Mustang's back seat offers 30". Even the infamously cramped CX-9 offers two more inches of legroom than a Highlander. The KIA Sorento, half a foot less in length than the Highlander, provides 4" more legroom in the third row. And if that weren't bad enough the Highlander adds insult to injury by fitting 3 seat belts in the third row. In reality the Toyota's passenger capacity is a cruel joke. With captain chairs in the second row, it seats four. A second row bench option makes it a five passenger vehicle. There's no way it seats 8 human beings in any configuration. () Even if one doesn't need third row seating on a regular basis a consumer selects a midsize SUV rather than one of the choices in in the compact category for its overall passenger and cargo volume. The Mazda CX-9 is 199" in length. Among mainstream choices, only the Dodge Durango and Chevy Traverse are longer. And while the CX-9 may "feel" smaller than its length while driving, its true size is more than obvious when parking on the street, in a public parking lot, or in an average size home garage. So it's especially surprising that its total cargo space (71 cubic ft) is less than a Honda CR-V (75 cubic ft). In terms of passenger space Mazda claims the CX-9 provides 134 cubic ft. The KIA Sorento, 10" less in length, offers 153 cubic ft. More than anything else the relatively tiny passenger and cargo space is the reason that the CX-9 ranks 14th out of 14 midsize crossovers.

[@Zeb75]

Thanks. I’ll be in the market this summer.

[@bsa.rmi412]

As will I!! Update me on your choice

[@bextar6365]

My #1 choice is the Palisade overall. #2 The cx-9 for styling.

[@johnherrera7551]

Love mine. HIGHLY recommended.

[@gregorymars4965]

Good job!

[@jwm702]

I love telluride midnight version !!

[@johnhanselman6371]

His choice based on a Driver's perspective is: 1. Hyundia Pallisade 2. Kia Telluride 3. Toyota Highlander 4. Suburu Ascent 5. Maxda CX-9 6. Honda Pilot What is the best choice of the 6 based on a DIY mechanic perspective? For example: I want easy access to all spark plugs. And I do not want some new Turbo charge engine that has not been proven to be reliable.

[@ALTN8NRG]

The Highlander seemed a little tight on space considering the overall size of the vehicle. It felt claustro being behind the wheel.

[@ZuMi_rcf]

Great video! Currently looking at 3 row crossovers here. Just wondering, why did the Atlas fall short from the top 6 and what made it lose out from Ascent/Pilot?

[@DriversOnly]

I was waiting to review the 2021 Atlas which I just reviewed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH7Fq4aZg9Vqr7s. Atlas is a good all around SUV but does have some faults.

[@eskieman3948]

@@DriversOnly "SOME" faults?

[@Marc-NZ]

If you wanna a SUV to last.. reliable...and great resell price Highlander all the way..if you like fancy stuff and like to go to the dealership to use your lifetime warranty and when you go to sell it get a third you paid for that , so get Kia.. Hyundai etc..they are good SUV but you need to consider all aspects when buying a $50000 SUV...that was what I did and no regrets...

[@southernbelle850]

Yes!!! There's a reason you see highlanders and 4 runners on auto trader 180,000+ miles at 15-25 grand.. their kia and Hyundai? 🤣🤣

[@Ryan2022]

The Highlander platinum is just as nice or Nicer inside as any of those as far as Materials.

[@maileechang6148]

I'm looking for a family SUV 3 row seated that is good for daily drive every day and good for the winter and also have plenty of spaces to put things please recommend 😍🙏🏼

[@jimcaale1900]

How about explorer or GMC Acadia denali?

[@zogadwoe]

Good video. For me, palisade, Telluride, ascent and pilot. For value, first is ascent, palisade . Practicality, I will pick ascent, palisade and pilot. I would not hesitate to take the ascent off road. The palisade and pilot for me are better driven on normal and less rough roads. Too bad the ascent doesn't have too much cargo however in terms of safety, I would pick the ascent of any of these vehicles. I'm sure Subaru will catch up with all these competitors next year in terms of luxury features and cargo space. Once they do, I'll be happy. I hope they will improve the transmission because I don't feel the CVT.

[@raydelperezgil7830]

What about the highlander nothing to say?

[@raphaelmercier232]

What do you think about the kia sorento sx 2020? I'm in Canada!

[@jdubdoubleu]

Wait for the 2021

[@ronniejuayno9679]

Cx9 smooth good handling and power and fun to drive at all..

[@kumar309]

based on your video, palisade, telluride and CX9 look the best for me from inside and outside.

[@eskieman3948]

The CX9 is an expensive coffin - reminds me of a '60's British sports car as far as passenger space up front.

[@stockey]

Telluride and palisade for me, the others don't even look there in the same league.

[@VuQuang1973]

Yeah, the others are not in the same league because they won’t catch on fire!

[@ilkertaysi6812]

@@VuQuang1973 what do you mean?? I never heard that before…

[@RedmanLS3]

Not in the same league? Highlander and pliot been killing the league before hyundai and kia even existed in 7 seater suv. With all those hype i wouldn't pay 50k for an hyundai or kia

[@johnherrera7551]

Love my 2021 Palisade. What an excellent vehicle all around!! I would've loved a Telluride, but they are going for thousands over MSRP. Not going to pay over MSRP, since that would take away the best part of the Palisade and Telluride...VALUE.

[@johnrichards3666]

I'm still in love with my 10 year-old Cx9 ... looks and drives like it's brand new. I'll get another one when this one starts to wear out.

[@l.u.7834]

Can you tell what car is similar in features to Hyundai Palaside but smaller in the size?

[@dukenssaintvil2359]

Hyundai santa fe

[@1envu]

Do compact suv or midsize sedans next

[@DriversOnly]

Compact SUVs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5epaZeGhrmee5I

[@naserpopal6680]

Got my palisade limited for a almost a year now and love everything about it . Best car/suv I ever owned. .

[@ChristianRodriguez-zx5kp]

Thinking about buying one im exited.

[@kopper7509]

Did you find it hard to adjust to the button shifting? It’s one of the hesitations that I have about the Palisade.

[@naserpopal6680]

@@kopper7509 you get used to it after a week or two . The P and ignition buttons is what had me confused for a while .

[@Nicole_-tq2fy]

Have you noticed an odor?? I am considering this car but really need to see what this smell people keep talking about is.

[@naserpopal6680]

@@Nicole_-tq2fy yes I have a slight Oder it comes from the headrests it’s only when you first open the doors on hot days . For the first 30 seconds it hits you in the face then it goes away . Smells like morning breath . Gonna take to dealer as alit of people are getting replacement headrests. .

[@kaeshikerjeyasingh5208]

CX-9 for me

[@jean-philippelemieux2399]

It’s weird that all the critics forget is towing: both Telluride and Palissade don’t have integrated hitch and the Telluride can only get 350 pounds on the hitch !

[@greatteacher6833]

Çok güzel bir çalışma olmuş, tebrik eder sağlıklı yaşam dilerim.

[@TheFishfinderman]

Warning! Highlander is tight inside. They made it even smaller.

[@mrmm7322]

The Mazda CX-9 the best in my own personal opinion

[@brianpetersen3429]

Excellent comparison. Personally, it is between the Palisade and the Highlander.

[@BakaWoodworker]

If you are down to a choice, if you use android auto or car play make sure you test both vehicles with it. That is what pushed me away from Palisade and to the Highlander. Each had their pros and cons. But the screen and android auto is what swayed me.

[@Adelatorre_]

Forgot the Chevy traverse is also 3 row midsize

[@CaseyGpdx]

Yea but chevys suck

[@blackhawk2429]

Only one thing bad about Telluride is very high demand. I heard minimum wait is about 3 months..

[@johnherrera7551]

In Houston and many other markets the Telluride is selling for thousands over MSRP. Palisade is selling full MSRP. I have a 2021 Palisade, and it's AWESOME!

[@yearofthebull7897]

George I can’t get your CryptosRus videos what’s going on?

[@DriversOnly]

KZbin deleted my account, trying to get it back. I'm on Twitch/Periscope now for the time being. www.twitch.tv/thegspot 10:30 am CST.

[@patrickcagney8060]

Drivers Only why did they delete your account?

[@yoochoob]

Telly all the way!

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

These look like sedans...looking for a big interior boxy mid size SUV like the 2008 Ford Escape.

[@countrybelle28]

Where do the traverse and Acadia fall into the ranks?

[@DriversOnly]

I have not tested a traverse yet but I did test an Acadia. Check driversonlyrankings.com for the full list.

[@M0DFATH3R]

I rode in a Telluride through uber. It was very nice. It's still a Kia though

[@samd1405]

Which has been highest in quality for a couple years now, no?

[@ronjose51]

5 year 100k warranty my guy

[@thomasdavis5657]

Lol

[@samd1405]

@Jack Szumigala What's the whole JD Pwer rating then is that fake? Paid for? They have Kia at the top followed by Hyundai.

[@Herbie11]

100,000 warranty and no problems reported as of today. Plus it is the only one that doesn't look like a soccer moms suv.

[@kino1298]

Telly and Pally the top dogs. Rest not even close...

[@prometeo0136]

Para mi el mejor suv de todos es el kia telluride, tiene la mezcla ideal de pasado y futuro, una línea musculosa de carrocería, y un motor naturalmente aspirado de buen rendimiento y bajo consumo.

[@limelife7457]

I ended up buying 2020 the Toyota 4Runner 4WD Limited after watching this Crossover SUV videos comparison. I like the 4Runner design because it’s Body on Frame, Rugged and truck like manner on off road capabilities, unlike the soccer mom Crossover SUV that we having today.

[@johnholst]

Diez...Congrats! A great choice if you need more off road ability! But the 4Runner is very compromised in other areas. I guess it depends on what you need.

[@Anomize23]

Man those things are tanks! My friends 4runner was stolen at a gas station and they took it on a police chase going over every curb there was and the only thing damaged was the wheels. Everything else like the steering rods stayed intact. Lmao

[@Herbie11]

The Telluride made me leave the Toyota dealer. 4Runner is rugged and cool, but not as refined.

[@vishwav20]

Hey man if I had to have the safest car with those ventilated seats and hassle free maintenance which would you recommend?

[@DriversOnly]

Honestly can't go wrong with any of these. Me personally I would go with the Telluride or Highlander.

[@sabbazaki7834]

Love this suv , I was a Toyota fan all my life driven Toyota for so long but I just think how pricey they are and technology still lacking in certain models , the 4 runner was my SUV to get , but for the price and technology also for the way it looks, this telluride will be my next family suv

[@five18audio]

Kia can’t be compared to toyota no day it’s not about looks it’s about reliability

[@Dochorahan]

If you want stupid gadgets like you’re shopping for an appliance or TV then go for telluride. The 4Runner is about quality and reliability, not stupid gimmicks.

[@five18audio]

Trey Darkis lol no car not beating a Toyota period

[@myjeanification]

Why is the title midsize when you even introduce the first one as a large 3 row SUV?

[@DriversOnly]

Becuase they are all categorized as midsize suvs.

[@vegavegeta84]

Where's peugeot 5008?

[@eriknelson5585]

Why didn’t the atlas/cross sport make the cut?

[@eskieman3948]

Junk.

[@eriknelson5585]

@@eskieman3948 More junk than a cr-v? Doubt it.

[@ericasmith324]

The palisade looks the best but the high lander is better quality so I’ll go with Toyota

[@Jay230612]

It looks. But, it isn't in reality. We realized it when we went for test drive. We soooo wanted to buy this. But, this was disappointing.

[@TheMetrefekseli]

XC 90 and GLS , X7

[@YourBrainonBooks]

I’ve owned two Mazda’s included a CX5...never again, their cars fall apart after two years. My mom has an ascent and the car has been a fantastic value with tons of comfort. My wife’s Toyota SUV has over 250K miles on it with nothing done to it but oil changes. I personally own a Honda now and the drive train is so precise with a generous amount of room for passengers. Haven’t owned a Kia but have had several as rentals when traveling for work. Their drive trains are sooo underpowered it feels like a safety issue. Just some of my thoughts.

[@user-cd4gi2tb1h]

Mazdas dont fall apart after 2 years

[@575eli]

If u thinghing keep car for long time make sure you buy extended guarantee many trips to dealer hyndai and kia! Don't last long but if u leasing will be fine

[@superior3384]

I like the hyundai palisade

[@nbudda708]

WE ARE GEORGE.

[@GusGus1996]

I’ll keep my VW Atlas. 2 years and no problems

[@eskieman3948]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@d4ll4sdr4gon2]

True story, my buddy fell asleep with his key fob in his pocket, woke up morning to find his truck had been turned on in his pocket while asleep, and was running all night. Yea. FYI who sleeps with the keys in there pocket? Or maybe he just forgot to turn the truck off? IDK.

[@VuQuang1973]

Engine will shut off after 10 mins if remotely started. The car that doesn’t do that is not worth buying.

[@andynguyen1099]

Why did ur crypto channel get banned?

[@DriversOnly]

This explains it! cryptosrus.com/cryptosrus-banned-from-youtube/

[@lmball]

Personal ranking：Palisade > Ascent > Telluride > Pilot > Highlander > CX-9

[@gamingnation5616]

Which one is first palisade or Cx-9?

[@DhanukaThanooja]

cx 9 or subaru

[@vincentv1790]

Cx9 because it rather uses 6AT torque converter which is far more superb than a jerky, laggy cvt

[@lunafringe10]

why do Americans get all the best cars , and best price and we in Europe get like all the BS cars from Asia for 25% higher price?

[@mobgma]

highlander hybrid if you care about resale, reliability, NVH.

[@francisjoves2583]

Buy used one if youre after resale value

[@chief8079]

The CX 9 is the least practical amongst the list. A CR V has more cargo space with its seats folded down despite being 18 in shorter.

[@Revo2Evo]

The CX9 competes with the Honda pilot not the CRV.

[@megacolinmiller]

What about the Ford - Edge, Explore, Or Escape?!?!!

[@jimschauer37]

The explorer would be in this group, all new this year as well

[@Jeff-bl1rz]

Ford donated millions to BLM ...... I’m out .....

[@eskieman3948]

@@Jeff-bl1rz And so did Chic Fillet. Haven't bought anything from them since.

[@catistrolling7333]

Junk

[@pezomaina]

What the Hell happened to CryptosRUs??

[@DriversOnly]

KZbin banned it out of the blue...trying to appeal

[@pezomaina]

George i think that KZbin is banning everyone who mentions Corona and 5G together, this might be the case here

[@bunnybun2243]

I take honda pilot :)

[@kjr963]

This is mid size??

[@Revo2Evo]

Subcompact is Kona,HRV etc. Compact is CRV,Tucson etc. Midsize is Telluride,Palisade etc Large is explorer,suburban/tahoe etc

[@Roguestatus650]

What no Durango? Smfh

[@WM5000-ek9nk]

Mazda and highlander and Subaru I don't know how pallisade gets sales?. It's really really ugly especially that grill

[@mranansi8901]

Toyota reliability and safety In my humble opinion. Plus I just got the 2020 so I need to justify how ugly the front is ROFL.😁😁

[@DriversOnly]

LOL

[@braakwame_]

😂 That is my only problem since the front looks ugly to me

[@Dochorahan]

All I care about is reliability and quality. I don’t give a fuck about features. The only features I need are A/C.

[@gerryhernandez6407]

How is a 3 row SUV considered "mid" sized? Sheesh.

[@zapso7742]

Lexus for me without doubt

[@itzz_me_am0811]

Where’s the Explorer huh ?

[@DriversOnly]

With the high price tag and lower interior cabin quality, I didn't feel like explorer makes it within top 6.

[@itzz_me_am0811]

Drivers Only it has good interior quality and it’s original unlike the Korean competitors copying German luxury cars straight with low quality , Hyundai palisade is actually good but the telluride nah .

[@southernbelle850]

Annddd you're still driving a KIA.. good luck on resale value..

[@craigstarkey6073]

what the the very first car you say is large i thought this was mid size not large SUV's, so i stoppped watching.... next

[@JLNatale]

Ford Explorer?

[@susankea89]

I am actually trying to trade in my ford explorer, since there are so many recalls on it from the door interior coming up on both sides and the exhaust being recalled. I also now have to change put my entire turbo. I just keep having to do so much work on the car and it has such bad mileage and even with turbo was such a pain to get traction and also to accelerate going up hill. Just my experience but I also have a limited 2014 without AWD

[@somanycreaditcards]

@@susankea89 The new explorer is a completely different car compare to previous one.

[@noahlee1898]

2:43 "more masculine" haha.

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

He means more ugly

[@Danielle-tx2es]

mid size is 5 seat

[@bhonnieleo6191]

I love toyota highlander specially 2019 models simply the best😊😊😊

[@francisjoves2583]

Explorer back on top again..

[@1osmit]

8:08 Mazda CX-9, yet another car we can't get in europe, hopefully in USA they won't let eco-terrorists ruin their car industry

[@deekay7154]

Buddy, these are not midsize 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@Jai2030034]

I left and had to come back to the video just to like your comment because it made me bust out laughing.

[@jaemariehernandez6959]

💕💓💖

[@JamesRoneyMusic]

🔺 YOU OMITTED THE JEEP CHEROKEE ON PURPOSE? 🤔

[@rodneywooten2225]

Explorer (Ford) All the way baby!!

[@mr.jingles7540]

If you buy anything besides the hyundai or the kia you are doing yourself a horrible disservice, nothing comes close to them, well the Genesis will but again it's still pretty much the same vehicles.

[@five18audio]

Toyota Sequoia

[@DriversOnly]

Sequoia is a great SUV but in the full size segment.

[@five18audio]

Drivers Only yes it is do u have a video on that i own a Highlander right now but I want to upgrade to the Sequoia for space and capability

[@five18audio]

The palisade do look good but I think it’s overpriced for that brand of vehicle

[@michaelgehrke8272]

Not one US model made your list. No thanks.

[@JC-8281]

Highlander all the way!

[@luislazarte4327]

Subaru ascent es el rey

[@jasonsmith1143]

I am old school and will go with Highlander ✌✌

[@SpotlightMtka]

Man the new Hondas are just hideous.

[@jameswhite8172]

No surprise, no American and German car made it.

[@will8257]

James, interesting enough even though the Kia Telluride is a South Korean make, it was designed in California by an ex-Audi designer and BMW designer and manufactured in West Point Georgia USA.

[@AdussFadass]

These are Crossovers.

[@dansta6316]

That Mazda is soooo ugly worst looking of them all this dude smokin

[@persaud101]

Damn Honda and Toyota dropped the ball on design... Sure they are realiable as hell but, come on man, they don't be that ugly and soft...

[@JoeMeats]

None are American smh