In general, SUVs break down into four size categories: subcompact SUVs, compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, and large SUVs. But among those, mid-size is by far the most diverse. Mid-size SUVs can have two or three rows and anywhere from five to eight seats. Some are small enough they could almost be considered compact, while others are so large they challenge minivans for people-mover status. Plus, mid-size SUVs almost universally come with features that matter to Canadians like standard all-wheel drive (AWD), lots of ground clearance, an upright seating position, and technology such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Below, you’ll find a guide to the best midsize SUVs in Canada for 2025. We’ve covered the entire range of the midsize segment here, from two-row to part-time three-row options as well as larger three-row SUVs with enough space to compete against the large SUV segment. You’ll also find a mix of mainstream and luxury brands as well as a selection of powertrains, including gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. If you’re shopping for a battery electric vehicle (EV), head over to our guide to the best electric SUVs in Canada.
Pricing shown includes manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) plus destination charges and dealer fees but not options or sales taxes. While current at time of publication, pricing is subject to change.
The Best Midsize SUVs in Canada in 2025
- Acura MDX
- BMW X5
- Hyundai Palisade
- Genesis GV80
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Sorento
- Kia Telluride
- Lexus RX
- Lincoln Nautilus
- Mazda CX-90
- Subaru Outback
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- Honourable mentions
Acura MDX
The three-row midsize MDX is Acura’s largest model. It comes with seven seats in a 2-3-2 setup by default, but the centre position in the second row can be folded to create a centre console with cupholders or removed to improve access to the third row in a clever modular setup. The standard powertrain is a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, which feeds through a 10-speed automatic transmission to Acura’s Super Handling All-wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as standard equipment. This version averages 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres combined.
New as of 2024, the Acura MDX Type S Ultra adds a sporty option with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 making 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, the latter arriving as low as 1,400 rpm. If you choose this MDX, expect to consume 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving on average.
The MDX is fun to drive and handles well, and the interior and exterior design elements are stylish and refined. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, Acura reliability is rated by J.D. Power as below average, and you’ll want to be sure you can live with the touchpad-based infotainment system before committing. Pricing on the 2025 Acura MDX starts in Canada at $69,607.
BMW X5
Among the German offerings, we rank the perennially popular BMW X5 among the best midsize SUVs from luxury brands. It’s spacious and opulent as a two-row SUV and has some recent updates that improve its design and technology offerings. Four different versions are available. The base 2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i starts at $90,357 in Canada. It uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine to produce 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque while averaging 9.4 L/100 km combined. The sportier X5 M60i, starting from $111,228, has a 4.4-litre turbo V8 making 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque and averages 12.3 L/100 km combined.
For true supercar performance in a midsize SUV body style, lay down $161,208 for the X5M Competition. It receives an uptuned version of that same V8 generating 617 hp and 553 lb-ft while burning 15.8 L/100 km combined. And if you’re interested in a plug-in hybrid, you can opt for the $94,857 X5 xDrive50e with its electrified powertrain, combined 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, and up to 63 kilometres of electric-only driving range. J.D. Power ranks the BMW X5 among the most reliable luxury mid-size SUVs. And while it’s a less practical option, you can also choose the BMW X6 if you want any of the gas-powered variants in a more fashion-forward coupe style package.
Hyundai Palisade
The three-row flagship Hyundai Palisade is nearing the end of its first generation with a new one confirmed for arrival in 2026. In the meantime, the Palisade continues to be a popular option and a great value for larger families. For 2025, the Hyundai Palisade is offered in Canada in seven- or eight-seat configurations and in four trims: Preferred, Urban, Ultimate Calligraphy, and Ultimate Calligraphy Night. A 3.8-litre V6 produces 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which pushes through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard AWD. Fuel efficiency averages 11.1 L/100 km in combined driving. Desirable features such as an eight-way powered driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated rear seats in the second row, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Palisade starts in Canada at $53,234. If you’d prefer a smaller vehicle and will only use the third row occasionally, you could also consider the Hyundai Santa Fe, which was all new for 2024 and brings a seven-seat option back to the brand’s smaller mid-size SUV offering.
Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80, a midsize SUV from Hyundai’s luxury division, was the first SUV to be launched by the brand. Although it’s been on the market for a few years now, it remains one of the best values among luxury SUVs in Canada. It’s offered in two- or three-row configurations and has two available powertrains. The base 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque and is offered with standard AWD on the 2.5T Advanced grade.
On the 3.5T grades, a larger 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 generates 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T Prestige grades include an electronic limited-slip differential, which can send up to 100% of the rear axle’s available torque to the left or right wheel on demand. A light refresh for the 2025 model year includes a restyled grille and updated technology features. Pricing for the 2025 Genesis GV80 starts at $76,000. In Canada, Genesis pricing includes at-home concierge services, five years of scheduled maintenance and map updates, and more. New for 2025, the Genesis GV80 Coupe is available as a two-row with a trendy sloped roof, with Canadian pricing starting at $104,000. Note this roof line does reduce the available cargo space.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
When the latest version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was released a couple of years ago, it really solidified Jeep’s desire to be considered a premium brand. And for the first time, you can purchase the standard two-row, five-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee, or you can opt for the three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L with up to seven seats. If you choose the two-row, you’ll be able to choose from the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque averaging 10.9 L/100 km combined, or the plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe with 42 kilometres of electric autonomy. In the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, expect to average 11.3 L/100 km with the V6, which is now the sole engine option as Jeep continues to drop its Hemi V8s.
In true Jeep fashion, three different 4x4 systems are available to accommodate the needs of different drivers. Pricing in Canada for the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $60,565, while the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts at $62,565.
Kia Sorento
Very few midsize SUVs give you the option of gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. With the Kia Sorento, all these choices are on the table, and all of them start at competitive prices. The Kia Sorento is a three-row midsize SUV, though it’s smaller than counterparts like the Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Pathfinder, and the brand’s own Kia Telluride, so its third row is tighter and better suited to occasional use. Still, for households that don’t need a full-time third row, this can be a practical alternative.
The 2025 Kia Sorento starts at $41,780 in Canada in its gas-only format, where it makes 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque with a normally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. It comes with standard AWD and averages 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid is a fuel-efficient alternative, averaging 7.0 L/100 km combined with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and starting from $48,430. If you can take advantage of the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid’s 48 kilometres of electric-only range, you may find it’s worth the premium starting at $53,430. Plus, the Sorento PHEV qualifies for partial federal and provincial/territorial EV rebates where they exist.
Kia Telluride
If you like the Kia brand but need something larger than a Sorento, the 2025 Kia Telluride remains a popular midsize three-row SUV. It’s closely related to the Hyundai Palisade and has been attracting plenty of buyers with its rugged looks and great value since it launched for the 2020 model year.
Like the Palisade, the Kia Telluride is due for a redesign for 2026. In the meantime, the 3.8-litre V6 and its 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque come with standard AWD and average 11.7 L/100 km combined. The Telluride has two rugged trims, the X-Line and X-Pro, which offer varying levels of off-road capability. Pricing in Canada for the 2025 Kia Telluride starts at $53,480.
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX has long been the midsize SUV darling of the Canadian automotive market, and for good reason. It’s practical, affordable, consistently the most reliable in its segment according to J.D. Power, and it has a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Plus, it’s built right here in Canada at Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Cambridge, Ontario.
The latest generation of the Lexus RX launched for the 2023 model year, and it now comes with four different powertrain options. The gas-only RX 350 generates 275 hp and averages 9.9 L/100 km combined with its 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. Two hybrids are on offer: the more efficiency-oriented RX 350h creates a total system output of 246 hp and consumes just 6.5 L/100 km combined, while the performance model, the RX 500h, has a total of 367 hp and averages 8.6 L/100 km combined. Opt for the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid and you can take advantage of 304 hp and up to 60 kilometres of electric driving per charge. Pricing for the 2025 Lexus RX in Canada starts at $63,470 for the RX 350 trim level, $65,630 for the RX 350h, $85,279 for the RX 500h, and $90,290 for the RX 450h+ PHEV.
Lincoln Nautilus
Many thought the Lincoln Nautilus was doomed when production ended at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Plant. However, unlike the Ford Edge — which it appears has indeed been discontinued — the Nautilus, now built in China, made a triumphant return for the 2024 model year with several standout features. A 48-inch-wide screen spans the entire width of the dashboard and is customizable with selectable widgets via a smaller 11.1-inch touchscreen on the centre console. Plus, Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology is now offered on the Lincoln Nautilus for the first time.
Two powertrains are available on the new Nautilus. The standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. In the hybrid powertrain, that same engine is electrified to produce 310 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus starts at a price of $62,595.
Mazda CX-90
Several compelling new midsize three-row vehicles landed last year to shake up the family SUV segment. One of those is the Mazda CX-90, the first eight-seat vehicle ever produced by the brand best known for its engaging driving experience. Two powertrains are available at launch. The 3.3-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system has two iterations. The standard-output version delivers 280 hp, 332 lb-ft of torque, AWD as a standard feature, and an average combined fuel efficiency of 9.3 L/100 km combined. With the high-output version, you’ll receive 340 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque, and only a slightly higher fuel economy figure of 9.5 L/100 km combined.
Efficiency-minded families may appreciate the CX-90 plug-in hybrid SUV, a first from the brand. This powertrain blends a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 68 kW electric motor and a 17.8 kWh battery to produce up to 323 combined hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when filled with 93-octane fuel (or 319 hp/369 lb-ft with 87-octane). With the CX-90 PHEV, you can travel up to 42 kilometres on electric power alone.
Pricing for the 2025 Mazda CX-90 in Canada starts from $47,887 for the mild hybrid version and $56,887 for the plug-in hybrid. The latter’s price is low enough that it qualifies for a partial federal EV purchase rebate as well as provincial and territorial rebates where they exist. If you like the look of the CX-90 but don’t need a third row, consider the 2025 Mazda CX-70, which offers similar configurations to the CX-90 in a midsize two-row SUV package.
Subaru Outback
We appreciate that the Subaru Outback is unapologetically unlike every other vehicle on this list. It makes no bones about being a dedicated two-row midsize crossover. Its proportions land somewhere between a traditional SUV and a wagon, offering a lower profile and plenty of cargo capacity and practicality while still providing a very generous 22 centimetres of ground clearance on most models. And if you really want something rough-and-tumble, the Subaru Outback Wilderness comes from the factory with all-terrain tires, easy-clean upholstery, and even more ground clearance at 24.1 centimetres, delivering amazing versatility.
Two engines are available: the base naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder generates 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is good for 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Fuel consumption figures are 8.3 and 9.5 L/100 km combined respectively, while the Outback Wilderness will cost you more at the pumps with a 10.1 L/100 km average. Subaru’s reliability as a brand is roughly average according to J.D. Power, while the Outback receives the best possible safety rating of Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Pricing for the 2025 Subaru Outback in Canada starts from $37,174. There’s a new generation of Subaru Outback expected to arrive for the 2026 model year. Early spy photography suggests it may be much more SUV-like than the current model. If the Outback’s wagon-style proportions appeal to you, grab one while you can.
Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is another of the all-new midsize 3-row SUVs that entered the market last year. It’s a long-awaited solution to a gap that had endured in Toyota’s line-up. The Toyota Highlander has long been valued for its safety and reliability, but it isn’t quite roomy enough for regular third-row use and is lower on cargo space. The full-size Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, is massive to the point of being impractical for a lot of suburban families. The Grand Highlander falls between the two and is spacious, has a great list of standard safety features, and offers a very comfortable ride. It’s no wonder the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) selected it as the 2024 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year.
Three powertrains are offered, each with standard AWD. The base 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder has 265 hp and a fuel consumption average of 10.0 L/100 km combined. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander has a starting price in Canada of $53,555. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid setup offers 243 combined hp, a fuel consumption average of 7.0 L/100 km combined, and a starting price of $56,855. And the 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder Hybrid Max powertrain delivers a combined power output of 362 hp, an average fuel efficiency of 8.8 L/100 km combined, and a new car price that starts at $68,515 in Canada. If your budget is higher and you want to add some premium touches, the all-new Lexus TX is a luxury SUV with these same underpinnings.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Both the Volkswagen Atlas three-row midsize SUV and the slightly smaller two-row version, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, received a refresh for 2024. The Atlas offers solid value and is one of the most spacious vehicles in its segment, but if you truly won’t use three rows of seats then the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is an appealing alternative. Its coupe body style gives it a stylish look without sacrificing much in the way of head room, and it’s offered in a visually striking Kingfisher Blue paint that’s not offered on its larger sibling.
The standard 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine produces 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque while averaging 11.1 L/100 km combined. It is worth noting, that J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen among the worst automotive brands for reliability, though the IIHS names it a Top Safety Pick. Pricing for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport in Canada starts at $52,681.
Honourable mentions
If you need a midsize three-row SUV with plenty of towing capacity, check out the Nissan Pathfinder and its available 2,720-kilogram (6,000-pound) capability. The Honda Pilot and Honda Passport are worth considering for those who value interior space over all else, though pricing is higher than average. The Ford Bronco is technically a midsize SUV and is definitely worth a look if you think you’ll benefit from its impressive off-road capability. The Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango are vehicles that are getting on somewhat in age but still offer decent value. And if you’ve got a higher budget, the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most highly customizable vehicles on the market.
Note: All listed prices include destination charges and any declared dealer fees. Pricing is current as of the time of publication but is subject to change. Images may show US models.
