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Best Affordable Mid Size SUVs
With gas prices going up again, you may be considering finally downsizing your large SUV for a midsize SUV. Or maybe you want to upgrade from your minivan or other car into a midsize SUV. When you need an SUV, there are many options to choose from. Because of this, it can be difficult to know what is the best rated mid size suv.
When you are looking for the best mid size SUV, you will want to have an idea of what you need. Whether you want seating for 8 people, or good safety scores, you will want to decide what is the most important factor in your decision. Many times, an SUV will make the best rated mid size suv category because the vehicle has a smooth ride, almost like a car.
Fuel Economy And The Best MidSize SUV
At least one of the vehicles on the best rated mid size SUV list is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This gasoline electric hybrid doesn’t rank as high as some of the other vehicles on the list because the fuel economy isn’t what you would expect from a gasoline electric hybrid. However, it is worth noting that the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the only hybrid vehicle that made it onto any of the best mid size suv lists. Additionally, this mid size SUV is slightly more expensive than many of the other vehicles on the list.
For many of the other vehicles on the best rated mid size SUV list, the gas mileage isn’t very impressive if you compare these vehicles to cars. All the gasoline-powered vehicles get less than 20 miles per gallon in the city and in the low to mid twenties for gas mileage on the highway. However, the top ten SUVs on the best mid size suv list offer better fuel economy than many of the SUVs toward the bottom of the list.
Prices For The Best Mid Size SUV
If you want to buy a mid size SUV, you’ll find that the prices vary greatly. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid costs the most with a cost at or above $40,000. The only midsize SUV that costs more than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid would be the Hummer H3. Many of the other imported SUVs will cost less, with prices for the Mazda CX-7 starting under $30,000.
Though the best mid size SUV list includes many affordable vehicles, there are several things to consider. When you consider your payments, you’ll also want to consider how much it’s going to cost in gas for you to get through the week. If you are downgrading from a larger SUV, you’ll find that you’ll be saving money in gas prices, allowing you to save money overall. However, if you are purchasing an SUV after owning a car, you’ll find that the gas prices will add a lot to how much you’re spending each month on your vehicle. Ideally, you should make sure that you account for all expenses like gas and insurance before you choose to purchase a mid size SUV.
Choosing The Best Rated Mid Size SUV
Though the Toyota Highlander is near the top of the best rated mid size SUV list, this is not the only vehicle on the list. Additionally, if you use the evaluation provided by the US News & World Report, three of the top four rated vehicles on the list are domestic vehicles. Mainly, the domestic vehicles make the list because the US automakers have been short sighted on what they choose to make. Though the list on the US News and World Report website is a comprehensive report, at least a few of the vehicles will be discontinued as the Big Three automakers attempt to restructure their businesses to keep from declaring bankruptcy. However, there are many domestic vehicles at the bottom of the best mid size SUV list.
The people at the US News & World Report have evaluated several different aspects of each mid size SUV they have analyzed. They rated each aspect individually, including performance, exterior appeal, interior quality, and safety features offered by each vehicle. After each aspect was rated, the ratings were added together and averaged to give a total rating for each vehicle. This year, the ratings started at 8.8 for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and the ratings went all the way down to 6.7 for the Chevy Trailblazer.
On the US News & World Report website, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Chevrolet Traverse, the Saturn Outlook, the Buick Enclave, and the Ford Flex are listed as the top five in the best affordable mid size SUV category. The Mazda CX-7 and the Toyota Highlander are tied with the Ford Flex in points assigned by those who evaluated the vehicles. Rounding out the top ten, the last three vehicles on the best rated mid size suv list are the GMC Acadia, Toyota Venza, and the Honda Pilot.
Sizes For The Best Affordable MidSize SUVs
When looking at the above list of the top ten affordable mid size SUVs, you’ll notice that the vehicle sizes vary greatly. Some of these vehicles are considered “crossover” type SUVs. Other vehicles in this list include some vehicles that just barely make the mid-size category; for example, the Hummer H3 is on the list of the best affordable mid SUVs. Because of the cost of the Hummer, the vehicle is rated lower than other vehicles that are less expensive.
Many of the vehicles in the best rated mid size SUV list are a replacement to or a step up from a mini van. Though the minivan might offer more room, you’ll have equivalent gas mileage between the two vehicles. Mid size SUVs are considered family friendly, as you can seat your whole family, and in some cases there is enough room so you can separate fighting kids in the back seat on long car trips. No matter why you choose to purchase one of the most affordable mid size SUVs, you’ll find a choice that’ll fit your budget and your lifestyle.
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