Mid-size SUVs represent one of the most demanding segments in the automotive industry. In order to be competitive, these vehicles must be extremely versatile. In terms of interior functionality and practicality, they have replaced minivans almost entirely. Also, they come with a bold and muscular design, in order to resemble genuine body-on-frame SUVs. Despite the size, they need to remain relatively affordable and efficient.

When you have such a demanding checklist, it’s no wonder that the segment if full of amazing models and that the competition is extremely tough. For the same reason, sometimes it’s pretty complicated to make the right choice. Therefore, we have prepared our list of the best mid-size SUV models for the next year. There, you can find several models that are about to come with interesting novelties, while some of them will get a full redesign. On the other hand, some models will carry on without bigger updates but that won’t make them less impressive and less competitive.

2023 Kia Telluride

Kia’s three-row crossover has been around for a while and despite excellent reception, it’s time for some updates. Although the officials are still quiet, it looks like the 2023 Kia Telluride is about to receive a facelift. This refresh should bring novelties in various aspects but we are pretty sure that most of them will be in terms of aesthetics.

We expect to see an updated styling. Naturally, most of the changes should come to the front end, where we expect to see revisions in areas such as headlights, grille, bumper etc. On the other hand, the rear end probably won’t bring more important styling changes. Naturally, we expect to see typical mid-cycle updates like new color options, wheels etc.

The inside of the 2023 Kia Telluride shouldn’t change much. Still, slight revisions to the center console are always possible. Some sources speculate about a bigger touchscreen, while the current traditionally-designed gear lever could be replaced with a modern shifter.

Naturally, we will see novelties on the list of standard equipment. On the other hand, we don’t expect changes under the hood. This SUV will continue with a familiar 3.8-liter V6 engine, which features a max output of 291 horsepower and which comes in pair with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 2023 Kia Telluride will arrive sometime in the second half of the year, with a starting price of around 34.000 dollars.

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2023 Honda Passport

After the recent mid-cycle update, we expect that the 2023 Honda Passport will be a typical carryover model. We expect to see a familiar design, though minor updates are always possible. These minor updates may refer to things like new color options, more standard equipment etc.

Visually, the last year’s update has brought a bolder and more rugged styling, which makes this SUV look far more appealing. On the other hand, the overall layout remains the same, based on the same architecture as Honda Pilot. The Passport is easy to drive and even offers a decent level of athleticism. At the same time, the ride remains smooth and comfortable.

On the inside, this SUV offers very good build quality, along with conservative but nice-looking aesthetics. The materials are fine, while we particularly like the driving position, which offers excellent ergonomics and good visibility in all directions. Both rows are very generous with space and accommodate adults with ease, while the cargo area is among the biggest in class.

Under the hood, the 2023 Honda Passport will continue with the smooth 3.5-liter V6, which puts out around 280 horsepower and comes coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. We expect to see it on the market in the last quarter of the year, with the starting price of around 37.000 dollars.

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2023 Hyundai Palisade

Just like its corporate twin, the Telluride, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade should also receive a mid-cycle refresh. We expect changes in various aspects, though the overall layout will certainly remain the same. This SUV has so many amazing things to offer, starting from a smooth ride, spacious and comfortable cabin, premium cabin quality and many other things.

The upcoming update will probably put focus on aesthetics. We expect to see a new face, with new headlights, a more prominent grille and more aggressive bumpers. The rear end might get a few tweaks as well, while we also count on novelties in terms of new wheels, color options and similar things.

Novelties on the inside are possible too. Still, we don’t expect too many changes, as the current cabin already looks pretty impressive. It features excellent build quality, as well as premium-grade materials. We presume that most of the changes will be in terms of new color schemes and materials, while we could also see some novelties on the list of standard equipment.

Under the hood, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade will continue with the same 3.8-liter V6, which is good for 291 horsepower. It provides pretty good driving dynamics, while the 8-speed automatic transmission also does a pretty fine job.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade will arrive sometime in the second half of the year, with a starting price of around 34.000 dollars.

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The recent redesign has brought a log of significant changes to the legendary SUV. Not only that we saw a three-row version for the first time, but there is also a completely new design, based on the Giorgio platform. The new model is lighter, more efficient and better to drive. It is also more luxurious, which leads us to the conclusion that the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will represent the second production year, will come without more important changes.

Still, that doesn’t mean that we won’t be seeing novelties. Several sources suggest a high-performance version, which would come with the 6.4-liter V8 Hemi engine and a max output of around 470 horsepower. On the other hand, the 700-hp Trackhawk version doesn’t seem so likely.

The rest of the lineup will continue in the same way. This means that may count on a wide powertrain offer, which includes engines with six or eight cylinders, as well as a plug-in hybrid version. All of them come coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which does an excellent job.

We expect to see the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 38.000 dollars.

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2023 Subaru Outback

The current generation of the legendary wagon will enter the fourth production year with the 2023 Subaru Outback and lovers of this carmaker know very well what this means. This means that the Outback is about to receive a mid-cycle refresh. Of course, we expect to see visual changes, while some sources also suggest novelties in terms of driver-assistance features.

Typically for Subaru, these updates should bring subtle styling changes. We expect to see no more than a few tweaks to the grille and front bumpers, while the rest of the vehicle should remain the same. Of course, we should also see things like new wheels and color options. On the other hand, we don’t expect bigger changes on the inside.

What this refresh could also bring are new drive-assistance features. More precisely, various reports suggest that the Japanese manufacturer will present the new generation of EyeSight technology, which is about to bring some big novelties regarding semi-autonomous driving.

On the other hand, things under the hood are about to remain the same. Base models will continue with a 2.5-liter flat-four, which puts out 182 horsepower. On the other hand, higher trim levels will come equipped with a 2.4-liter turbo-four, which puts out 260 horsepower. Of course, all-wheel drive is standard, while the power is sent via a CVT gearbox.

The 2023 Subaru Outback should hit the market sometime in the second half of the year, with a starting price of around 27.000 dollars.

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2023 Mazda CX-9

While everyone talks about the next generation of Mazda vehicles, which will ride on a completely new platform with rear-wheel drive and inline-six engines, the current flagship SUV is slowly getting close to the end of its production cycle. Therefore, we don’t believe that the 2023 Subaru Outback could bring more important changes. We expect to see a typical carryover model, with familiar design and features.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Although among the oldest models in the segment, the CX-9 is still among the best models in this class, which offers an attractive design, high-quality interior and pretty amazing driving characteristics for a vehicle of this size. The list of standard tech and safety features is also pretty impressive.

However, this SUV isn’t without flaws. The biggest drawback is the lack of space in the back. The third row of seats is very tight, while the cargo area is among the smallest in the class. On the other hand, the first two rows are pretty generous with space, while the front seats are also comfortable and provide very good driving positions.

Under the hood, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 will continue with the same 2.5-liter turbo-four, which offers a great balance between performance and efficiency. It puts out 227 horsepower with regular gasoline, while premium fuel ensures the max output of 250 horsepower and a pretty impressive 320 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes in pair with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

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2023 Honda Pilot

It’s no secret that the new generation of Honda’s biggest SUV is in the works. So far, we have seen a couple of spy shots but as the test mule still wears camouflage, it’s still early to talk about styling details. On the other hand, some other aspects of the vehicle are relatively easy to predict.

One of the first things that come to mind is the new platform, the same one that’s used for the new Acura MDX. This means that the 2023 Honda Pilot will gain 2.8 inches in wheelbase, which will certainly have a positive effect on the already spacious cabin. The current generation is already among the most spacious models in the class, especially in terms of cargo capacity. So, the new generation could only become even better.

We don’t expect bigger surprises under the hood. The 2023 Honda Pilot will continue with a familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine, which will feature a max output of 290 horsepower and come in pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Besides new aesthetics, we count on a more luxurious interior as well. This refers to finer materials, as well as to new tech features. The new model should come with a more intuitive infotainment system, as the current one is among the biggest drawbacks.

The all-new 2023 Honda Pilot should arrive sometime in the second half of the year, with a starting price of around 37.000 dollars.

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2023 Ford Edge

It’s been official for a while that the Edge will end its production in the near future. The replacement will come in the all-electric form. However, the current model still marks pretty impressive sales numbers, and that’s the reason why it will remain in production for another year or two.

Considering that the 2023 Ford Edge will probably be the final production year of the generation, it’s hard to expect bigger changes. After some updates in the last couple of years, we don’t believe it needs them at all. The interior has been refreshed, and now comes with a massive 12.0-inch touchscreen. Moreover, the exterior design still looks quite appealing.

Capable engine options have always been one of the Edge’s strongest points. The next year’s models will continue in the same way, with two turbocharged units. Base models will continue with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which is good for about 250 horsepower and a pretty respectable max torque of 280 pound-feet. On the other hand, the ST model comes with a  2.7-liter V6, which puts out 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, which ensures pretty impressive driving dynamics.

As there are no bigger changes to come, we expect that the 2023 Ford Edge will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year. The starting price should go around 36.000 dollars.

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2023 Toyota 4Runner

Things about the 2023 Toyota 4Runner are still unclear. While the officials are still quiet, many unofficial sources suggest a complete redesign for the next year. This makes perfect sense, especially if we consider that Tundra and Sequoia have just been redesigned and that it’s now time for mid-size models – 4Runner and Tacoma.

In the case of 4Runner, we have no doubt that this redesign will bring a lot of changes. That’s not a surprise, especially if we consider that the current generation has been around since 2009. The new model will ride on the company’s new TNGA-F platform and what’s important is that it will remain a genuine body-on-frame SUV.

Of course, we would see a completely new design, including completely new mechanics. This also includes the powertrain, where the old 4.0-liter V6 should be replaced with a turbo-four engine of similar power but with significantly more torque and significantly better fuel economy. We also count on a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Big changes are expected on the inside as well, in terms of a completely new design, significantly improved quality and materials.

The all-new 2023 Toyota 4Runner could arrive by the end of this year, though we are still waiting for the officials to hear some details.

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2023 Dodge Durango

After the last year’s update, many believe that the current generation of this mid-size SUV, which has been around for a full decade, will remain in production for some more time. This indicates that the 2023 Dodge Durango is about to carry on with a familiar design, which has most things in common with the previous-generation Grand Cherokee.

This is practically a crossover, which rides on a unibody platform. However, it is a pretty capable machine, with an impressive max towing rating and a pretty capable powertrain lineup. It starts with a V6 and ends with a muscular 475-hp V8. The interior has been updated with a new infotainment system recent, so the current generation still has everything it needs to remain competitive.

Still, the new generation will come in the near future, maybe already with the 2024 model year. At this point, we can only rely on rumors, which suggest a return to a body-on-frame platform, which is the layout that characterized the previous generation. Most likely, the new model will share most of its parts with Ram 1500, but we will remain reserved until we hear something from the officials.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Dodge Durango should arrive sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 37.000 dollars.

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2023 Chevrolet Blazer

After the initial disappointment with the revived Blazer, mostly because of the fact that it’s rather a crossover, it turned out that the new Blazer is a pretty decent SUV. The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer will become even better, as it’s about to receive a facelift.

The upcoming update will bring all kinds of updates but most of them will be in terms of the styling. Of course, most of the styling updates will be at the front. We expect to see a new, more prominent grille, new headlights, a more aggressive bumper etc. The rear end gets some treatment as well, while there are also new wheels and color options.

The interior will remain largely the same, though there are some new tech features, starting from the new 10-inch touchscreen, as well as a new wireless charging pad. On the other hand, the overall cabin layout remains unchanged.

Under the hood, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer brings no changes. Base models will continue with a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 228 horsepower, while the optional 3.6-liter V6 puts out 308 horsepower. Both engines come in pair with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

We expect to see the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer will hit the market already this summer. The starting price should go around 35.000 dollars.

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2023 Toyota Highlander

The current generation of Toyota’s 3-row crossover has been around since 2020. If we consider its amazing sales numbers, it’s quite obvious that Japanese engineers won’t change anything. The 2023 Toyota Highlander will be a typical carryover model, with minor updates only.

Therefore, you may count on a well-rounded SUV, which has so many great things to offer. We like its cabin design, which features great build quality and pretty nice materials. Furthermore, the cabin is comfortable, though the third row would use more space. The cargo area is typical for the class.

Typically for Toyota, the list of standard and available features is pretty generous. Furthermore, we really like the refined V6 engine, which features a max output of 295 horsepower and offers pretty respectable driving dynamics. Of course, there is also a hybrid version, which combines a 2.5-liter inline-four with a couple of electric motors, for a total output of 243 horsepower. Besides decent performances, this system also offers pretty good fuel economy, which goes around 36 mpg combined.

Considering that there are no bigger changes to come, we expect to tat the 2023 Toyota Highlander will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year. The price should change too much, so base models will probably go around 36.000 dollars. The hybrid version starts at around 40.000 dollars.

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2023 Nissan Pathfinder

After the 2022 redesign, we are pretty sure that the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, which will represent the second production year, will come without more important updates. Of course, minor updates are always possible, but the overall layout will remain the same. Some sources speculate about a hybrid version but such a version doesn’t seem very likely to us.

The recent redesign has brought a lot of impressive novelties. Besides the more dynamic exterior design, there is also a completely new interior design, which feels way more upscale compared to the previous generation. The materials are really nice, and there is also a lot of attention to detail. All this makes the Pathfinder feel pretty luxurious.

Under the hood, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder will continue with a familiar 3.5-liter V6, which puts out around 284 horsepower. A big change came in the form of the new transmission last year. The uninspiring CVT was replaced with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which has significantly improved the driving experience. Another thing worth mentioning is that the max towing capacity goes up to 6.000 pounds, which is above average for the segment of mid-size SUVs.

Considering that no bigger changes are about to come, the price should remain pretty much the same as well. The current model starts at around 34.000 dollars.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The current generation of this SUV has been around since 2019. Interestingly, it was refreshed already for the 2021 model year, which indicates that the current model is about to remain in production for some more time. Therefore, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe should come without more important updates.

Therefore, you may count on a familiar design, which has a lot of great things to offer. Although affordable, this mid-size SUV comes with a long list of standard equipment. It is easy to drive, while the level of athleticism is on a pretty decent level. However, the ride may feel too firm to some.

One of the best things about Santa Fe is its generous powertrain offer. Base models come with a 2.5-liter inline-four, which puts out 191 horsepower. That’s enough for no more than daily commuting and we believe that the optional turbo-four with 281 horsepower is a much better choice.

If you care about fuel economy, it’s good to know that there are two hybrid versions on offer. The first one is a classic hybrid with 226 horsepower, while the other one comes with a plug-in hybrid setup, with a combined output of 261 horsepower and a max all-electric range of 30 miles.

The base Santa Fe is available already at 28.000 dollars. We don’t expect bigger price changes for the next year.

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2023 VW Atlas

The large and spacious SUV from Volkswagen has been around since 2018 and after the 2021 refresh, we expect that the current generation will remain in production for a few more years. Therefore, the 2023 VW Atlas should carry on without more important changes.

Therefore, you may count on two body styles on the offer. While the coupe version feels more attractive, the standard three-row version feels like a much better choice. This SUV offers plenty of space, as well as a pretty generous cargo area. However, the interior quality isn’t particularly great, especially when compared with other VW models.

The engine lineup consists of two familiar units. Base models are equipped with a familiar 2.0-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While that’s okay for daily commuting, it definitely won’t blow your mind. Things aren’t much better with the optional V6 either, which puts out 276 horsepower. Although it offers slightly better driving dynamics, it’s much thirstier. It returns around 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, which is pretty low for the segment.

With no changes to come, it’s pretty much a certain thing that we won’t be seeing bigger price changes. So, base versions should go around 34.000 dollars.