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Most Satisfying New Midsized SUVs According to Consumer Reports' Experts

Owners told us that they love these two- and three-row models, even with flaws

2026 Ford Bronco
2026 Ford Bronco
Photo: Ford

Every year, we ask Consumer Reports members to share exactly how satisfied they are with the vehicles in their garages. The survey results, which this year captured data on about 380,000 vehicles, reflect the often-changing marketplace. For example, a model that excited owners when brand-new may prove to be a reliability headache, resulting in a steep drop in our owner satisfaction ratings. Conversely, some SUVs remain historically reliable and fuel-efficient, and tend to retain their high satisfaction scores year after year.

The two- and three-row midsized SUVs featured below earned the highest owner satisfaction ratings. These vehicles stand out because their owners reported they would definitely buy the same model again.

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In our surveys, we ask a simple question: Would you get this car if you had to do it all over again? Then we look at the percentage of owners who say they definitely would to identify the top performers. There’s a good chance that the vehicles CR members find satisfying are the ones you’d be happiest with, too.

The models below are ranked by their owner satisfaction rating, determined from our surveys, starting with the best. Each one has its strengths and weaknesses, and not every SUV is recommended, either because of a low test score or below-average reliability. But some buyers and owners prioritize the happiness their vehicles bring them.

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that works at highway speeds, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are all standard equipment on these models except where noted.

If you’re a Digital or All Access CR member, the list below is already available to you. But if you haven’t signed up, click below and become a member to access the list and all of our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.