Right-sized two and three row vehicles make up this segment which includes vehicles like the Ford Edge and the Honda Pilot. These vehicles are primarily used for hauling people. Towing capability is often limited due to the car-like structure of the vehicle but these Crossover SUVs are comfortable to drive and provide a very sedan-like driving experience.
Read on to see the entire list of category candidates and how they scored.
*NOTE: Results for 2010 Model Year Vehicles are Included in the 2011 Model Year Research Because of Availability. Scores Are Shown Where Sample Sizes Allow
#1 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Ford Explorer Rank: #1
Score: 1223
The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer moved from a traditional SUV to a crossover SUV for 2011. It adopted all new styling, package and powertrain. Its owners rate the Explorer highest in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research. As the class winner, Explorer owners identify few attributes they want changed, but there are a few. Ford consciously adopted more contemporary, more modern and aerodynamic styling for the new Explorer. The result is that owners want better visibility and easier ingress/egress. Available only with a 3.5L V6 for 2011, about 25% of Explorer owners want more power. Explorer owners most like its seat comfort, ride, size and handling. The Explorer outpoints the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango and wins by a nose.
#2 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Dodge Durango Rank: #2
Score: 1217
The 2011 Dodge Durango is a 4-door, 7-seat Sport Utility, available in 10 trims, ranging from the Express AWD to the R/T 4x2. Upon introduction, the $31,195 Express AWD is equipped with a standard 3.6L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $35,690 R/T 4x2 is equipped with a standard 5.7L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#3 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: Toyota Venza (2010) Rank: #3
Score: 1214
The 2011 Toyota Venza is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 4 trims, ranging from the FWD to the V6 AWD. Upon introduction, the $27,125 FWD is equipped with a standard 2.7L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $30,400 V6 AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#4 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Toyota Highlander Rank: #4
Score: 1210
The 2011 Toyota Highlander is a 4-door, 7-seat Sport Utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the Base (A6) FWD to the SE AWD. Upon introduction, the $28,090 Base (A6) FWD is equipped with a standard 2.7L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $35,300 SE AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#5 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Ford Edge Rank: #5
Score: 1208
The 2011 Ford Edge is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the SE FWD to the Sport AWD. Upon introduction, the $27,640 SE FWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $38,775 Sport AWD is equipped with a standard 3.7L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#6 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Rank: #6
Score: 1208
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the LS FWD to the LTZ AWD. Upon introduction, the $22,995 LS FWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $30,320 LTZ AWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#7 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Rank: #7
Score: 1202
The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 10 trims, ranging from the GLS (M6) FWD to the GLS V6 AWD. Upon introduction, the $21,845 GLS (M6) FWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. a Manual transmission is standard. The $26,745 GLS V6 AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#8 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: Honda Accord Crosstour tour (2010) Rank: #8
Score: 1198
The 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 5 trims, ranging from the EX FWD to the With Navigation 4x4. Upon introduction, the $29,990 EX FWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $36,540 With Navigation 4x4 is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#9 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Kia Sorento Rank: #9
Score: 1198
The 2011 Kia Sorento is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 11 trims, ranging from the Base (M6) FWD to the SX V6 4x4. Upon introduction, the $21,195 Base (M6) FWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. a Manual transmission is standard. The $34,095 SX V6 4x4 is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#10 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Nissan Murano Rank: #10
Score: 1194
The 2011 Nissan Murano is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the S FWD to the LE AWD. Upon introduction, the $29,290 S FWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $39,900 LE AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#11 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Hyundai Veracruz Rank: #11
Score: 1185
The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz is a 4-door, 7-seat Sport Utility, available in 4 trims, ranging from the GLS FWD to the Limited AWD. Upon introduction, the $28,345 GLS FWD is equipped with a standard 3.8L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $36,095 Limited AWD is equipped with a standard 3.8L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#12 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 GMC Terrain Rank: #12
Score: 1178
The 2011 GMC Terrain is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the SLE-1 FWD to the SLT-2 AWD. Upon introduction, the $24,500 SLE-1 FWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $31,650 SLT-2 AWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#13 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Dodge Journey Rank: #13
Score: 1169
The 2011 Dodge Journey is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 9 trims, ranging from the Express FWD to the Lux AWD. Upon introduction, the $22,245 Express FWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $33,645 Lux AWD is equipped with a standard 3.6L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#14 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Mazda CX-7 Rank: #14
Score: 1137
The 2011 Mazda CX-7 is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 7 trims, ranging from the i SV (A5) FWD to the Grand AWD. Upon introduction, the $21,990 i SV (A5) FWD is equipped with a standard 2.5L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $33,340 Grand AWD is equipped with a standard 2.3L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
#15 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Honda Pilot Rank: #15
Score: 1115
The 2011 Honda Pilot is a 4-door, 7-seat Sport Utility, available in 12 trims, ranging from the LX 4x4 to the Touring w/Rear Entertainment/Navi FWD. Upon introduction, the $29,920 LX 4x4 is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $39,070 Touring w/Rear Entertainment/Navi FWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.
See More 2011 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards:
