The Evolution of Midsize SUVs: A Shift in Size and Purpose
The American automotive market has long been dominated by SUVs, with consumers showing a clear preference for these larger vehicles. However, the current landscape is filled with bulky five-seater models that seem to be out of sync with the practical needs of most drivers. This trend raises questions about whether the midsize segment is still relevant or if it has evolved into something entirely different.
To explore this, four 2025 midsize SUV models were independently tested — the Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mazda CX-70, and Nissan Murano — in and around New York City over the course of a week. Each vehicle was driven for over 100 miles, with the manufacturers covering gas and congestion pricing tolls to ensure an unbiased evaluation of their day-to-day performance.
Across the board, the test revealed a common concern: what happened to the actual midsize market? In 2005, the three-row Dodge Durango was considered a large, full-size SUV with a 119.2-inch wheelbase. Today’s midsize segment has grown far beyond that benchmark, with some models stretching well over 120 inches between the axles. Even the smallest in the test, the Murano, spans 111.2 inches.
This increase in size comes with several drawbacks. Larger cars tend to be heavier, more fuel-thirsty, and more expensive. They also put more strain on their engines. All four SUVs in the test felt oversized, and each might have made more sense with a third row of seating to justify their scale.
4. Mazda CX-70 – Stylish but Questionable
The largest SUV in the test, the Mazda CX-70, is undeniably stylish but raises questions about its market positioning. The Turbo S Premium-trim model made a bold first impression with its swooping body lines, pulsating LED turn signals, and well-appointed interior. At around $55,000, it felt premium, but its placement in the market is puzzling.
Mazda already sells the CX-90, which is essentially the same vehicle but with a third row and a lower starting price. Both models share the same powertrains: a 3.3-liter six-cylinder or a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid four-cylinder. While the CX-90 hybrid has proven impressive, the five-seat CX-70 feels like it's missing the extra versatility of the third row.
Despite its size, the gas-only CX-70 wasn’t especially powerful. The six-cylinder engine struggled under pressure, and the transmission jolted during hard acceleration. However, it excelled in handling, with the best steering feel in the group — taut, responsive, and true to Mazda’s reputation for fun-to-drive SUVs.
The CX-70 averaged 24 MPG in mostly highway driving, just under the EPA’s estimated 25 MPG combined. It is refined and satisfying around corners, but too large for an SUV that only accommodates five people.
3. Nissan Murano – A More Appropriate Fit
Nearly a foot shorter than the CX-70, the 2025 Murano feels more appropriate for the midsize class. This year’s redesign brings a fresh look and a new engine. Swooping body lines, stacked LED headlights, and a full-width rear lightbar modernize its exterior. Inside, the cabin feels bright and airy, with generous glass coverage, upgraded tech, and the most comfortable seats in the group.
Rear passengers get 38.7 inches of legroom, and there's 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row — more usable, if less excessive, than its rivals. The old, whiny V6 has finally been replaced by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing around 248 horsepower. It’s a quieter, smoother setup, but still feels underpowered during aggressive acceleration.
Our tester came in around $52,000 — the cheapest in this group, though still pricey for a five-seater. Buyers looking for better value might consider Nissan's smaller Rogue. It’s cheaper, more efficient, and nearly as practical as a five-seater hauler — without the extra bulk.
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee – A Heavyweight with Power
The Jeep Grand Cherokee brought gas-churning, eagle-flying American swagger to the midsize SUV test. This 30-year-old nameplate has grown to keep up with the US market’s bulkiness. What started in 1994 as a 105-inch wheelbase, 3,600-pound midsize has ballooned today to 116 inches and 4,800 pounds.
This year, the SUV’s upright, truck-like silhouette was handsome and commanding. Inside, cabin controls were smartly laid out and easily in the driver’s reach. Our test car featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine good for 293 horsepower — and the best towing capacities of the bunch at 6,200 pounds. That power setup managed 24 MPG in mostly highway driving, beating the EPA’s combined estimate of 22 MPG.
Unlike Mazda, Jeep’s three-row iteration, the Grand Cherokee L, sits on an extended-wheelbase. But even in our two-row form, rear-seat passengers sat ahead of a massive 37.7-cubic-foot cargo hold, good for nearly every passenger to bring two full-size suitcases in the trunk. That’s an outrageous amount of space.
While the Jeep’s size impressed on paper, the front row feels more cramped than expected. Tall door panels and a center console that climbs high on the driver’s right side gave it a cockpit-like feel that felt claustrophobic. And while the Grand Cherokee starts around $40,000, our test model crept up to $56,655 — edging into luxury territory for a five-seater.
1. Toyota Land Cruiser – An Icon in a Changing Market
Among car enthusiasts, the Land Cruiser is an icon. The nameplate’s lineage goes back to the 1950s when the US government asked Japanese companies to build cars for its war with Korea. Today, it’s evolved into a rugged, premium off-roader — and at $68,695 as tested, it’s by far the priciest SUV in this group.
Toyota blends retro design and modern amenities with finesse. Two-tone color schemes, blocky badging, and squared-off body lines nod to its heritage, while the cabin offers excellent visibility, abundant headroom, and solid tech. Power comes from a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid, which left some room for improvement.
In our test, the hybrid battery consistently handed power off to the gas engine at just 6 MPH — far earlier than other Toyota mild hybrids, which often hold electric power through 20 to 25 MPH. That limited its real-world fuel-saving benefits. The Land Cruiser is rated at 23 MPG combined — middle of the pack here, despite being the only hybrid.
For similar interior space and better fuel economy, Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid or three-row Highlander Hybrid may be better options. Still, if forced to splurge within this segment, the Land Cruiser is the one we’d choose. But given the state of today’s bloated midsize SUV market, we’d rather skip it entirely.