CR’s 12 Roomiest, Comfy Midsize SUVs, Subaru Outback and Ascent Are Among The Best

You don't have to buy a luxury model to get it.

Do you want roomy, comfortable, and fuel-efficient? You can have all three in a midsize SUV, and you don't have to buy a luxury model to get it. 

Consumer Reports (by subscription) has an updated report on Midsized SUVs with the roomiest and most comfortable interiors. Which are their twelve best picks? I'll reveal them along with why the Subaru Outback and Ascent make the list and who should consider the two Subaru models. 

CR says, "Watch the ads for any midsized SUV, and you might think you can comfortably fit your extended family and everything they own inside. In reality, that's rarely the case. Manufacturers must balance passenger room and comfort with cargo space and styling."

To come up with the list I've included below, CR's experts measure interior space and calculate cargo room by checking how many suitcases and duffel bags can fit in the back and by having testers of various shapes and sizes repeatedly get into and out of both the front and rear seats.

I've listed of two- and three-row midsized SUVs in order of their roominess and CR's scores for comfort and ease of access. They're all recommended models, which means you won't find any with poor reliability, a low road test score, or missing safety features. 

• Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
• Toyota Grand Highlander
• Kia Sorento Hybrid
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Kia Telluride
• Hyundai Palisade
• Toyota Highlander
• Kia Sorento
• Subaru Ascent
• Mazda CX-90
• Subaru Outback

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Ascent?

• Price Range:  $34,395 - $48,695
• CR MPG:  Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg
• #11 of 19  Midsized SUVs 3-row

"The Ascent is a very functional, easy-to-live-with three-row SUV. Its four-cylinder turbo engine delivers ample power in daily driving and gets 22 mpg overall. But the jumpy initial takeoff takes some getting used to. The Ascent's plush ride is steady and controlled, and the suspension does an excellent job of mopping up bumps. Handling agility isn't a strength." 

"The steering is vague, and the body leans noticeably when pushed through corners, but it proved to be ultimately secure at its handling limits. The cabin is quiet, and the second-row captain's chairs are roomy and comfortable. The third row is actually usable for shorter trips, and folding both rows opens up just over 40 cubic feet of cargo room. Blind spot warning (BSW) and rear cross-traffic warning (RCTW) are optional."

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Outback?

• Price Range:  $28,895 - $42,795
• CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
• #1 of 17  Midsized SUVs

"Yes, it looks more like a raised wagon than an SUV, yet the Outback is a formidable competitor, thanks to its solid feel and very comfortable ride that outshines even some luxury SUVs. The elevated ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive help keep the Outback ready to tackle light off-road duties. There are 37 cubic feet of cargo room with the second-row seat folded flat." 

"We were impressed with its handling agility in our accident avoidance maneuver, which simulates swerving around a vehicle or an obstacle on the road. The standard four-cylinder engine has good fuel economy but becomes louder when pushed. The uplevel 260-hp turbo engine in the XT trim gives the Outback effortless punch and a quieter demeanor. Both BSW and RCTW are optional."

The 2025 Outback is essentially the same model as the 2024 model year. You can read my report here for more details.

The 2025 Subaru Ascent has two new trim levels for customers. You can read my report here for more information.

Who should consider the Outback and Ascent?

The Ascent and Outback stand out among the rest for a number of reasons. 

No vehicle can be the do-all, be-all for all families. If you want more than a city commuter or grocery hauler, pick the Ascent or Outback. They are designed for the most active families. 

Ascent and Outback comes with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology and X-Mode for severe weather. But there's more for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Some Ascent and Outback trim levels offer Subaru's dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain capability. A quick explanation of X-Mode is it delivers more extreme weather and rugged terrain capability. Read my report here for complete details on how the off-road system works. 

The Subaru midsize SUVs are designed for the most active families who won't be staying at home this fall and winter. They are an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts planning road trips away from the city lights for camping, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. 

All Ascent trims are powered by a 2.4-liter Boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Outback offers two engines, the 2.5-liter Boxer and the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine option. The Ascent and Outback will pull a high mountain pass with little effort, with a full load of people and your gear. 

If you want a roomy, comfortable, fuel-efficient, affordable, and lead a more active lifestyle, check out the Ascent or Outback midsize SUVs.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Tucson Subaru