Here is a summary of Consumer Reports recently recommended two- and three-row model midsized SUVs that consumers who were so satisfied with the models they bought, stated in a questionnaire that they would definitely buy their vehicle again.
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When Happiness Counts
Using data from surveys that asked consumers if the midsized SUV they currently owned was satisfying enough to motivate them to buy the same model again, Consumer Reports analysts found that when it comes to owner satisfaction over all else, happiness apparently does count---possibly as much as reliability does…if not more.
Related article: New Car Reliability Will Drop For These Models Reports Think Tank
With satisfaction as a metric, CR analysts ranked the customer responses and created a new ordered list starting with those 2- and 3-row midsized SUV models owners found most satisfying.
Related article: Consumer Reports Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Midsized SUVs With Modern Safety Features
According to Consumer Reports, “Each one has its strengths and weaknesses, and not every one is recommended, either because of a low test score or below-average reliability. But some buyers and owners put happiness with their vehicle as a key priority.”
The following is a summary of the vehicles recommended provided in addition with their predicted reliability.
Please note the following safety feature abbreviations used:
• FCW---forward collision warning
• BSW---blind spot warning
• AEB---automatic emergency braking
Two-Row SUVs
1. 2022 Porsche Cayenne
Price Range: $69,000 - $180,800
CR MPG: Overall 21 / City 15 / Hwy 29 mpg
Rated #7 of 30 Luxury midsized sport-utility vehicles
Safety Features: FCW and AEB are standard, but BSW is optional.
Reliability score: 3/5 with one recall concerning a rear axle misalignment that may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
2. 2022 Genesis GV80
Price Range: $50,200 - $77,200
CR MPG: Overall 18 / City 12 / Hwy 25 mpg
Rated #17 of 30 Luxury midsized sport-utility vehicles
Safety Features: Standard active safety features include FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, and RCTW with rear automatic braking.
Reliability score: 1/5 “We expect the 2022 GV80 will be much less reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2021 models.”
3. 2022 BMW X5
Price Range: $60,600 - $106,100
CR MPG: Overall 23 / City 15 / Hwy 33 mpg
Rated #1 of 30 Luxury midsized sport-utility vehicles
Safety Features: FCW, city-speed AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and BSW are standard.
Reliability score: 3/5 with one recall due to a sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle which can increase the risk of injury.
4. 2022 Lexus RX
Price Range: $45,920 - $58,110
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 31 mpg
Rated #4 of 30 Luxury midsized sport-utility vehicles
Safety Features: FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW are standard.
Reliability score: 4/5 with no recalls currently
5. 2022 Jeep Wrangler
Price Range: $29,995 - $77,095
CR MPG: Overall 18 / City 13 / Hwy 24 mpg
Rated #10 of 11 Midsized sport-utility vehicles
Safety Features: FCW, AEB, and BSW are just optional.
Reliability score: 2/5 with one recall concerning nonfunctional side marker lights that may reduce vehicle visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
6. 2022 Subaru Outback
Price Range: $27,645 - $40,645
CR MPG: Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
Rated #1 of 11 Midsized sport-utility vehicles
Safety Features: All versions get the EyeSight suite of advanced safety and driver assistance systems, including FCW and AEB, but BSW is optional.
Reliability score: 3/5 “We expect the 2022 Outback will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2020, 2021 and 2022 models.”
7. 2022 Toyota Venza
Price Range: $33,240 - $40,730
CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 31 / Hwy 42 mpg
Rated #2 of 11 Midsized sport-utility vehicles
Safety Features: All Venzas come standard with FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW.
Reliability score: 5/5 with one recall stating, “Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.”
Three-Row SUVs
1. 2022 Kia Telluride
Price Range: $33,390 - $45,190
CR MPG: Overall 21 / City 14 / Hwy 30 mpg
Rated #1 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row
Safety Features: Standard active safety features include FCW, city-speed AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW.
Reliability score: 5/5 with 2 recalls---"A blank instrument cluster display screen will not show critical information, such as the odometer, which can increase the risk of a crash” and “A blank LCD display may be missing information, such as the digital speedometer, gear selection indicator, and odometer, which may increase the risk of a crash.”
2. 2022 Hyundai Palisade
Price Range: $33,600 - $48,990
CR MPG: Overall 21 / City 15 / Hwy 29 mpg
Rated #3 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row
Safety Features: Several advanced safety systems come standard, including FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW.
Reliability score: 4/5 with no recalls currently.
3. 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Price Range: $40,325 - $62,300
CR MPG: Overall 19 / City 13 / Hwy 28 mpg
Rated #9 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row
Safety Features: Standard active safety and driver assistance features include FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, RCTW, LDW, and LKA.
Reliability score: 2/5 “We expect the 2022 Grand Cherokee L to be less reliable than other new cars. This prediction is based on Jeep's brand history and the previous generation of the Grand Cherokee.”
4. 2022 Toyota Highlander
Price Range: $35,855 - $51,460
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg
Rated #2 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row
Safety Features: The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite includes standard FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection, but BSW is optional.
Reliability score: 5/5 with one recall stating that “An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.”
5. 2022 Toyota 4Runner
Price Range: $38,105 - $52,920
CR MPG: Overall 18 / City 12 / Hwy 24 mpg
Rated #10 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row
Safety Features: FCW and AEB are standard.
Reliability score: 4/5 with two recall alerts stating, “An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash” and “An inoperable driver's side high beam may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.”
6. 2022 Tesla Model X
Price Range: $114,990 - $138,990
CR MPGE: Overall 102 / City 107 / Hwy 97 mpge
Rated #20 of 30 Luxury midsized sport-utility vehicles
Safety Features: FCW and AEB are standard.
Reliability score: 1/5 with several recalls of which listed below involve primarily electrical-related safety issues:
• “A lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash,”
• “The second-row seat may not properly restrain occupants during a crash, increasing the risk of injury”
• “Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.”
• “Improper side curtain air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.”
• “Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.”
• “The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.”
• “Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.”
7. 2022 Dodge Durango
Price Range: $34,320 - $68,195
CR MPG: Overall 18 / City 12 / Hwy 25 mpg
Rated #12 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row
Safety Features: While FCW and AEB are optional, BSW and RCTW are standard.
Reliability score: 2/5 with two recalls involving “Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash” and “An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.”
And finally…
For a more detailed breakdown of the data, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.
For additional articles about buying a new car, here are some selected articles for your consideration:
Worst Deals on New Cars are Dominated by This One Popular Make
Most Reliable New Cars and SUVs Under $30,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports
COMING UP NEXT: Best Cars for Teens Recommended by Consumer Reports
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
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