I drove four mid-size SUVs... they all suffer from the same obvious problem

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

Americans love SUVs. But today's market is flooded with bulky five-seaters that seem out of step with what most drivers actually need.
We independently tested four 2025 midsize SUV models — 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 SUV was driven for over 100 miles, with the manufacturers covering a tank of gas and congestion pricing tolls so we could focus on day-to-day performance.
Across the board, we were left wondering: 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 ballooned beyond that benchmark.
The CX-70 stretches to 122.8 inches between the axles. Even the smallest vehicle in our test, the Murano, spans 111.2 inches.
Larger cars come with predictable drawbacks: they're heavier, thirstier for gas, more expensive, and harder on their engines.
All four SUVs in our test feel oversized — and they all might've made more sense with a third row of seating to justify their scale.
Here's how the bloated beasts stacked up:
4. Mazda CX-70
The largest SUV in our test is undeniably stylish and equally puzzling.
Our Turbo S Premium-trim CX-70 made a bold first impression with swooping body lines, pulsating LED turn signals, and a well-appointed interior.
At around $55,000, it felt premium. But its market positioning raises questions.
Mazda already sells the CX-90 — essentially the same vehicle, but with a third row and a lower starting price.
Both share the same powertrains: a 3.3-liter six-cylinder or a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid four-cylinder.
We've previously tested the CX-90 hybrid and were impressed. Jumping into the five-seat sibling left us missing the extra versatility.
The CX-70 keeps Mazda's well-documented steering feel - the car is fun to pull around a corner
Despite its size, our gas-only CX-70 wasn't especially powerful.
The six-cylinder engine struggled under pressure, and the transmission jolted during hard acceleration.
But it excelled in handling: the steering feel was the best in this group — taut, responsive, and true to Mazda's reputation for fun-to-drive SUVs.
We averaged 24 MPG in mostly highway driving, just under the EPA's estimated 25 MPG combined.
The CX-70 is refined and satisfying around corners, but too large for an SUV with the capacity to only handle five butts.
3. Nissan Murano
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 this 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-seat hauler — and doesn't carry the extra bulk.
The Grand Cherokee is an able-bodied off-roader with American flag badging throughout - its probably a bit too big for what the average American needs
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee brought gas-churning, eagle-flying American swagger to the midsize SUV test — and the 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.
The brick-like structure comes with huge headroom and ample sightlines - but its not super efficient as a mild hybrid
1. Toyota Land Cruiser
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.