Midsize SUVs with All-Wheel Drive (11 Models: New + Used)
Midsize SUVs’ powerplants typically produce markedly more horsepower than smaller sport utility vehicles, making an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system handy in managing power delivery to all four wheels for greater control.
Depending on the listed model years, the following midsize SUVs with two and three rows of seats have AWD, either as standard or optional.
Midsize 2-Row SUVs with AWD
All-wheel-drive systems are more common in midsize SUVs than small and extra-small crossovers. However, the smaller sport utility vehicles with five seats (and AWD) may better fit smaller families on modest budgets, as some compact models have a third row for higher occupancy.
Still, those wanting a spacious second row will find plenty of appeal in the following midsize two-rows.
#1 Chevrolet Blazer
The latest-gen Chevy Blazer is a sleek and stylish midsize two-row SUV with good on-road ride comfort and agility through turns.
When it reappeared in 2019 after a thirteen-year absence, Chevrolet offered the Blazer SUV with optional AWD across the trim levels, ensuring the traction-enhancement system is available for every buyer.
Enthusiasts will enjoy the Blazer’s crisp handling, but taller rear passengers may not like the compromised headroom resulting from the SUV’s sloping roofline.
#2 Hyundai Santa Fe
The five-seater Santa Fe is Hyundai’s midsize SUV with a luxuriously-equipped cabin that enhances the model’s value-for-money proposition.
The gasoline-powered Santa Fe has had all-wheel drive as an option since 2002, with front-wheel drive being standard equipment.
Those opting for a used 2001 Santa Fe should note the model’s four-wheel-drive system rather than AWD.
If you want a more fuel-efficient Hyundai Santa Fe, opt for the hybrid or plug-in-hybrid version, as all-wheel propulsion is standard across all model years.
And if you feel a small SUV with three rows of seats can give the kids more room to stretch for your road trips, consider the Sorento, a Kia SUV with AWD and lots of legroom in the second and third rows.
#3 Honda Passport
The Honda Passport is a midsize two-row SUV with a roomy interior and more off-road ability than most sports utility vehicles from this Japanese automaker.
The higher-than-average ground clearance lends the Honda Passport legitimate prowess on rugged trails, while the available all-wheel drive (since 2019) means the SUV can maintain traction on all four wheels when the pavement becomes slippery.
Other Passport pluses include a large cargo area, excellent ride comfort, and sportier-than-average handling.
#4 Ford Edge
While the Ford Bronco excels as a 4×4 midsize SUV with serious off-road chops, Ford Edge is ideal for better on-road ride comfort and a quieter drive.
It is one of Ford’s better-riding SUVs, with supportive seats and a spacious cabin for up to five passengers.
Ford Edge SUVs have had AWD as optional equipment since its 2007 debut before becoming standard from 2022 onwards.
Other pluses include a tech-forward cabin and a generous cargo hold, even with the second-row seatback up.
#5 Nissan Murano
Besides the three-row Pathfinder, the two-row Murano makes up Nissan’s midsize SUV lineup.
Nissan Murano is less appealing than its segment rivals, but the available all-wheel drive for greater wet-weather capability is a good reason to own this midsize SUV.
Good ride comfort is a highlight in an otherwise mediocre choice.
Midsize 3-Row SUVs with AWD
#6 Hyundai Palisade
Three-row SUVs are increasing in popularity as some families prefer additional seats for the occasional extra passengers.
At or near the top of the midsize three-row class is the Hyundai Palisade, an exceptional entry with impressive qualities, covering:
- Stylish exterior – makes you look like you bought a more expensive vehicle.
- Ample cabin room – plenty of space to relax in the second and third rows.
- Wide-opening rear doors – entering and exiting are easy for the rear passengers.
- Generous cargo space – plus the wide hatch opening.
- Excellent ride quality – comfortable seats and minimal road and wind noise.
- Many advanced tech features – like in all Hyundais.
Most Hyundai Palisade trim levels offer all-wheel drive as optional, regardless of the model year.
It’s worth noting the Palisade’s quiet and comfortable ride quality, and the roomy interior in all three rows make it an excellent vehicle for larger families.
#7 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride shares many similarities with the Hyundai Palisade, its closely-related sibling in design and corporate ownership.
Since its 2020 debut, all Kia Telluride trim levels have had optional all-wheel drive.
As crucially, Kia Telluride is an impressive three-row midsize SUV with strong traits:
- Upscale interior and a serenely quiet ride.
- Strong powertrain.
- Unbeatable value with Kia’s feature-packed offering and long warranty.
- Generous storage area behind the third row.
Kia’s midsize SUV is almost as luxurious as the following premium ones:
#8 Mazda CX-9
The CX-9 is Mazda’s largest SUV and the only model with three rows of seats.
Since debuting in 2007, Mazda CX-9 SUVs have had optional all-wheel drive until 2022, after which the system became a standard provision.
Although its cargo capacity and final-row room aren’t as generous as rivals, the driver will enjoy the CX-9’s sporty handling, and passengers can travel comfortably in the thoughtfully designed, upscale cabin.
#9 Honda Pilot
Torque-vectoring all-wheel drive.
If you want a Honda SUV but find the tow-row Passport wanting in seating capacity, step into the Pilot with an additional row for two extra passengers.
The Honda Pilot’s well-rounded attributes include a roomy cabin, strong fuel economy, and a comfortable ride with little tire or wind noise on highway cruises.
You won’t find an all-wheel drive in every Honda Pilot, but a torque-vectoring AWD is available at all trim levels if you buy a 2016 or newer model.
Pre-2016 Honda Pilots had optional four-wheel-drive (4WD) instead.
#10 Toyota Highlander
While the RAV4, one of the best compact SUVs with AWD, suits four or five passengers, the three-row Highlander can seat up to eight, an ideal vehicle for larger families.
Although all-wheel drive isn’t standard equipment for the Toyota Highlander, you can still find the system optional, regardless if you buy new or used (as old as 2002).
In typical Toyota style, the Highlander’s interior is comfortable and remains relatively quiet, even at highway speeds.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is an excellent way to get more miles out of every gallon of fuel, as the all-wheel drive has been available at all trim levels since the 2008 model year.
#11 Subaru Ascent
Opting for a Subaru SUV will certainly get you all-wheel drive; the Japanese marque is the most experienced in building AWD vehicles, with nearly every Subaru vehicle sporting the torque-vectoring system as standard.
Besides AWD, the midsize three-row Subaru Ascent has above-average ground clearance, giving you a combination that ensures the SUV’s readiness to tackle dirt and light snow.
With a seating capacity of up to eight, the Subaru Ascent is an ideal all-season family hauler.
References:
https://www.chevrolet.com/suvs/blazer
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/santa-fe
https://automobiles.honda.com/passport
https://www.ford.com/suvs-crossovers/edge/
https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/crossovers-suvs/murano.html
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/palisade
https://www.kia.com/us/en/telluride
https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-9
https://automobiles.honda.com/pilot