Relatively young in its life span, having been introduced in 2020, the Hyundai Palisade is a vehicle that has quickly gained a strong reputation in the highly competitive midsize SUV competition.

Alongside its corporate relative the Kia Telluride (a very similar vehicle in many ways), this three-row SUV offering is a family-friendly gem and one of the best new options to come along in recent years, and it continues to shine in 2024.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a a 2024 Palisade Calligraphy — which delivers an upscale design, comfort, and strong tech —  and I’m back with a full report on how it’s holding up against a growing number of SUV competitors in this segment (such as the new Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander).

There’s been much said about the Kia Telluride since it debuted in the 2020 model year.

And most of what’s been said has been positive.

This three-row, midsize SUV (which is slightly larger than Kia’s Sorento SUV) has been all the rage, quickly becoming one of the brand’s top sellers by delivering a strong overall package of looks, power, tech and versatility for families.

Delivering a look and feel that are more upscale than you would likely expect from Kia, it’s clear that the Telluride is not a flash in the pan, and will continue to be a contender in the segment for many years to come.

I recently tested the 2024 Telluride (specifically the SX-Prestige X-Pro model), and I’m back with a full rundown on how it’s holding up a half-decade into its existence — as it battles other big-name SUVs such as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade and Ford Explorer.

A global giant, Volkswagen continues to make its best effort to find its place in the SUV market in the United States.

One of their key offerings is the Tiguan, which slots in the middle of its SUV lineup between the smaller VW Taos and larger VW Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport options. It’s the highest-selling vehicle for Volkswagen in the U.S., with more than 71,000 Tiguans sold in 2023.

It’s competing with some strong vehicles, including Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, Mazda’s CX-5 and CX-50, and more.

Standing out is tough in this segment, but VW pulls a bit of a wild card by offering the Tiguan with a third row, a feature most of the alternatives do not offer. 

There are no major changes for 2024, as the main changes for the 2024 model are additional features becoming standard on lower trim levels. (Note: A completely new design is anticipated for the 2025 model year.)

I recently spent time behind the wheel of a base model 2024 Tiguan, and I’m back with a full report on how it holds up in today’s SUV landscape.

Just when you thought we were at SUV overload, here comes a brand new entry.
The difference though, compared to many new SUV debuts, is this one actually makes a lot of sense.

What I’m talking about is the new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, a larger version of the longtime favorite Toyota Highlander that aims to improves Toyota’s take-home rate vs. other popular three-row midsize SUVs such as the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-90, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer.

Expanding on the many positive attributes of the Highlander, the Grand Highlander delivers additional cargo space as well as more room for third-row passengers. (Note: If you like of the look of the Grand Highlander and want a more upscale version, the brand new 2024 Lexus TX is another option to consider)

This vehicle is essentially an answer to folks who liked the Highlander in concept, but moved away to other brands due to it lacking the proper space for their larger families. By adding additional room, Toyota is inviting these families back into the fold.

I recently got the chance to test the 2024 Grand Highlander, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up.

In the midsize luxury SUV category, there are many strong choices that are worth considering, so each entry in this category must present its own unique character.

I recently tested one of those options, the 2024 Acura MDX, which has a lot to offer to the SUV buyer — even against strong competition from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Cadillac and other key luxury players.

Between its athletic drive quality, striking design and affordable nature compared to most luxury rivals, it’s an SUV that should strike a sweet spot for many car buyers.

Read on for 5 key things to know if you’re considering the 2024 Acura MDX for your next vehicle.

1. Unique, bold Acura design   

Though the look of the 2024 MDX carries over from the most recent redesign in 2022, it remains one of the standout exterior designs in the segment.

The front end features a muscular-looking grille and unique lighting design that won’t be confused with any of its luxury rivals, the rear features a dual exhaust setup, and the overall design is sleek and eye-catching.

19-inch wheels are standard, but you can upgrade to 21-inch wheels. You also get a panoramic sunroof and power liftgate.

Mazda has slowly been revamping the design language of its SUV lineup for the past several years, and those changes have now reached the top of the ladder and its largest offering.

Their previous three-row SUV was the CX-9, but now it’s been replaced for the 2024 model year by a brand new entry called the CX-90 — a three-row SUV that seats 6 to 8 passengers depending on configuration, and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Competing with category heavyweights such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander, it’s got a tough array of opponents.

But for drivers who love to drive and want a ride that’s both family-friendly plus sporty and fun to drive, Mazda has long been a leader in this segment, and the CX-90 holds up tremendously well even in this tough atmosphere.

Mazda also has the benefit of offering some of the more luxurious vehicles you’ll find from a non-luxury brand.

I tested the 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus model, and I’m back with a full report on how this new offering measures up in the SUV landscape.

Three-row crossovers are consistently a big hit with buyers, and in the luxury SUV segment there is a crowded field of contenders from all the major luxury automakers — including Lincoln, Acura, Audi, Genesis and many more.

Infiniti, the luxury brand from the Nissan camp, puts up the 2023 Infiniti QX60 in this category — in essence, offering a more upscale version of its Nissan Pathfinder model.

Fresh off a 2022 redesign, there are only minor changes for 2023, and the QX60 remains a likable luxury ride that holds its own in the segment by offering a quality design both inside and outside the vehicle, plenty of standard features, as well as strong safety systems.

Going 14 years between redesigns is almost unheard of in today’s automotive landscape. In that time span, many models have come and gone, and those remaining have undergone a few major updates.

Suffice it to say that the arrival of a brand new 2023 Toyota Sequoia, last redesigned when President Barack Obama was just taking office, is a pretty big deal.

The Sequoia is Toyota’s largest vehicle sold in the U.S. and competes with other three-row heavies such as the Jeep Wagoneer, Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, and Ford Expedition.

Completely new looks inside and out, a bold new hybrid powertrain and a massive tech system featuring a 14-inch screen are among the highlights of the brand new Sequoia, whose large size and rugged capabilities set it apart in an industry heavily focused on smaller crossover vehicles.

I recently drove the 2023 Sequoia — which is based on the body-on-frame chassis used on the Toyota Tundra truck and Lexus LX SUV — and I’m back with a full report on whether the changes live up to the hype of such a lengthy wait.

When the Hyundai Palisade burst onto the scene a few years ago, the brand new flagship SUV became an instant smash.

With upscale and comfortable seating for up to 8 passengers, the Palisade is one of the vehicles leading the resurgence of Hyundai in the tough SUV battleground. Ironically, one of its top competitors is a corporate cousin, the Kia Telluride, along with the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.

But everything must change to stay relevant, so a refresh to the Palisade’s design inside and out has arrived for 2023. There’s also a new stylish and rugged trim level (XRT) added for 2023, improved tech setup, and safety upgrades.

I recently tested a 2023 Hyundai Palisade, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up against today’s best SUVs.

In the stratosphere of the automotive world, you will find a small number of extra large land yachts also known as three-row luxury SUVs.

These flagship offerings from the biggest luxury names battle head-to-head to be chosen by elite buyers willing to shell out well into six figures for the latest and greatest luxury rides. In the Lexus lineup, the vehicle battling in this class is the LX 600, which was fully updated for the 2022 model year, then saw some minor changes for the 2023 model year.

Holding from four to seven passengers, depending on configuration, it battles heavy hitters in the segment including the Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Range Rover, and Lincoln Navigator.

WIth a body-on-frame design that boosts its off-road prowess, sharp design inside and out, and much-improved tech offerings, the LX stands out as a leader in a segment where a vehicle must do everything right to be successful.

I recently tested a Lexus LX 600 F Sport, and I’m back with a full report on how well it competes.