7 Best Toyota Mid Size SUVs You Should Consider in 2024
Toyota has always been a major player in the SUV market, and if you're eyeing a Toyota mid size SUV you're in the right spot. Toyota offers some of the most reliable and well-engineered vehicles on the road today. Whether you're looking for something rugged for off-roading or a family-friendly cruiser, Toyota has got you covered. This guide breaks down the best Toyota mid size SUVs available today including the pros, cons, and a bit of light-hearted critique. Let’s get rolling!
Toyota 4Runner: The Adventure Seeker’s Dream
The Toyota 4Runner is one of those SUVs that’s been around forever and for good reason. It’s rugged dependable and has a timeless design that appeals to adventurers and weekend warriors alike. The 4Runner is a beast on the trail and still manages to be comfy enough for the daily grind.
Key Features:
- Engine: 4.0L V6
- Horsepower: 270 hp
- Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs
- Fuel Economy: 16 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
What We Love:
- Rugged Off-Road Capability: Thanks to the available four-wheel drive system and high ground clearance the 4Runner can tackle almost any terrain with ease.
- Durable and Reliable: Like any classic Toyota, the 4Runner is built to last. Owners often boast about the vehicle reaching 200,000 miles without a sweat.
- Spacious Interior: There’s plenty of room for passengers and cargo which makes it great for long trips or hauling gear.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Fuel Economy: The 4Runner’s fuel efficiency is about as good as a brick’s aerodynamics.
- Dated Interior: Toyota has kept the same basic design for over a decade. It feels like stepping back in time but hey at least it’s a simpler time!
Toyota Highlander: The Family Favorite
The Toyota Highlander is a Toyota mid size SUV that hits all the right notes for families. It’s spacious stylish and loaded with tech that makes it a pleasure to drive. With an available hybrid powertrain the Highlander also offers an eco-friendly option without sacrificing power.
Key Features:
- Engine: 3.5L V6 or 2.5L Hybrid
- Horsepower: 295 hp (V6) 243 hp (Hybrid)
- Fuel Economy: Up to 36 mpg (Hybrid)
- Seating: Up to 8 passengers
What We Love:
- Smooth Ride: The Highlander offers one of the most comfortable rides in the segment making it perfect for long trips with the kids.
- Impressive Safety Features: Toyota’s Safety Sense suite includes adaptive cruise control lane departure alert and more.
- Hybrid Option: If you’re looking to save on gas without sacrificing space the hybrid version of the Highlander is a fantastic choice.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Third-Row Space: The third row is perfect for kids or people who practice yoga regularly because legroom is more of a suggestion than a feature.
- Pricey Upgrades: Adding all the bells and whistles can quickly push the price into luxury territory.
Toyota Venza: The Stylish Hybrid Contender
The Venza is a newer addition to the Toyota family. It’s a sleek hybrid-only SUV that focuses on style comfort and fuel efficiency. It’s the kind of vehicle that’s perfect for those who want a unique Toyota mid size SUV without going full luxury.
Key Features:
- Engine: 2.5L Hybrid
- Horsepower: 219 hp
- Fuel Economy: 40 mpg combined
- Standard All-Wheel Drive: Yes
What We Love:
- Sleek Design: The Venza stands out from the crowd with its coupe-like styling and premium interior touches.
- Outstanding Fuel Economy: With 40 mpg combined the Venza is one of the most fuel-efficient mid-size SUVs on the market.
- Comfortable and Quiet: A quiet cabin and smooth ride make the Venza ideal for city driving and highway cruising alike.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Cargo Space: The stylish sloping roofline comes at the cost of some cargo space but it’s a fair trade if you’re more about aesthetics.
- Power: The Venza’s power is adequate but don’t expect to win any drag races unless your competition is a golf cart.
Toyota RAV4 Prime: The Plug-In Hybrid Superstar
The RAV4 Prime is the RAV4 on steroids. It’s a plug-in hybrid that combines efficiency with surprising performance. If you want an eco-friendly SUV that can also go 0-60 in 5.7 seconds the RAV4 Prime is your ticket to an electrifying drive.
Key Features:
- Engine: 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid
- Horsepower: 302 hp
- All-Electric Range: 42 miles
- Fuel Economy: 94 MPGe
What We Love:
- Quick Acceleration: For a family SUV the RAV4 Prime is shockingly fast making it one of the most fun-to-drive models in the lineup.
- Great Fuel Economy: Even if you don’t plug it in regularly the RAV4 Prime still gets stellar fuel economy.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive: Great for inclement weather and light off-roading.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Price: It’s one of the more expensive RAV4 models but at least you can justify the cost to your spouse with the words “eco-friendly.”
- Limited Availability: High demand and low supply mean you might have to wait a bit to get your hands on one.
Toyota Grand Highlander: The Bigger Bolder Highlander
The Grand Highlander is the newest kid on the block in the Toyota family. It takes everything great about the Highlander and gives it a little extra oomph – more space more tech more everything.
Key Features:
- Engine: 2.4L Turbo or 2.5L Hybrid
- Horsepower: Up to 362 hp
- Seating: Up to 8 passengers
- Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs
What We Love:
- Spacious Third Row: Unlike the regular Highlander the Grand Highlander offers ample third-row space for adults not just kids or contortionists.
- Impressive Powertrains: From a turbocharged engine to a performance hybrid the Grand Highlander doesn’t skimp on power.
- Loaded with Tech: Toyota really stepped up its game with premium tech and safety features.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Size: Maneuvering the Grand Highlander through tight spaces is like trying to fit an elephant in a phone booth.
- Price Tag: The Grand Highlander sits at the higher end of the pricing spectrum but hey you get what you pay for – and sometimes a little more.
Toyota Sequoia: The Beast of the Bunch
The Sequoia is Toyota’s full-sized offering with room for up to 8 passengers and all their gear. It’s built for those who need serious towing capability or just like being the biggest vehicle on the road.
Key Features:
- Engine: 3.4L V6 Hybrid
- Horsepower: 437 hp
- Towing Capacity: 9000 lbs
- Fuel Economy: 21 mpg combined
What We Love:
- Powerful Hybrid Engine: This new hybrid powertrain gives you the muscle of a V8 without the gas guzzling penalty.
- Massive Interior Space: If you’ve got a big family or a small soccer team the Sequoia’s got you covered.
- Off-Road Capability: It’s not just for hauling the family it’s ready to tackle some serious off-road adventures.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Parking: Finding a parking spot for the Sequoia is like trying to find a needle in a haystack that’s on fire.
- Pricey: The Sequoia isn’t cheap but it’s a great choice if you’re in need of serious towing and space.
Toyota Land Cruiser: The Return of the Legend
The Land Cruiser is back and it’s better than ever. It combines luxury off-road prowess and classic Toyota reliability into one formidable package. It’s not just an SUV it’s a statement.
Key Features:
- Engine: 3.4L V6 Hybrid
- Horsepower: 395 hp
- Towing Capacity: 8500 lbs
- Fuel Economy: 22 mpg combined
What We Love:
- Luxury Meets Off-Road: With premium materials and off-road capability the Land Cruiser is the best of both worlds.
- Heritage Design: The new Land Cruiser pays homage to its roots with a classic yet modern look.
- Advanced Tech: Loaded with the latest tech and safety features it’s as smart as it is tough.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Cost of Entry: The Land Cruiser’s price tag is up there. It’s the kind of car that says “I’ve made it” or at least “I’ve financed it.”
- Availability: This is another high-demand model that might have you hunting or waiting.
Final Thoughts on Toyota Mid Size SUVs
Choosing the right Toyota mid size SUV comes down to your needs. Whether you’re looking for off-road capability family-friendly features or something that stands out on the road Toyota’s lineup has something for everyone. Alex Collantes owner of Avenue Motors says "Toyota’s mid size SUVs offer a blend of reliability and performance that’s hard to beat. You’re not just buying a car you’re investing in peace of mind."
Ready to dive deeper? Check out the most reliable Toyota cars and find the right SUV for your lifestyle at Toyota mid size SUV.
With the right information and a little bit of humor we hope you find the Toyota mid size SUV that checks all your boxes and maybe even a few you didn’t know you had.