3 cheaper alternatives to the Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is among the top SUVs on the market for several reasons. It’s one of the best midsize SUVs to buy and also offers the legendary reliability people know Toyota for. However, there are cheaper options that provide similar reliability. They may not be Toyota vehicles, but many drivers swear by them. Spoiler alert: This list includes the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is also one of the best midsize SUVs to buy
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the top SUVs for buyers to consider. This is especially the case thanks to the changes Hyundai has made to the vehicle in recent years. It stands out in several ways, but its performance is among the most pronounced. According to Edmunds, the 2025 Santa Fe comes standard with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that makes 277 horsepower. Regarding speed, it only needs 6.3 seconds to get from 0 to 60 miles per hour.
This is also one of the top SUVs because of its ratings. J.D. Power gave the midsize SUV an overall 82 out of 100, which is pretty stellar. It has a 79 out of 100 for quality and reliability, a 90 for driving experience, and a 91 for resale value. This is one of the best midsize SUVs because it combines performance, high ratings, and spaciousness. The 2025 Santa Fe starts at $34,300, whereas the Toyota Highlander is several grand more.
The 2025 Kia Telluride is also among the top SUVs
Kia vehicles get quite a bit of flack. However, the automaker has made strides to provide more reliable cars than it once did. The 2025 Kia Telluride is proof of those advances, as it’s one of the top SUVs on the market for those considering a midsize option. Like others in the segment, the 2025 Telluride delivers solid performance. It uses a 3.8-liter V6 that has a maximum output of 291 horsepower. It needs about 7.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour.
Like the 2025 Highlander, the Telluride is also one of the top midsize SUVs to buy because of its ratings. J.D. Power gave the 2025 Telluride an overall 85 out of 100. It has an 86 for quality and reliability, meaning drivers can rely on it to last. The Telluride also has strong ratings for driving experience and resale value, an 87 and a 92, respectively. Kia’s 2025 Telluride starts at $36,390.
The 2025 Subaru Outback
Everyone knows that Subaru makes some of the top SUVs. This includes the 2025 Outback, which offers a reasonably dynamic ownership experience for a somewhat affordable price. The midsize SUV uses a 2.5-liter engine that makes 182 horsepower with a torque of 176 lb-ft. Higher trims use a turbocharged engine. Regarding speed, the base powertrain gets from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.8 seconds. It only takes the turbo options 6.3 seconds.
The Outback also has solid ratings. J.D. Power gave it an overall 82 out of 100 and an 80 for quality and reliability. The marketing research firm also gave this model an 84 for resale value.
The 2025 models aren’t the only great options for these top SUVs. Many buyers will go for slightly older models as they offer many of the same features and specs. People looking for a new vehicle should check out the MotorBiscuit car-buying tool.
