The Most Affordable Midsize Crossovers In 2024, Ranked By Reliablity (2024)

In 2024, the midsize crossover segment continues to attract a broad range of consumers seeking the perfect blend of utility, comfort, and affordability. As families grow and lifestyles become more dynamic, the demand for versatile vehicles that can handle daily commutes, weekend getaways, and everything in between is at an all-time high.

However, with a myriad of options on the market from the likes of Ford, Kia, Subaru, and more, finding a vehicle that not only meets all these needs but also stands out in terms of reliability can be a daunting task. For those looking to make a smart investment, reliability is a key factor that ensures a vehicle will stand the test of time without frequent, costly repairs.

In this article, we rank the most affordable midsize crossovers of 2024 by their reliability, providing potential buyers with a clear guide to making an informed decision. We'll delve into the specifics of each vehicle, covering essential aspects such as features, pricing, and the reliability ratings that set these crossovers apart from the rest.

Whether you're looking for advanced safety features, cutting-edge technology, or just a solid and dependable ride, we've got you covered. Join us as we explore the top contenders in this competitive market segment, ensuring you find a crossover that offers the best value for your money.

10 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Starting MSRP: $38,290

Falling short of most others on this list, the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee still makes its case for rugged dependability. Scoring 77/100 from J.D. Power for reliability, the 2024 Grand Cherokee still hosts a great array of features that make it a top choice in the mid-size SUV market. The entry level model houses the same 3.6-liter V-6 as the top models, producing just shy of 300 horsepower. Even with rear-wheel drive as standard, the 2024 Grand Cherokee will still conquer most trails you throw at it.

Performance Specifications

Another downside to the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee is its warranty and maintenance coverage. It has shorter terms compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Kia Telluride, putting it further down on the list with its higher purchase price. All things considered, the 2024 Grand Cherokee still earns a spot in our top 10 for its dependability and off-road capable driving characteristics.

9 2024 Nissan Pathfinder

Starting MSRP: $38,040

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is one of the midsize SUVs on this list that hits all the marks. It provides a great blend of space, reliability, and adequate power to get where you need to go. The only downside to the 2024 Pathfinder is the deceptively rugged looks and that it has not gotten an update in a few years. When you get the Pathfinder off-road, it quickly shows its weaknesses in suspension articulation and ride quality. On the road, however, the Pathfinder is quiet, comfortable, and decently luxurious.

Performance Specifications

With a reliability score of 78 out of 100 from J.D. Power, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder falls a bit short compared to others on this list. Combined with the higher starting price, it places lower than most, but still holds its own with its array of standard safety features and exceptional interior quality. Another major upside is the switch from the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to a nine-speed automatic. The switch makes the 2024 Pathfinder quieter and more fuel efficient than previous model years.

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8 2024 Hyundai Palisade

Starting MSRP: $37,600

Making its way onto our list is the 2024 Hyundai Palisade. It is neck and neck with a few other entries due to its 81/100 reliability score from J.D. Power. The score is all thanks to its incredible 3.8-liter V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. Sending power to the rear wheels, the 2024 Palisade is able to haul around the whole family with ease. Surprisingly, the 2024 Palisade shares its underpinnings with the beloved Kia Telluride, but its styling and design are all unique.

Performance Specifications

Inside the 2024 Palisade you will find much of the same as the Telluride, giving you a heads-up display, heated and vented front seats, and second row captains' chairs if you so choose. One significant downside of the new Palisade is the mirror design.

There will be a small whistling noise from the mirrors as you hit upper gears and speed, permeating the cabin to break the otherwise silent space. Options such as power folding second and third row seats, as well as the Blue Link app to remotely lock, unlock, and start the Palisade can increase the luxury feel even more.

7 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Limited

Starting MSRP: $35,915

A newly designed 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Limited makes its way on to this list because of its overall value. Having 328 horsepower on tap from a rather fuel-efficient turbo four-cylinder, the 2024 Traverse stands its ground among the competition. With no J.D. Power predicated estimate, we turned to RepairPal, where they give the Traverse an overall 3.0 out of 5. The new exterior design is more attractive than the previous generation, as well as providing the Traverse with more trim levels with the new model year.

Performance Specifications

All-wheel-drive versions are available, as with most of the SUVs on this list, but the most affordable versions are front-wheel-drive. The Chevrolet Traverse will still put down a brisk 0-60 MPH time, and has enough technology to make anyone excited about the mid $35,000 starting price.

While the base LS trim seats eight passengers, all the trims above it convert the second row to dual captains' chairs, reducing capacity to seven. With the upper trim levels, however, you get features as standard.

6 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting MSRP: $35,345

A three-row midsize SUV for under $36,000 is hard to ignore, and is where the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe shines. Even if the third row seating is a bit cramped for the class, the 2024 Santa Fe does a phenomenal job at providing good performance, a quality interior, and great reliability. All Santa Fe models come with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 277 horsepower and just over 310 pound-feet of torque. The predicted reliability score from J.D. Power is 81/100, making the 2024 Santa Fe one of the better options on this list.

Performance Specifications

A new design for 2024, the Hyundai Santa Fe, was re-imagined inside and out. The exterior design is strong and boxy, whereas the interior is thoughtfully laid out. You will find enough storage in every corner, a dual wireless phone charger, and separate HVAC controls just for the second row of seating. Infotainment and gauges are handled by two massive 12.3-inch displays, but volume control and HVAC up front is still controlled by physical buttons, which we love.

5 2024 Kia Sorento

Starting MSRP: $33,365

The new Sorento is the most affordable midsize crossover SUV on the market. However, that is not to say it is without its features. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder lets the Sorento boogie down the road with the whole family and still haul up to 2,000 pounds on a trailer behind it. With a reliability score of 81/100 from J.D. Power, the 2024 Kia Sorento has what it takes to win over customers. Combine this with 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, and the 2024 Sorento becomes even more affordable in the long run.

Performance Specifications

With infotainment controlling both the media and the climate controls, you are welcomed into an interior that feels futuristic. Adding to the interior technology, you get a wireless charger as well as AppleCarPlay and Android Auto as standard. From the premium leather driver's seat, you can comfortably make full use of the advanced driver aids such as the 360 camera, forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, safe exit assist, and rear cross traffic avoidance. Having all of these features as standard in the most affordable midsize SUV is what gives the 2024 Kia Sorento a high spot on this list.

4 2024 Ford Explorer

Starting MSRP: $38,455

Ringing in at the highest purchase price on our list, the 2024 Ford Explorer ranks higher thanks to its 82/100 reliability score from J.D. Power. Base model versions will come with the tried and true 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine you will find in other Ford models like the Mustang. Providing a mountain of torque from the little four-cylinder, the 2024 Explorer has plenty of performance to make up for its higher price. Standard features are decent, but many of the features you would expect are not included at the base level.

Performance Specifications

Still touting a third row seat, the 2024 Explorer keeps space for the whole family. However, the material quality and again the features of the standard model trail behind most of its competitors. Thanks to the EcoBoost engine, the 2024 Explorer holds great MPG as well, seeing a combined 21 MPG with the base model engine and 10-speed transmission. While the mid-size SUV segment is cutthroat, the Explorer keeps its head in the game thanks to the stout engine options and solid reliability.

3 2024 Subaru Ascent

Starting MSRP: $35,740

Subaru has always been a heavy hitter in the midsize SUV segment, and the 2024 Subaru Ascent is no different. Starting with the safety features, the Subaru Ascent is littered with modern safety tech, earning it an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2024. Coupled with a reliability score of 82/100 from J.D. Power, the 2024 Subaru Ascent hits the nail on the head for an affordable, reliable, and safe midsize SUV. Where the 2024 Ascent does fall behind, however, is the engine and transmission combo.

Performance Specifications

The 2024 Subaru Ascent uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four cylinder engine making 260 horsepower. It is plenty of power to get out of its own way, but the continuously variable transmission is its biggest downfall. The CVT makes the Ascent noisy under acceleration, as well as being sluggish. If you can get past the noise and somewhat small third row seating, the Ascent is still one of the most affordable three-row SUVs and reliable options on this list.

2 2024 Kia Telluride

Starting MSRP: $37,585

A flagship SUV for the Korean brand, the 2024 Kia Telluride continues the legacy of luxury and reliability set by previous model years. With a score of 83/100 from J.D. Power, along with a host of standard luxuries and good powertrain, the 2024 Kia Telluride makes its way up the list. Powered by a stout 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the 2024 Telluride excels in towing capacity even with the more budget-friendly front-wheel drive model. 291 horsepower from the naturally aspirated V-6 is more than enough to haul eight people, as well as the toys for the weekend.

Performance Specifications

Inside the 2024 Kia Telluride, you will be pleased to find even more premium materials than those of the smaller Sorento. Being that it is seven inches longer than the 2024 Sorento, the Telluride is extremely spacious. Throughout that space you will find a heads-up display, heated and vented front seats, and if you are feeling froggy, you can swap the second row for captains' chairs, creating even more luxury and comfort for your passengers. Given all that you have for a few thousand dollars more than the Sorento, the Telluride is certainly the crowd favorite.

1 2024 Chevrolet Blazer

Starting MSRP: $36,795

Distinctively small, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer is one of the few midsize SUVs on this list that does not have a third row of seating. What it does have is a very sporty exterior, spacious second row seating, and it handles extremely well for its size. Powered by a small but mighty 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the 2024 Blazer puts a lively 258 pound feet of torque through the front wheels. Making use of a nine-speed automatic transmission and lighter chassis, the 2024 Blazer has great fuel economy as well, sitting at a combined 25 MPG.

Performance Specifications

Inside the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, you get sucked into the deep leather seats and are quickly reminded of a new Camaro. HVAC adjustment is done by twisting the vents themselves to change temperature, ambient interior lighting sets the mood, as well as heated and ventilated front seats to keep you comfortable no matter the drive ahead. Standard infotainment technology with smartphone integrations and an optional eight-speaker Bose audio system would make the Blazer a perfect daily driver. Scoring an 86 out of 100 from J.D. Power, the new Blazer is leagues above the rest.