The automotive market is currently dominated by the mid-size SUV segment, and for good reason. This vehicle size offers a sweet spot of practicality, comfort, and capability that appeals to a wide range of drivers. Automakers like Toyota are continually innovating within this category, releasing updated versions of their popular models. While minivans remain a viable option, mid-size SUVs have surged in popularity, often providing a more stylish and versatile alternative. They can deliver a blend of form, functionality, and sometimes even fuel efficiency, especially when compared to larger, body-on-frame SUVs which often come with a steeper price tag.
A recent trend in mid-size SUVs is the rise of off-road focused trims, further broadening their appeal and capability. If a brand-new SUV, like a top-of-the-line Grand Highlander, stretches your budget, exploring the used market for a Mid-size Car alternative can be a financially savvy move.
To provide you with current and reliable information, the data in this article is compiled from reputable sources such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book, alongside manufacturer data. The following models are ranked based on their approximate fair market price for a used 2020 model, starting with the higher end and moving towards more affordable options.
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10. 2020 Toyota Highlander
Fair Price: $25,474
The Toyota Highlander is a consistently popular mid-size car for families. Known for its reliability and practicality, the 2020 Highlander offers powertrain choices including a V-6 engine or a fuel-efficient four-cylinder hybrid. Available in five trim levels, the hybrid option starts from the LE trim upwards.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 295 hp |
| Torque | 263 lb-ft |
| Driveline | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.5 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs |
The 2020 model year marked the beginning of the latest Highlander generation, bringing with it updated technology such as a larger infotainment screen. Higher trims boast an even larger 12.3-inch screen and an upgraded JBL sound system, making it a well-rounded mid-size car option.
9. 2020 Subaru Ascent
Fair Price: $20,258
The Subaru Ascent, a mid-size car with distinctive Subaru styling, blends design elements from across the Subaru range. Whether you appreciate its aesthetics or not, the Ascent is a capable vehicle. The 2020 model offers four trim levels, with the top-of-the-line Touring trim providing premium features while remaining competitively priced within its class as a mid-size car.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.4-liter flat 4-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | CVT |
| Horsepower | 260 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft |
| Driveline | All-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.5 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs |
While the base Ascent trim is somewhat basic in features, upgrading to the Limited trim adds desirable comforts like a heated steering wheel and power-adjustable heated seats. Subaru vehicles are generally recognized for their strong safety and driver assistance features, making the Ascent a safe mid-size car choice for families.
8. 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
Fair Price: $20,196
The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse represents the pre-refresh version of this Traverse generation. This mid-size car model is available in six trim levels, ranging up to the premium High Country trim. The High Country trim maintains a higher used value, currently averaging around $29,787 according to Kelley Blue Book, showing its desirability as a well-equipped mid-size car.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 305 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Driveline | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.7 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
The Traverse is known for its generous passenger space, comfortably seating up to eight occupants. Its strength lies in its size and cargo capacity. Offering 23 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, and expanding to a substantial 98 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, the Traverse approaches full-size SUV cargo volume in a mid-size car package.
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7. 2020 Ford Explorer
Fair Price: $18,892
The 2020 Ford Explorer marks the first year of the current generation. While it received a refresh for the 2025 model year, the overall design has remained consistent. This mid-size car offers three powertrain options, with a four-cylinder engine as standard.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 300 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| Driveline | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.7 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 5,300 lbs |
The 2020 Explorer introduced a V-6 hybrid variant, though it was discontinued relatively quickly. For those seeking performance, the ST trim provides a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, boosting output to 400 horsepower, making it a surprisingly quick mid-size car.
6. 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Fair Price: $18,966
The Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out as a versatile mid-size car, capable of being both a value-oriented SUV with strong off-road potential or a more luxurious vehicle depending on the trim. Offering a wide array of trim levels, the Summit trim was, at the time, the reasonably priced top-tier option in this adaptable mid-size car range.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 293 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Driveline | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 8.0 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 6,200 lbs |
The 2020 Grand Cherokee generation is notable for still offering V-8 engine options. It is available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configurations. Higher trims emphasize luxury and capability, featuring optional air suspension and a premium Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing its appeal as a premium mid-size car.
5. 2020 Nissan Murano
Fair Price: $18,660
The Nissan Murano received a styling refresh for the 2019 model year. This generation has been on the market for a considerable time, and Nissan has announced a new version arriving in 2025. The Murano is a two-row mid-size car, prioritizing passenger comfort and space over a third row.
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Performance Specifications
| Engine | Naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | CVT |
| Horsepower | 260 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft |
| Driveline | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.1 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lb-ft |
The 2020 Murano is offered in four trim levels at attractive price points. All models are equipped with a V-6 engine. While not built for heavy towing, it provides respectable fuel economy for a mid-size car, achieving 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
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4. 2020 Nissan Pathfinder
Fair Price: $17,743
The Nissan Pathfinder has numerous appealing qualities. It boasts a strong towing capacity, a powerful V-6 engine, and an available off-road oriented trim. Offered in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Pathfinder also earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, including a 4-out-of-5 star rating in rollover testing, making it a safe mid-size car.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | CVT |
| Horsepower | 284 hp |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft |
| Driveline | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.7 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 6,000 lbs |
In terms of features and technology, every Pathfinder includes an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard in 2020. Luxury-adjacent features such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel are available, enhancing its comfort as a mid-size car.
3. 2020 Kia Sorento
Fair Price: $17,674
The 2020 Kia Sorento, available in five trim levels, was initially one of the more affordable three-row SUVs on the market. Its wheelbase and length are closer to a two-row SUV, yet it manages to offer three rows of seating. This model year Sorento offers engine choices between a four-cylinder or a V-6, aligning with Kia’s sporty brand image as a stylish mid-size car.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 185 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft |
| Driveline | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 9.1 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs |
Modern Kias, including the 2020 Sorento, offer excellent value for money with a generous array of features and driver assistance technologies. Upper trims include a Harman Kardon sound system, a 360-degree camera, and a navigation system. All-wheel drive is also available for those preferring it over front-wheel drive in this practical mid-size car.
2. 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
Fair Price: $17,078
While the latest generation Hyundai Santa Fe features a dramatically different design, the preceding generation still has much to offer. Similar to the Sorento, the 2020 Santa Fe is a two-row mid-size car that also provides an optional third row in some configurations.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 185 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft |
| Driveline | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.3 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 1,138 lbs |
Unlike the Sorento, the Santa Fe offers only four-cylinder engine options. These include the standard engine listed above and a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The Santa Fe includes convenient features such as a wireless phone charging pad and an infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay, making it a tech-forward mid-size car.
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1. 2020 Ford Edge
Fair Price: $15,669
The Ford Edge, currently in its second generation, received a refresh for the 2019 model year. The 2020 model is offered in four trim levels and is competitively priced within the mid-size car SUV segment. It comes with two engine options, including a potent twin-turbo V-6 for those seeking more power.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 250 hp |
| Torque | 275 lb-ft |
| Driveline | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.5 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
Regardless of trim level, all 2020 Ford Edge models include standard emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing safety. Available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Edge also offers optional features like heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, making it a comfortable and well-equipped mid-size car choice at an attractive price point.
