Most of the late model mid - size SUV's have nice interior features , electronics , etc. but when you "peel back the onion" and start looking at the engines / drive trains of mid-size SUV's the choices become more of a challenge : Hyundai / Kia have a fairly nice Lambda 3.8L GDI engine in the large SUV segment Telluride / Palisade - but their Theta , Smart Stream and Gama GDI engines in the mid - size SUV's are too problematic . Honda SUV's can be associated with transmission issues and Toyota has an engine or two to be avoided in their SUV's . *Yes , all makes of mid - Size SUV's can experience engine / drive train defects - but there SHOULD be a couple of newer mid - size SUV's that stand out from the crowd as having above average engine / drive train reliability . Under consideration fora new mid-size SUV : Mazda CX-5 / CX-9 , Honda Pilot , Honda CR-V , Toyota Highlander , Toyota RAV-4 , Nissan Rogue . **If not for the potential Hyundai engine issues - the Kia Sportage and Sorrento as well as the Hyundai Sante Fe would be in consideration . With the exception of the new 8 - peed dual clutch Hyundai / Kia transmission , their 6 - speed and 8- speed transmission get good reliability marks ... So , now on to your comments and suggestions : Which newer mid - size SUV's have the best engines & drive trains ?