by Mark Hamburger

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 07, 2008

What makes an SUV the "Best"? Is it styling, comfort, electronic toys, fuel mileage? All of these things are important, but I think there is another factor that is just as if not more important: Affordability. Which mid-size SUVs fit the bill of the most stylish, most comfortable, highest mileage, and most affordable? Read on...

2008 Honda Pilot -
With an invoice price of around $25,000, this is a very affordable mid-size SUV, with an excellent combination of quality, performance, a roomy interior, and a reputation for safety and reliability. The Pilot has been one of Car and Drivers 5 Best Trucks every year since it debuted. It makes a decent 16 City / 22 Hwy MPG, which isn't too shabby considering the peppy V6 that powers it.

2008 Nissan Murano -
This is one of the most stylish mid-size SUVs currently available, with an equally stylish and comfortable interior. The 4-door SUV seats 5 comfortably and performs quite well while getting 20 City / 25 Hwy MPG, although many believe the CVT gear-less transmission hold the engine back from it's full potential. With an invoice price just under $26,000, this is a very affordable SUV. The price can go up considerably with a multitude of options, a fully loaded all-wheel drive SE model can top $42,000, but many consider this price reasonable considering all of the features. IntelliChoice gave the 2007 base model a value rating of "better than average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared with other vehicles in its class.

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser -
The retro-styled Toyota FJ deserves high marks for the simple fact that it's different from anything else available today. This unique mid-size SUV comes with an MSRP of $22,545 to $24,135, an invoice price of $20,514 to $21,961, and makes 16 City / 20 Hwy MPG. The exterior styling has wowed critics since it's debut in 2007, and the FJ's on- and off-road performance is very good. The interior is less-than refined, with a cramped back-seat and cheap-looking styling, especially when compared to other Toyota models. The FJ is very safe, scoring high in both government and insurance industry crash tests.

2008 Toyota Highlander -
The newly redesigned Highlander is a reliable, family friendly, practical SUV with versatile seating options and comfortable ride. This is one of the safest mid-size SUVs currently available, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives it a "Top Safety Pick" designation, while J.D. Power and Associates gives it an excellent rating for reliability. While somewhat plain, inside and out, and average in power and handling, the Highlander does what it's intended very well. Driving on the highway on family vacations and zipping around town is comfortable and effortless. The Highlander has an MSRP of $27,300 to $34,150, an Invoice of $24,297 to $30,393, and makes 18 City / 24 Hwy MPG.

Learn more about this author, Mark Hamburger.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.