If you are looking to purchase a midsize SUV in 2023, you are in luck as there are plenty of options to choose from. The market is full of two- and three-row midsize SUVs from various manufacturers, making it a challenging task to determine the top contenders. However, by comparing factors such as starting price, performance, safety features, and overall value for money, you can narrow down your options. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 15 best midsize SUVs of 2023, ranked based on their features and capabilities.
It is important to note that the starting price has been considered as a significant factor. While there might be other SUVs that did not make it to this list, it does not necessarily mean that they are not good options. This ranking is based on various factors and may not necessarily reflect personal
Watch: Custom Honda SCL500 By Steady Garage
Steady Garage has released a video showcasing a custom build of the SCL500 that will make you want a new scrambler. This is one of the first custom makeovers of the SCL500 that we’ve seen in the States.
The SCL500, also known as the CL500 in other regions, was recently unveiled by Honda and made available. This scrambler from Big H is based on the Rebel 500, featuring a 471cc parallel-twin engine with a 180-degree crank, producing around 45.5 horsepowers and paired with a six-speed transmission.
While the Rebel 500 is an easy-to-ride beginner bike with a low ground clearance, it does have some design limitations due to its shared engine with other Honda models. That’s where Steady Garage comes in to give it a unique makeover.
The video showcases the entire build process, from unboxing the SCL500 to the final customized version, without any commentary. Steady Garage starts with a teardown, uses computer-aided design (CAD) for planning, and then proceeds to metal fabrication. The end result is a set of quality parts specifically fitted for the SCL500, along with several upgrades.
Some notable upgrades include a skid plate that adds a rugged scrambler look to the bike, hand guards, engine crash guards, and luggage racks designed in the same style as the skid plate. The custom build also features a front Brembo brake caliper, wire-spoke wheels, new contact points such as a Pro-Taper handlebar and brake master cylinder, a Vance & Hines exhaust, and Shinko tires.
The before and after shots in the video highlight the transformation of the SCL500, particularly the change of the tank paint job from bright orange to green and yellow with a custom design. This custom build by Steady Garage promises to make the SCL500 a favorite in the custom scene.
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain: A Lifted Wagon Coming to the US
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain is a newly introduced high-riding, all-wheel-drive wagon designed for customers who prefer light off-roading over SUVs. This model is set to arrive in the United States in 2024, and pricing details will be announced closer to the launch. The public debut of the vehicle will take place at the upcoming IAA Mobility event in Munich.
The All-Terrain version of the E-Class distinguishes itself from the sedan with a unique front grille featuring two bars with an Iridium Silver finish in the center. The lower fascia has also received revisions to enhance its appearance. Additionally, dark gray cladding has been added to the wheel arches. While the wagon comes equipped with 18-inch wheels as standard, customers have the option to upgrade to 19- or 20-inch sizes.
10 Sleeper Cars That Are Ridiculously Fast But Not So Cool
In the world of auto enthusiasts, it’s quite normal to want your car to be fast. Many people dream of pulling up to a set of stop lights and leaving their competitors in a cloud of smoke and burnt rubber. Some car enthusiasts even want to turn a cool-looking car that’s not particularly quick into a fast car. However, there are some people who go a step further and want to add an extra layer of humiliation to their victories.
There is a community of people who spend their lives hunting for normal, mundane-looking cars and transforming them into racing monsters. Nobody expects a beat-up sedan to beat them in a quarter-mile race. In the world of sleepers, there are a few cars that look exceptionally uncool but come with unbelievable performance straight from the factory. These ten cars are guaranteed to deceive any unsuspecting competitor.
This list of 10 sleeper cars that are incredibly quick but not cool is based on information sourced from various automakers’ press releases.
10 1991 GMC Syclone
Top Speed: 126 MPH
The GMC Syclone was the high-performance model of GMC’s Sonoma pick-up truck. Despite its unimpressive appearance, it was the fastest pick-up truck available at the time of its production. It has the anonymous look of a sleeper car and is the fastest truck you could get from that era.
Performance
|
Engine |
4.3-Liter Turbocharged V-6 |
|
0 to 60 MPH |
4.6 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
126 MPH |
|
Horsepower |
280 HP |
|
Torque |
350 lb-ft |
|
Curb Weight |
3598 lb |
|
Transmission |
4-Speed Automatic |
|
Layout |
Front Engine, All-Wheel Drive |
Looking at this truck, you’d never guess that it has a 4.3-Liter turbocharged V-6 engine under the hood. Its boxy design helps it stay under the radar. Reviews from that time compared it to sports cars like the Corvette and Ferrari 348 ts because of its impressive acceleration.
9 1990 MG Maestro Turbo
Top Speed: 128 MPH
The MG Maestro Turbo was a limited-run hot hatchback with only 500 produced. Despite being the R run of the Maestro, its boxy design made it look like a budget version of its rival, the Golf Citi.
Performance
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder |
|
0 to 60 MPH |
5.6 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
128 MPH |
|
Horsepower |
150 HP |
|
Torque |
169 lb-ft |
|
Curb Weight |
2396 lb |
|
Transmission |
5-Speed Manual |
|
Layout |
Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive |
The MG Maestro Turbo had impressive performance for its class, but its looks were dull and unexciting.
8 1996 Ford Taurus SHO
Top Speed: 136 MPH
The Taurus SHO was the high-performance trim of the Ford Taurus. While the second generation of the Taurus looked like a blocky Mustang, the third generation lost its appeal and looked like a stripped-down Toyota Celica.
Performance
|
Engine |
3.4-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8 |
|
0 to 60 MPH |
8 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
136 MPH |
|
Horsepower |
235 HP |
|
Torque |
230 lb-ft |
|
Curb Weight |
3574 lb |
|
Transmission |
4-Speed Automatic |
|
Layout |
Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive |
The Taurus SHO looked nearly identical to the regular Taurus, but it housed a V-8 engine. Its low production numbers and mundane design made it a great sleeper sedan.
7 2003 Mercury Marauder
Top Speed: 137 MPH
The 2003 model marked the return of the Marauder after a 33-year hiatus. This luxury car had a calm and composed appearance. The Marauder was essentially a Grand Marquis with an upgraded chassis, suspension, and powertrain, giving it a mild-mannered appearance.
Performance
|
Engine |
4.6-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8 |
|
0 to 60 MPH |
6.7 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
137 MPH |
|
Horsepower |
302 HP |
|
Torque |
300 lb-ft |
|
Curb Weight |
4709 lb |
|
Transmission |
4-Speed Automatic |
|
Layout |
Front Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive |
The Marauder is a popular choice for those seeking a sleeper car. Its professional-looking exterior distracts from its powerful V-8 engine. Its four doors and long body make it difficult to identify as a speed machine.
6 1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Top Speed: 149 MPH
The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is a legendary name. This compact hatchback is known for its impressive performance. However, its appearance is far from cool. It may not turn heads, but it is guaranteed to surprise many with its performance.
Performance
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|
0 to 60 MPH |
6.5 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
149 MPH |
|
Horsepower |
204 HP |
|
Torque |
203 lb-ft |
|
Curb Weight |
2657 lb |
|
Transmission |
5-Speed Manual |
|
Layout |
Front Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive |
The Sierra RS Cosworth doesn’t have any standout features in terms of looks, but its lightweight construction and powerful engine make it a beast on the road.
5 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Top Speed: 155
The Chevrolet Cobalt SS is one of the most well-known sleeper cars. Its sedan form has some sporty elements at the rear, but the front end is rather dull.
Performance
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|
0 to 60 MPH |
5.5 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
|
Horsepower |
260 HP |
|
Torque |
260 lb-ft |
|
Curb Weight |
3974 lb |
|
Transmission |
5-Speed Manual |
|
Layout |
Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive |
The Cobalt SS may not look like a performance car, but it’s equipped with parts from the Chevy C6, showcasing Chevrolet’s commitment to building a fast car with a design that doesn’t match its impressive capabilities.
4 2001 Passat W8 Station Wagon
Top Speed: 155 MPH
The 2001 Passat station wagon from Volkswagen is known for its unimpressive and mundane design. However, Volkswagen surprised everyone by equipping it with a 4.0-liter W8 engine.
Performance
|
Engine |
4.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated W8 |
|
0 to 60 MPH |
6.5 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
|
Horsepower |
275 HP |
|
Torque |
273 lb-ft |
|
Curb Weight |
3854 lb |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual or 4-Speed Automatic |
|
Layout |
Front Engine, All-Wheel Drive |
The Passat W8 may not be a looker, but its powerful engine and unique specifications make it an interesting and standout choice for those seeking a sleeper car.
3 2003 Volvo V70 R
Top Speed: 155 MPH
The Volvo V70 is another fast station wagon. Unfortunately, its appearance is rather unappealing. This estate looks like a hearse and is possibly one of the worst designs to come out of the Swedish automaker.
Performance
|
Engine |
2.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline Five-Cylinder |
|
0 to 60 MPH |
5.6 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
|
Horsepower |
300 HP |
|
Torque |
295 lb-ft |
|
Curb Weight |
3671 lb |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual or 5-Speed Automatic |
|
Layout |
Front Engine, All-Wheel Drive |
The V70 was designed to cater to family men who needed a larger car but still wanted something exciting. While the driver’s seat provided an exhilarating experience, the exterior appearance was far from it.
2 1990 Mazda Eunos Cosmo
Top Speed: 158 MPH
The Eunos Cosmo is a name that many hardcore enthusiasts will recognize. It’s a two-door coupe that was part of Mazda’s luxury line to compete with Lexus. Its exterior may not be cool, but its performance is impressive.
Performance
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged Triple-Rotor |
|
0 to 60 MPH |
6 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
158 MPH |
|
Horsepower |
276 HP |
|
Torque |
297 lb-ft |
|
Curb Weight |
3549 lb |
|
Transmission |
4-Speed Automatic |
|
Layout |
Front Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive |
The Sierra RS Cosworth may not be stylish, but it is equipped with a triple rotor setup and two sequential superchargers, making it a unique and underrated JDM car.
1 2006 Pontiac GTO
Top Speed: 180 MPH
The Pontiac GTO is a name associated with one of the greatest muscle cars of the 60s and 70s. The fifth-generation GTO was a revival of the name. While other muscle car manufacturers were sticking with aggressive designs, Pontiac took a different direction with a smooth and rounded silhouette.
Performance
|
Engine |
6.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8 |
|
0 to 60 MPH |
4.8 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
180 MPH |
|
Horsepower |
400 HP |
|
Torque |
400 lb-ft |
|
Curb Weight |
3792 lb |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual or 5-Speed Automatic |
|
Layout |
Front Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive |
The fifth-generation Pontiac GTO may not have the same mean appearance as its predecessors, but it is one of the best-performing sedans of its time.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition: Affordable and Limited
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition is making its way to the United States in a limited production of just 1,984 units. Priced at $29,235 (after the $1,150 destination fee), this special edition sedan pays homage to the original Jetta GLI that debuted in 1984. Unlike the hatchback GTI, the Jetta GLI offered a sedan body for those who preferred it.
The 40th Anniversary Edition will be available in three color options: Pure Gray, Pure White, and Rising Blue. Each version features black accents on the grille, mirror caps, and rear spoiler. Additionally, red accents highlight the front end and badges, adding a touch of sportiness to the overall look.