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Five midsize SUVs score higher than the 2026 Land Rover Defender in Car and Driver’s current editorial rankings: the 2026 Honda Passport, 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, 2026 Kia EV9, 2026 Ford Bronco, and 2027 Kia Telluride. These are editorial ratings—not safety, reliability, or owner-satisfaction scores—and the choices differ substantially in seating, powertrain, and intended use.
What “better ratings” means here
Car and Driver gives the 2026 Land Rover Defender an 8/10 editorial score. Its midsize SUV rankings place five entries above that mark. The scores reflect the publication’s vehicle assessments, which draw on instrumented testing and editors’ real-world driving impressions across factors such as acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and driving enjoyment. They are not a standardized government rating scale. See Car and Driver’s midsize SUV rankings and its Land Rover rankings.
The ratings below are Car and Driver scores accessed on October 8, 2026, and may change if the publication updates its reviews. The Telluride entry is for model year 2027; the other five vehicles in this comparison, including the Defender, are 2026 models.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →| Vehicle | Car and Driver score | Configuration and useful context |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Honda Passport | 10/10 | Two rows; a fit to consider if you do not need a third row. |
| 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid | 10/10 | Three-row hybrid; Car and Driver lists an EPA estimate of 29–31 combined mpg. |
| 2026 Kia EV9 | 10/10 | Fully electric, three-row SUV; Car and Driver lists estimated range of 230–304 miles. |
| 2026 Ford Bronco | 9.5/10 | Rugged, off-road-oriented SUV; Car and Driver also notes its on-road manners. |
| 2027 Kia Telluride | 9.5/10 | Three-row family SUV; this ranking entry is for the 2027 model year. |
| 2026 Land Rover Defender | 8/10 | Reference vehicle for the comparison. |
How to choose among the five higher-scoring SUVs
2026 Honda Passport: two rows, not three
The Passport is the only two-row choice among these five. Its 10/10 Car and Driver score makes it the top-rated entry in this group, but that number does not make it a substitute for a three-row vehicle when you regularly carry more passengers. Consider it when two rows meet your needs and you want a midsize SUV rather than a three-row layout.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore with ease – The Pathlite:ON 5 SUV Mid-Step is your ultimate electric touring companion, combining comfort, versatility, and effortless power to take you wherever you want to go.
- Bosch Performance Line motor – A 250W motor with 65 Nm torque that delivers smooth, reliable power, making every ride feel effortless, whether on road or trail.
- Long-range battery – Equipped with a 625 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery, offering up to 110 km (68 miles) of range for long rides without worry.
- All-terrain capability – With wide tires, a suspension fork, and a robust aluminum frame, this e-bike handles everything from urban streets to rough country paths with ease.
- Comfort and convenience – The mid-step frame design offers easy mounting and dismounting, while the ergonomic saddle and grips ensure comfort for all-day rides.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid: three rows with an EPA estimate
The Palisade Hybrid pairs three-row seating with a hybrid powertrain. Car and Driver lists an EPA estimate of 29–31 combined mpg. Treat that as the publisher’s listed estimate, not a guarantee of real-world fuel economy; actual results vary with conditions and use.
2026 Kia EV9: three rows and electric range
The EV9 is the fully electric option in the group and has three rows. Car and Driver lists estimated range of 230–304 miles. The range varies by configuration; consider charging access and your regular driving before treating an electric SUV as a practical fit.
Rank #2
- Explore with ease – The Pathlite:ON 5 SUV Mid-Step is your ultimate electric touring companion, combining comfort, versatility, and effortless power to take you wherever you want to go.
- Bosch Performance Line motor – A 250W motor with 65 Nm torque that delivers smooth, reliable power, making every ride feel effortless, whether on road or trail.
- Long-range battery – Equipped with a 625 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery, offering up to 110 km (68 miles) of range for long rides without worry.
- All-terrain capability – With wide tires, a suspension fork, and a robust aluminum frame, this e-bike handles everything from urban streets to rough country paths with ease.
- Comfort and convenience – The mid-step frame design offers easy mounting and dismounting, while the ergonomic saddle and grips ensure comfort for all-day rides.
2026 Ford Bronco: an off-road-oriented alternative
The Bronco is the rugged, off-road-focused choice, with a 9.5/10 Car and Driver score. The publication also notes its on-road manners, but the score alone does not establish that it will be more comfortable or capable than a particular Defender configuration for your needs. Compare the specific trims and equipment you are considering.
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2027 Kia Telluride: a three-row family option
The Telluride earns 9.5/10 in Car and Driver’s ranking and is a three-row family SUV. It is the only 2027 model in the higher-scoring list, so do not treat its rating or safety-award applicability as a 2026 result.
Rank #3
- Fitment：Fit For Car Size : 190''L x 75''W x 71''H (approx) , Fit for Alfa-Romeo -Stelvio/Volkswagen- Tiguan ALLspace/Audi-Q5/BMW-X3,X4/Benz-GLB,GLC SUV,GLC /Ford- Kuga,Mustang Mach-E,Edge ect. Please note that : Before purchasing, please refer to the models picture to make sure fit or not . If you still have doubts , please feel free to contact us .
- Superior Material Quality: Our SUV Car Cover is manufactured using premium polyester fabric. This material not only meets stringent environmental standards, ensuring it is eco-friendly, but also provides excellent tear resistance and durability. It is gentle on your car's paint, preventing scratches and fading caused by environmental exposure, making it the ideal choice for car covers for automobiles and suv cover waterproof all weather
- Driver Door Zipper ,Elastic Hem Type & Wheel Fixing Strap: 1)Driver Door Zipper for Easy Access. 2) All four tires can be fixed to Protect Your Auto Cover not Blown Away by Heavy Wind. 3) Reflective Stripes Make you car stay in safe
- Fitment: Unlike others, Neverland designed the cover with the best fabric material for all drivers who love cars. You don't need to worry about getting damages due to cheap material car cover. The material is soft and durable, which can protect your car paint. The close-fitting and generous tailoring ensure that the wheels are kept clean
- Package Content: 1 x Car Cover, 1 x Storage Bag . Every NEVERLAND Car Cover for suv is good quality. If have any problems, We provide professional online service for pre-sale and after-sale
Editorial ratings do not tell you which SUV is safest
Car and Driver’s score combines editorial judgments about several aspects of a vehicle; it is not a crash-safety rating. IIHS evaluates individual crashworthiness and crash-avoidance categories, while NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program assesses crash protection and rollover safety. Neither system can be inferred from a Car and Driver score.
IIHS lists the 2026 Honda Passport as a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ with Good marks in the categories displayed in its current table. IIHS also lists a Top Safety Pick+ for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, but only vehicles built after November 2025 qualify. The 2027 Kia Telluride award applies to vehicles built after June 2026. Check the vehicle’s model year, build date, and applicable trim or equipment before relying on an award. Review the IIHS midsize SUV ratings and its award criteria and listings.
Rank #4
- 【Durable 6-Layer Heavy-Duty Material】Built with a 6-layer heavy-duty construction, featuring PEVA fabric, an aluminum reflective layer, waterproof coating, and a soft cotton liner. This multi-layer design delivers exceptional durability, tear resistance, and long-lasting protection while remaining gentle on your vehicle’s paint
- 【All-Season, All-Weather Protection】Designed to handle year-round conditions, this full car cover protects your vehicle from rain, snow, harsh sunlight, dust, fallen leaves, bird droppings, and animal-related debris. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it also provides added protection during unexpected hail
- 【Thoughtful Functional Design】Equipped with driver door zipper for easy access, reflective strips for nighttime visibility, elastic hems for a snug fit, windproof straps to prevent lifting, soft cotton liner for paint protection, and a storage bag for convenient organization—every detail is designed for daily practicality and reliability
- 【Easy Installation & Secure Fit】Step 1: Ensure the car surface is clean and dry to avoid paint damage;Step 2: Unfold the car cover and align it properly using the logo and “FRONT” tag;Step 3: Fasten the front, middle, and rear buckles to keep the cover securely in place, even in windy conditions
- 【A9 Size Common Fits for】Acura RDX SLX ADX, Audi Q5/SQ5, Benz GLB GLC, BMW X3 X4, Buick Envision, Cadillac XT5, Chevy Equinox, Ford Edge, Genesis GV70, GMC Terrain, Honda CRV Passport, Hyundai Tucson Santa Fe, Infiniti QX50 QX55, Jeep Cherokee, Jaguar F-PACE I-PACE, Kia Sporage Sorento, Lexus NX, RX(99-15), GX(03-09), RZ, Lincoln MKX, Nautilus(19-23), Mazda CX-50, Mitsubi-shi Outlander Montero, Rogue, Murano(03-14), Oldsmobile Bravada, Subru Outback(-19),Solterra,Tribeca, Toyota Venza FJ Cruiser, VW Tiguan, Volvo XC60 XC70
Safety results can also be mixed across test categories: the IIHS table shows Marginal ratings for the 2026 Ford Bronco in moderate-overlap front and headlights, while the 2026 Toyota 4Runner has an incomplete rating. That is a reminder not to infer a complete safety ranking from one test result or from an editorial score.
NHTSA says five stars is its highest result and advises comparing overall scores only among vehicles in the same class and within 250 pounds of one another. Look up the exact model year and vehicle in NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program rather than assuming a rating carries over from a similarly named trim or a different year.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FITMENT & ADJUSTABLE SPLIT DESIGN: Designed for mid-size and full-size SUVs with approximately 75" or more of usable cargo length, not for compact or small SUVs. The flexible air chamber structure and compressible design accommodate different cargo spaces, while the split design allows one-side or full rear-seat folding for versatile setup. Measure your vehicle interior before purchase.
- Premium Flocked Surface with Luxury Print: Soft flocked top surface provides a skin-friendly sleeping experience, enhanced with a silver luxury cloud-pattern printed finish for improved visual texture and comfort. Designed for long-distance road trips, camping, and overnight car rest.
- Durable Multi-Layer Construction: PVC inner air chamber + 210T Oxford fabric bottom layer for anti-puncture, anti-slip, and improved durability. Designed to withstand outdoor camping use and long-term travel conditions.
- High Load Capacity & Stable Support System: Supports up to 600 lbs (272 kg), suitable for 1–2 people. The mattress features dual integrated rear side air chambers at the trunk end, designed to prevent foot contact with the trunk sides during sleep, reduce accidental kicking, and improve overall sleeping stability in SUV cargo areas. The reinforced air chamber layout helps keep the mattress in place during use.
- Fast Inflation & Complete Travel Kit: Includes a 12V car cigarette-lighter air pump, enabling quick inflation and deflation in minutes. Comes with 2 inflatable pillows, repair patches, user manual, and a storage bag for easy packing and travel convenience.
Make the comparison fit your needs
- Passenger capacity: The Passport has two rows; the Palisade Hybrid, EV9, and Telluride are three-row options. Confirm the seating configuration that works for your household.
- Energy and fueling: The Palisade Hybrid is the hybrid entry, the EV9 is fully electric, and the other listed models are not described here as hybrids or EVs. No comparable fuel-economy or range figures are stated for them.
- Driving priorities: The Bronco is the explicitly off-road-oriented choice. The Car and Driver scores do not establish which SUV is best for a particular trail, commute, or long trip.
- Price and ownership costs: These scores do not establish a price or total-cost-of-ownership winner. Compare current model-year pricing, insurance, energy or fuel costs, maintenance, and the exact equipment you want before deciding.
- Safety: Use current IIHS category results and NHTSA ratings for the exact model year and configuration, with any applicable build-date restrictions.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
