The Freestyle is a generally competent, well-priced midsize SUV. With that description, it sounds like no more than one of many, comfortably occupying the middle slots of a comparison test without a quality that can set it above a group of similar vehicles. But the generally competent Freestyle also has an ability that is unique to this group: it can hold adults in its third row in reasonable comfort, and can hold a fair amount of their luggage behind it. Couple that advantage with a good ride/handling compromise, reasonable pricing, and excellent fuel economy, and the Freestyle comes in as the winner here.

The Freestyle delivers a firm, comfortable ride that is reasonably absorbent, and free of ride float and jitters. It also handles well by this group's standards; though not sporty, it feels fairly agile and has little body roll. The steering is quick, reasonably precise, and offers some feedback. The 3.0-liter V6 is one of the smallest in this group, but comes with a continuously variable transmission that makes the car usably quick overall, though acceleration still feels a bit tepid off the line, and most competitors will still find passing power faster. The engine sounds strained under acceleration, but is otherwise quiet. Wind and road noise are also reasonably well-suppressed. Fuel economy is excellent for a midsize SUV, particularly such a large one.

Inside, the Freestyle's front seats are reasonably comfortable, but they could be higher, could use more padding, and could use more lateral support. The second row captain's chairs are comfortable enough, and rear seat occupants have plenty of space, but those seats are also a bit low and firm. The third row is a strong point, it has more room than any other vehicle in this group, and is the only one that can comfortably accommodate adults, with comfort on par with some minivans. The dash uses high-quality materials that fit together well. Instruments are well-placed and clear, but the gauges are a bit small. The driver doesn't sit as high as in most SUVs, but is very comfortable and has excellent visibility overall. Entry/exit is very easy, thanks to wide door openings, large footwells, and the low ride height. Even third row access is fairly easy, thanks to the amount of room available. A recessed well behind the third row seat makes excellent use of the space available; the Freestyle has more room behind its third row than any other vehicle in this group. The overall cargo area is also competitive, and the Freestyle's relatively low roof means that most space is actually usable.

The Freestyle has done extremely well in crash testing, earning five stars for both the driver and the front passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test, as well as five for both the driver and the rear passenger in the NHTSA side crash test. Furthermore, the Freestyle tied for the best rollover resistance score in NHTSA’s evaluation, was rated Best Pick in the IIHS offset crash test, and earned a Good rating for its head restraints.

The Freestyle reviewed here came in nicely-equipped at $29,385, including power leather seats, a moonroof, automatic climate control, side airbags for the front occupants’ torsos and the heads of occupants of all three rows, a reverse sensing system, and a 6-disc CD changer. The only notable omissions are the unavailable satellite radio and stability control, and the heated seats that are available only with the pricier Limited trim.

Overall, the Freestyle isn't as luxurious or refined as the Toyota Highlander, but its additional interior space and better handling make up the difference. In fact, the Freestyle's third row seat room, fuel economy, and competitive pricing make it the only SUV that is a viable alternative to a minivan in most ways (it still has less maximum cargo space). And those traits and more make the Freestyle an excellent, well-rounded vehicle that is worth serious consideration from all consumers shopping for a midsize SUV.