With so many SUVs on the market today, it can be difficult to determine which is the best, so Cars.com ran a series of rigorous tests to find the midsize SUV that trumps the competition – the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The automotive information site compared six of the most popular new models – the Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Toyota Venza and Nissan Murano.

The automotive experts looked at everything from fuel economy, practicality and driving ability to comfort and interior and exterior features. Each model was driven for 200 miles, each judge drove all six cars back to back, and every car was also tested by a family of four. With an average fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon, a slew of features and many other positives, the Jeep stood out from the crowd.

"After extensive testing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee took the top spot thanks to its luxurious interior, impressive multimedia system and overall driving capability," said Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief for Cars.com. "The Grand Cherokee has been around for a long time and was once considered a true, off-roading, truck-like SUV, but thanks to some serious refinement, today's incarceration of the Grand Cherokee edged out the other, very worthy, midsize SUV options available to shoppers."

With a moderately hefty price tag of $28,800, the 2014 Grand Cherokee may be out of reach for some car shoppers, but that doesn't mean they can't find an older model that fits their budget. Kelley Blue Book lists a 2008 entry-level model in excellent condition without any extras at about $16,000, for example.

Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can find plenty of deals like this on Jeeps and other SUVs at NJ State Auto Auction. The dealer also offers fast, guaranteed credit approval thanks to its partnerships with many major lenders.