Yonkers, New York – The new Ford Flex and upgraded Mazda CX-9 now rank among the best three-row SUVs tested by Consumer Reports. In ratings of 17 midsize models, the Flex and CX-9 trail only the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Highlander and Acura MDX among the top ranking.

Meanwhile, the redesigned Honda Pilot has slipped from among the top-rated to mid-pack; while still competitive, it now ranks eleventh out of seventeen midsize three-row SUVs tested. Its overall score of 74 was three points below the Flex and two lower than the CX-9; this placed it behind the GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook/Buick Enclave, Hyundai Veracruz, and Ford Taurus X, all of which have a 75-point overall score.

In addition to midsize SUVs, Consumer Reports also tested two large SUVs, the Toyota Sequoia and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. The Sequoia posted a “Very Good” overall score, ranking second in the category behind the more expensive Mercedes-Benz GL450. The Tahoe Hybrid scored impressively in the magazine’s fuel economy tests, but ranked mid-pack among 14 large SUVs tested.

Full tests and ratings of the SUV group appear in the November issue of Consumer Reports, and are available to subscribers at the magazine’s website. The issue also contains an “Auto Test Extra” report on the Smart Fortwo, which finished at the bottom of the subcompact car ratings.

The CX-9, Pilot and Sequoia are the only vehicles in this test group that are recommended by Consumer Reports, which only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on an annual survey of subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test. The magazine said it does not have reliability data yet on the Flex and Tahoe Hybrid.