The best SUVs in 2026, according to Consumer Reports

Americans can't quit SUVs, which now make up the majority of new sales in the country. But not all large cars are created equal.

Lucky for us, Consumer Reports has outlined the best ones for sale in 2026 in each major category. (None of these vehicles below are considered "luxury" by CR's standards.)

Keep reading to see which SUVs made the list and why.

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Subaru excels across the board, and particularly in the subcompact space. CR recommends the 2026 Crosstrek, which starts at $27,000. It said the small SUV "delivers an excellent ride, good fuel economy, standard all-wheel drive, and enough ground clearance for mild off-roading all in a reasonably sized and priced package." Its one complaint is that it feels a tad "underpowered."

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Another Subaru got the top spot: the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid. It's bigger and more expensive than the Crosstrek and starts at just under $35,000. CR said the car is comfortable, has a spacious backseat, and simple controls for safe driving. Its one complaint was the SUV has "long stopping distances."

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The 2026 Honda $HMC Passport tied for the best midsized SUV in 2026. CR praised its short stopping distance, simple and clear controls, roomy backseat, and generous trunk. The Passport is a particularly reliable model and its reviewers liked the its "burly, off-road look." Its mileage leaves a little to be desired at just 21 miles per gallon, and CR noted the SUV has "inconsistent transmission performance." It starts just below $45,000.

Credit: Toyota $TM

The 2026 Toyota $TM Crown Signia tied for the best midsized SUV, which starts just under $44,500. It has great mileage thanks to its hybrid engine, getting 37 mpg. Plus, it can drive on electric power only at low speeds. CR did note the SUV, which has a more station-wagon feel, can be loud when speeding up.

Credit: Toyota $TM

The 2026 Toyota $TM 4Runner, which starts just under $42,000, was rated the best off-road SUV. But it only won because the competition is also somewhat lackluster. While CR praised its off-road driving and good reliability, CR said the car isn't very comfortable, has poor handling, is noisy to drive, and has "dismal" interior furnishings.

Credit: Toyota $TM

The 2026 Toyota $TM Grand Highlander Hybrid, which starts under $42,000, was rated the best midsized 3-row SUV. CR said it "fills a niche in the Toyota SUV line, providing more room than the traditional Highlander, without the truckiness and clumsiness of the full-sized Sequoia." CR did note some infotainment features on the SUV are a little confusing, though there are certainly worse problems a vehicle could have. The car gets 35 mpg, which is impressive considering its size.

Credit: Nissan

The 2026 Nissan Armada, which starts just under $59,000, was rated the best large SUV, although CR still has some complaints. While it praised the SUV's comfort, quiet, and strong engine, it said the mileage is rough (just 17 mpg), the ride is "stiff," and it has long stopping distances in the rain.

Credit: Tesla $TSLA

The 2026 Tesla $TSLA Model Y, which starts at just under $40,000, was rated the best electric SUV in 2026. CR likes the SUV's impressive acceleration, good handling, and says that front seats are quite comfortable, but it dinged the SUV for "extremely distracting controls," "wimpy ACs," and lack of Apple $AAPL or Android CarPlay.

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The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was rated the best 3-row electric SUV. It starts at just under $59,000 and has a 315-mile range. CR said it has good acceleration, nice seats, a quiet interior, simple controls, and a solid powertrain, but noted that some of its styled edges limit visibility.