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Buying Guide

How to Find the Best SUV

Sport-utility vehicles are by far the most popular vehicle type in the U.S. High ride height, all-wheel drive, and cargo and passenger space make them the ideal vehicle for many drivers. Most are also available as fuel-efficient hybrids.

2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland off road at CR's Auto Test Center

Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

Top SUVs Questions

What Are the Best New SUVs?

Consumer Reports' exclusive tests and surveys reveal the best SUVs—and the ones to avoid.
  • 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Limited driving

    10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

    These high-scoring models do well in performance, reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction. See the 10 best SUVs.

    Photo: Toyota
  • Subaru, BMW, Porsche, Honda, Toyota, and Lexus logos on background of tinted green overhead view of highway overpasses

    Which Brands Make the Best Cars and SUVs?

    Consumer Reports rated cars from 31 brands on reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, and road-test scores. Here’s how the manufacturers rank, based on their vehicles’ Overall Scores. See the full chart.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid driving on a road in the Southwest.

    10 Top Picks of 2026

    These 10 vehicles set the standard for excellence in Consumer Reports’ testing. See the 10 Top Picks.

    Photo: Lexus

What Are the Most Reliable and Satisfying SUVs?

Consumer Reports tests and surveys reveal the brands that make the vehicles that are most reliable, most satisfying, safest, and even lowest-cost to maintain.
  • 2026 Ford Bronco Sport seen driving on a dirt road in a forested environment.

    The Most Reliable SUVs

    These impressive compact, midsized, and three-row SUVs are all recommended, reliable, and safe. See the most reliable SUVs.

    Photo: Ford
  • photo illustration of Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS, and BMW 2 Series with graphic horizontal lines and desert landscape in background

    Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars and SUVs?

    Lexus, Subaru, and Toyota lead Consumer Reports’ car brand reliability ratings, while Tesla makes a big jump and Mazda falls significantly. See the full chart.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • photo illustration of Rivian, BMW, Subaru, Tesla and Ford logos with highway of cars tinted green in background

    Owner Satisfaction: Best and Worst Car Brands Revealed

    Our exclusive ratings show which cars have the most satisfied owners, based on survey responses from tens of thousands of car owners. See the full chart.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers

Podcast: Are Off-Road Trims for SUVs Worth the Extra Money?

Talking Cars covers off-road trims from Ford, Toyota, Subaru, and more.
The podcast panel discusses our evaluation of popular rugged SUV trims, sometimes called “soft-roader” SUVs—including the Ford Explorer Tremor, Honda Passport TrailSport, Subaru Forester Wilderness, Toyota RAV4 Woodland, and more—to see whether they add real capability or mostly rugged styling.

Which SUVs Are the Safest?

  • Cars with scores

    Safest Car Brands Ranked by Consumer Reports' Safety Verdict

    According to our analysis of crash tests, braking, handling, and crash-avoidance technology, Mazda, Genesis, and Acura have the safest new cars. See the safest brands.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images
  • 2026 Mazda CX-50 driving on a tree-lined road

    Safest Small SUVs

    Consumer Reports’ evaluations of braking and handling are important factors when buying a taller, heavier vehicle. See the safest small SUVs.

    Photo: Mazda
  • 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid going through CR's accident avoidance test

    Safest Midsized, Large, and Three-Row SUVs

    Consumer Reports' simplified safety verdict can help buyers choose a safe vehicle with room for the whole family. See the safest midsized and large SUVs.

    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

Which Type of SUV is Right for Me?

SUVs come in a wide range of sizes and prices. Here's how to narrow your choices to the type that best matches your needs and budget.
  • grey 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 3/4 facing left

    Subcompact SUVs

    PRICE RANGE $23,000 to $32,000
    pros & cons
    • These smallest models are easy to maneuver and park, and they’re available with AWD, unlike FWD-only hatchbacks.
    • Most have a stiff ride, they’re sluggish and loud when accelerating, and they have modest cargo room with the rear seats up.
  • blue 2026 Kia Sportage 3/4 facing left

    Compact SUVs

    PRICE RANGE $28,000 to $38,000
    pros & cons
    • The most fuel-efficient hybrids and PHEVs often exceed 30 mpg overall. They have room for five adults and can be driven on muddy or rough gravel roads.
    • The standard engines in these tend to be loud and underpowered.
  • blue 2026 Chevrolet Traverse 3/4 facing left

    Midsized/Large SUVs

    MIDSIZED / LARGE PRICE RANGE $34,000 to $55,000 / $55,000 to $80,000
    pros & cons
    • Midsized models have the best balance of power and interior space, with two-row versions easily carrying five people and their luggage. Some can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Consider a large SUV if you tow heavy loads or often carry eight people and their bags.
    • The third-row seats in midsized SUVs are mostly suitable for children, and when the seats are raised there’s scant cargo room behind them. Only a few non- hybrid versions get more than 24 mpg overall. Large SUVs can be pricey. They also have awkward handling and poor fuel efficiency, and can be tricky to drive and park, particularly in cities.
  • grey 2026 BMW X3 3/4 facing left

    Small Luxury SUVs

    PRICE RANGE $35,000 to $65,000
    pros & cons
    • The smallest models boast nimble, sporty handling and quick acceleration. They usually have very comfortable power- adjustable front seats. Larger models are a significant step up in terms of fit and finish, the quality of materials, and interior room. Most active safety systems are standard.
    • Some active safety systems are optional and packaged with pricey comfort features. Sportier models usually have a very stiff ride and expensive tires that can wear out quickly. The smallest models in this category have snug rear seats that are a better fit for children than adults.
  • white 2026 Lincoln Navigator 3/4 facing left

    Midsized/Large Luxury SUVs

    PRICE RANGE $48,000 to $85,000+
    pros & cons
    • Automakers don’t cut many corners with these models. They feature the highest-quality materials throughout the cabin. Both their front and rear seats are comfortable and supportive. Rear-seat room is generous, and the largest SUVs can even accommodate adults in the third-row seat. Buyers will find numerous hybrids and PHEVs among the midsized options.
    • Prices quickly climb, with some models easily exceeding $100,000. Automakers often introduce their newest, most convoluted controls and infotainment systems in these vehicles.
  • grey 2026 Kia EV9 3/4 facing left

    Electric SUVs

    PRICE RANGE $60,000 to $100,000+
    pros & cons
    • Like EV cars, these have quick acceleration and quiet interiors with generous room for both passengers and cargo. Some even have a front trunk.
    • Like EV cars, most electric SUVs have fussy or unintuitive-to-use controls, and many have below-average reliability. Some electric SUVs are quite expensive. While their big batteries provide a robust range, they take a long time to charge.

What Are the Latest Deals on SUVs?

  • 2026.5 Nissan Rogue Dark Armor, front in a tunnel

    Best Deals on SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

    Consumer Reports has combed through national deals to find the best ones on good, safe, and reliable models. See the latest SUV deals.

    Photo: Nissan
  • 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid driving

    Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs

    Save gas and money on these models recommended by Consumer Reports. See the latest deals on fuel-efficient SUVs.

    Photo: Subaru
  • 2025 Honda Prologue Elite driving, side view

    10 Best Deals on Electric Vehicles

    These EVs are available with large rebates and deep discounts. See the best deals on EVs.

    Photo: Honda

What Are the Best Used SUVs?

  • Consumer Reports Used SUV Ratings

    Sort and filter used SUV ratings to find the right model for you, and click through to the model page for far more information. See the used SUV ratings.

    Subaru
  • blue 2017 Honda CR-V on asphalt with trees and grass in background

    Best Used SUVs

    These top models from Honda, Subaru, Toyota, and others should suit all budgets. See the best used SUVs.

    Photo: Consumer Reports
  • White 2018 Mazda CX-3 on city street with buildings behind it

    Best Used SUVs With Standout Fuel Economy

    These reliable 5-year-old models get great gas mileage and are good alternatives to higher-priced new SUVs. See the best used SUVs.

    Photo: Mazda

How Do I Maintain or Insure an SUV?

  • Kia Telluride used for wet handling tire testing

    Best SUV and Truck Tires

    CR's testing reveals the ones that stand out for performance, safety, and treadwear. See the best SUV tires of the year.

    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
  • Car battery in engine compartment

    Best Car Batteries

    Consumer Reports charges and discharges car batteries from popular brands to find out how long they’ll last. See the best car batteries of the year.

    Photo: Getty Images
  • Illustration of an Orange sedan driving through stormy weather with rain, wind, and deer nearby.

    Best Car Insurance Companies

    The top-rated car insurance companies based on a survey of over 40,000 policyholders about coverage, price, and other vital factors. See the best car insurance companies.

    Illustration: Federico Gastaldi