10 SUVs tested for road performance and reliability by Consumer ReportsQuartzColleen CabiliUpdatedWed, September 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM UTCAdd us on GoogleNot every popular SUV actually earns the top spot in its class, and the differences often come down to real road-test results. Reliability, fuel economy and how a vehicle handles day-to-day driving can vary widely even between SUVs competing in the same size category.Consumer Reports tested 10 current SUVs spanning subcompact, compact and midsized categories, both two-row and three-row, so shoppers can find the model that genuinely leads its class.Subaru Crosstrek HybridCredit: SubaruPriced from $26,995 to $34,995, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid pairs an electric motor with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine, producing a combined 194 horsepower, 14 more than the regular Crosstrek. Consumer Reports ranked it first among 14 subcompact SUVs tested, and found fuel economy reached 35 mpg overall, 6 mpg better than the non-hybrid version. CR found the hybrid system helps more in low-speed driving than at highway speeds, crediting a smooth electric boost off the line. Testers said most Crosstrek strengths carried over intact, including a comfortable ride, responsive handling, a roomy cabin and a driver's seat with standard power operation and two-way lumbar support.Subaru OutbackCredit: SubaruThe 2026 Subaru Outback costs $34,995 to $47,995 and comes standard with a 180-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 27 mpg overall. Consumer Reports's midsized SUV rankings put this model second of nine, describing the standard engine as tepid and noisy, though a turbocharged 26-horsepower option on XT and Wilderness trims returns 25 mpg overall. CR rated the ride exceptionally compliant and the handling competent, though not sporty, with comfortable seating in both rows. Testers said climbing in and out of the SUV requires little effort and outward sightlines stay largely clear, though some styling elements looked tacked on.Toyota Crown SigniaCredit: ToyotaThe 2026 Toyota Crown Signia costs $44,690 to $49,090 and is sold exclusively as a hybrid, pairing a 240-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric drive system. This SUV topped Consumer Reports's midsized rankings among nine models tested, and fuel economy measured 37 mpg overall with a 530-mile cruising range. CR found the SUV runs purely on battery power at typical city speeds, though flooring the accelerator brings audible engine noise, and rated the ride comfortable and the handling secure. Testers described the interior as elegant with very comfortable front seats, though they found the driver's instrument screen somewhat complicated to use despite an easy-to-navigate infotainment touchscreen.Honda PassportCredit: HondaAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2026 Honda Passport costs $44,950 to $53,850 and shares its underpinnings with the three-row Pilot, though its exterior leans into a rugged, off-road-styled look. Of the nine midsized SUVs Consumer Reports evaluated, this one landed third, with a standard 285-horsepower V6 rated slick and punchy, though the 10-speed automatic transmission doesn't always shift smoothly. CR found standard all-wheel drive returned 21 mpg overall, and rated the ride noticeably more comfortable than the previous generation, though handling favored competence over engagement. Testers praised physical buttons and knobs for climate and audio controls, and noted TrailSport trims add skid plates, a raised ride height and all-terrain tires.Toyota RAV4Credit: ToyotaThe redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4 costs $31,900 to $43,300 and now sells exclusively as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Among 29 compact SUVs in Consumer Reports's testing, this one came in second, with the tested hybrid reaching 60 mph in 7.7 seconds while returning 40 mpg overall. CR credited the redesign with a more comfortable ride, shorter stopping distances and a quieter cabin, all of which lifted the RAV4's road test score significantly. Testers described the interior trim as somewhat plain-looking and plain-feeling, and found the driving position hampered by an intrusive center console and uncomfortable armrests, though the controls remained mostly easy to use.Subaru Forester HybridCredit: SubaruThe 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid costs $34,730 to $41,545 and pairs an electric motor with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine for a combined 194 horsepower, up from 180 in the standard Forester. This model finished third among the 29 compact SUVs Consumer Reports tested, with fuel economy measured at 34 mpg overall, a notable jump from the 29 mpg CR recorded in the non-hybrid Forester. CR found the hybrid quieter than the standard model and able to move under battery power alone at low speeds, while retaining the Forester's comfortable ride, strong outward visibility and roomy rear seat. Testers noted blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning come standard across every Forester Hybrid trim.Subaru ForesterCredit: SubaruThe 2026 Subaru Forester costs $29,995 to $41,545 and uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine returning 29 mpg overall. This SUV ranked fourth in Consumer Reports's field of 29 compact models, and testers found the engine launches somewhat abruptly and can feel underpowered at times, despite a quieter overall driving experience than before. CR rated the ride smooth and the handling sound and secure, though not sporty, with comfortable front seats, although testers said the seat bottom cushion may fall short for longer-legged drivers. Testers found blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning unavailable on the base trim and optional on the second-tier Premium trim, and said some climate functions require multiple touchscreen steps to operate.Hyundai Palisade HybridCredit: HyundaiAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid costs $44,160 to $58,780 and combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a combined 329 horsepower. This model led Consumer Reports's ranking of 23 three-row midsized SUVs, and the tested all-wheel-drive hybrid reached 60 mph in 7 seconds, faster than the 8.4 seconds CR measured for the non-hybrid version. CR found fuel economy reached 26 mpg overall, just 6 mpg better than the non-hybrid, and rated the Calligraphy trim's interior comparable to a luxury model in look and feel. Testers found the second row roomy with numerous adjustments, though the third row remained best suited to children, and said the redesigned infotainment setup is straightforward to navigate while the climate controls take more effort to master.Toyota Grand Highlander HybridCredit: ToyotaThe 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid costs $42,260 to $60,175 and can be configured to seat seven or eight passengers. Second among the 23 three-row midsized SUVs in Consumer Reports's ranking, this model returned 35 mpg overall with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine option in the shorter Highlander Hybrid tested, with a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid engine also available. CR found the third-row seat notably roomier than in the regular Highlander, with greater cargo capacity in the Hybrid version. Testers rated power adequate, the ride comfortable and handling decent, and noted the latest Toyota infotainment system runs on a 12.3-inch touchscreen.Hyundai Santa Fe HybridCredit: HyundaiThe 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid costs $36,400 to $50,500 and pairs a small turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. This SUV came in third among the 23 three-row midsized models Consumer Reports evaluated, accelerating slightly slower than the non-hybrid version, though it delivers smoother low-speed driving and reaches 34 mpg overall. CR rated handling responsive and the ride steady and comfortable, with a cabin testers described as reasonably quiet. Testers noted a large, curved dashboard screen integrates dual 12.3-inch displays for the driver's instrument cluster and infotainment system, and said the cargo area is generous with a wide rear hatch opening.