Consumer Reports top 5 SUVs for 2026: rankings and details

The crossover and SUV segment continues to dominate the U.S. market, accounting for roughly 60% of all vehicle sales. This makes the results from the authoritative publication Consumer Reports highly influential for buyers. Every vehicle in the top five list of the best SUVs for 2026 carries the 'Recommended' status.

#1 Subaru Crosstrek

The most affordable option in the ranking is the new Subaru Crosstrek, starting at $28,415. This compact model comes with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine. The Subaru earned high marks from Consumer Reports for reliability and overall owner satisfaction. A hybrid version is also available, though CR experts have not yet tested it separately.

#2 Subaru Forester

Next from Subaru is the Forester, which is slightly more expensive than its smaller sibling with a starting price of $31,445. It's equipped with a similar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering comparable fuel efficiency. While its road test scores and owner satisfaction ratings are high, its reliability is rated as average. However, the hybrid version deserves attention. Starting at $36,180, it offers improved reliability and achieves an average fuel consumption of around 6.7 liters per 100 kilometers.

#3 Toyota Grand Highlander

In third place is the Toyota Grand Highlander. Despite debuting only in 2024, it quickly became one of the brand's most popular models in North America. This spacious seven-seater starts at $43,155.

Consumer Reports experts particularly highlight its passenger comfort and high overall test score. For those seeking greater efficiency, a hybrid version is available with a fuel consumption of 6.7 liters per 100 km. Standing apart is the Hybrid Max version, capable of producing up to 362 horsepower.

#4 Lexus NX

Fourth place goes to the luxury Japanese brand Lexus with its NX model, which is manufactured in Canada. The starting price is a substantial $46,720. The crossover is powered by a modern 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 275 horsepower. Its road test results and reliability assessment were both high.

Furthermore, the hybrid NX version stands out for its exceptional fuel economy: the front-wheel-drive model achieves a figure of 5.8 liters per 100 km.

#5 BMW X5

Rounding out the top five is the premium segment's best representative: the German BMW X5. Despite a middling reliability forecast, this vehicle received the highest overall rating among competitors in its category from Consumer Reports. The standard gasoline version starts at a minimum of $69,750, offering an engine with 375 horsepower.

An alternative is the plug-in hybrid version, which adds an electric motor for a combined power output reaching a colossal 483 horsepower. This configuration starts at $77,450.