Best SUVs of 2026

It is hard to say which is best because vehicles change every year, but we recommend you look at the KBB ratings and awards to see which are considered best year to year.

Because everyone has different needs and wants, the best SUV is the one that meets your needs. We have ten things we suggest looking at when buying an SUV:

1. How easy it is to drive
2. The number of seats
3. Comfort level of the third row
4. Towing capacity
5. Gas mileage
6. Driver-assist technology
7. Dimensions
8. Cargo space (think multiple people and luggage)
9. Safety ratings
10. Price differences between 2WD, 4WD, and AWD (which one do you really need)

• Subcompact – Often the smallest SUVs, they are practical vehicles that are great for commuters and new drivers. Subcompacts are built on a unibody frame, and the ride is like a car.
• Compact – Compacts can easily carry 4 adults, and most are not made for off-roading. However, some compacts have AWD, but they are built on a unibody frame and ride like a car.
• Midsize 2 Row – These SUVs don’t have a third row which increases cargo space. It has room for 4 adults to comfortably travel. Some ride like a car and some towing and off-roading capabilities.
• Midsize 3 Row – These SUVs are great for families, but the third rows often are not comfortable for adults. When choosing a 3 row SUV, you should check the amount of room between rows.
• Full-size – If you have a large family or need to travel with 6-8 people, this is the vehicle to choose. Some manufacturers have two different lengths of full-size to increase the room between rows and cargo space. Some SUVs have 2 captain’s chairs as the second row, and others offer a 3-seat bench, which you would need to carry 8.

Hybrid SUVs

• 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid – City/highway/combined MPG: 42/44/43
• 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – City/highway/combined MPG: 41/38/40
• 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime – Combined MPGe: 94
• 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid – City/highway/combined MPG: 40/35/38
• 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – City/highway/combined MPG: 38/38/38
• 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid – City/highway/combined MPG: 39/35/37
• 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – City/highway/combined MPG: 36/35/36
• 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid – Combined MPGe: 80
• 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid – City/highway/combined MPG: 36/31/34
• 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid – Combined MPGe: 79

Gas SUVs

• 2022 Toyota Venza – City/highway/combined MPG: 40/37/39