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Frankie Rogers is a senior editor for Kelley Blue Book and focuses on the production of content. She edits and formats content, creates monthly deals lists, is a media asset curator, and photographs cars for various articles and inclusion in KBB’s image library. Her 16+ years at Kelley Blue Book have included roles as a Blue Book copy editor, press vehicle wrangler, and VIN analyst. In her spare time, she can be found tinkering with her 1970 Chevrolet Camaro, trying out new recipes in her cast iron pans, and spoiling her two cats, Grayson and Thaddeus.

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Compact SUV Crossover

Compact SUV Crossover Articles - Kelley Blue Book

2026Ford Escape

2026Ford Escape Archives - Kelley Blue Book

suv Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$28,500 - $33,499

$28,500 - $33,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$33,500 - $38,499

$33,500 - $38,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$38,500 - $43,499

$38,500 - $43,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

2-Line Blurb

140-Character Blurb

The 2026 Ford Escape compact SUV offers a choice of powertrains and decent practicality and technology.

Cons

<ul>
<li>Aging lineup</li>
<li>Not sold in every state</li>
</ul>

Power, Ride, and Handling

Driving Impressions

We commend the 2026 Ford Escape for the variety of powertrains on offer, including two turbocharged gas models, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. The easiest one for us to recommend is the hybrid 4-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower. With a front-wheel-drive hybrid variant no longer offered, all 2026 Escape Hybrid models have all-wheel drive yet still achieve up to 39 mpg combined. With more power and better fuel economy at a small price premium over the standard turbocharged 3-cylinder, the hybrid is a no-brainer — if it fits your budget. There’s also a 210-hp plug-in hybrid.
The Escape’s standard engine is a 180-hp turbocharged 3-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. We found the base 3-cylinder engine proved adequate for urban errand-running, but struggles with passing on the highway. We also noticed it’s a bit noisy under hard acceleration. For reference, the base Honda CR-V has only a 10-hp advantage.
Those looking to make quicker Escapes (that’s the last time we’ll use that pun), there’s the turbocharged 4-cylinder with 250 hp. It makes the Escape fun to hustle around without sacrificing comfort or practicality. Every Escape with this engine also has all-wheel drive. This output is just a bit short of the turbo engine available in the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mazda/cx-50/">Mazda CX-50</a>.
No matter what’s under the hood, the Ford Escape is comfortable. It does a fine job of providing the utility of an SUV with the efficiency and easy drivability of a compact car.
Fuel Economy
The base 3-cylinder engine has a mixed city-and-highway fuel economy rating of up to 30 mpg with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with all-wheel drive. That’s the same as a Honda CR-V with front-wheel drive and one mpg behind a CR-V with all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has a slight fuel economy penalty but doesn’t require premium gas.
The conventional hybrid powertrain tops both gasoline-only engines at 39 mpg. The plug-in hybrid claims an all-electric range of up to 37 miles and returns 40 combined mpg in gas/electric hybrid operation.

Pleasing Exterior Design

Exterior

Despite not being the freshest of the compact SUV pack, our eyes still like the looks of the 2026 Escape. Where other SUVs have moved on to blockier, chunkier shapes, the Escape retains its rounded and organic design. And this is a model that can boast that it’s been there, done that as far as boxy design; the Escape was doing that decades ago. Want something boxy, rugged, and fresher? Look to the Escape&#8217;s sibling, the Bronco Sport.

FAQs

Our Favorite Features and Tech

Favorite Features

Power variety 
Four powertrain options ensure there is something for almost everyone. Two turbocharged engines are available, plus a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Sensible us would opt for the hybrid, but enthusiast us would pick the higher-performance turbo.
Efficient hybrids 
The efficient Escape Hybrid gets a mixed fuel economy rating of 39 mpg with standard all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid is more powerful and efficient and can travel up to 37 miles on electricity alone.
Ford Co-Pilot360 
The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 safety tech array brings many driver assistance features. They include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Additional optional features include adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, speed sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system. The two of those we miss when we don’t have them: the automatic high-beam function and adaptive cruise control. When it comes to parking, we find the surround-view camera nearly indispensable.
Sliding rear seats 
Sliding rear seats are rare in this class, but come standard in the Ford Escape. We didn’t once need to apologize for sticking someone in the rear seat. You can slide them forward to create additional cargo space or back for more passenger legroom.
SYNC 4 
The standard SYNC 4 infotainment system is loaded with features, notably wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You can upgrade the standard 8-inch screen to a 13.2-inch display and add more features like navigation.
B&amp;O audio 
The optional B&amp;O 10-speaker premium audio system brings music to life, making the cabin of the Escape feel (and sound) like a more premium SUV.

Flexible Interior

Interior

We like the roomy and flexible 5-passenger cabin of the Ford Escape. We found the front seats comfortable and supportive but noticed some subpar materials in the lower trims. However, it can get pretty fancy with options like ActiveX seat upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a B&amp;O premium audio system.
The SYNC 4 infotainment system is feature-rich and user-friendly. It has a standard 8-inch screen, which can be upgraded to a 13.2-inch screen with more features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard — a convenience we always appreciate.
We especially like the sliding second-row seats. These make it easy to optimize both passenger and cargo space, depending on requirements, and it’s an uncommon feature among <a href="https://www.kbb.com/suv/best-compact-suvs/">compact SUVs</a>.
We’re impressed that we didn’t hear any griping out of a 6-foot teenager relegated to the rear seat thanks to the Escape’s better-than-average 40.7-inch maximum rear legroom (extremely close to the Honda CR-V’s 41 inches). Cargo space is also above average, with 34.4 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats and up to 65.4 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The CR-V is more impressive here, though, with 39.3/76.5 cubic feet.

Is the YMM a Good Vehicle?

Is the YMM Reliable?

KBB Editors' Overview

Today’s compact SUVs are better than ever, and there are some dozen to choose from. The Ford Escape is among the elder statesmen in the segment, and this latest generation is itself showing its age compared to fresher rivals like the all-new, all-hybrid Toyota RAV4 and the always impressive Honda CR-V. That said, it’s still relatively competitive thanks to undergoing regular updates. The Escape also offers several powertrain choices, from a standard 3-cylinder engine to a zesty turbo-4, plus hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. If you have your heart set on an Escape, we’d advise buying one sooner rather than later, as this could be the last year for the model as we know it. And if you reside in six particular states, you won’t be able to buy one at all. See details about that under What’s New.
We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/suv/best-compact-suvs/">compact SUVs</a>, including the Ford Escape.

Optional Equipment

2026 Ford Escape Pricing

Pricing - Dynamic

Pricing - Static

The Ford Escape’s starting price is in line with the benchmark <a href="https://www.kbb.com/honda/cr-v/">Honda CR-V</a>, but we should note that a base Escape doesn’t include as many standard active driver assistance features, including one we now can&#8217;t live without: adaptive cruise control. That’s extra on the Escape, but standard on the CR-V, as well as the less expensive <a href="https://www.kbb.com/kia/sportage/">Kia Sportage</a>, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/tucson/">Hyundai Tucson</a>, and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/equinox/">Chevrolet Equinox</a>, all of which are newer, too. The least-expensive Ford Escape Hybrid is around $35,000, which we think is a pretty solid value since it also comes with all-wheel drive. Still, a <a href="https://www.kbb.com/kia/sportage-hybrid/">Sportage Hybrid</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/tucson/">Tucson Hybrid</a> can be had for less or around the same price, as can the new <a href="https://www.kbb.com/subaru/forester-hybrid/">Subaru Forester Hybrid</a>. The all-new <a href="https://www.kbb.com/toyota/rav4/2026/">2026 Toyota RAV4</a> will be hybrid only, but pricing for that model is still forthcoming.
The Ford Escape’s resale value is sub-par, below leaders like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester. Keep in mind that the higher the resale value, the more money you can get when it’s time to sell or trade in your vehicle.

Pros

<ul>
<li>Powertrain variety</li>
<li>Cargo space</li>
<li>Passenger room</li>
</ul>

Quick New

<ul>
<li>Front-drive hybrid models cut</li>
</ul>

Safety

Standard Equipment

Trims

Engine & Transmission

Under the Hood

The Escape offers an efficient and affordable turbo 3-cylinder with 180 hp, plus a stronger turbo 4-cylinder with 250 hp. For the fuel-conscious, there are also two hybrid options: a conventional hybrid with 192 hp and 39 combined mpg, or a 210-hp plug-in hybrid with a 37-mile all-electric range. Although the 4-cylinder turbo is a cut above the usual power range, overall, the Escape’s powertrain performance is about average with comparable rivals.
For most drivers, we’d recommend the conventional hybrid with its excellent balance of performance, efficiency, and value. You still get all that back-seat room, and for the 2026 model year, the hybrid models have all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid Escape remains front-wheel drive only.
3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty
The Ford Escape is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile (whichever happens first) basic bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This coverage is average for the class. Both hybrid models get an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on hybrid components.
Safety
The Ford Escape has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings">NHTSA</a>). Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams.

What's New For 2026

What's new for

The 2026 Ford Escape brings nothing new to the table, instead simplifying its lineup in what is likely its last model year before Ford retools the factory where it’s made. Ford Escape hybrid models are no longer available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) form, so all-wheel drive (AWD) is your only option. And if you live in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon, or Washington state, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/car-news/2026-ford-escape-lincoln-corsair-wont-be-sold-in-6-states/">you won’t be able to register a 2026 Escape at all</a>, since it won’t meet emissions requirements.

Featured Article

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2026 Ford Escape Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book

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Matt Degen is an author specializing in reviewing cars with the goal of helping you find the best one for your needs. Prior to joining Kelley Blue Book in 2012, he was a writer and editor for over a decade at The Orange County Register newspaper. There he covered automobiles, music and food -- all things Matt is passionate about. He holds degrees in Communications and Culinary Arts. When not evaluating vehicles, he is cooking on his YouTube channel.

Matt Degen

Subcompact SUV Crossover

Subcompact SUV Crossover Articles - Kelley Blue Book

Jeep

Jeep Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The 2026 Jeep Compass is the least expensive Jeep yet still brings the adventurous vibe and off-road skills for which the brand is known.

<ul>
<li>Aging platform</li>
<li>Cargo space</li>
<li>Sub-par resale value</li>
</ul>

This little Jeep doesn’t skimp on power. We appreciate that all Compass models get a 200-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder engine. That’s more verve than what most subcompact SUVs have, and even bests some SUVs a size larger. In our testing, we found it enables quick getaways in traffic and dealing with tricky terrain alike. The engine is refined, and it even exhibits a nice little growl when you put your foot into it. We also like the standard 8-speed automatic transmission, a treat when more and more rivals go to drone-inducing continuously variable transmission (CVT) setups. We should point out that a <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mazda/cx-30/">Mazda CX-30</a>, also with standard all-wheel drive, has 191 hp in standard form and up to 250 hp for turbo models. The Mazda isn’t as off-road-oriented but has similar power, excellent driving manners, and a price that starts at thousands less.
The Compass’ ride can be a bit bouncy over rough surfaces, and some of our editors prefer the smaller wheel/tire combination in the Latitude over the less-forgiving larger wheels in the Limited. At just 173.4 inches in length, the Compass is a snap to park on crowded city streets and home garages alike. With a footprint this small, maneuvering in general is easy, and just another asset should you take your “Trail Rated” Jeep onto an actual trail.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
The Jeep Compass is EPA-rated at 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s ok enough, but if superior efficiency is your goal in a subcompact SUV, look to the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/toyota/corolla-cross-hybrid/">Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid</a>; that model has standard all-wheel drive, nearly the same power, is less expensive, and earns 42 mpg combined.

Familiar Exterior

The Jeep Compass may not be a blocky, utilitarian-looking rig like the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/jeep/wrangler/">Wrangler</a>, but there are enough brand similarities here to at least see lineage. The brand’s 7-slot grill is up front, and if you go for the Trailhawk version, you’ll get distinguishing factors like chunky all-terrain tires, red tow hooks up front, and a black hood treatment to help with glare. We also like the contrasting-color roof options.

Jeep Active Drive 4×4 
The standard Jeep Active Drive 4×4 system is the foundation of what makes the Compass a good off-roader. It’s a fully automatic system that delivers torque to the wheels that need it most.
Disconnecting rear axle 
One clever aspect of the 4×4 system in the Compass is that it can disconnect the drive to the rear axle, essentially making the Compass a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle to help save gasoline when conditions allow.
Selec-Terrain 
Selec-Terrain is standard, allowing drivers to optimize the 4-wheel-drive system for whatever terrain they encounter. Leaving it in Auto mode works well enough most of the time, but it also has Snow and Sand/Mud modes. The Trailhawk adds a Rock mode for more demanding terrain.
Infotainment system 
We like it. The setup has a 10.1-inch touchscreen, is user-friendly and packed with features, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Wireless charging and an Alpine premium audio system are among the options.
Highway Assist 
It does what its name implies. Available in the Limited and Trailhawk models, this partially autonomous system uses features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance to help ease the driver’s workload under certain conditions.
Trailhawk 
The Compass Trailhawk is much more than just an appearance package. Thanks to a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock mode, an extra inch of ground clearance, off-road tires, and skid plates, it has impressive off-road capabilities. All-wheel-drive rivals pale in comparison on the dirt.

Acceptable Interior

We think the 5-passenger cabin of the Compass is acceptable in terms of design, ergonomics, and quality. We also find the cabin fairly quiet. High points include the standard 10.1-inch touchscreen and 7-inch digital instrument cluster (or optional 10.25-inch unit), and available 8-way power driver’s seat with heating and ventilation. At 38.3 inches, rear legroom is better than average for a subcompact SUV. The 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats hovers near the bottom of the class. That space expands to a more reasonable 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2026 Compass is the smallest and least expensive entry into the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/jeep/">Jeep</a> brand. But it’s an entry nonetheless, granting buyers access to a club comprised of adventure seekers, off-road loyalists, and weekend warriors. Or, at least those claiming to be. Should you actually use a Jeep to do Jeep-capable things, the Compass can impress thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and off-road hardware. These attributes help the Compass stand apart from more commuter-focused rivals like the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota Corolla Cross. Yet there’s no denying the Compass is getting long in the tooth and is about to be replaced, at least outside the U.S.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/suv/best-subcompact-suvs/">subcompact SUVs</a>, including the Jeep Compass.

2026 Jeep Compass Pricing

With the base Sport trim snipped for 2026, it will now take a bit more money to get into a new Compass. The Latitude is now the new entry point. These manufacturer-suggested retail prices (MSRP) include the $1,995 destination fee.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 72px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">Compass Latitude</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">$30,195</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">Compass Limited</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">$34,240</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">Compass Trailhawk</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">$34,390</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

With the prior base Sport trim out of the picture, the new entry for the Compass lineup is the Latitude, leading to a starting price of around $30,000. That’s above subcompact SUVs such as the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/kona/">Hyundai Kona</a>, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/kia/seltos/">Kia Seltos</a>, and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/honda/hr-v/">Honda HR-V</a>, and closer to the compact class. The Jeep Compass does have all-wheel drive standard, but so does the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/subaru/crosstrek/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subaru Crosstrek,</a> which starts a bit less, along with the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/ford/bronco-sport/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ford Bronco Sport,</a> which is a bit more. Both of those rivals are fresher than the aging Compass.
Before buying a new Jeep Compass, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. Unlike its sibling, the Wrangler, the resale value of the Jeep Compass lags competitors. The higher the resale value, the more money you can get when it&#8217;s time to sell or trade-in your vehicle.

<ul>
<li>Power</li>
<li>Off-road ability</li>
<li>Jeep brand cachet</li>
</ul>

The Compass employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 200 hp and 221 lb-ft, which is muscular among subcompact SUVs. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends this to a standard all-wheel-drive system. Maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds — better than the class average.
3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty
Jeep’s new-vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles, which is typical among mainstream manufacturers. Jeep also includes free scheduled maintenance for the first three years.
Safety Ratings
The 2025 Compass earned an overall score of four stars out of a possible five from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings">NHTSA</a>), so that score will likely carry over. It hasn’t been tested fully by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings/">IIHS</a>). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The Compass loses the base Sport trim in 2026 and sees no major changes to the others. There’s a good chance this is the final model year. <a href="https://www.kbb.com/car-news/next-jeep-compass-comes-as-hybrid-plug-in-or-ev/">Jeep has shown the next-gen Compass</a>, but it’s unknown at this time whether it will be sold in America.

2026 Jeep Compass Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

Rob Nestora is a Senior Editor and has been a member of the Cox Automotive Editorial team since 2014 when he started as a content producer.  Since joining the team, he has worked with a long list of prominent automotive experts and influencers and has driven some of the finest vehicles on the planet.  If he’s not working on creating, producing, or editing content, he is likely perusing the vehicle listings and dreaming of cars that far exceed his salary.

Rob Nestora

Mazda

Mazda Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The revamped 2026 Mazda CX-5 compact SUV is brings fresh design, new technology, and larger dimensions inside and out.

We’re eager to officially test the 2026 Mazda CX-5, but we’ve had plenty of experience driving prior models that use the same powertrain. The CX-5’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is one of our favorites thanks to its verve and snappy character. Its 187 horsepower is now at the lower end of the segment, but we’ve always found the power good, especially when we switch to Sport mode. We’ve also long been fans of Mazda’s 6-speed automatic transmission. In a world of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), it always feels like a breath of fresh air. That said, in a world of 8- and 10-speed setups, we’re a bit surprised Mazda is sticking with six in 2026.

Refined Exterior

The Mazda CX-5 is all-new for 2026, but the design has clear lineage to prior versions. This third-gen CX-5 retains the model’s signature curves and athletic stance. Mazda leaves the macho stuff to the more adventurous <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mazda/cx-50/">CX-50</a>. Our eyes like it.
What’s not subjective is the new CX-5’s increased size. Mazda says the 2026 model is 4.5 inches longer than the former model, which should put this one at 184.6 inches. That’s enough to give this SUV presence, yet still keep it firmly in the easy-to-park compact SUV class. The wheelbase is three inches longer, which should translate to smoother ride quality, and the width increased by over half an inch.
Mazda says it has also made the CX-5’s cargo area more useful, which we commend since the past model’s was fine but hardly the roomiest out there. Again, we’re still awaiting complete specs, but the automaker says the new CX-5 has a lower load floor and larger aperture.

Sleek Setting

The Mazda CX-5 retains its 2-row/5-passenger configuration, but brings more room for 2026, along with what the automaker dubs a “calm, yet functional” space. The new CX-5’s door openings are larger, which means it should be easier to get in and out, similar to the wide-opening doors of the Nissan Rogue. Once inside, Mazda says its new CX-5 offers increased rear leg, knee, and headroom. How much more we don’t know just yet, as specs are still TBA.
From the first images we’ve seen, the interior looks starker and sleeker. We do like that Mazda has kept a traditional gear lever in the CX-5. No buttons, dials, or switches here to get into drive, reverse, neutral, etc.
Taking center stage in the dash is an available 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest ever fitted to a Mazda. And if you love some ambient lighting, Mazda will offer seven colors of it in the cabin.

Mazda is giving its best-selling model a makeover, as the CX-5 marks the 2026 model year by entering its third generation. Some aspects are familiar, including the overall design and powertrain, but this new CX-5 is larger than its predecessor and features Mazda-first technology like an available 15.6-inch touchscreen and Google built-in. We’re still awaiting details on other aspects of the CX-5 to assess how well it will compete against rivals like the Honda CR-V and also-new Toyota RAV4 in the cutthroat <a href="https://www.kbb.com/suv/best-compact-suvs/">compact SUV segment</a>. As with all of Mazda’s SUVs, the 2026 benefits from standard all-wheel drive (AWD). A hybrid variant is in the works, but not until 2027.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Pricing

Mazda has yet to release many details about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, chief among them: how much will it cost? Based on the 2025 model and the increasing price of, well, everything these days, we can make an educated guess that the 2026 Mazda CX-5 will start around $31,000. That price would make it competitive with the benchmark <a href="https://www.kbb.com/honda/cr-v/">Honda CR-V</a> and a bit above rivals like the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/kia/sportage/">Kia Sportage</a>, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/tucson/">Hyundai Tucson</a>, and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/equinox/">Chevrolet Equinox</a>. Notably, those rivals charge extra for all-wheel drive, which the CX-5 has standard.

Not everything is new about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, most pointedly its powertrain. It carries over the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. It is still paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and has all-wheel drive standard. Gone, however, is the former turbo option, which was a zesty little powerhouse that made up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Mazda says the CX-5 will eventually offer a hybrid powertrain, but apparently not the one that’s currently offered in the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mazda/cx-50-hybrid/">Mazda CX-50 Hybrid</a> and sourced from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. This new one is called SkyActiv-Z and set to join the lineup in 2027.
3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty
Mazda’s new vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This is all typical for mainstream manufacturers, although Hyundai and Kia do better.
Safety Ratings
The 2026 CX-5 has yet to be crash-tested, but it’s good to know the past model earned top scores and that this new one is fitted with a bevy of safety systems and active driver assistance features.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is all-new and now in its third generation.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

Cynthia Ogu

Russ Heaps has produced automotive content for newspapers, magazines, and websites since 1987. Knight-Ridder recognized his contributions in founding and supplying content for the stand-alone auto section in the Boca Raton News with a Knight-Ridder Excellence award nomination in 1990. He began contributing advice and other automotive-related content to Cox Automotive as a contractor in 2010. Cox Automotive brought Russ on board as Senior Editor, Advice for Kelley Blue Book in 2022. Previously, he contributed financial and automotive content for Bankrate.com. He was also managing editor for Auto World and NOPI Street Performance Compact magazines for four years. His work has appeared in the Washington Times, the Miami Herald, the Palm Beach Post, and a host of other newspapers on a syndicated basis. 
Russ also has a deep background in travel as the supervising producer for the syndicated television series Discover America where he also wrote scripts and field-produced episodes. Additionally, he authored travel stories for AAA of the Carolinas Magazine.
He graduated Wittenberg University with a degree in Political Science. His passions are friends, cars, bourbon, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Russ Heaps

chevrolet

chevrolet Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$18,500 - $23,499

$18,500 - $23,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$23,500 - $28,499

$23,500 - $28,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

Packing loads of space and standard content into a stunningly stylized subcompact SUV, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax is as affordable as it is easy on the eyes.

<ul>
<li>Underwhelming powertrain</li>
<li>Unimpressive resale value</li>
<li>All-wheel drive unavailable</li>
</ul>

Power, Ride, And Handling

The 2026 Chevy Trax isn’t the most powerful subcompact SUV on the market, but we’ve found it surprisingly satisfying to drive. Its small, turbocharged 3-cylinder engine is a bit coarser than the segment’s more common 4-cylinder engines, but it’s responsive enough around town and delivers sufficient power for highway merging. The Trax is an eager and competent little SUV with great steering and brake feel. Nearly every reader review comments on the Trax’s excellent ride quality. We agree it’s pretty good, if a tad on the firm side. Active noise cancellation helps minimize the outside racket that reaches your ears.
Fuel Economy
At 30 mpg in combined (28 city and 32 highway) driving, the Trax delivers about average fuel economy for its class.

All in the Family

To say the designers paid homage to the larger Chevy Blazer when penning the lines of the current Trax would be an understatement. We wouldn’t be surprised to learn the design team used a checklist of the Blazer styling cues when they huddled up to design this generation of Trax. With size being your only clue that they aren’t one and the same, the resemblance is uncanny from the front. All in all, the Trax has serious curb appeal.

Our Favorite Features And Tech

Chevy Safety Assist 
Standard on every new Trax, this bundle of technologies includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Other included technologies are lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and a following-distance indicator.
Bigger touchscreens 
LS and 1RS trims feature an 8-inch display, while the upper trims feature an 11-inch screen.
Driver information display 
We appreciate this 8-inch programmable display because it provides a host of information about the vehicle and its various systems that’s uber easy to read. It becomes standard starting on the LT trim.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
Whether your smartphone operating system is Android or Apple’s iOS, we like that it will interface with the Trax infotainment system without cables.
Driver Confidence Package 
Available for all trim levels, this package is an affordable way to add some must-have safety tech like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-park sensors, and lane-change alert. It costs a little more to add it to the upper trim levels, but it also includes adaptive cruise control for the LT, 2RS, and Activ grades.
LED headlights 
Every Trax model arrives with LED headlights that illuminate a longer, wider area than halogen lamps. Moreover, they are more easily seen by approaching drivers. We are always amazed by the difference LEDs make.

Room to Roam

The Chevy Trax interior has a pleasant layout, and the tech features are easy to use. A feature-rich touchscreen slants toward the driver, and you still get simple-to-use knobs and buttons for the HVAC controls. We like the 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, which replaces the 8-inch unit you find in lower trims. We also appreciate the available dual displays and crisp graphics.
Some of us felt the seats started to feel a bit small on longer drives; however, a few of us are bigger than others, and seat comfort is highly subjective. We thought the seat fabric on the base LS trim was a little low-rent, but luckily, it doesn’t cost much to get nicer seats on higher trims.
The Trax boasts nearly best-in-class rear-seat legroom. At 38.7 inches, that’s more akin to a midsize car. Only its stablemate, the Chevy Trailblazer, delivers more (39.7 inches) second-row legroom in the subcompact class. Indeed, we found rear legroom and headroom generous, even for adults. However, the expansiveness of the accommodations is countered a bit by the fact that you can’t get air vents, a center armrest, or cupholders in the back.
The Trax has 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, ranking it among the roomiest in its class. Naturally, you get more cargo room when you fold down the rear seats.

Boasting one of the more affordable starting prices among subcompact SUVs, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax dazzles with its head-turning styling and its crowded list of standard features. Sure, we’ll bellyache a bit about its rather tepid acceleration, but can’t say enough about its generous cargo room. All things considered, it’s a fine choice for anyone shopping for a starter SUV.
We&#8217;ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/suv/best-subcompact-suvs/">subcompact SUVs</a>, including the latest Chevy Trax.

2026 Chevrolet Trax Pricing

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax starts at $22,995. That’s for the entry-level 1LS grade and includes the factory-to-dealer delivery fee. Topping the lineup, the Trax Activ starts at $26,695.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">1LS</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$22,995</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">1RS</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$24,495</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">1LT</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$24,495</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">2RS</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$26,695</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Activ</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$26,695</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

The Trax resides on the more affordable end of the subcompact SUV spectrum, along with smaller entries like the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/nissan/kicks/">Nissan Kicks</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/venue/">Hyundai Venue</a>. It starts a few thousand less than Chevy&#8217;s other subcompact SUV, the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/trailblazer/">Trailblazer,</a> which is half a grade ahead in materials and refinement. As much of a bargain as it is, we&#8217;d pass on the base LS trim in favor of the LT, at the very least. As a matter of fact, the LT is by far the best-selling of the Trax trim levels. If you need more space and want to stay with Chevy, we recommend the compact <a href="https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/equinox/">Equinox</a>.
Before buying a Trax, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Resale value has not been a Trax strength, but the new version is significantly more competitive; consequently, we expect to see some improvement in that area. Remember, recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

<ul>
<li>Budget-friendly pricing</li>
<li>Wide-open spaces</li>
<li>Advanced technology</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>A couple of exterior colors</li>
</ul>

Engine and Transmission

The Chevy Trax has similar power to many competitors within its value segment, though it uses a smaller engine to create it. The 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine generates a modest 137 horsepower but a more gratifying 162 lb-ft of torque. That power runs through a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission. Yep, that’s right. The Trax uses a traditional automatic transmission, which we argue helps create greater responsiveness than a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that&#8217;s increasingly common in the segment. Sadly, the Trax is among a handful of subcompact SUVs offered exclusively with front-wheel drive (FWD), with no provision for all-wheel drive (AWD). You&#8217;ll have to step up to the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/trailblazer/">Trailblazer</a> if you want a small Chevy SUV offering all-wheel go.
3-year/36,000-mile Warranty
The 2026 Trax is covered by Chevy&#8217;s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This level of warranty protection, which also includes 24/7 roadside assistance, is typical for the segment.
Safety
One area where we harbor some disappointment is crash testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings/">IIHS</a>) put the Trax through four crash tests. It rated the top score of Good on two of them, Acceptable on another, and Poor on the fourth. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings">NHTSA</a>) awarded the Trax an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars in its crash testing. The Trax does have several advanced safety technologies as standard equipment, including forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and more.

What's new for 2026

Chevy completely redesigned the Trax for the 2024 model year; therefore, the updates for 2026 involve swapping out paint colors. In with White Sands and Apex Red, and out with Crimson Metallic and Nitro Yellow Metallic.
<h3>What Is the On-Sale Date?</h3>
We expect the Trax to arrive in showrooms in late summer or early fall of 2025.

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