Today’s car shoppers have made their voices heard, and the chorus of what they want is two clear words: compact SUVs. This segment of vehicles is by far the most popular, with over a dozen models to choose from. Two of the most popular are the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson, and for good reason.
Each brings loads of practicality and technology along with seating for five. Here’s how these two top-sellers compare.
2026 Honda CR-V
Think “compact SUV,” and there’s a good chance the Honda CR-V comes to mind. The Honda CR-V helped create the segment as we know it back when it debuted nearly 30 years ago. It was an immediate hit then and remains among the nation’s top-selling vehicles today. Why? The CR-V simply does everything right, boasting class-leading cargo space, easy driving manners, efficiency, and good technology. The latter improves for 2026 with a standard 9-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charger, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Honda CR-V is also available as a hybrid, reviewed separately.
Honda CR-V Highlights
Room for everything: Yes, the CR-V is a compact SUV, but it has outsized cargo space. Behind the rear seats is 39.3 cubic feet of space — enough for a massive shopping run. If even more space is needed, fold the seats, and you’ll get a best-in-class 76.5 cubic feet.
No wires needed: In addition to now having wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all 2026 trims also get a wireless phone charger. To get wireless charging on the Tucson, you need to buy a higher trim.
Resale value: Honda vehicles are prized for holding their value, and the CR-V is no exception. The CR-V’s resale value tops the segment.
Read our Expert Review or see 2026 Honda CR-V models for sale near you.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is Hyundai’s best-selling model, and it’s easy to see why. Like its rival here, the Tucson brings to the table tremendous value, practicality, and a choice of trims. But the Tucson’s laudable traits hardly end there. This Hyundai has a few tricks up its sleeve that the Honda CR-V can’t touch (see below). As with the CR-V, the Tucson is also available as a hybrid, and unlike the CR-V, can be had as a plug-in hybrid as well.
Hyundai Tucson Highlights
Unbeatable warranty: Hyundai vehicles have amazing warranties. How amazing? Think five years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper, and 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain. That’s far better than warranties from rival brands, including Honda.
Better tech: Hyundai has long been a tech leader, and the Tucson is further proof. All models include an impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s bigger than the CR-V’s, while higher trims can get tech that does everything from show live video of your blind spots to allow you to remotely pull the Tucson into or out of a parking space.
It’s roomy, too: The Tucson also has a ton of practical cargo space, and the apples-to-apples numbers tell the tale: 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, and 74.8 with them folded.
Read our Expert Review or see 2026 Hyundai Tucson models for sale near you.
Similarities
The 2026 Honda CR-V and 2026 Hyundai Tucson have similar power, comparable suites of safety systems, and are close in cargo space, and each serves as its brand’s bestseller. They can also each be had with a hybrid powertrain.
New 2026 Hyundai Tucson Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,695 |
$29,800 |
|||
$32,045 |
$31,100 |
|||
$34,720 |
$33,700 |
|||
$35,045 |
$34,000 |
|||
$40,670 |
$39,400 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Honda CR-V vehicles and New 2026 Hyundai Tucson vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Honda CR-V | 2026 Hyundai Tucson | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds | 2,700 pounds |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | automatic, 8-speed w/shiftronic |
| Fuel Economy | 28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg | 25 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 108.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.8 inches | 182.3 inches |
| Width | 73.5 inches | 73.4 inches |
| Height | 66.2 inches | 65.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 38.6 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 40.1 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.2 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.0 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.9 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.9 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 76.5 feet | 80.3 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Here’s a case of choosing between two winners. In the past, we’ve called this contest a toss-up, and that’s still the case in 2026. The Honda CR-V has a bit more room, higher resale value, and a standard wireless phone charging cradle. The Hyundai Tucson has a slightly lower starting price, a far longer warranty, and more innovative tech. With a match this close, it’s imperative to set your budget and then visit each brand’s dealership to test-drive each model.
