What's the Best Compact SUV for 2026?
Posted by idkbruh653@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 87 comments
Surprisingly out of a field of 8 that included both the new Jeep Cherokee and Toyota RAV4, they gave the grown to the VW Tiguan.
hehechibby@reddit
Ranking with price as tested
SirLoremIpsum@reddit
It's almost a 'rank by price' with a couple of exceptions
DonKlob@reddit
I know 3 people whose turbos blew out within 10K miles in the number 1 choice
diethyl2o@reddit
In 2026 the winner has to be a hybrid with cheap service cost. An ICE from a German brand ticks none of these boxes. This segment is for low to middle class families. Upkeep cost (primarily insurance, maintenance and gas prices) has to be a major factor.
Source: I’ve a 2018 Tiguan.
Skensis@reddit
It's surprising especially that consumers actually care a lot about mileage in this day an age for their appliance mobile.
But also, the savings decrease as the mpgs get better. Like going from 15mpg to 30mpg saves you 2k a year in fuel, while going from 30mpg to 60mpg saves you 1k a year.
Jam_Bannock@reddit
This is a valid point. And may I add, this is why I prefer l/100km to mpg or km/l as metric.
SirLoremIpsum@reddit
Even if the Yanks could move to a Gallons Per Mile instead of Miles per Gallon it would go a long way to a "simpler" way of understanding the savings
irregularcontributor@reddit
I’m curious what a low-class family income is now if they’re shopping 45 grand cars. This just made me feel broke 😂
diethyl2o@reddit
Used. I bought my 2018 Tiguan in 2020. It’s been costing me a lot in service. Currently dealing with an electronic issue (among others). The drivers assist button is faulty. I made the mistake of going to the dealership service center. The first thing they told me to do to troubleshoot the problem is to replace the battery: they charged $650 just for that.
Also, I get 22 MPG combined at best. I’m not an aggressive driver but do mostly city driving and my trim (3rd row seats, 19” wheels, etc.) is heavier.
It’s still far cheaper for me to keep it than to get another car. But for someone looking to get a car, which is the entire point of this article, a Tiguan wouldn’t be my top recommendation because of its higher total cost of ownership.
Where I think the 2026 Tiguan is an absolute gem is the 268-hp version as a near luxury cost-sensible alternative to Q5 GLC, X3, RDX, NX and co. But that’s a different market and demographic.
No_Cherry_1423@reddit
It’s funny you say that because Ford has canceled exactly what you describe
hells_cowbells@reddit
The Escape?
Guinness_or_thirsty@reddit
Yeah, it says as much in the article under the Bronco entry. That sucks, I was a fan of the newest escape since 2020.
hells_cowbells@reddit
Yeah, I was considering a hybrid to replace my Fusion. Their hybrids have been pretty solid.
Jam_Bannock@reddit
It seems obvious that Ford needs to make a hybrid Bronco Sport. The Maverick hybrid AWD exists. The outgoing Escape hybrid and PHEV. They already have the technology on this platform.
hells_cowbells@reddit
That has truly been baffling. They have had hybrid versions of everything built on that platform except the Bronco Sport.
Jam_Bannock@reddit
Unless there's something we're missing here. And tbh, Ford's hybrid have a great reputation. Why not capitalize on it?
No_Cherry_1423@reddit
It would be a pretty easy next purchase but I’m probably stuck waiting for the EV Escape they seem to be building in Louisville by end of decade.
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Guessing the packaging requires something funky or expensive. Otherwise, doesn't make sense to not have it as both the BS and Maverick are made in the same factory.
Jam_Bannock@reddit
If true, then they should have come up with a more modular design for the Bronco Sport from the get go.
Guinness_or_thirsty@reddit
I think (if memory serves) the Escape hybrid architecture actually came from the previous Toyota generation which is why it there were so well received. That’s a good strategy imo for making a good hybrid.
No_Cherry_1423@reddit
They independently developed a similar hybrid system (parallel using a planetary gear as a transmission w/ 2 electric motors basically) so they cross-licensed patents back in the early to mid 00’s. Various generations are being used in the Nautilus, Maverick, and until this year Escape/Corsair. I do not know why they haven’t just put it in the Bronco Sport yet, but Ford does typically go lean on factory space (and then use it inefficiently which is why they’re killing the Escape…) so its possible that the Maverick is hogging all the 2.5L hybrids/they are fucked by tariffs.
diethyl2o@reddit
A hybrid bronco sport would be great.
WigginIII@reddit
Because ford already cancelled the Edge and the explorer is in a larger class.
Trades46@reddit
The fact Ford hasn't done a Bronco Sport hybrid yet is heresy. Seriously the mechanical bits is all there since the Escape and Bronco Sport are largely identical...come on Ford.
costafilh0@reddit
The best selling one, obviously. The rest is just marketing BS they like to call "journalism".
In 2025:
Model Y RAV4 CR-V
Wait results from 2026 in 2027 if you want an update.
Dachshand@reddit
What a stupid senseless logic.
WCWRingMatSound@reddit
These rankings won’t change over the next 2 years, at least not in NA. The people want what they want. Theres no magic that Mazda, Subaru, or HMG can do to topple these three behemoths.
Lighthouse_seek@reddit
The Rav4 is falling down the list this year because they have production issues
MagicSpoon69@reddit
No thanks, I had about 3 volkswagon suv rentals and all were ass. VW isn't even reliable to make up for the shit car
Dachshand@reddit
Bullshit
the_real_MSU_is_us@reddit
These things are worthless if you A) don't have all the relevant options (CX-5 where??) B) don't test options within roughly the same time frame (base model Bronco vs options that cost 10k++ more!?) or C) compare the actual cost of ownership (ie take cost and MPG and expected reliability into account)
AdmiralZassman@reddit
The bronco cost 40k, so it's in the same bracket. It's just terrible value
hells_cowbells@reddit
Especially considering the CX-5 just got updated, and they took care of several complaints from the previous model. And yeah, it's weird mixing entry level models (Bronco Sport and RAV4) to top tier models.
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Maybe don't test a base version with packages against top trims? Wild idea, I know.
AdmiralZassman@reddit
All those features should be standard at 40k
Drzhivago138@reddit
Most of the time they're just testing whatever model the brand gave them. So you'd think it'd be in the brand's best interest to loan the highest trim, but apparently not.
WigginIII@reddit
VW knew what they were doing lol.
lee1026@reddit
Price is part of the rubric, or at least I hope it is?
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Ford gave them a base model with bling. Weird choice.
hells_cowbells@reddit
Definitely weird. I decided to play with their builder, and it took a few packages to get near $40k on the Big Bend model.
No_Cherry_1423@reddit
Ford base models do this a lot. If you get a base model but want convenience features like heated seats you have to pay an extra $1,800 for a convenience or comfort package. I interpreted it as an expression of how much Ford resents their supplier network.
Shmokesshweed@reddit
They just want to drive margin. But at a certain point a base trim with packages makes no sense when the top trim is selling at like 40-42k .
DocPhilMcGraw@reddit
I think the point they were driving home was the value aspect. The most direct comparison in this lineup was the Rogue based on pricing and the powertrain offering. And yet for less money, you can get the heated steering wheel, power liftgate, and remote start.
Recoil42@reddit
They did the same thing with the RAV4. Put a $35k RAV4 base trim up against $45k Tiguan and of course the Tiguan comes out ahead.
Dnlx5@reddit
The canceled the RDX :(
Strange_Pay_4747@reddit
Honestly I never got the hype for the Tiguan. I feel like reliability should matter way more and VW just doesn't give me much confidence there. RAV4 might be kinda boring but at least it usually holds up longer.
Wolfo93@reddit
Looking from European point of view some of those cars are not compact SUV and are quite different in size. Competitor of Sportage is Quashqai not Rogue and ZR-V not CR-V. Different class of car
idkbruh653@reddit (OP)
Well that's because our segments are different here. Quashqai - which we received as the Rouge Sport - was subcompact, which also includes offerings like the Kia Seltos, Honda ZR-V (which we get as the HR-V), Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona.
mgobla@reddit
I am from europe too, they are making up stuff that isn't true. The models they mentioned are comparable to Hyundai Kona, not Tucson, also they ingored that US Tucson / Sportage are bigger then their EU models.
Wolfo93@reddit
https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/hyundai-kona-2023-suv-vs-honda-zr-v-2022-suv/?units=metric more than 20cm of difference, not the same category
mgobla@reddit
Idk if you are clueless or trolling... 20cm does NOT make it a different category. As your link proves the Zrv only has longer bumpers / overhangs. That does NOT make it a higher category. The interior is the same size, so is the wheelbase (actually longer in the Hyundai, it just wastes less length with smaller bumpers)
Wolfo93@reddit
Naah
Wolfo93@reddit
But still some of cars in this test are simply in different categories, even manufacturers position them differently. ZR-V is literally compact SUV main rival of Tuscon and Sportage. CR-V is simply bigger
markeydarkey2@reddit
The Tucson/Sportage sold in NA are the LWB versions which are a bit longer than the ones sold in Europe and comparable to a CR-V. Honda sells the ZR-V with the HR-V name in NA as their subcompact crossover.
Good_Air_7192@reddit
That was my first thought, how are these compact? But then I realised it's probably an American review or something.
Secure-Side-3835@reddit
Big lack of the CX 50 in this lineup.
Beautiful_Jaguar_413@reddit
Or the more compact CX-30 Turbo.
3500 lbs, 250 hp, 320 lb-ft (on 93 octane).
It really scoots: 0-60 in 6.1s.
teggyteggy@reddit
It's a subcompact that competes with the HRV and Corolla Cross
Justame13@reddit
Or the CX-5.
I'm not sure many people would rank them lower than a Bronco Sport of all things.
braided--asshair@reddit
The CX-50 is the CX-5. They changed the name a few years ago.
Justame13@reddit
Nope. They are distinct models. They actually just released a new Generation of CX-5s this year.
braided--asshair@reddit
You’re right. That’s some crazy mandela effect right there. Don’t think I’ve seen a CX-5 on the lot in the past few years. Almost bought a brand new CX-50 hybrid about 3 weeks ago, and the CX-5 wasn’t even one of the options AFAIK.
Justame13@reddit
They sold out of most of the last Gen before the new Gen came in.
There was actually a spike in demand because the new one took away the buttons, the dial, and no more turbo. I actually picked up one of the last turbos in my market in February.
I wanted to love the CX-50 more but just couldn't get past the seats, ride, and less visibility. Even after test driving the turbo and hybrid.
braided--asshair@reddit
I enjoyed the hybrid, hadn’t driven a mazda before, but from what I know the CX-50 hybrid has a toyota hybrid system which was a plus.
Got a better deal on a brand new CR-V hybrid and so far my wife is in love with it.
tr_9422@reddit
CX-50 hybrid is a Toyota, CX-5 hybrid coming next year will use their own
REIGNx777@reddit
Incorrect
2 separate vehicles. Always have been.
CX-50 is a North America / China only car. Built in the US and China.
CX-5 is in way more markets, and built in Japan.
ramplocals@reddit
I had a rental fleet version last week and I was impressed.
tr_9422@reddit
New one with the big touchscreen or old one with buttons knobs?
SilverBuff_@reddit
Or Forester
UnKindClock@reddit
Overrated
presvil@reddit
How would a $43-45k RAV4 rank?
Iccy5@reddit
Probably decently better better, their major complaints were poor interior finishes (even commented poor low interior quality for a base model) and for some reason baby car seat issues. Not sure why this is weighted so heavily but it was. I would expect high trim rav4 would be very comparable to winners in interior quality, a limited msrp is around 45k.
Least_Confidence_225@reddit
Mazda CX-5 not even in the test. List invalid..
PretendLength1710@reddit
tiguan winnin with no hybrid in 2026 is a choice lol they left mazda out again smh
turboash78@reddit
AKA sorta-tall-ish hatchback car.
Expensive_Ostrich345@reddit
Sesspool@reddit
Lol compact jeep
AnonymousEngineer_@reddit
If that Jeep is compact, I'd hate to think what you'd call something like a Volkswagen T-Cross or a Toyota Yaris Cross.
Let alone a Jimny.
Drzhivago138@reddit
I wouldn't even call the newest Cherokee "compact" anymore. It's 188" long and weighs almost 4300 lbs.
RIP_Soulja_Slim@reddit
Honestly the Cherokee hasn't been compact in a while, but none of these cars are truly compacts at this point - the CR-V is 184 inches and 3900lbs for the hybrid.
Most of these really should be in the midsize category, the entire segment has seen significant size creep, which is really true for almost any "compact" vehicle that's been in existence for 20-30 years.
KSoMA@reddit
This isn't limited to segments. The modern midsize car class (C class, 3 series) used to be called compact sports sedans. The LWB full-size SUV class (Suburban, Expedition Max) has now reached the size class of the Ford Excursion that was so large it was nearly laughed off the market. Hell the modern benchmark for the compact class, the Civic, is as large as the Accord was 30 years ago.
Drzhivago138@reddit
True, 175-185" has been my personal length range for compact, but even that gets thrown out the window when it comes to the luxury and EV models.
Wolfo93@reddit
You are right, Jeep Compass is their compact offering similar is size to Sportage and Tuscon
mgobla@reddit
Last time the same people said the Nissa Rogue was the best...
Also they just ignored Mazda.
ET__@reddit
Bronco Sport should not have been included. Where’s the Equinox
zobeast26@reddit
Why did they test the 4Runner LE lol
Major-Ant4600@reddit
YouTube reviews have been giving the Tiguan high marks for an upscale interior and nice ride. The lack of a hybrid system has usually been a negative but if the comparison test doesnt care about fuel economy then I can see it topping the usual suspects like Rav4.