Best compact SUVs of 2026, ranked by owner data

We ranked 26 compact SUVs on sale in the US and Canada against each other on three measured things: problems reported by owners, the new asking price, and EPA combined fuel economy.

Data from October 2026. Sources: owner reports, Auto.dev US listings, EPA ratings. How we rank · Best used compact SUVs

Toyota Corolla Cross

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)

#1 of 26

Toyota Corolla Cross

Score 91 out of 100

  • Owner reliability (44 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 98% of this list
  • Price (25 of 30 points): median new asking price $29,066 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 84% of this list
  • Fuel economy (22 of 25 points): 31 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 88% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
New price
$28k–$31k (median $29,066)
Fuel economy
31 mpg
Owner reports
1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Underpowered gasoline engine (2.0L)

Best for

  • Most reliable by owners

    Toyota Corolla Cross

    1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports. Ranked #1.

  • Lowest new price

    Jeep Compass

    Median new asking price $27,434. Ranked #14.

  • Best fuel economy

    Toyota RAV4

    41 mpg combined (EPA). Ranked #4.

The full ranking

  1. #1

    Toyota Corolla Cross

    Score 91
    New price
    $28k–$31k (median $29,066)
    Fuel economy
    31 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Underpowered gasoline engine (2.0L)
    Why #1
    • Owner reliability (44 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 98% of this list
    • Price (25 of 30 points): median new asking price $29,066 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 84% of this list
    • Fuel economy (22 of 25 points): 31 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 88% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  2. #2

    Nissan Rogue

    Score 83
    New price
    $28k–$32k (median $30,059)
    Fuel economy
    31 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 1 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    CVT Transmission Failure (Pre-2022 Generations)
    Why #2
    • Owner reliability (37 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 1 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 82% of this list
    • Price (24 of 30 points): median new asking price $30,059 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 80% of this list
    • Fuel economy (22 of 25 points): 31 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 88% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  3. #3

    Honda CR-V

    Score 76
    New price
    $33k–$36k (median $34,064)
    Fuel economy
    30 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent
    Main owner complaint
    Narrow front seats with pronounced bolsters causing initial discomfort (breaks in over time)
    Why #3
    • Owner reliability (44 of 45 points): 3 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent: fewer than about 98% of this list
    • Price (12 of 30 points): median new asking price $34,064 (49 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 40% of this list
    • Fuel economy (20 of 25 points): 30 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 80% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  4. #4

    Toyota RAV4

    Score 73
    New price
    $35k–$39k (median $35,583)
    Fuel economy
    41 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    High-voltage cable corrosion ("Cablegate") on 2019-2021 Hybrid models
    Why #4
    • Owner reliability (37 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 82% of this list
    • Price (11 of 30 points): median new asking price $35,583 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 36% of this list
    • Fuel economy (25 of 25 points): 41 mpg combined (EPA): the best gas or hybrid on this list
  5. #5

    Hyundai Tucson

    Score 69
    New price
    $28k–$30k (median $28,655)
    Fuel economy
    27 mpg
    Owner reports
    6 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent
    Main owner complaint
    Dashboard/Infotainment Blackouts
    Why #5
    • Owner reliability (31 of 45 points): 6 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent: fewer than about 68% of this list
    • Price (26 of 30 points): median new asking price $28,655 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 88% of this list
    • Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 48% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  6. #6

    Chevrolet Equinox

    Score 66
    New price
    $27k–$29k (median $27,840)
    Fuel economy
    27 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Severe engine problems (oil consumption
    Why #6
    • Owner reliability (26 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 58% of this list
    • Price (28 of 30 points): median new asking price $27,840 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 92% of this list
    • Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 48% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  7. #7

    Kia Seltos

    Score 63
    New price
    $26k–$29k (median $27,623)
    Fuel economy
    28 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Transmission reliability concerns (DCT/IMT)
    Why #7
    • Owner reliability (17 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 38% of this list
    • Price (29 of 30 points): median new asking price $27,623 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 96% of this list
    • Fuel economy (17 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 68% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  8. #8

    Kia Sportage

    Score 61
    New price
    $29k–$34k (median $30,895)
    Fuel economy
    26 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Dealership service and warranty claim disputes
    Why #8
    • Owner reliability (37 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 82% of this list
    • Price (18 of 30 points): median new asking price $30,895 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 60% of this list
    • Fuel economy (6 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 25% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  9. #9

    Volkswagen ID.4

    Score 61
    New price
    $36k–$42k (median $38,271)
    Fuel economy
    108 MPGe
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Software and infotainment system failures
    Why #9
    • Owner reliability (37 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 82% of this list
    • Price (5 of 30 points): median new asking price $38,271 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 16% of this list
    • Fuel economy (19 of 25 points): 108 MPGe combined (EPA): better than about 75% of the EVs on this list
  10. #10

    Subaru Forester

    Score 61
    New price
    $31k–$37k (median $32,577)
    Fuel economy
    28 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    CVT transmission longevity concerns
    Why #10
    • Owner reliability (31 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 68% of this list
    • Price (13 of 30 points): median new asking price $32,577 (49 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 44% of this list
    • Fuel economy (17 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 68% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  11. #11

    Mazda CX-5

    Score 51
    New price
    $31k–$34k (median $31,910)
    Fuel economy
    26 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Infotainment interface dissatisfaction
    Why #11
    • Owner reliability (31 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 68% of this list
    • Price (14 of 30 points): median new asking price $31,910 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 48% of this list
    • Fuel economy (6 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 25% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  12. #12

    Subaru Crosstrek

    Score 50
    New price
    $29k–$33k (median $31,708)
    Fuel economy
    28 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Underpowered base 2.0L engine
    Why #12
    • Owner reliability (17 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 38% of this list
    • Price (16 of 30 points): median new asking price $31,708 (49 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 52% of this list
    • Fuel economy (17 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 68% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  13. #13

    Volkswagen Tiguan

    Score 49
    New price
    $29k–$33k (median $30,232)
    Fuel economy
    27 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Engine reliability concerns
    Why #13
    • Owner reliability (17 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 38% of this list
    • Price (20 of 30 points): median new asking price $30,232 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 68% of this list
    • Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 48% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  14. #14

    Jeep Compass

    Score 43
    New price
    $26k–$28k (median $27,434)
    Fuel economy
    26 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Poor reliability and build quality
    Why #14
    • Owner reliability (7 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 16% of this list
    • Price (30 of 30 points): median new asking price $27,434 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): the lowest of this list
    • Fuel economy (6 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 25% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  15. #15

    Ford Mustang Mach-E

    Score 41
    New price
    $39k–$49k (median $45,336)
    Fuel economy
    102 MPGe
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Software and infotainment system shortcomings
    Why #15
    • Owner reliability (41 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 92% of this list
    • Price (0 of 30 points): median new asking price $45,336 (49 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 0% of this list
    • Fuel economy (0 of 25 points): 102 MPGe combined (EPA): better than about 0% of the EVs on this list
  16. #16

    Ford Escape

    Score 40
    New price
    $29k–$32k (median $30,397)
    Fuel economy
    28 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 8 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    12V battery failures causing app connectivity issues, slow system shutdown, and starting problems
    Why #16
    • Owner reliability (4 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 8 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 8% of this list
    • Price (19 of 30 points): median new asking price $30,397 (49 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 64% of this list
    • Fuel economy (17 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 68% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  17. #17

    Mini Countryman

    Score 39
    New price
    $42k–$46k (median $44,352)
    Fuel economy
    27 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Unreliable older generations (pre-2020)
    Why #17
    • Owner reliability (26 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 58% of this list
    • Price (1 of 30 points): median new asking price $44,352 (11 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 4% of this list
    • Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 48% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  18. #18

    GMC Terrain

    Score 37
    New price
    $30k–$36k (median $31,180)
    Fuel economy
    25 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Severe engine problems
    Why #18
    • Owner reliability (17 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 38% of this list
    • Price (17 of 30 points): median new asking price $31,180 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 56% of this list
    • Fuel economy (3 of 25 points): 25 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 10% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  19. #19

    Mitsubishi Outlander

    Score 36
    New price
    $29k–$32k (median $30,090)
    Fuel economy
    26 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    CVT transmission reliability concerns
    Why #19
    • Owner reliability (7 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 16% of this list
    • Price (23 of 30 points): median new asking price $30,090 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 76% of this list
    • Fuel economy (6 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 25% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  20. #20

    Jeep Cherokee

    Score 35
    New price
    $33k–$38k (median $35,743)
    Fuel economy
    37 mpg
    Owner reports
    4 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Severe 9-speed automatic transmission problems
    Why #20
    • Owner reliability (1 of 45 points): 4 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 2% of this list
    • Price (10 of 30 points): median new asking price $35,743 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 32% of this list
    • Fuel economy (24 of 25 points): 37 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 95% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  21. #21

    Kia EV6

    Score 34
    New price
    $35k–$41k (median $37,465)
    Fuel economy
    106 MPGe
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure
    Why #21
    • Owner reliability (17 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 38% of this list
    • Price (7 of 30 points): median new asking price $37,465 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 24% of this list
    • Fuel economy (10 of 25 points): 106 MPGe combined (EPA): better than about 38% of the EVs on this list
  22. #22

    Subaru Solterra

    Score 34
    New price
    $41k–$46k (median $43,012)
    Fuel economy
    119 MPGe
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Slow DC Fast Charging (pre-2026 models)
    Why #22
    • Owner reliability (7 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 16% of this list
    • Price (2 of 30 points): median new asking price $43,012 (44 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 8% of this list
    • Fuel economy (25 of 25 points): 119 MPGe combined (EPA): the best EV on this list
  23. #23

    Hyundai IONIQ 5

    Score 33
    New price
    $35k–$41k (median $37,615)
    Fuel economy
    106 MPGe
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure
    Why #23
    • Owner reliability (17 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 38% of this list
    • Price (6 of 30 points): median new asking price $37,615 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 20% of this list
    • Fuel economy (10 of 25 points): 106 MPGe combined (EPA): better than about 38% of the EVs on this list
  24. #24

    Mazda CX-50

    Score 31
    New price
    $32k–$37k (median $35,947)
    Fuel economy
    26 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Build quality and reliability concerns (Alabama plant)
    Why #24
    • Owner reliability (17 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 38% of this list
    • Price (8 of 30 points): median new asking price $35,947 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 28% of this list
    • Fuel economy (6 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 25% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  25. #25

    Ford Bronco Sport

    Score 24
    New price
    $29k–$32k (median $30,099)
    Fuel economy
    24 mpg
    Owner reports
    4 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Water pump failure
    Why #25
    • Owner reliability (1 of 45 points): 4 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 2% of this list
    • Price (22 of 30 points): median new asking price $30,099 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 72% of this list
    • Fuel economy (1 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 5% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  26. #26

    Jeep Wrangler

    Score 21
    New price
    $36k–$46k (median $40,486)
    Fuel economy
    19 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Poor on-road handling and ride quality
    Why #26
    • Owner reliability (17 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 38% of this list
    • Price (4 of 30 points): median new asking price $40,486 (49 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 12% of this list
    • Fuel economy (0 of 25 points): 19 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 0% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list

Not enough data to rank yet

These compact SUVs are sold here, but we won't rank a car on guesses.

  • Chevrolet Equinox EV: too new to judge (on sale since 2024)
  • Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: not enough owner reports yet

How we rank

  • Owner reliability, 45 points. Problems that owners report again and again, from our owner reports. A very frequent problem counts twice. Fewer problems than the other cars on this page earns more points.
  • New price, 30 points. The median asking price in US listings (Auto.dev). Cheaper than the others earns more.
  • Fuel economy, 25 points. EPA combined rating. Electric cars are compared only with other electric cars, in MPGe.
  • No guesses. A car needs enough owner reports and three years on sale to be ranked. A number we don't have earns 0 points and says "No data yet". We never compare NHTSA complaint counts between models, because they grow with the number of cars sold.

Questions

What is the best compact SUV of 2026?
The Toyota Corolla Cross ranks #1 of 26 with a score of 91 out of 100. 1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports, and its new price is $29,066 at the median.
Which compact SUV has the fewest owner-reported problems?
The Toyota Corolla Cross: 1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports.
What is the cheapest compact SUV on this list?
The Jeep Compass, with a median new asking price $27,434, based on US listings.
How does CarWizz rank compact SUVs?
Each car is compared only with the other cars on this page. Owner reliability is worth 45 points, new price 30 points and EPA combined fuel economy 25 points. A car without enough owner reports is not ranked, and a missing number earns no points.

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