Edmunds scores small SUVs out of 10, and the ratings in this list run from 5.7 to 8.7. The ranking below climbs from the lowest score to the highest, mostly using 2026 model-year reviews. Here are fourteen small SUVs, ending with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid on top.
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1. Chevrolet Equinox: Last Among Small SUVs
Edmunds puts the 2027 Chevrolet Equinox last among small SUVs at 5.7 out of 10, citing weak acceleration and lower-than-expected real-world fuel economy.
Those two complaints touch everyday ownership, since slow merging and extra fuel stops show up on every commute. Shoppers who like the Equinox’s size and price can still test drive it, but should compare the fuel economy it delivers against higher-scoring rivals before signing any paperwork at a dealership.
2. Subaru Forester: Short on Performance
The gas 2026 Subaru Forester scores 5.8 out of 10, with Edmunds flagging “a glaring lack of performance”.
Buyers who choose the Forester for practicality should be prepared for modest acceleration when climbing grades or passing on highways. The score applies to the gas version specifically, so it describes that powertrain rather than the model as a whole, and a long test drive on a hilly road is worth the time.
3. Ford Bronco Sport: Terrain and Style
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport rates 6.3 out of 10, praised because it “can tackle terrain and look good doing it,” from $31,845.
The score reflects a model that appeals to weekend adventurers more than to commuters chasing speed or efficiency. At that starting price, shoppers can weigh it against the higher-scoring models later in this list before settling on trim levels and options. Ground clearance and a rugged look matter only if the buyer will actually use them, so everyday drivers should weigh that before paying for off-road trims.
4. Jeep Cherokee: New Hybrid, Slow Start
The new hybrid-only 2026 Jeep Cherokee scores 6.3 out of 10, held back by “sluggish acceleration and lackluster value”.
The Cherokee ties the Bronco Sport on score yet draws criticism on both performance and price. Shoppers drawn to the badge may want to drive it back to back with the Toyota RAV4 and the Hyundai and Kia hybrids that rank far higher before deciding. A hybrid-only lineup also removes the choice of a cheaper gas engine, which narrows the options for buyers watching the budget closely.
5. Nissan Rogue: A Smart Pick Anyway
Edmunds rates the 2026 Nissan Rogue 6.4 out of 10 from $29,490, still calling it “a smart pick”.
A lukewarm number paired with a positive verdict is a reminder that the rating and the written takeaway do not always point the same way. The Rogue also carries the lowest starting price quoted in this list, which helps explain the endorsement for budget-minded buyers. Buyers should still compare insurance and trade-in values, because the cheapest sticker price does not always mean the cheapest ownership experience.
6. Mazda CX-5: Less Engaging Than Before
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 slips to 6.5 out of 10, “less engaging to drive than before”.
Mazda has built much of its appeal on driving feel, so criticism on that point stands out more than it would for a rival that never promised it. Shoppers choosing the CX-5 for handling can use a test drive to judge whether the change matters to them. Anyone shopping a used example from an earlier year should check how the previous version was reviewed before assuming the score applies.
7. Buick Envision: Priciest on the List
The 2026 Buick Envision earns 6.6 out of 10 and is the priciest here at $41,000, but “doesn’t do much else to stand out”.
That starting price is more than $11,000 above the Rogue’s $29,490, which puts the Envision in a different budget bracket from most rivals here. Buyers considering it can ask whether the added cost buys anything that higher-scoring, cheaper models lack. The score also suggests that a higher price alone does not guarantee a higher rating in this class, as several cheaper models finish ahead.
8. Ford Escape: Rivals Match It
The 2026 Ford Escape scores 6.7 out of 10, while Edmunds notes “many of its competitors match it”.
That remark describes a crowded class in which no single feature separates one small SUV from the next. For shoppers, it argues for comparing prices, incentives and warranty terms across several models instead of treating the Escape as a default choice. Shopping three or four small SUVs on the same day makes any differences in comfort, noise and visibility much easier to judge fairly.
9. Mazda CX-50: A Cut Above to Drive
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 rates 6.8 out of 10, which Edmunds calls “a cut above anything else in this class” to drive.
Praise for driving feel sits beside a mid-table overall number, which suggests other factors kept the score from climbing higher. Drivers who prioritize handling over cargo space or fuel savings may find the CX-50 suits them better than its rank implies. A test drive on a winding road is the best way to find out whether that praise translates into everyday enjoyment for a particular buyer.
10. Volkswagen Tiguan: Surprisingly Good Value
The redesigned 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.5 out of 10 from $30,805, “a surprisingly good value”.
The climb from the CX-50’s 6.8 to 7.5 is the biggest step between neighbors on the entire list. With a starting price just under the Bronco Sport’s, the redesigned Tiguan puts a noticeably higher score within reach of a similar budget. Buyers should still confirm real transaction prices at local dealers, since a quoted starting figure rarely matches the final window sticker.
11. Honda CR-V Hybrid: No Longer the Benchmark
The 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid rates 7.7 out of 10, yet Edmunds says it is “no longer the benchmark in its class”.
A strong score paired with a lost-crown verdict shows how quickly rivals have caught up. The CR-V Hybrid still lands in the top four of this list, so shoppers can treat the comment as a sign of tougher competition rather than a weakness. Hybrid buyers also benefit from comparing real-world fuel economy, because the efficiency gap between rivals can matter more than a small score difference.
12. Toyota RAV4: Top Pick Territory
The all-hybrid 2026 Toyota RAV4 scores 8.1 out of 10, which Edmunds describes as one of its top picks for a small SUV.
Because every RAV4 for the model year is a hybrid, the score describes the only powertrain on offer, which keeps the comparison simple. Only two hybrids from Hyundai and Kia rank higher here, and shoppers can cross-shop all three. Hybrid-only availability also means shoppers do not need to decide between a gas and electrified version, though wait times and dealer markups should be checked.
13. Kia Sportage Hybrid: Tied for the Top
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid ties for the top score of 8.7 out of 10, from $30,490.
It shares first place with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, so the two sit atop the list together. At $30,490 to start, the Sportage Hybrid costs less than the Bronco Sport at $31,845 or the Tiguan at $30,805 while scoring far higher. Shoppers can verify that price at a local dealer, since regional fees and available trims often change what a buyer actually pays at the register.
14. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: Number One at 8.7
Edmunds ranks the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid No. 1 at 8.7 out of 10, saying it delivers more than a shopper would expect for its price.
The Tucson Hybrid shares its score with the Sportage Hybrid, so the top spot is effectively a tie on points. Because the two scores match, shoppers can drive both and choose on styling, features and dealer pricing rather than on rating alone. A fair comparison also looks at warranty coverage, available features and local service access, all of which are useful tiebreakers between near-identical rivals.
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