20 Most Reliable and Fuel-Efficient 2026 Compact SUVs

These recommended small models blend SUV versatility and small-car practicality with money-saving fuel economy

Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports Autos Editor.

By Jon Linkov
Autos Editor

Updated March 13, 2026

Kia Seltos driving on an urban street. — Kia Seltos

Compact SUVs are popular because they blend the efficiency of a small car with generous cargo capacity in an attractive package. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Toyota RAV4 was the bestselling non-pickup truck in 2025, followed closely by the Honda CR-V in fourth place. Their popularity is evidenced by the fact that compact SUVs are six of CR’s 10 most popular new vehicles.

Reliability and fuel economy remain primary considerations for most SUV shoppers. Our list of subcompact and compact SUVs includes both mainstream and luxury models that earned high scores in Consumer Reports’ road tests. Every model is recommended, meaning it has average or better predicted reliability based on our Annual Auto Surveys, which this year analyzed real-world repair data for approximately 380,000 vehicles. To ensure savings at the pump, each one gets 28 mpg overall or better. The selection includes SUVs with conventional gasoline engines, gas-electric hybrids, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

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Subcompact SUVs Luxury Subcompact SUVs Compact SUVs Luxury Compact SUVs

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.