Consumer Reports names another 5 of the most reliable light SUVs

The United States has an international reputation for liking things big.

Our food portions are big. Our homes are big (as long as you don’t live in New York City). Our roads are big. And the cars we drive on those roads are humongous.

SUVs accounted for 52% of new vehicle sales in 2025, up from 46% in 2021 and 38% in 2016, per Good Car Bad Car. Full-size SUVs have doubled their market share since 2016, representing 3.5% of the market.

The growth in SUV popularity is great news for automakers. Profit margins for SUVs and trucks average 10% to 20% higher than those for smaller cars, since larger vehicles are more expensive, but use many of the same components, according to The Week.

Many Americans buy SUVs not just due to an affinity for big toys, but also because they believe these vehicles are safer.

SUVs are heavier and generally sit higher than sedans. That extra mass can reduce the force transferred to occupants in a head-on collision or side impact, according to Pierce Skrabanek.

Related: These are the 5 most reliable compact SUVs, says Consumer Reports

Also, because SUVs’ higher ride height places the bumper above the main reinforcement zones of a sedan, they are less vulnerable to side-impact crashes than their smaller counterparts.

They also score better in multi-vehicle accidents.

But there are tradeoffs.

Smaller vehicles tend to handle better because they are lighter. So they are better at avoiding collisions altogether if the driver can react in time. Also, due to the higher ride height mentioned above, SUVs have a greater risk of rollover than sedans.

That higher center of gravity also works against the vehicle’s control during sharp turns, swerves, or high-speed crashes. Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous because roof crushes and ejections are common in those situations.

If you are one of the 52% of Americans looking to buy an SUV this year, and safety is your top priority, Consumer Reports just put out a list of the safest SUVs on the market. Here are five of their top picks.

SUVs account for more than half of vehicle sales in the U.S.

Photo by Fotografía de eLuVe on Getty Images

What is Consumer Reports?

Founded in 1936 by a group of workers fired from a product-testing firm called Consumers’ Research, Consumer Reports is a multifaceted nonprofit organization that aims to educate consumers about products and help them make informed purchasing decisions.

It does this by purchasing and testing products directly, administering detailed surveys to its members about the products they own and use, and investigating the veracity of manufacturers’ claims.

Related: See 5 more SUVs Consumer Reports calls ‘most reliable’

Consumer Reports at a glanceFounded: 1936 (as Consumers Union by former employees of Consumers’ Research, fired after they attempted to unionize)Headquartered: Yonkers, NYLeadership: Marta Tellado, president and CEOEmployees: Approx. 500 to 600Members: At least 6 millionMission statement: “Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit member organization that works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace.”

Consumer Reports’ slogan, “Smarter choices for a better world,” captures the organization’s purpose. CR aims to educate and inform the public by providing objective information about popular products, helping consumers make “smarter choices” when purchasing major items.

For this list, Consumer Reports relied on the company’s own road-test scores, overall scores, reliability ratings, and owner-satisfaction ratings from its exclusive Annual Auto Surveys.

5 of the most reliable compact SUVs, according to Consumer Reports2026 Toyota 4Runner

Toyota

Price Range: $41,870 – $68,200CR MPG: Overall 21/ City 14/ Hwy 29 mpgCR Ranking: #1 of 3 Off-road focused SUVsWhat CR says: The redesigned 4Runner remains an off-road-capable SUV. Lower trims come with a 278-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder, while higher trims get a 326-hp, turbo-four hybrid. 2026 Toyota Crown Signia

Toyota

Price Range: $44,490 – $48,890CR MPG: Overall 37/ City 30/ Hwy 42 mpgCR Ranking: #2 of 12 Midsized SUVsWhat CR says: The Crown Signia is essentially a tall AWD wagon. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is augmented by an electric drive for a combined 240 hp, matched to an electronic CVT. We got an excellent 37 mpg overall in our tests, and the 530-mile cruising range is a bonus. But quick acceleration elicits pronounced engine noise. The ride is comfortable and controlled, and handling is competent and secure.2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

Toyota

Price Range: $41,660 – $59,575CR MPG: Overall 35/ City 27/ Hwy 41 mpgCR Ranking: #2 of 23 Midsized SUVs 3-rowWhat CR says: The three-row Grand Highlander Hybrid comes standard with a thrifty 245-hp, 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain. A stronger 362-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid version is also available. We got an impressive 35 mpg overall with the 2.5-liter in our tests of the shorter Highlander Hybrid. The Grand Highlander can be configured to hold seven or eight passengers. The third seat is much roomier than it is in the regular Highlander, and it also has a larger cargo capacity.2026 Porsche Macan

Porsche

Price Range: $65,400 – $112,700CR MPG: Overall 19/ City 13/ Hwy 26 mpgCR Ranking: #4 of 25 Luxury compact SUVsWhat CR says: The Macan combines much of the performance and feel of Porsche’s sports cars in a small SUV. Turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines are available. Though based on the previous-generation Audi Q5, the power, handling, and engine sound are true Porsche. In fact, this is one of the best-handling SUVs we’ve ever tested. The seats, fit and finish, and attention to detail are first-rate.2026 Lexus NX

Lexus

Price Range: $44,75 – $63,130CR MPG: Overall 25/ City 17/ Hwy 35 mpgCR Ranking:#2 of 25What CR says: While this generation of the NX is quick and fuel-efficient, with a swanky interior, it isn’t particularly engaging to drive. The NX 350’s 275-hp turbocharged four-cylinder returned 25 mpg overall in our tests. Its handling is responsive, though not sporty, and the ride is firm yet comfortable. The cabin is impeccably furnished, but it’s narrow, and outward visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars and small windows, particularly toward the rear.

Related: 5 great SUV deals to consider, according to Consumer Reports

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