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The United States has an international reputation for liking things big.<\/p>\n
Our food portions are big. Our homes are big (as long as you don\u2019t live in New York City). Our roads are big. And the cars we drive on those roads are humongous.<\/p>\n
SUVs accounted for 52% of new vehicle sales in 2025, up from 46% in 2021 and 38% in 2016, per\u00a0Good Car Bad Car. Full-size SUVs have doubled their\u00a0market share\u00a0since 2016, representing 3.5% of the market.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0The Week.<\/p>\n
Many Americans buy SUVs not just due to an affinity for big toys, but also because they believe these vehicles are safer.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0Pierce Skrabanek.<\/p>\n
Related: These are the 5 most reliable compact SUVs, says Consumer Reports<\/p>\n
Also, because SUVs\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
They also score better in multi-vehicle accidents.<\/p>\n
But there are tradeoffs.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
That higher center of gravity also works against the vehicle\u2019s control during sharp turns, swerves, or high-speed crashes. Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous because roof crushes and ejections are common in those situations.<\/p>\n
If you are one of the 52% of Americans looking to buy an SUV this year, and safety is your top priority,\u00a0Consumer Reports\u00a0just put out a list of the safest SUVs on the market. Here are five of their top picks.<\/p>\n
SUVs account for more than half of vehicle sales in the U.S.<\/p>\n
Photo by Fotografía de eLuVe on Getty Images<\/p>\n
What is Consumer Reports?<\/p>\n
Founded in 1936 by a group of workers fired from a product-testing firm called Consumers\u2019 Research,\u00a0Consumer Reports\u00a0is a multifaceted nonprofit organization that aims to educate consumers about products and help them make informed purchasing decisions.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 claims.<\/p>\n
Related: See 5 more SUVs Consumer Reports calls \u2018most reliable\u2019<\/p>\n
Consumer Reports at a glanceFounded:\u00a01936 (as Consumers Union by former employees of Consumers\u2019 Research, fired after they attempted to unionize)Headquartered:\u00a0Yonkers, NYLeadership:\u00a0Marta Tellado, president and CEOEmployees:\u00a0Approx. 500 to 600Members:\u00a0At least 6 millionMission statement:\u00a0\u201cConsumer Reports\u00a0is an independent, nonprofit member organization that works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace.\u201d<\/p>\n
Consumer Reports\u2019 slogan, \u201cSmarter choices for a better world,\u201d captures the organization\u2019s purpose. CR aims to educate and inform the public by providing objective information about popular products, helping consumers make \u201csmarter choices\u201d when purchasing major items.<\/p>\n
For this list, Consumer Reports relied on the company\u2019s own road-test scores, overall scores, reliability ratings, and owner-satisfaction ratings from its exclusive Annual Auto Surveys.<\/p>\n
5 of the most reliable compact SUVs, according to Consumer Reports2026 Toyota 4Runner<\/p>\n
Toyota<\/p>\n
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\u00a04Runner\u00a0remains 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.\u00a02026 Toyota Crown Signia <\/p>\n
Toyota<\/p>\n
Price Range: $44,490 – $48,890CR MPG: Overall 37\/ City 30\/ Hwy 42 mpgCR Ranking: #2 of 12 Midsized SUVsWhat CR says: The\u00a0Crown Signia\u00a0is 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<\/p>\n
Toyota<\/p>\n
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\u00a0Grand Highlander Hybrid\u00a0comes 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<\/p>\n
Porsche<\/p>\n
Price Range: $65,400 – $112,700CR MPG: Overall 19\/ City 13\/ Hwy 26 mpgCR Ranking: #4 of 25 Luxury compact SUVsWhat CR says: The\u00a0Macan\u00a0combines much of the performance and feel of Porsche\u2019s 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\u2019ve ever tested. The seats, fit and finish, and attention to detail are first-rate.2026 Lexus NX<\/p>\n
Lexus<\/p>\n
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\u00a0NX\u00a0is quick and fuel-efficient, with a swanky interior, it isn\u2019t particularly engaging to drive. The NX 350\u2019s 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\u2019s narrow, and outward visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars and small windows, particularly toward the rear.<\/p>\n
Related: 5 great SUV deals to consider, according to Consumer Reports<\/p>\n
#Consumer #Reports #names #reliable #light #SUVs<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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