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.
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.
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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 rollover risk 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.
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.
Consumer Reports at a glance
- Founded: 1936 (as Consumers Union by former employees of Consumers’ Research, fired after they attempted to unionize)
- Headquartered: Yonkers, NY
- Leadership: Marta Tellado, president and CEO
- Employees: Approx. 500 to 600
- Members: At least 6 million
- Mission 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.
The 5 most reliable compact SUVs, according to Consumer Reports
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
- Price Range: $25,035 – $33,430
- CR MPG: Overall 28/ City 21/ Hwy 35 mpg
- CR Ranking: #3 of 16 Subcompact SUVs
- What CR says: “The compact Corolla Cross comes with a 169-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission, driving the front or all wheels. While the Corolla Cross feels slow, the AWD model we tested managed a decent 28 mpg overall. The SUV suffers from excessive engine noise during even moderate acceleration. Ride and handling are competent but unremarkable. The simple interior feels a bit stripped down, but the controls are easy to use, and the rear seat is fairly roomy.”
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
- Price Range: $26,995 – $34,995
- CR MPG: Overall 29/ City 20/ Hwy 39 mpg
- CR Ranking: #1 of 16 Subcompact SUVs
- What CR says: “The Crosstrek has a comfortable ride, responsive handling, mostly simple controls, and a practical but basic interior. For 2026, the 180-hp 2.5-liter engine is standard and paired with a continuously variable transmission. The X-Mode for the AWD system alters power distribution to help traverse tricky terrain in off-road situations. The cabin is roomy, and in Subaru SUV tradition, it’s easy to get into and out of.”
2026 Nissan Kicks
- Price Range: $22,430 – $28,160
- CR MPG: Overall 27/ City 18/ Hwy 38 mpg
- CR Ranking: #8 of 16 Subcompact SUVs
- What CR says: The redesigned Kicks has grown larger, roomier, and more powerful, and now offers all-wheel drive. The standard 141-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder and continuously variable transmission (CVT) deliver meager power in a predictable fashion. We got an unimpressive 27 mpg overall with our AWD SUV, given its modest size and performance. Handling is sprightly and capable, but the ride is rough, and the cabin gets quite loud. There’s good space for the driver, including lots of headroom.”
2026 Hyundai Tucson
- Price Range: $29,450 – $40,925
- CR MPG: Overall 26/ City 18/ Hwy 35 mpg
- CR Ranking: #8 of 33 Compact SUVs
- What CR says: “Although it’s due for a major redesign soon, the Tucson was recently freshened, with updates to the exterior, interior, and infotainment system. Higher trims now have a twist-action column-mounted gear selector. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic provide leisurely acceleration and 26 mpg overall.”
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
- Price Range: $31,845 – $38,265
- CR MPG: Overall 25/ City 17/ Hwy 35 mpg
- CR Ranking: #6 of 16 Subcompact SUVs
- What CR says: “The Bronco Sport is derived from the Escape compact SUV. Most versions come with a 180-hp turbo three-cylinder that packs a decent punch but vibrates at very low engine revs. We got 25 mpg overall in our tests. The ride is firm, but handling is taut and agile. The controls are easy to use, including the infotainment system.”
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