If you’re looking for a compact SUV, the Honda CR-V remains a popular choice as it was the second-best-selling model in the segment in 2025, and the 2026 version improves on that even further in the form of the Honda CR-V’s TrailSport Hybrid trim, which is new for this model year. Our own Logan K. Carter summed up his experience by saying that the CR-V “remains one of the most refined, poised, roomy and user-friendly options in the compact crossover segment.”
But this segment is filled with great options. For example, Consumer Reports recommends both the hybrid and non-hybrid 2026 CR-V, but it also makes the same recommendation for 20 other compact SUVs. The magazine even published an article titled “5 Reasons Not to Buy a Honda CR-V Now” in the summer of 2025, after the 2026 CR-V debuted. The bottom line is that while the Honda still makes sense, it has some shortcomings compared to today’s impressive compact SUVs.
That brings us to the only competitor that can top the CR-V, the hybrid model that scored higher. We think there are three: Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Consumer Reports considers hybrids and non-hybrid vehicles to be separate vehicles, so it lists four models: Subaru Forester Hybrid, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and Mazda CX-5. We’ll cover them all, noting that the non-hybrid CR-V’s overall score is lower than that of its 10 compact SUV rivals.
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2025 Mazda CX-5
A red 2026 Mazda CX-5 parked on a paving stone driveway overlooking the harbor – Mazda
First, keep in mind that Consumer Reports did not test the 2026 Mazda CX-5 when it published its rankings, but instead listed the 2025 model. Checking the tape story between it and the gasoline-only CR-V tells us that a key difference between them is their predicted reliability. The Mazda CX-5 achieved best-in-class scores on this measure, which is based on Consumer Reports’ annual member survey of hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The CR-V isn’t a close second, either, as its CR predicted reliability score is nearly 25 percent lower than the CX-5’s.
That said, while the Mazda’s zoom capability is still there, the CR-V is a significantly better driving experience. However, their owner satisfaction rates do appear to be about the same.
When Mazda shifts its small SUV lineup into the next model year, the 2026 CR-V will also have to compete with the all-new CX-5. It’s just that the 2026 Mazda CX-5 won’t be as small as before. The CX-5 gets a number of changes to its length: Both its overall length and wheelbase have grown by about 4.5 inches. What may confuse shoppers is that despite its new length (184.6 inches) and lower starting price ($31,485 including destination), the CX-5 is still more expensive than the slightly larger CX-50, which is 185.8 inches longer and sells for $31,395 (also including destination).
2025 Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid
A dark blue 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV XSE parked in front of a Southwest-style building – Toyota
Like the Mazda CX-5, the Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid was a year behind Consumer Reports testing when the story was written, so we’re comparing the 2025 Toyota to the 2026 Honda. This time we’re using the CR-V Hybrid as our baseline, since Honda doesn’t sell a plug-in version.
The RAV4 Plug-in scored slightly higher overall, helped by higher ratings for reliability and customer satisfaction. While only one other compact SUV topped the RAV4 Plug-in in predicted reliability, the Mazda CX-5, the CRV Hybrid ranked tied for ninth in this metric, tied with the Buick Envision. Based on the history of their current vehicle, more RAV4 Plug-in owners will purchase that vehicle again than repurchase a CR-V Hybrid. (This is how CR measures overall customer satisfaction.)
The reason the CR-V Hybrid’s overall score is so close to the RAV4 Plug-in’s is the Honda’s healthy advantage on the road. No doubt part of the blame has to do with Toyota’s brakes, which CR says are “sensitive” and stopping distances are “a bit long,” but the CR-V Hybrid also earns a lot of praise, scoring the second-best road test score in the segment. Topping the list is the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which is one point ahead of the CR-V Hybrid in driving experience and tied with the CR-V Hybrid in overall score.
The future looks bright for both RAV4 hybrids when the 2026 models go on sale. Our Daniel Golson says they’re not innovating but should continue to dominate.
2026 Subaru Forester
Gray 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness parked outside at dusk – Subaru
Since Consumer Reports considers identical models with different powertrains to be significantly different, it’s no surprise that the 2026 Subaru Forester (which has the second-highest overall CR score among compact SUVs) follows this template. (That means the No. 1 Forester Hybrid is covered below.)
Subaru’s leadership in the compact SUV segment certainly makes sense, as it’s also a top brand in the industry on CR’s list of brands that make the best cars. The gasoline-only Forester’s overall score and road test results were a few points higher than the gasoline-only CR-V’s, but when comparing predicted reliability, the results were reversed. According to Consumer Reports, the main factor differentiating the two is owner satisfaction – the Forester has a double-digit points advantage over the CR-V. Digging deeper, the Forester also outperforms its Honda rivals in specific subcategories such as ride experience, comfort, value and styling.
The Forester also has a considerable advantage in pricing. The Subaru starts at $31,445 (including destination) with standard all-wheel drive, but a similarly equipped CR-V costs $33,870 (including destination). In fact, the AWD Forester is cheaper than the front-wheel-drive CR-V, which starts at $32,370 (again, with purpose).
2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid
A gold 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid parked in front of a tree-covered hill – Subaru
Before we look at how the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid compares to the CR-V Hybrid, let’s take a quick look at how it compares to the gasoline-only Forester in a few relevant aspects. The current-generation, non-hybrid Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine making 180 hp and is EPA-rated at 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. The Forester Hybrid adds an electric motor, boosting output to 194 horsepower, with an EPA rating of 35/34/35.
From a Consumer Reports perspective, it’s the No. 1 compact SUV overall score, compared to the No. 5 CR-V Hybrid (actually tied for No. 5 with the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid). What’s the main reason for the CR-V’s lower overall score? Virtually all of our Honda CR-V comparisons today have one thing in common, and that’s low owner satisfaction.
The CR-V, both hybrid and non-hybrid, not only lags behind today’s four major rivals in overall scores, but also lags behind all but the Mazda CX-5 in owner satisfaction. Targeting the Forester Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid, the results showed fairly typical results: The two cars scored very close in road testing and predicted reliability, but Subaru held a double-digit lead when it came to keeping owners happy.
Shocking as it may be, the CR-V hydrogen fuel cell car doesn’t do much for happiness. For some reason, Consumer Reports hasn’t tested the latest Honda CR-V e:FCV, but the automaker recently had to recall 388 units due to a possible fuel cell stack leak.
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