If the compact-SUV segment were a soft-drink vending machine, the Honda CR-V would be a chilled can of Coca-Cola in spot A1. It has the name recognition and the mass appeal, and while its recipe might not be a secret, it is a winning one. All three of the CR-V’s trims (excluding the hybrid variants, which we review separately) feature a 190-hp four-cylinder engine, the option of either front- or all-wheel drive, and comfortable seating for five. While the Mazda CX-50 offers more luxury and the Ford Bronco Sport is more capable off-road, the CR-V is a better all-arounder, with pleasant driving dynamics, ample cargo space, and solid build quality.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Ford would like you to see the Bronco Sport as a smaller, more affordable version of the Bronco. But really, it’s more closely related to the Ford Escape SUV. Still, the Bronco Sport does have more off-road chops than most compact SUVs, particularly after some enhancements were added last year. The most serious kit comes…
2026 Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 is a small SUV that packs a big punch thanks to its appealing exterior design and its refined driving dynamics. Subcompact luxury SUVs can often lack space and class compared with their larger siblings, but the XC40 is an exception. It has a long list of standard and optional features and a…
2026 BMW X1
While the 2026 X1 is the smallest, least expensive offering in BMW’s SUV lineup, we hesitate to call it entry-level, as its on-road behavior, standard-features list, and interior appointments are a class above. Whether you opt for the 312-hp M35i performance machine or the more pedestrian yet better-riding xDrive28i, you’re bound to have fun dashing…
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