Popular small SUVs Consumer Reports thinks you should avoid — and what to buy instead

Car shopping means sorting through endless choices, reviews, and specs. But not all best-sellers earn their popularity — something Consumer Reports discovered in their latest testing.

Many popular small SUVs aren't worth purchasing, even if you like the way they look, its testers said.

Before you head to the dealership, here’s which small SUVs Consumer Reports says to skip – and what to consider instead.

Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images

The Volkswagen Taos got a makeover recently, but it didn't do enough to improve the subcompact SUV, which starts at $26,500.

"The capacitive-touch climate controls are annoying to use, the SUV’s 26 mpg overall fuel economy lags behind the class leaders, and the suspension is quite firm," CR said. " Plus, reliability is below-average, a key reason we don’t recommend the Taos."

CR says to skip it.

Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images

Instead, check out the Toyota $TM Corolla Cross 2026, which starts around $25,000 and gets better scores.

CR warned it feels slow and can be noisy, but it's roomy, has easy-to-use controls, and better reliability.

Plus, it gets better mileage at 28 mpg.

One thing to note: some important safety features, like blind spot warnings, don't come with the base model.

Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images

CR said the Kia Seltos, which starts below $24,000, is an "under-the-radar" alternative to the Taos.

"The Seltos offers versatility at a low price," it explained. "It has a roomy interior for its small footprint, as well as easy access, clear visibility, and good fuel economy."

The Seltos's mileage is the same as the Corolla Cross's at 28 mpg.

Two drawbacks: it has a stiff ride and a loud cabin. But CR added: "Handling is responsive and secure, controls are easy to use, and the rear seat is roomy for the class."

Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images

Consumers looking for something a little larger might turn to the Chevrolet Equinox, but CR said there are better options out there for compact SUVs.

CR said the Equinox's popularity stems from its low price — starting below $29,000 — and roomy interior.

"But fuel economy of 25 mpg overall isn’t stellar for the class, our surveys found that reliability is well below-average, and its powertrain lacks oomph for highway merges and passing maneuvers," it warned.

Sjoerd van der Wal / Contributor / Getty Images

The Equinox massively outsells the Tucson, but CR doesn't think it should be that way.

While a little more expensive, starting at $29,450, CR thinks it's worth it.

"You’ll get an SUV that’s appreciably more pleasant to drive," CR said. "In addition, the Tucson’s better predicted reliability suggests that it’s likely to have a higher resale value and lower ownership costs."

And the hybrid version is an even smarter choice, getting 35 mpg compared to the gas-powered engine's 26.

Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty images

CR said the Nissan Rogue, which starts at $29,000, is an "under-the-radar" alternative to the Equinox.

"The Nissan Rogue doesn’t sell in the same volume as the Chevrolet or Hyundai, but it’s roomy, has a good road-test score, and average reliability and owner satisfaction rating," it said.

The Rogue's mileage isn't amazing at just 25 mpg, but CR said the compact SUV feels "solid and substantial, with a composed ride and nimble handling."

Plus, it noted that "interior space is generous for a small SUV, and access is very easy."