For years, one name has dominated the SUV sales charts, earning a reputation as the default choice for families looking for practicality, efficiency, and reliability. That dominance, however, is being tested. Production challenges have limited availability at a time when competition in the SUV segment is fiercer than ever, creating an opportunity for rivals to gain ground.
Automakers have spent the last few years aggressively improving their crossover lineups, offering everything from premium interiors and advanced technology to hybrid efficiency and impressive value. As a result, shoppers now have more compelling alternatives than ever before, and many buyers who might have automatically chosen the segment leader are considering other options instead.
The latest sales figures show just how quickly the landscape can change. While supply issues have slowed one longtime frontrunner, several competitors have surged ahead, proving that the battle for SUV supremacy is far from settled. These are the five models that have capitalized the most on the shift and currently sit among the best-selling SUVs in America.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, such as the EPA. Models are ranked based on the number of units sold in 2026 at the end of Q1.
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5
2026 Hyundai Tucson
Units sold in Q1 2026: 55,426
Hyundai has really built a name for themselves by focusing on delivering the best value for money. Starting at $29,450, it undercuts the RAV4 by a pretty large margin. Despite this, it actually feels like a more premium SUV on the inside, with sleek styling, tons of standard tech features, and a spacious cabin. You are also presented with a lot of choice when it comes to powertrains, with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants all available.
Performance and efficiency
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.5L Smartstream I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
187 HP @6100 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
178 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
25/33/28 MPG
- Make
-
Hyundai
- Model
-
Tucson
- Segment
-
Compact SUV
Hyundai’s compact SUV isn’t the most exciting car from behind the wheel, regardless of which powertrain you opt for. Acceleration is mediocre and handling is pretty average. However, if you’re after a quiet and comfortable ride, the Tucson will definitely impress you. Its excellent ride is yet another factor that makes it feel like a budget-oriented luxury SUV.
Pros
- Fantastic exterior styling
- More spacious inside than a RAV4
- Near-luxury on-road manners
Cons
- All powertrains feel a little lethargic
- Other crossovers are more fun to drive
- Not quite as efficient as the RAV4
4
2026 Ford Explorer
Units sold in Q1 2026: 61,387
The Ford Explorer doesn’t compete in the same class as the RAV4, with it being a larger mid-size SUV. It continues to prove that American buyers still prefer big muscular cars. While its interior could do with a little bit of refinement, you can’t find fault in the performance or the tech behind this big three-row machine. For the 2025 model year, Ford even updated the screens in the Explorer, with every model now getting a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Performance and efficiency
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.3L EcoBoost I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
10-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
300 HP @5500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
310 lb.-ft. @ 3500 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
20/29/24 MPG
- Make
-
Ford
- Model
-
Explorer
- Segment
-
Midsize SUV
Where the RAV4 is a bit of quiet cruiser, the Ford Explorer feels far more brutish. In our opinion, it better achieves the goal of an SUV, which is that it should be able to go practically anywhere without any complaints. The base four-cylinder engine that you get is an overachiever, putting down 300 horsepower, but those wanting some more grunt will want to opt for the ST model, which gets a 400 horsepower turbocharged V-6.
Pros
- Loads of standard tech features
- Comfortable seating in the first and second row
- Optional V-6 is tantalizing
Cons
- Third row is a little cramped
- Some low-rent materials throughout the cabin
- Driving dynamics are a bit muted
Forget a hybrid SUV—this one gets 32 MPG without a battery
A hybrid isn’t the only way to save at the pump—this SUV delivers an impressive 32 MPG without a battery or charging cable.
3
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Units sold in Q1 2026: 61,398
The Chevrolet Equinox is a bit of a silent champion, with it consistently selling well over the last couple of years but often not receiving nearly as much praise as other top competitors. While it might be a little low on power and its efficiency isn’t phenomenal, you buy an Equinox because of its spacious and well-equipped interior. Chevrolet has done a fantastic job of making this budget-oriented crossover feel much more expensive on the inside.
Performance and efficiency
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.5L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
175 HP @5600 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
184 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
26/28/27 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Chevrolet
- Model
-
Equinox
The standard 1.5-liter engine and continuously variable transmission essentially tell the story of the driving dynamics here. The Equinox is not a fun car to drive, and is better suited to people looking for something comfortable to cruise around in. In this way, it’s very similar to the Toyota RAV4. Unfortunately, its efficiency isn’t quite up to snuff, with most of its rivals achieving better numbers.
Pros
- Looks great, inside and out
- Budget-friendly price tag
- Sleek, tech-focused cabin
Cons
- Slow to get moving
- Lots of road noise at high speeds
- Less than mediocre efficiency estimates
2
2026 Nissan Rogue
Units sold in Q1 2026: 70,174
Nissan takes a similar approach to a lot of the other compact SUVs on this list, aiming to lean fully into the comfort side of things rather than trying to balance driving dynamics into the equation. Nissan has always been pretty good at delivering high-end cabins, and the Rogue feels quite classy for a run-of-the-mill SUV. Its infotainment system could use an update, but beyond that we think the interior is fantastic.
Performance and efficiency
- Base Trim Engine
-
VC-Turbo 1.5L ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
2-speed CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
201 HP @5600 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
225 lb.-ft. @ 2800 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
30/37/33 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Nissan
- Model
-
Rogue
Despite only coming with three cylinders under the hood where most of its rivals opt for four, the Rogue is a decently perky little crossover. It takes eight seconds to get to 60 miles per hour, which isn’t quick but is faster than most other mainstream compact SUVs. Beyond acceleration, though, Nissan’s crossover is fairly dull to drive. Don’t be fooled by its rugged looks either; the Rogue is built to stay on tarmac for the most part.
Pros
- Plush ride quality
- Top trims are pretty luxurious
- Lots of storage solutions throughout the cabin
Cons
- Boring to drive
- Not as off-road capable as it looks
- Outdated infotainment system
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1
2026 Honda CR-V
Units sold in Q1 2026: 99,437
With RAV4 sales dwindling, it isn’t surprising at all that the Honda CR-V currently claims the top spot as the best-selling SUV in 2026 so far. It has consistently nipped at the heels of the Toyota, but it has finally claimed its crown. The CR-V’s consistent success is due to its extremely well-rounded package. From its driving dynamics to its interior comfort, it feels bounds ahead of most of the competition.
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.5L I4 Turbo
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
190 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
179 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
28/34/30 MPG
- Make
-
Honda
- Model
-
CR-V
- Segment
-
Compact SUV
The CR-V comes with a pretty standard setup for this segment, featuring a 190 horsepower four-pot under the hood which sends power to the wheels via a CVT. Where the Honda does pull ahead of the competition is its sharp handling and well-tuned chassis. While it isn’t quite as exciting as the likes of the Mazda CX-50 or the Volkswagen Tiguan, it has enough character to keep you entertained.
It also comes as a hybrid, which gets a little more power and is almost as efficient as the Toyota RAV4.
Pros
- Spacious and practically laid-out interior
- Sleek dashboard design
- More fun to drive than most rivals
Cons
The RAV4 is going to have some major ground to catch up
While the new and updated RAV4 is a pretty clear upgrade over the outgoing model, and should be just as popular, Toyota has had some issues actually getting them built and on to dealership floors. At the end of Q1, the Japanese brand had managed to sell 59,869 units, which is about half of what they achieved last year. Meanwhile, a number of the crossover’s closest rivals have capitalized and overtaken the RAV4 in sales. We have no doubt that Toyota will eventually be able to sort out the volume of RAV4s hitting the market, but there will be a lot of ground to make up to catch up with its rivals listed above.
