In the world of SUVs, the bigger alternatives that can pack in a large family get much of the headlines, but lurking in the background are some strong options for folks with a need for less space.
The subcompact SUV category is one that has a wide variety of options — from the Chevy Trax to Volkswagen Taos, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos and Buick Envista — but the one that stands about all others in the category is the Mazda CX-30.
I recently tested the 2026 Mazda CX-30 (a Turbo Premium Plus model), and it left a very strong impression with its powerful drive quality and upscale interior. Many people associate smaller vehicles with low power, but that’s far from the case with the CX-30.
Read on for a full review of the CX-30, which carries over mostly unchanged from the 2025 model.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2026 Mazda CX-30
- Price as tested $41,180 (starts at $27K)
- Best feature Nimble, fun and responsive drive; Standard AWD
- Rating 4.5 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? SUV buyers looking for a sporty subcompact option with an upscale interior
Describing the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is surprisingly simple.
Take the three-row Mazda CX-90, remove the third row of seats, and voila, you have the CX-70.
Sounds simple, but it’s true. While it is its own model, the CX-70 (now in its second model year after a 2025 introduction), can almost be seen as a unique trim level of the CX-90 — targeting people who will never have need for the third row seats but want the same cargo space as the CX-90.
Offered in three different powertrains (two gas options and a plug-in hybrid version), the CX-70 delivers the same quality drive you should expect from Mazda, and features one of the most upscale interiors you’re going to find in this size of SUV in the nonluxury realm.
Read on for my full take on the 2026 Mazda CX-70, which I recently had the chance to experience, and how it holds up against competitors from the nonluxury realm (Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee) and luxury realm (Lexus RX, BMW X3).
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2026 Mazda CX-70
- Price as tested $59,825
- Best feature Attractive, roomy interior; strong drive quality
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Mazda SUV buyers who want to skip the CX-90’s third row of seats, but keep all the cargo space
In the always competitive compact SUV segment (which includes such stalwarts as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue), you can never sit still and hope to compete.
With that in mind, Volkswagen has upgraded its Tiguan SUV for the 2026 model year by offering a powerful new turbo motor that should help its stature in the segment. This comes on the heels of an overall redesign of the Tiguan in 2025.
I recently tested the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan (an SEL R-Line Turbo model), which featured all-wheel drive, and a spacious and upscale interior for five passengers.
Battling mostly against Asian-made counterparts, this Euro-flavored offering brings a unique competitor to this segment. Read on for my full review on how the Tiguan stacks up against its rivals.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Price as tested $45,410 (starts around $31K)
- Best feature Upscale design, strong turbo engine
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? SUV buyers looking for an attractive, roomy, tech-savvy option that’s family-friendly
In a world where it seems a hundred new SUVs are released every year, it’s quite a feat to be named the NACTOY Utility Vehicle of the Year. But that’s exactly what the 2026 Hyundai Palisade just accomplished when the winners were announced in January — beating out a bevy of strong contenders.
So what’s so special about the 2026 Palisade to cause such a commotion?
I recently tested a 2026 Hyundai Palisade (an XRT Pro model), and I’m back with a report on this fully redesigned three-row SUV option. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Palisade and how it compares across the segment.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2026 Hyundai Palisade
- Price as tested $51,100 (starts around $40K)
- Best feature Sharp redesign, roomy and upscale interior, strong tech features
- Rating 4.5 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Families seeking a modern, upscale three-row SUV
One of the more unique lineups in the SUV market comes from Mazda, which offers a pair of compact SUVs — the CX-5 and CX-50. For the past 15 years, the CX-5 has been a huge seller for Mazda, and the CX-50 is a newer addition to the lineup starting in 2023.
Differences between the two vehicles include design elements, size, tech setup, engine offerings, and level of off-road capability.
I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2026 Mazda CX-50 (a 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition), which mostly carries over from the 2025 model year.
Read on to find out how it stacks up against the busy competition in the compact SUV market (Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape and many more), as well as its in-house Mazda competition.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2026 Mazda CX-50
- Price as tested $44,675 (starts around $30K)
- Best feature Rugged design, sporty drive quality, upscale interior
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Fans of Mazda power and design who want some off-road capability
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