It must be annoying to be other automakers trying to engineer an entry in the all-important compact-SUV segment to compete with the Honda CR-V, because this Honda is so good at everything. It is extremely quiet on the highway, has a huge back seat that easily accommodates large adults, and has the most cargo space of any compact crossover we’ve measured, able to fit 11 carry-on-sized suitcases behind the second row and 29 with the rear seats folded. It gets great fuel economy, especially in hybrid form—up to 40 mpg EPA combined—and it steers and handles a class above most of the field, without sacrificing ride comfort in the process. Although the CR-V faced fresh competition this year in the form of an all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4, the Honda successfully and, frankly, quite easily defended its spot on the list for the fourth year running.
MORE ABOUT THE HONDA CR-V