2026 Top-5 Compact SUVs // Which is your pick?
This is a Motormouth couple car video listing our top-5 compact SUVs for 2026.
BMW X3
There are two powertrain options both with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful X3 has a 3L turbocharged inline 6 with 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, standard AWD.
Reliability: JD Power gives the X3 a predicted overall score of 78/100 and Consumer Reports 80/100.
Genesis GV70
The GV70 has three powertrain options, a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 3.5L twin turbocharged V6 has 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. There’s also an electrified GV70 with up to 402 km/250 miles of range, 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Reliability: JD Power gives the GV70 an overall score of 76/100 and Consumer Reports 70/100.
Lexus NX
The NX has three powertrain options, the 350, a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The 350h has a 2.5L 4-cylinder with Lexus hybrid drive, it has a combined 240 horsepower. The 450h+ with a 2.5L 4-cylinder and a combined 304 horsepower, 61 km/37 miles of range. The hybrid and PHEV are paired to an eCVT. In Canada, standard AWD. In the US, FWD and AWD options are available.
Reliability: JD Power gives the NX an overall score of 83/100 and Consumer Reports gives the NX PHEV an overall score of 75/100, gas 80/100 and hybrid 84/100.
Mercedes GLC
There are four powertrain options, the base engine is a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, it’s matched to a 9-speed automatic transmission, 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Standard AWD in Canada, but there is a RWD model available in the US. The GLC 350e, a plug-in hybrid with a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It has 87 km/54 miles. There’s also the more powerful AMG 43 with 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and the AMG 63 S E Performance with 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque. Standard AWD.
Reliability: JD Power gives the GLC gas model a predicted overall score of 77/100 and Consumer Reports gives the gas model an overall score of 66/100 and the plug-in hybrid 350e 61/100.
Porsche Macan
There are plenty of powertrain options for different budgets. The base 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder has 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Macan S, a 2.9L twin turbo V6, 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The GTS an exclusive 2.9L twin turbo V6 with 434 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Macan EV has four powertrain options with between 355 horsepower and 630 horsepower depending on the one you choose. The EV range also varies with up to 506 km/315 miles.
Reliability: J.D. Power gives the Macan an overall score of 86/100. Consumer Reports gives the gas Macan an overall score of 79/100, the EV has not yet been rated.
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