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Six SUVs, Six Redesigns, One Wild Year
2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for compact and midsize SUVs. Six major automakers are unveiling ground‑up redesigns that will arrive at dealerships in the same 12‑month window, a phenomenon that has never happened before in the industry. The lineup includes the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX‑5, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Outback, Hyundai Palisade, and the next‑generation Kia Telluride. Each brand is responding to a convergence of electrification mandates, rising tech expectations, and a market that sells roughly five million SUVs a year in the United States alone.
Why the Timing Matters
Automakers rarely align their product cycles so tightly. The simultaneous release of these redesigns means consumers will be spoiled for choice, but it also raises the stakes for each model to deliver real improvements. The criteria for judging these vehicles are clear: powertrain performance, innovation, value, technology, and how well each model addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor.
Ranking the Redesigns
After weeks of research—scrutinizing spec sheets, first‑drive reviews, and engineering details—I ranked the six SUVs from worst to best based on how effectively they move the needle. The list, from lowest to highest, is: Mazda CX‑5, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Outback, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota RAV4.
Mazda CX‑5: A Missed Opportunity
The CX‑5’s 2026 redesign carries over the same naturally aspirated 2.5‑liter engine that produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb‑ft of torque. Mazda has dropped the turbocharged option entirely, leaving buyers with a single, modest powertrain. In a market where rivals are offering hybrids or plug‑in hybrids, the CX‑5 feels underpowered. Pricing adds to the frustration: the base model starts at $31,485, which is $90 more than the larger CX‑50, despite the CX‑5’s shorter wheelbase. On the upside, Mazda has refreshed its design language, added all‑wheel drive to the lineup, and increased rear passenger space. However, the lack of electrification and the confusing price structure make the CX‑5 the weakest redesign on the list.
Jeep Cherokee: Bold Design, Uncertain Reliability
The Cherokee returns after a three‑year hiatus with a full redesign that embraces a retro‑modern, boxy silhouette reminiscent of the 1990s model. It offers a new 1.6‑liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain that delivers 37 miles per gallon and a total range of over 500 miles on a single tank. The vehicle also boasts impressive off‑road credentials, including 20 inches of water fording depth and a 3,500‑pound towing capacity. Yet the hybrid’s long‑term reliability remains unproven, and the Cherokee’s historical struggles with resale value and owner satisfaction could dampen enthusiasm. With a starting price under $40,000, the Cherokee is a solid entry, but it falls short of the competition’s overall quality and innovation.
Subaru Outback: A Shift from Station Wagon to SUV
Subaru’s Outback has shed its station‑wagon heritage to become a true two‑row SUV. The redesign features a boxier, more aggressive stance, a flatter roofline, and a new 12.1‑inch horizontal touchscreen. Powertrains remain unchanged: a 180‑horsepower naturally aspirated 2.5‑liter boxer and a 260‑horsepower turbocharged 2.4‑liter boxer, both paired with a CVT. The vehicle’s 8.7‑inch ground clearance and all‑wheel‑drive system keep it competitive in off‑road scenarios. However, the Outback’s price range—$34,995 to nearly $50,000—does not include any electrified options, a glaring omission in an era dominated by hybrids. While the interior offers advanced safety features and a rugged “Wilderness” trim, the lack of electrification keeps the Outback from topping the list.
Kia Telluride: A Hybrid Powerhouse
The Telluride’s second generation, unveiled in 2025 but slated for 2026 sales, marks a significant step forward. Its design draws inspiration from the Kia EV9, featuring vertical LED headlights and a commanding upright silhouette. The standard powertrain is a turbocharged 4‑cylinder, while the hybrid variant pairs a 2.5‑liter turbo with two electric motors for 329 horsepower and 339 lb‑ft of torque. The hybrid claims an estimated 35 mpg combined and a range of up to 637 miles. Inside, the Telluride offers dual 12.3‑inch displays, streaming capabilities, and a 10‑year, 100,000‑mile powertrain warranty. While the hybrid’s long‑term reliability is still untested, the Telluride’s overall package—especially its efficiency and feature set—places it near the top of the ranking.
Hyundai Palisade: Luxury Meets Value
The Palisade’s second generation delivers a fresh exterior with stacked vertical LED daytime running lights and a larger footprint. Inside, the cabin is praised for its high‑quality materials, adjustable seats in all three rows, and a built‑in two‑camera dash cam. The powertrain lineup includes a standard 3.5‑liter V6 producing 287 horsepower and a hybrid that combines a 2.5‑liter turbocharged 4‑cylinder with electric motors for 329 horsepower and an estimated 34 mpg combined. The hybrid’s fuel economy is a significant improvement over the V6’s 21 mpg. However, the Palisade’s weight gain—411 pounds over the previous generation—slows its 0‑to‑60 time from 7.6 seconds to 8.8 seconds. Additionally, the top trim, the Calligraphy, pushes the price to $58,000, placing the Palisade in premium territory and eroding its former value‑champion status.
Toyota RAV4: The Most Complete Redesign
At the top of the list is the Toyota RAV4, which has gone hybrid‑only across its entire lineup. The new generation offers a fifth‑generation hybrid system that produces 226 to 236 horsepower, depending on the drivetrain, and a plug‑in hybrid that delivers 320 horsepower with an estimated 50‑mile all‑electric range. The plug‑in version also supports DC fast charging, reaching 80% in about 30 minutes. The RAV4’s new TNG‑AK platform improves structural rigidity and handling, while the infotainment system features a configurable 12.3‑inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.9‑inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With seven trims and three distinct design themes—everyday elegance, rugged adventure, and sport—the RAV4 offers the most diverse, efficient, and technologically advanced package in the compact SUV segment.
Choosing the Right SUV in 2026
With so many options, buyers must weigh each model’s strengths and weaknesses. The RAV4 leads with its comprehensive electrification strategy and advanced technology, while the Palisade offers luxury and value at a premium price. The Telluride’s hybrid efficiency and the Cherokee’s off‑road prowess provide compelling alternatives for niche buyers. The CX‑5 and Outback, though solid in certain areas, lag behind due to limited powertrain options and pricing challenges. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities—whether that be electrification, off‑road capability, interior luxury, or overall value.
Final Thoughts
2026’s simultaneous SUV redesigns create a unique buying environment where consumers can compare a wide range of innovations side by side. By focusing on powertrain performance, technology, and value, this ranking highlights which models truly deliver on the promise of a new generation. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a family looking for space, or an off‑road adventurer, the 2026 SUV lineup offers something for everyone.