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Which Toyota SUV Should You Buy?

which toyota suv should you buy jpg 2026 Toyota SUVs | Cars.com illustration by Angela Anderson

Key Points

  • The Toyota SUV lineup is expansive both in terms of size and price, and the brand has a strong reputation for reliability and resale value.
  • If you’re looking on the smaller side, the RAV4, Land Cruiser and Crown Signia are our recommendations; if you’re looking for a larger SUV, the Grand Highlander is worth considering.
  • If towing is a consideration, the Sequoia can haul up to 9,520 pounds, while the bZ and Corolla Cross Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient.
  • The bZ Woodland and redesigned C-HR have yet to hit dealerships.

The Toyota SUV lineup is expansive both in terms of size and price, from the budget-friendly subcompact Corolla Cross to the full-size, three-row Sequoia. These 11 SUVs offer something for all types of SUV shopper, including a number of fuel-conscious hybrid variants that help minimize hefty SUV-size fuel bills. Toyota also has a strong reputation for reliability and resale value, two attributes that bode well for anyone looking for a reliable means of transportation for many years (and miles) down the road.

Related: Research the Full Toyota Lineup

2026 Toyota SUV Starting Prices

Prices are listed from the least to most expensive, and all prices include destination charge. Cargo measurements are manufacturer estimates.

The Best Toyota SUV if You Need:

  • Room for five: RAV4, Land Cruiser, Crown Signia
  • Room for seven or eight: Grand Highlander
  • Cargo space: Land Cruiser, 4Runner
  • Towing capacity: Sequoia
  • The best fuel economy: Corolla Cross Hybrid, bZ

Toyota Corolla Cross, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

toyota corolla cross 2026 14 exterior front angle scaled jpg 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, front | Cars.com photo by Conner Golden
  • Price range: $26,385 to $34,780
  • Number of seats: Five
  • Has a third row: No
  • Fits three car seats across: No
  • Cargo room behind backseat: 24.0 cubic feet (front-wheel drive), 21.5 cubic feet (all-wheel drive)
  • EPA-estimated fuel economy: 42 mpg combined (hybrid); 32 mpg combined (FWD)
  • Maximum towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
  • Powertrains: 169-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or 196 hp combined from 2.0-liter four-cylinder with electric motor (hybrid); continuously variable automatic transmission; FWD or AWD
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: Yes

The Corolla Cross serves as Toyota’s smallest and most affordable SUV. It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants a lot of value in a vehicle that doesn’t feel unwieldy when it comes to dicing with traffic or squeezing into a parking spot. Good fuel economy — especially with the available hybrid variant — and strong safety scores also make the Corolla Cross a sensible, left-brained vehicle choice. Keep in mind that acceleration is modest with the gas-only version, and space in the second row is relatively snug; getting three adults back there is technically feasible, though not recommended.

The Good

  • User-friendly infotainment system
  • Good value
  • Impressive fuel economy, especially with the hybrid version
  • Comfortable ride and handling

The Bad

  • Cheap interior quality
  • Cramped second row
  • Slow acceleration (gas-only variant)

Read More About the Toyota Corolla Cross on Cars.com:

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New
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross L
$26,854 MSRP $26,854
New
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross L
$28,154 MSRP $28,154

Toyota RAV4, Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

toyota rav4 woodland 01 exterior front angle passenger jpg 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland, front | Cars.com photo by Corey Watts
  • Price range: $33,350 to $50,135
  • Number of seats: Five
  • Has a third row: No
  • Fits three car seats across: No
  • Cargo room behind backseat: 37.8 cubic feet; 33.5 cubic feet (plug-in hybrid)
  • Manufacturer-estimated fuel economy: 44/42 mpg combined (FWD/AWD); 41 mpg combined with 42 miles of electric range (PHEV AWD)
  • Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
  • Powertrains: 226- or 236-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two (FWD) or three (AWD) electric motors; 324 hp combined from 2.5-liter four-cylinder with three electric motors (PHEV); FWD or AWD
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: N/A

The RAV4 is Toyota’s bestselling SUV for a number of good reasons: It’s reasonably priced, roomy, boasts excellent cargo space, and comes with a roster of standard comfort and safety features. Further bolstering its mpg credentials is the fact that newly redesigned 2026 versions are offered solely as hybrids or PHEVs. The latter of the two offers up to 52 miles of electric-only driving range and a sizable jolt of acceleration when needed. Competing against the likes of strong competition, such as the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Hyundai Tucson, the RAV4 stands out thanks to its versatility and wide range of trims. There’s even a dollop of go-anywhere adventure when opting for the all-terrain-themed Woodland variant.

The Good

  • Strong fuel economy, all-electric driving range (PHEV)
  • Roomy cabin, ample cargo space
  • Comfortable ride
  • Many standard safety features

The Bad

  • Engine noise
  • Less agile than some direct rivals
  • Occasionally cheap-looking interior trim

Read More About the Toyota RAV4 on Cars.com:

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No photo available
New
2026 Toyota RAV4 Limited
$45,689 MSRP $45,689

Toyota bZ

toyota bz 2026 01 exterior front angle scaled jpg 2026 Toyota bZ, front | Cars.com photo by Conner Golden
  • Price range: $36,350 to $46,750
  • Number of seats: Five
  • Has a third row: No
  • Fits three car seats across: N/A
  • Cargo room behind backseat: 27.7 cubic feet
  • EPA-estimated max range: 314 miles
  • Maximum towing capacity: N/A
  • Powertrains: 168-to-221-hp single electric motor or 338-hp dual electric motors; 57.7- or 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery; FWD or AWD
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: N/A

The bZ (formerly bZ4X) is an electric-powered compact SUV with two rows of seating. A complete redesign for the 2026 model year brings an updated exterior design — including LED lighting spanning the width of the front end — and redesigned cabin. Most importantly, this update brings a welcome dose of added power and driving range; depending on the chosen model and trim, the bZ now delivers anywhere from 236 to 314 miles of range. Whereas the previous model delivered a maximum of 214 hp, the 2026 bZ’s upper trims with dual electric motors and AWD produce 338 hp. This makes the bZ far more competitive against rivals that include Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y.

The Good

  • Lots of headroom and legroom
  • Passenger comfort
  • Many standard features
  • Ample cargo volume

The Bad

  • No front trunk
  • Modest acceleration (standard powertrain)

Read More About the Toyota bZ on Cars.com:

Shop the 2026 Toyota bZ near you

No photo available
New
2026 Toyota bZ XLE Plus
$36,164 MSRP $41,164
No photo available
New
2026 Toyota bZ XLE Plus
$35,778 MSRP $40,778

$5,000 price drop

Toyota 4Runner, Toyota 4Runner Hybrid

toyota 4runner trailhunter 2026 exterior oem 01 jpg 2026 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter | Manufacturer image
  • Price range: $43,065 to $69,395
  • Number of seats: Five to seven
  • Has a third row: Yes (optional)
  • Fits three car seats across: No
  • Cargo room behind backseat: 48.4 cubic feet (two-row model)
  • Cargo room behind third row: 12.1 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer-estimated fuel economy: 23 mpg combined
  • Maximum towing capacity: 6,000 pounds
  • Powertrain: 278-hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 326 hp combined from 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder with single electric motor (hybrid); eight-speed automatic transmission; RWD or four-wheel drive
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: N/A

The 4Runner has a reputation for ruggedness and go-anywhere capabilities. Fully redesigned for the 2025 model year, the 4Runner stays true to its truck-based, body-on-frame roots. Yes, there are SUVs that have more comfortable suspension and sharper steering reflexes, but few have the off-road chops that come with the 4Runner, particularly when outfitted in the TRD Pro or Trailhunter trim. This brings along off-road addenda like beefier underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, a raised suspension and more selectable drive modes. The 4Runner also boasts a stout maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, and a third row of seating is optional. While the added flexibility sounds nice, space back there is limited and, with every seat occupied, cargo volume behind the third row is extremely limited.

The Good

  • Reputation for ruggedness, resale value and reliability
  • Off-road capability
  • Cargo volume (two-row model)
  • Available 326-hp hybrid powertrain

The Bad

  • Cramped third row
  • Firm ride
  • Pricey upper trims

Read More About the Toyota 4Runner on Cars.com:

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New
2026 Toyota 4Runner Limited
$62,818 MSRP $62,818
New
2026 Toyota 4Runner Limited
$62,108 MSRP $62,108

Toyota Highlander, Toyota Highlander Hybrid

toyota highlander 2026 front three quarter oem jpg 2026 Toyota Highlander | Manufacturer image
  • Price range: $46,765 to $56,170
  • Number of seats: Seven to eight
  • Has a third row: Yes
  • Fits three car seats across: No, we tested a model with second-row captain’s chairs.
  • Cargo room behind backseat: 48.4 cubic feet
  • Cargo room behind third row: 16.0 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer-estimated fuel economy: 25 mpg combined; 35 mpg combined (hybrid)
  • Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
  • Powertrains: 265-hp, turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic, or 243 hp combined from 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors and CVT (hybrid); AWD
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: N/A

The Highlander is a mid-size SUV with three rows of seating, and it has long been a standout choice thanks to its sterling reputation for reliability. Highlights include the Highlander’s upscale interior trim, ample interior storage and strong towing capacity with the gas engine; less appealing are the cozy confines of the third row and the sometimes awkward manners of the automatic transmission.

The Good

  • Interior quality
  • Cabin storage
  • Hybrid fuel economy

The Bad

  • Cramped third row
  • Brake-pedal feel (hybrid)
  • Cargo space

Read More About the Toyota Highlander on Cars.com:

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New
2026 Toyota Highlander Platinum
$55,917 MSRP $55,917
New
2026 Toyota Highlander Platinum
$55,633 MSRP $55,633

Toyota Grand Highlander, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

toyota grand highlander limited 2026 exterior oem 01 jpg 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Limited | Manufacturer image
  • Price range: $42,855 to $56,170
  • Number of seats: Seven to eight
  • Has a third row: Yes
  • Fits three car seats across: No; tested model with second-row captain’s chairs
  • Cargo room behind backseat: 57.9 cubic feet
  • Cargo room behind third row: 20.6 cubic feet
  • EPA-estimated fuel economy: 24 mpg combined; 36 mpg combined (hybrid)
  • Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
  • Powertrains: 265-hp, turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic (gas); 245 hp combined from 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors and CVT (hybrid); 362 hp from turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors and six-speed automatic (Hybrid Max); FWD or AWD
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: N/A

The Grand Highlander is what its name implies: a longer, roomier version of the mid-size three-row Highlander SUV. This pays off in extra passenger space — especially for the third row — and cargo volume. There are three available engines, including a choice of two hybrids. Performance is modest with either the non-hybrid turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 245-hp, hybridized 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and passing power can be limited when carrying a full complement of passengers or heavy cargo. Thankfully, a brawnier 362-hp, turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder comes when choosing the Hybrid Max powertrain; this significantly improves acceleration, though it does come at a hefty premium and is less fuel-efficient than the regular hybrid. That said, the Grand Highlander is a well-rounded, highly recommended choice among three-row SUVs.

The Good

  • Interior quality
  • Cargo space
  • Hybrid fuel economy
  • Acceleration with Hybrid Max engine

The Bad

  • Brake-pedal feel (hybrid)
  • Ride quality with optional 20-inch alloy wheels
  • Fussy digital instrument panel

Read More About the Toyota Grand Highlander on Cars.com:

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New
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum
$56,903 MSRP $56,903
New
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE
$51,053 MSRP $51,053

Toyota Crown Signia

2026 toyota crown signia exterior oem 01 jpg 2026 Toyota Crown Signia | Manufacturer image
  • Price range: $45,840 to $50,240
  • Number of seats: Five
  • Has a third row: No
  • Fits three car seats across: No
  • Cargo room behind backseat: 25.8 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer-estimated fuel economy: 38 mpg combined
  • Maximum towing capacity: 2,700 pounds
  • Powertrain: 240 hp combined from 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors; CVT; AWD
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: Yes

The Crown Signia is a mid-size SUV that comes standard with a hybrid powertrain and AWD. Based on the high-riding Crown sedan, the Crown Signia is motivated by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder coupled to two electric motors that deliver a combined output of 240 hp. Because it’s based on a car platform, the Crown Signia is more nimble than you’d expect; the balance of ride quality and handling agility is much more Camry-like than Tacoma. With only two trims available, there’s a wide range of standard comfort and tech features, such as wireless smartphone connectivity, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, five USB-C ports and leather seating upholstery. A couple of downsides include the less-than-intuitive infotainment controls and fairly high cost of entry.

The Good

  • Carlike driving manners
  • Good fuel economy
  • Upscale interior

The Bad

  • High entry price
  • Awkward infotainment interface
  • Engine noise

Read More About the Toyota Crown Signia on Cars.com:

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New
2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited
$51,660 MSRP $52,160

$500 price drop

New
2025 Toyota Crown Signia XLE
$46,210 MSRP $46,210

Toyota Land Cruiser

toyota land cruiser 2026 exterior oem 02 jpg 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser | Manufacturer image
  • Price range: $58,695 to $63,540
  • Number of seats: Five
  • Has a third row: No
  • Fits three car seats across: No
  • Cargo room behind backseat: 46.2 cubic feet
  • EPA-estimated fuel economy: 23 mpg combined
  • Maximum towing capacity: 6,000 pounds
  • Powertrain: 326 hp combined from turbo four-cylinder with electric motor; eight-speed automatic; 4WD
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: N/A

The Land Cruiser is one of the most highly respected nameplates in the SUV realm. After a two-year hiatus, it returned to the Toyota lineup for 2024 as a smaller and significantly less expensive model. Now based on the same mechanical underpinnings found in models such as the Tacoma and 4Runner, this new-generation Land Cruiser comes standard with 4WD and a 326-hp, turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The retro-themed exterior design is a highlight, though less enamoring are some budget-minded interior trim pieces. Some SUV shoppers might also be turned off by the lack of an available third row. In the plus column, however, the Land Cruiser maintains its outstanding reputation for traversing places that would leave many other SUVs spinning their wheels in frustration.   

The Good

  • Classic exterior design
  • Excellent off-road capability
  • Airy cabin, good outward visibility
  • Good suspension composure
  • Reasonably efficient hybrid powertrain

The Bad

  • Expensive
  • Threadbare base variant
  • Interior trim quality
  • No available third row

Read More About the Toyota Land Cruiser on Cars.com:

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New
2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Base
$71,555 MSRP $71,555
New
2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Base
$67,203 MSRP $72,490

Toyota Sequoia

toyota sequoia 2026 exterior oem 01 jpg 2026 Toyota Sequoia | Manufacturer image
  • Price range: $66,120 to $86,530
  • Number of seats: Seven to eight people
  • Has a third row: Yes
  • Fits three car seats across: No; tested model with second-row captain’s chairs
  • Cargo room behind backseat: 49.0 cubic feet
  • Cargo room behind third row: 11.5-22.3 cubic feet
  • EPA-estimated fuel economy: 22 mpg combined (RWD)
  • Maximum towing capacity: 9,520 pounds
  • Powertrain: 437 hp combined from twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 with electric motor; 10-speed automatic transmission; RWD or 4WD
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: N/A

In terms of size and price, the Sequoia sits at the very pinnacle of the Toyota SUV lineup. This full-size three-row SUV has seating for anywhere from seven to eight people depending on whether a second-row bench seat or dual captain’s chairs are ordered. Fitted with 4WD, all six trims are outfitted with a 437-hp, twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Based on the same platform used in the Tundra pickup truck, the Sequoia is more than capable when it comes to off-road adventures; unfortunately, the truck-based underpinnings impinge on both third-row space and cargo volume. With every seat occupied, there’s less than 12 cubic feet of luggage space and, worse still, even when down, the third row doesn’t fold completely flat. To its credit, interior quality is excellent and upper trims have Lexus-like levels of features and opulence.

The Good

  • Strong hybrid V-6 engine
  • Interior quality
  • Intuitive infotainment system
  • Off-road capability

The Bad

  • Limited cargo volume with every seat occupied
  • Feels big in tight confines
  • Cramped third row

Read More About the Toyota Sequoia on Cars.com:

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New
2026 Toyota Sequoia Platinum
$80,056 MSRP $85,488
New
2026 Toyota Sequoia Platinum
$82,798 MSRP $84,488

$1,690 price drop

Toyota bZ Woodland

toyota bz woodland 2026 exterior oem 06 jpg 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland | Manufacturer image
  • Price range: TBA
  • Number of seats: Five
  • Has a third row: No
  • Fits three car seats across: N/A
  • Cargo room behind backseat: 30.0 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer-estimated max range: 260 miles
  • Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
  • Powertrain: 375-hp dual electric motors; 74.7-kWh battery pack; AWD
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: N/A

Based on the completely redesigned bZ electric SUV, the bZ Woodland is almost 6 inches longer. Its powertrain consists of two electric motors — one at each axle — that produce a total of 375 hp. AWD is standard, as is the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 bundle of safety features. As its name implies, the Woodland is meant to impart a more rugged SUV-like image to the bZ nameplate. Ride height is upped to 8.3 inches, and standard off-road features include a 360-degree camera system and a multiterrain monitor that gives drivers more camera angles for navigating over rough terrain. All-terrain tires are optional. Toyota will offer the bZ Woodland in only one well-equipped trim level, and standard comfort and tech touches consist of synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Notable options include a JBL audio system, fixed glass panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats and a digital rearview mirror. Toyota estimates a maximum driving range of 260 miles and says DC fast charging can juice up the battery pack from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes.

The Good

  • Long lineup of standard features
  • More cargo space than the bZ
  • Standard AWD

The Bad

  • Driving range is only OK
  • No available third row

Read More About the Toyota bZ Woodland on Cars.com:

Toyota C-HR

toyota c hr bev 2026 02 exterior front angle jpg 2026 Toyota C-HR | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
  • Price range: TBA
  • Number of seats: Five
  • Has a third row: No
  • Fits three car seats across: N/A
  • Cargo room behind backseat: 25.4 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer-estimated max range: 290 miles
  • Towing capacity: N/A
  • Powertrain: 338-hp dual electric motors; AWD
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: N/A

After a four-model-year hiatus, the spunky C-HR is expected to return to the Toyota lineup for 2026 as a fully electrified compact SUV with room for five onboard. Like the first iteration that was produced for the 2018-22 model years, the second-gen C-HR has an aggressive shape that blends SUV proportions with an athletic coupelike profile. Its powertrain consists of two electric motors and a 74.7-kWh battery pack that produce a total of 338 hp. Toyota estimates the electric C-HR needs around five seconds to sprint from 0-60 mph, while overall driving range comes in at approximately 290 miles per charge (though official EPA estimates have not yet been released). When using a DC fast charger, the C-HR can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. The cabin features a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, two wireless device charging pads and three USB-C ports. Also worth noting is that the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 bundle of driving aids comes standard.

The Good

  • Impressive driving range
  • Modern and futuristic cabin
  • DC fast-charging capability
  • Brash shape stands out in a crowd

The Bad

  • Sporty design can impact cargo capacity
  • Bold exterior could be polarizing

Read More About the Toyota C-HR on Cars.com:

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