5 New Crossovers the Middle Class Should Consider Buying in 2026
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Buying a new SUV is a big deal. If you’re planning to purchase a crossover in 2026, now is the time to start conducting research.
This can feel overwhelming, with all of the makes and models to choose from. New SUVs aren’t cheap, so you want to be sure you’re getting a crossover that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
GOBankingRates spoke to two car experts to find out which 2026 crossovers top their lists for middle-class buyers. Keep reading to learn what they had to say.
Chevrolet Equinox
- 2026 baseline price: $28,700
The Chevrolet Equinox has been made for years, and each model has been improved upon, said Chris Pyle, JustAnswer auto expert and certified mechanic. He said the Equinox is reliable, needing few repairs and the more affordable, lower trim models still have plenty of features.
Fuel efficiency for the 2026 Chevy Equinox hasn’t yet been determined, but the 2025 model had a combined 26 to 27 miles per gallon, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB).
While the fuel economy is impressive, Pyle noted it comes with the inevitable drawback of a weaker engine. He also noted that the cargo space is on the smaller side.
Ford Explorer
- 2026 baseline price: $38,465
The Ford Explorer has been one of the best-selling SUVs for almost three decades, Pyle said.
“They have a pretty good reliability and maintenance record — hint, hint: the police drive them,” he added.
As for features, the Explorer has just about everything you can get on a car, a lot of punch under the hood and the capacity to haul a boat on the tow hitch, Pyle said. However, he noted that the first and second rows are very comfortable and roomy, but the third row is a bit tight.
The fuel economy for the 2026 Ford Explorer hasn’t been revealed, but the 2024 model offered a combined 20 to 24 miles per gallon, according to KBB.
Honda Passport
- 2026 baseline price: $44,750
Like most old and new Hondas, the Honda Passport is reliable with low maintenance costs, Pyle said. Newly redesigned for 2026, he noted that it now looks more rugged, has more space and is loaded with features.
“It does well on the road and can do some off highway driving too,” he said.
It doesn’t have third-seating though, he noted, so keep this in mind if it’s a feature you need. As for fuel efficiency, the Honda Passport gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.
Honda CR-V (Hybrid)
- 2026 baseline price: $30,920
Refined and compact, the Honda CR-V is a crossover to put on your list, said Jack Carlson, co-founder of Carvia.ai.
“Honda’s bullet-proof track record, upscale comfort and efficient hybrid powertrain make it ideal for buyers who want longevity,” Carlson said.
The Honda CR-V gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. Glowing accolades, this crossover thrives in virtually every area, offers plenty of standard equipment and is enjoyable to drive, per KBB.
Hyundai Tucson
- 2026 baseline price: $29,200
The Hyundai Tucson is tech-forward and loaded with value, Carlson said. He touted the 2026 Hyundai Tucson warranty program — including a new vehicle limited warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles for the original owner — as a money-saving opportunity.
“For middle-class buyers, this means [a] lower risk of big repair bills and better long-term ownership stability,” he said.
Additionally, fuel economy for gas-powered Hyundai Tucson models is up to 28 miles per gallon combined and 35 miles per gallon on hybrid models.
Editor’s note: Photos are for representational purposes only. Prices are accurate as of Dec. 17, 2025 and may vary by location.
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