DecodedCarsHonda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson
2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Honda CR-V is more fuel-efficient: 40 vs 38 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $50 a year less in fuel for the Honda CR-V (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Honda CR-V is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Hyundai Tucson has had fewer recall campaigns (29 vs 60).
The two cars
The 2026 Honda CR-V is a midsize station wagon offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,635 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,468 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
Buying used? The 2022 CR-V and the 2021 Tucson have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 CR-V and the 2016 Tucson.
| 2026 Honda CR-V | 2026 Hyundai Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Midsize Station Wagons | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | 40 MPG | 38 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 43 city | 38 city |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $1,700 | $1,750 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | 190 hp | 187 hp |
| Driver-assist features standard | 14 | 13 |
| Length | 184.6 in | 182.3 in |
| Width | 73.6 in | 73.2 in |
| Height | 66.1 in | 64.2 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 3,525 lb | 3,340 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 2 | 6 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 60 | 29 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 177 | 99 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 36,497 | 22,259 |
| Best used year | 2022 | 2021 |
| Year to avoid | 2018 | 2016 |
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Honda CR-V if…
- You want lower fuel bills (40 vs 38 MPG)
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if…
- You put reliability history first (29 vs 60 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Honda CR-V
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 56% better than the average 2026 midsize station wagon (25.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Full 2026 Honda CR-V specs →Full 2026 Hyundai Tucson specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →