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3 Used Car Horror Stories That Could Happen to Anyone
Drivers are increasingly getting pushed into the used market. In January, the average transaction price (ATP) for a new vehicle was $49,191, a 1.9% year-over-year increase and an all-time high for January. Adding to the pain, automakers lowered sales incentives last month, with the average package equal to 6.5% of ATP, down from 7.5% in December 2025.
While buying used can mitigate costs, a smooth purchase isn’t guaranteed. There are some risks and traps to watch out for when buying any used car.
Below are a few recent accounts of used car buyers who weren’t so lucky in their shopping experience, along with steps you can take to avoid avoid making their mistakes.
Paper-Perfect Doesn’t Equal Road-Ready
The first used-car buying horror story we’ll highlight is a driver who was quoted for over $7,000 in repairs less than 24 hours after purchasing their vehicle.
According to this driver’s Reddit post, they purchased a 2014 BMW 3 Series with 45,000 miles under assurance that the car was in good condition, with a solid CarFax to boot.
The Reddit user and BMW purchaser wrote: “The following morning on Tuesday, lights come on for brakes and chassis stabilization. I bring it to a reputable shop near me (Virginia) and they say the brakes are completely shot, ABS is leaking fluid everywhere and screws are threaded horribly with damage. The quote was over $7,000 less than 24 hours after purchasing the vehicle. Shop ensured me that the car would not pass inspection in its current state.”
They added: “Note to self, always perform a pre-purchase inspection.”
How an Independent Inspection Could’ve Saved This Driver Thousands
It only took this driver 30 miles to realize their mistake: they skipped an independent pre-purchase inspection (PPI). A test drive and dealer assurances don’t negate a buyer’s need for a PPI, which can catch issues that a test drive won’t.
Once a PPI reveals issues, a driver can walk or use the information as leverage during negotiations. If a dealer refuses a PPI, you should always walk away, and including a contingency in your contract stating that the vehicle must pass a state inspection within a certain number of days (ex: 3 to 7) adds protection.
A PPI will cost $150 to $250 on average, which is a pittance in comparison to $7,000+ in repairs. This BMW buyer noted that even if they had purchased an extended warranty, which they didn’t, the warranty wouldn’t cover the repairs since they were pre-existing rather than unexpected, which is accurate.
Regarding the buyer noting that the CarFax looked good, a CarFax report covers data such as reported accidents, title issues, and some service records. However, it won’t detail the driver’s mentioned problems, such as fluid leaks, brake condition, or ability to pass a state inspection, underscoring the importance of a PPI. Learn more about the importance of a PPI.
A Test-Drive Warning That Could’ve Become a Paperwork Trap
Next, we’ll be looking at a used car shopper who heard a concerning noise when turning a vehicle’s steering wheel during a test drive.
The dealer told this shopper they’d fix the issue under the manufacturer’s warranty, but only after the driver signed the paperwork. This shopper moved forward since the dealer said they’d include a right to rescission in the agreement’s documentation. However, when the dealer’s finance department reviewed the documentation to verify a right to rescission clause upon the buyer’s request, none was found.
On Reddit, this shopper, who ultimately walked, said the dealer created a “We Owe You” document, but the language was a bit loose and could be interpreted in their favor.
How to Handle This Situation, and Your Next-Best Option
Ideally, you shouldn’t sign until an issue is fixed.
Still, this type of agreement isn’t guaranteed, as one Genesis manager replied to this Reddit post: “I will not fix it and have you come back, because by then you bought elsewhere.”
If a dealer insists on you signing first with a repair scheduled later, you’ll need to request a binding, enforceable agreement outlining what will be repaired, who is paying, when it will be completed, and what occurs if the repair isn’t done. Clearly documenting these terms means retaining leverage and avoiding situations where a dealer can delay, minimize, or interpret vague promises to their advantage.
When One Buyer’s Extended Warranty Wasn’t Enough
Some used car buyers assume that an extended warranty equals comprehensive protection, but assumptions and lack of verification can leave even those with an extended warranty in the lurch, as was the case with this Reddit user.
The used-car buyer reported purchasing a used Jeep Wrangler from a GM dealer, obtaining an extended powertrain warranty, and having the vehicle’s engine blow from overheating five days later. After getting their Jeep towed to the dealer and claiming the warranty for repairs, an inspector denied the claims due to aftermarket tires, wheels, and lift parts, which the buyer said were pre-existing.
How a PPI and Careful Review Could’ve Prevented This
This is another example of a driver that would’ve benefited from a PPI by an independent mechanic. A PPI would’ve typically highlighted the presence of aftermarket parts, which often void warranties, while revealing problems that pre-empted the engine blowout. Any discovered problems could’ve caused this buyer to walk or given them more negotiation leverage.
There’s also the issue of carefully reading a warranty.
Additionally, carefully reviewing the warranty would’ve helped them understand:
- Exclusions for aftermarket parts
- Pre-existing conditions
- Non-factory repairs
- Whether the vehicle is covered as-is, since pre-existing modifications don’t always void coverage
Confirming coverage in writing from the dealer or warranty provider solidifies protection.
An Easier Way to Avoid Used Car Horror Stories
Avoiding the used-car-buying horror stories above is doable with a bit of knowledge and preparation. However, there’s an easier way to buy in 2026. CarEdge’s Concierge streamlines the process by matching you with a shopping expert who understands your needs, launches your search, completes dealer outreach, and handles negotiations from start-to-finish. How much is your time worth? Say goodbye to the dealership games, and have an expert handle it for you!
The Worst Car Deals of February 2026: Skip These 5 Offers
President’s Day promotions, savings on leftover 2025 models, and lower foot traffic motivating sales staff are a few reasons why you might consider February car shopping. However, this month’s savings opportunities make it easier to overlook certain value traps, especially with popular models.
Spend more time finding quality offers by avoiding the five worst car deals of February 2026 below. Afterward, don’t miss our guide to the BEST offers in February. As always, some manufacturer incentives are regional in nature.
2025 Ford F-150 XLT (Financing Option)
Could a truck be on both the best AND worst deals of the month? Somehow, Ford made it happen. Ford’s F-Series maintained its position as the U.S.’s most popular truck in 2025 for the 49th year. The F-150, the F-Series’ best-selling model, moved nearly 830,000 units.
Still, buyers shouldn’t expect finance deals on leftover 2025 F-150 XLT inventory in February, as Ford’s offer for this trim through March 2 is 2.9% APR for 60 months, plus $3,250 cash. Ford doesn’t seem to recognize that this is last year’s F-150, but primary competitors have gotten the memo.
In comparison, primary F-150 rivals like the 2025 Ram 1500 (Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4) offer 0% APR for 72 months through March 2. See Ram offer details.
However, if you remain keen on the F-150, you’re better off leasing the 2025 F-150 STX 4×4 at $479 per month for 36 months with $0 down. This is in fact one of the best deals for February truck shoppers. But if you’re financing, definitely look elsewhere!
2026 Jaguar F-Pace
You’d think that Jaguar would offer better February incentives for its 2026 F-Pace, with the model spending months on America’s list of slowest-selling vehicles. In January,the plug-in hybrid SUV had 292 days of supply, the market’s third-highest behind Maserati’s Grecale and Volkswagen’s ID.4 at 302 and 527 days, respectively.
Through March 2, you can finance the mid-size 2026 F-Pace at 3.9% APR for 12 to 48 months. The ideal APR range for luxury models with overstock in February is 0% to 0.9%. While not a plug-in hybrid like the F-Pace, several compact-to-mid-size electric Lexus RZ trims are available at 0% APR for up to 72 months through March 2. See Lexus offer details.
Still, those preferring British luxury can get a better (albeit only slightly) deal leasing the 2026 F-Pace at $679 per month for 36 months, with $6,995 due at signing. See Jaguar offer details.
2025 Toyota RAV4
With the 2026 RAV4 redesigned with an all-hybrid lineup, Toyota is offering a great retail deal on leftover 2025 RAV4 inventory, right?
Nope. Toyota’s February promotion for the 2025 RAV4 plug-in hybrid, valid through March 2, offers 4.75% APR for 72 months. The 2025 RAV4 is a great compact SUV with solid fuel economy and an extensive suite of safety features, but competitors offer better deals.
For example, through March 2, Mazda is offering 0.9% APR for 60 months on multiple CX-5 trims. While the 2025 CX-5 had primarily been unchanged since its 2019 facelift, the same goes for the 2025 RAV4, which was redesigned in 2019.
2025 Jeep Wrangler
Through March 2, qualified buyers can finance several 2-door or 4-door 2025 Jeep Wrangler trims at 6.9% APR for 72 months.
You might be quick to press “schedule test drive” on your local Jeep dealership’s website, since 6.9% is what many would consider a solid offer for those with a “good” credit score (700-749).
However, before you do, you’ll want to consider that:
- 6.9% APR is nearly at the bottom of this quality offer range, with 7% being the lowest someone with good credit would want
- The 2025 Wrangler has plenty of leftover inventory
- Lease and cash offers for existing Stellantis owners are better
Returning Stellantis owners and lessees can receive a $5,000 total cash bonus toward a 4-door 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport through March 2. Alternatively, returning Stellantis owners and lessees can qualify for a $3,000 cash bonus toward multiple 2-door 2025 Wranglers, such as the Sport or Sport S. See Jeep’s offer details.
2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid
Honda’s offering 5.49% APR for 61-72 months on the 2026 CR-V Hybrid isn’t downright terrible, but it’s a value trap compared to other options. Competing models like the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid are available at 0% APR for 75 months.
While this is a 2025 Forester compared to a 2026 CR-V, the 2025 Forester is a complete redesign, and the 2026 CR-V Hybrid is a mid-cycle refresh. Some buyers may be more likely to miss this opportunity, since the CR-V hybrid sold significantly more units than the Forester hybrid in 2025. See Subaru’s offer details.
CarEdge Is Your GPS Toward Better February Deals
When shopping for the above deals, remember that offers can vary by region, so check a manufacturer’s site before test drives.
If you’re looking for the easiest way to get the best car buying deal in February, use CarEdge’s Concierge Car Buying Service, handling your entire transaction from start to finish.You can also find tips on how to negotiate deals on CarEdge’s Community forum, or reference our 700,000-strong YouTube family for pro tips and market news.
The 7 Best Truck Deals for February 2026: $0-Down Leases and 0% APRs
Recent market trends show that truck popularity isn’t slowing, which doesn’t always mean good news for those seeking deals. In December, Americans purchased 233,000 full-size pickups, the segment’s best month in five years and its sixth-best in the past decade. However, the average price for a full-size pickup was $66,386, just below the record set in October 2025.
However, there are manufacturer incentives worth thousands of dollars, if you shop the deals. Why pay MSRP or high interest rates when truck offers like these abound in February?
Whether you’re looking for a mid-size or full-size truck, we’ve streamlined your search for a perfect offer below with a list of February’s best deals.
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Through March 2, 2026, current lessees of 2021 or newer Chevrolet vehicles can lease the 2026 Silverado 1500’s Crew Cab 4WD LT trim with a TurboMax engine at $379/month for 36 months, with $1,709 due at signing.
If you’re interested in financing, you can get a 2025 or 2026 Silverado 1500 with a TurboMax engine at 1.9% APR for 36 months through March 2.
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s TurboMax engine offers 310 horsepower, best-in-class standard torque of 430 lb-ft, and strong towing of up to 9,300 lbs.
Standard interior luxuries include, but aren’t limited to:
- 10-way power driver seat with lumbar control
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 13.4-inch touchscreen
The Crew Cab 4WD LT isn’t the only Silverado 1500 that’s compatible with a TurboMax. For those preferring this model’s finance deal, the TurboMax is standard on WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, RST, and LT Trail Boss trims.
See Chevrolet Silverado 1500 listings near you.
2026 Chevrolet Colorado
Is a mid-size Chevrolet pickup more your speed? Current lessees of any 2021 or newer Chevrolet can lease the Colorado Custom Crew Cab 2WD at $279/month for 36 months, with $1,929 due at signing through March 2.
Alternatively, you can finance a 2026 Colorado at 3.9% APR for 60 months, complemented by a $2,000 Chevrolet mid-pickup competitive cash allowance. See Chevrolet offer details.
Some key advantages you’ll get with the Colorado over the full-size Silverado 1500 are:
- Added off-road maneuverability
- Higher fuel economy
- A lower starting price ($32,400 vs. $36,900)
- Same standard engine power as a Silverado 1500
See Chevrolet Colorado listings near you.
2025 Ford F-150 STX
Half of the 83,000 F-150s for sale in February are 2025 models, and you can lease the 2025 F-150 STX 4×4 2.7L at $479/month for 36 months, with just $479 due at signing.
If you’d like to own an F-150, you can finance the F-150 STX 4×4 2.7L at 2.9% APR for 60 months. These Ford deals are good through March 2. See Ford offer details.
The STX isn’t a bare-bones pickup truck. Choosing the F-150 STX means receiving:
- 4WD availability
- 325 horsepower, 410 lb-ft of torque
- Exceptional standard maximum tow rating of 12,800 lbs
- Smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission
See 2026 Ford F-150 listings near you.
2025 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4
Similar to Chevrolet, Ford is offering an attractive mid-size truck lease. Through March 2, 2026, you can lease the 2025 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 from $471/month for 36 months, with $471 due at signing. See Ford offer details.
Besides standard 4WD, this trim boasts a 9.3-inch ground clearance, a 43.5 cu ft bed that’s 1.6 cu ft larger than the Chevrolet Colorado, and 7,500-lb maximum towing that’s on par with rivals.
See 2026 Ford Ranger listings near you.
2026 GMC Sierra 1500
GMC is offering some big Presidents Day truck sales in February. With a trade-in, you can receive a maximum $8,350 cash discount on 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 models with a TurboMax engine. However, don’t let your guard down with this trade incentive. Always negotiate your trade-in value as a separate transaction to get the most for your vehicle.
Use CarEdge’s Trade-In Negotiation Guide to play it smart and get the most when you trade-in.
Alternatively, current lessees of 2021 or newer GM models can lease the 2026 Sierra 1500 Short Box Crew Cab 4WD Elevation w/TurboMax trim for $299/month for 24 months, with $3,709 due at signing. See GMC offer details.
Like the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 TurboMax, the full-size 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 TurboMax produces 310 horsepower and best-in-class standard torque of 430 lb-ft, with 9,400-lb max towing.
See 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 listings near you.
2026 Ram 1500
If you’re considering financing a full-size Ram 1500, February is an ideal time to shop, as Ram is offering 0% APR for 60 months on the 2026 Ram 1500 through March 2. Remaining 2025 inventory is eligible for an even more impressive 0% APR for 72 months. See Ram offer details.
Ram 1500 trims compatible with this offer include:
- RAM 1500 Big Horn Quad Cab (4×2 or 4×4) 6’4” Box
- RAM 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab (4×2 5’7”/6’4 Box)
- RAM 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 5’7” Box
- RAM 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 6’4” Box
- RAM 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab (4×2 or 4×4) 5’7” Box
- RAM 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 6’4” Box
If you’re cross-shopping the top-selling trucks, test drive the Ram 1500 if you’re seeking a smoother, quieter ride and class-leading passenger room/storage.
See 2026 Ram 1500 listings near you.
February’s Best Electric Truck Deal
The best electric truck deal in February is 0% APR for 60 months on its Chevrolet’s 2025 Silverado EV, which features faster charging and more range than competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning or Tesla Cybertruck.
Unlike the F-150 Lightning, the Silverado EV hasn’t been discontinued. With specs that firmly place it in the top of its segment, it would be a shock to the industry if it ever is.
See 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV listings near you.
Make the Most of February’s Truck Deals With CarEdge
When shopping for the above deals, remember that offers can vary by region, so check a manufacturer’s site before test drives.
If you’re interested in an easier way to get the best truck deal in February, use CarEdge’s Concierge Car Buying Service, handling your entire transaction from dealership to driveway.
👉 Looking for tips on how to negotiate the best truck deal? Check out the CarEdge Community forum, and our 700,000-strong YouTube family for free tips and market updates.
How to Negotiate Your Car’s Trade-In Value in 5 Easy Steps (Updated For 2026)
In 2026, getting top dollar for your trade-in requires more preparation and strategy than in previous years.
Here’s why: 7-year-old vehicles traded in during 2025 had an average value of $14,400, a 72% increase from 2019, when they were valued at $8,400, according to a recent report. That’s usually great news for sellers, but there’s a catch.
Despite rising used-car values, many drivers still get less than expected when trading in. The gap between projected and actual resale values is widening as new and used car prices converge. Without knowledge and preparation, you’re likely to leave money on the table.
We consulted CarEdge’s consumer advocates to find out how to get the best trade-in value in 2026. The common theme? Prepared, informed buyers get the best deals. Let’s take a look at how you can top-dollar for your trade-in this year.
How to Negotiate Your Car’s Trade-In Value in 5 Easy Steps
Many drivers aren’t aware that some parts of a car trade-in contract are negotiable, primarily because dealers present the agreement as a package.
1. Treat Your Trade-In As a Separate Transaction
The number one rule for getting the most for your trade-in is to always treat it as a separate transaction. The car salesperson WILL do their best to tie your trade-in to your purchase. That’s a recipe for a low-ball offer. Negotiating your car purchase and trade-in together gives the dealer more opportunities to profit at your expense. Handle them separately to maximize your trade-in value.
2. Know Your Car’s True Market Value
In most cases, the appraisal of your trade-in value isn’t the final offer. Before you arrive at the dealership, get several online offers and values for your car, so you know what it should be worth. Be honest with yourself about the condition of your car when getting these values.
Having several online offers from CarEdge’s free tool, CarFax, Carvana, and others (as well as the KBB Value) not only gives you an up-to-date assessment of your vehicle’s trade-in value, it is your source of leverage against dealer offers.
3. Compare Offers From Three Dealers
Go one step further and get trade-in offers in writing from at least two dealerships, ideally three or more. They’ll need to see your vehicle in person to do this, but it’s worth the hassle. You’re likely to get hundreds of dollars more (or thousands, in some cases) by not skipping this step. It’s work on your end, but work that pays.
Having service records on hand can help your trade-in value, too. However, with the widespread use of CarFax and online service records, this is less crucial in 2026. It merely helps to show that the car has been taken care of.
Getting your car detailed can also help you achieve a higher trade-in value, but don’t spend hundreds of dollars on this. A good interior and exterior cleaning at home is usually best for your wallet, and for getting a fair offer for your trade-in.
4. Don’t Settle For Their First Offer
This is an important one. You’d be shocked to see how effective the following questions are at getting more for your trade-in: “Is that your best offer? Do you mind checking the numbers again? I believe it’s worth more than that.”
In many cases, they’ll ‘check with their manager’ and come back with at least $100 more in value, often more. And that’s all just from showing that you’re not going to just accept the bare minimum for your vehicle.
5. Note Any of Your Vehicle’s “Extras”
Knowing what your vehicle offers is crucial when negotiating trade-in offers, as its specific trim level may raise its value. The original window sticker can help you identify these features. It’s likely sitting in your glove compartment.
For example, mid-to-upper level trims of a specific model tend to offer features that include but aren’t limited to:
- Additional displays and larger-sized screen
- Branded sound systems with added speakers
- Integrated navigation
- Panoramic sunroofs
- Tinted windows
- More power
- All-wheel drive
- Exclusive wheel sizes and designs
- Higher-performance tires
- Unique exterior and interior badging
- Front seat ventilation and second-row heated seats
Anything that’s not standard equipment on your model’s base trim is fair game. Did you get work done recently? Noting new parts and repairs can increase offers for any trim level.
How to Time Your Trade-in Like a Pro
While 2026 is set to offer higher average trade-in offers, some periods are more ideal for maximizing value. Edmunds data shows that Q1 and Q2 are the best times for trade-ins, as used car values tend to trend higher.
Additionally, since a car loses more value the longer you have it in your driveway, it’s more appealing during Q1 and Q2 compared to the end of the year when it’s about to become another model year older.
SUV? AWD? Sports Car? Time Your Trade-In Right
What kind of vehicle are you trading-in? If you’re trading-in an all-wheel drive SUV, winter can be an opportune time to get top dollar. Softer-selling segments like a convertible may benefit from a trade-in during the warmer months.
Is the air conditioning out on your trade-in? You won’t get top dollar for it during the heat of summer!
Are your tire tread getting low? If so, the icy winter months aren’t the best time to sell. It all matters if you’re aiming to get top dollar for your car!
The Truth About Mileage During Trade-Ins
When considering trade-in timing, mileage often comes to mind. Luckily, there’s no major drop-off after certain milestones, as long as your vehicle has been well-kept, which you can help prove with documents like timely service records.
In comparison, model years matter more. It may be obvious to some, but many sellers are surprised to learn that like-for-like, a five year-old car with just 30,000 miles on the odometer is still going to be worth significantly less than a two-year old car with 50,000 miles. Model year matters to buyers, especially if there’s a chance your trade-in will go to auction.
Pro Tip: Consider the Tariff Factor
Where a vehicle was built used to be a non-factor; however, a car’s manufacturing location can now play a significant role in resale value due to tariffs.
Depending on the country, automakers exporting vehicles to the U.S. face tariff rates roughly ranging from 10% to 27.5% on a car’s declared value, increasing dealer replacement costs for impacted new models. When these replacement prices increase, dealers have more incentive to lean on already-imported used models, giving you added leverage if you have an imported brand with limited U.S. production.
Examples of these brands can include:
- Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Porsche)
- Mazda
- Subaru
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Volvo and Polestar
If you follow the news in 2026, you know that the tariff situation seems to change weekly. Even so, sharing this bit of information can still give you more negotiation power, as it shows you’re an informed buyer (and seller).
Ready for a pro to handle your trade-in? We can help.
What if you didn’t have to go back and forth to dealerships, negotiating with pushy salespeople all along the way? Wouldn’t it be nice to have an experiences automotive professional do it all for you? That’s what we offer with CarEdge’s car buying service. From finding the perfect trim and paint color to negotiating every aspect of your deal (including your trade-in), we make car-buying easy.
Learn more about CarEdge Concierge, and take the stress out of your big purchase!
The 5 Best SUVs Under $40,000 in 2026
Finding a new, quality SUV for under $40,000 is getting increasingly difficult. The average transaction price of a new vehicle is now $50,000 as car prices continue to outpace wage growth. In other words, it’s getting harder to afford a new car in America. Still, great value can be found if you know where to look.
We’re here to save you time and money with five of the best SUVs under $40,000. These top picks offer the best overall value, features, and reliability. Our list includes compact crossover favorites, an affordable three-row SUV, and one leftover 2025 model worth considering.
Here are the best-value SUVs and crossovers for new car buyers in 2026.
2026 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid
The 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid starts at $38,800, but the destination fee alone can put you over $40,000. In comparison, the 2026 CR-V Sport Hybrid offers stylish compact efficiency at a $35,630 base price. This hybrid electric vehicle’s (HEV) mileage is rated at a competitive 43/36 city/highway mpg in front-wheel drive (FWD) and 40/34 city/highway mpg in AWD.
Many economy compact hybrid SUVs force you to sacrifice too much power, but this model’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, paired with two electric motors, meets daily driving needs with 204 net horsepower. Sporty styling elements include dual exhaust finishers and 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, while features like roof rails optimize utility.
Cloth seats with orange contrast stitching help the interior avoid a boring feel, and necessities like a power moonroof and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are standard. On the safety front, advanced driver-assist systems are plentiful, delivering peace of mind via features like blind-spot and cross-traffic monitors.
CR-V hybrids have a track record of reliability since their 2020 production year debut, but extra-cautious buyers can rest assured knowing that this model comes with an excellent 8-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty, whichever comes first.
2026 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium
The RAV4 remained the US’s most popular SUV in 2025, and Toyota reported that the model also experienced its best-ever sales year.
So, what makes this vehicle stand out?
To start, 2026 is the first model year where the RAV4 is exclusively hybrid, so its $31,900 starting price represents value in more ways than one. Besides hybrid efficiency, the base LE’s accessible price gives you room to graduate to the XLE Premium trim, which starts at $36,100. Toyota does a solid job distinguishing the XLE Premium from the entry-level LE with synthetic leather seats, a height-adjustable power liftgate, and heated front seats.
If you’re wondering whether you should choose the 2026 RAV4 XLE Premium or the 2026 CR-V Sport Hybrid, it’s worth considering that the RAV4 has better mileage at 47/40 city/highway mpg and higher net horsepower at 236. However, keep in mind that the CR-V Sport Hybrid offers 3.2 additional inches of rear legroom. Regarding battery coverage, the 2026 RAV4 XLE Premium matches the CR-V Sport Hybrid’s warranty, and J.D. Power rated its quality and reliability at 77/100, according to US News & World Report.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL
Drivers shopping for a three-row midsize SUV should consider the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL for its sharp exterior, robust powertrain, and spacious interior. The entry-level Santa Fe SE starts at $34,800, but, like the RAV4 XLE Premium, you can step up to the SEL without getting too close to $40,000.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa FE SEL, starting at $37,340, offers a premium look and feel without the luxury price tag. Synthetic leather seats, digital key compatibility, and wireless charging are among this trim’s standard features, enhancing daily drives. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers 277 horsepower, and front/rear legroom dimensions are competitive at 44.4 inches and 42.3 inches, respectively.
The third row is best reserved for kids and teens, but cargo capacity with the third row folded is good to excellent at 40.5 cu ft. Drivers looking to balance on-road performance with off-road capability can equip the Santa Fe SEL with optional HTRAC AWD, and J.D. Power awarded the model with a solid 81/100 quality and reliability rating.
2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is our list’s most budget-friendly recommendation, as its top-tier Limited trim is still under $40,000 with a $38,645 starting price. However, the Tucson’s second-highest trim, the XRT, stands out as this model’s value pick, starting at $33,225.
Hyundai’s Tucson XRT is ideal for drivers seeking rugged looks, but not serious off-road performance. The Tucson XRT decision to emphasize adventurous form over function isn’t necessarily a downside, given that many off-road-performance SUVs contain features drivers pay for, but make little use of in the long run. These features can include an electronic locking rear differential, optimizing traction on terrain like sand or rocks by locking the rear wheels so they spin at the same time, but moderate trails don’t require this capability.
The 2026 Tucson XRT isn’t a hybrid, but its fuel economy is solid at 25/33 city/highway mpg. Blacked-out exterior styling enhances curb appeal, and its 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is 3.3 inches larger than the CR-V Sport Hybrid’s. J.D. Power gave the 2026 Tucson an 83/100 reliability rating, and its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty is industry-leading.
2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness
We’d be remiss not to include at least one off-road-focused SUV. The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness, starting at $36,285, is prepared for rugged travels with standard AWD, an elevated 9.2-inch ground clearance — which surpasses competitors like the RAV4 TRD by 0.6 inches — and dual-function X-MODE with specialized Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings. Copper-finish interior and exterior accents give this trim a unique look, and the 180-degree front view monitor is great for elevating environmental awareness on or off the beaten path. With an 81/100 J.D. Power quality and reliability score, the 2025 Forester Wilderness is on par with the rest of our list’s 2026 picks.
Most off-road capable SUVs start at over $40,000 (think Ford Bronco Big Bend, Toyota 4Runner SR5), so the Forester Wilderness stands out as an exception. Potential real-world discounts and incentives for remaining 2025 Forester Wilderness models solidify its value, especially given the public’s focus on 2026’s redesign. The 2026 Forester Wilderness still starts at under $40,000, but expect to pay over $40,000 with transaction fees, as its sticker price is $38,385.
Quit haggling with dealerships!
Are you ready to shop for these SUVs? Perhaps you have some more budget flexibility and would like to opt for a larger three-row SUV, or a top-tier trim from our recommendations. Either way, CarEdge has you covered. Before you visit dealerships, check out our free car-buying cheat sheets to help you negotiate confidently.
If you’d rather let a car buying pro find the SUV you’re looking for and negotiate on your behalf, check out CarEdge Concierge today. It’s the easiest, least stressful path to a great deal on a new or used SUV. Whether you plan to buy or lease, our experts negotiate the best deal so you can skip the hassle.
