Growing Small SUVs

Is it just me, or are subcompact SUVs now compact size, and compacts are now midsize? 


This 2026 Kia Sportage is slightly larger than the previous generation. Compact SUVs are becoming more like midsize SUVs - Photo by Brian Moody 

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I started thinking about this with the introduction of the new all-electric 2027 Toyota Highlander. On the surface, that seems like a mistake for such a popular three-row SUV. I can't help but wonder, “Are all those Highlander buyers really going to want an electric car?” Probably they're not, but maybe that misses the point because the Highlander is not Toyota's best-selling SUV; that’s now the RAV4.


In addition, I was driving the new Kia Sportage and took it on a short road trip. I spent two hours behind the wheel each way, and I was really shocked at how it didn't feel small anymore. It feels more like a Sorento would have felt just six or seven years ago.


Compared to 10 years ago, the Kia Sportage has grown. It’s now longer, a little wider, about an inch lower, and with significantly more cargo space. It's also much nicer and more plush inside and out. 


See some good small SUVs on Instagram.


Here’s a comparison:


2016 Kia Sportage Specs – 

·       Length: 174.8–175.2 inches.

·       Width: 73 inches.

·       Height: 64.4 inches.

·       Cargo Space: 26.1 cu. ft. (rear seat up).


2026 Kia Sportage Specs –

·       Length: 184.4 inches

·       Width: 73.4 inches

·       Height: 65.4 inches

·       Cargo Space: 39.6 


That’s a bigger SUV than the previous version - about 10 inches longer!


I've noticed the same thing with the Honda CR-V and HR-V, as well as the Honda Pilot. It might be a similar story with the Toyota Highlander and RAV4. The Rav 4 is Toyota's best-selling SUV, which says to me that most people are getting a RAV4 for when they need a family-friendly SUV for a reasonable price. 


Highlander sales have been dropping in recent years. Here are key details regarding the 2016 Highlander sales-it’s best sales year to date, unless you combine Highlander and Grand Highlander:


2016 Toyota Highlander: 

  • Total US Sales: 191,379 units.

2026 Toyota Highlander Sales:


·       Standard Highlander Sales (2025): 56,208 units.

·       Grand Highlander Sales (2025): 136,801 units.


The new 2027 Toyota Highlander is now all-electric - photo courtesy Toyota Motor Sales


Is it possible that Toyota can sell 56,000 all-electric Highlanders? Yes, it's totally possible. 


Compare that to Toyota RAV4 sales.


2025 Toyota RAV4 sales:


Key 2025 RAV4 Sales Highlights:

  • Total Sales: 479,288 units.

This is according to Car Sales Statistics.


YouTuber Kirk Kreifels says the Highlander is “less relevant than it’s ever been.” 


It makes sense since the RAV4 has grown, and now there’s the Grand Highlander. 


So are small SUVs growing? Based on consumer demand and shifting vehicle lineup, yes, they are. The silver lining here is that, while new car prices are increasing, a less expensive and slightly smaller SUV might be a way to save money. A decade ago, a Kia Sportage was too small for anything other than a newly married, active couple. Today, that same model can work for a family of 4. Base price for a 2026 Kia Sportage - about $30,000.



-Brian Moody


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