Compact SUVs are among the most popular vehicles on sale. Some of the top sellers include models like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Nissan Rogue. All three endeavor to deliver the best comfort, practicality and overall reliability in this hard-fought segment.
The Honda CR-V entered its sixth generation for the 2023 model year, bringing more standard active safety tech, and an updated two-motor hybrid setup. The Hyundai Tucson arrived in its radical fourth-generation form in 2022, debuting a somewhat divisive angular origami styling, but also packed with tech and features like expansive digital screens, and plenty of drivetrain options. It is due for imminent replacement, but the current model remains a popular buy.
The Nissan Rogue arrived in 2021 and has been continually updated and refined with tech like a variable-compression turbocharged engine, bolder styling and dual digital displays. But which one of these compact SUVs scores the highest in terms of owner satisfaction?
We decided to find out by comparing them using survey data from J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book (KBB). J.D. Power calculates scores focusing on the first 90 days of ownership for initial quality/design and three years for long-term dependability.
Kelley Blue Book gets its consumer ratings data from constant owner feedback over a vehicle’s entire production run. Examining both of these results provides a good insight into just how well these vehicles perform from initial impressions to long term real-world use.
Honda CR-V vs. Hyundai Tucson vs. Nissan Rogue
Owner satisfaction surveys provide an overall view of a vehicle’s performance in real-world scenarios. They cover everything from the, fuel efficiency, ride comfort, driving experience and build quality to long-term reliability and the dealership experience.
Let’s take a look at our contenders:
The Honda CR-V uses a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while upper trims feature a 204-hp two-motor hybrid system. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional or standard on higher trims. The sixth-generation CR-V offers a high-quality user-friendly cabin layout, great fuel economy, and segment-leading cargo flexibility.
The Hyundai Tucson kicks off with a naturally aspirated 187-hp 2.5-liter inline-four and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is also offered with 226-hp hybrid and 261-hp plug-in hybrid powertrains as well. It offers quiet cruising characteristics, generous warranty coverage, a high-tech cockpit, and a more subdued exterior design since 2025.
The Nissan Rogue has been around the longest, but it still offers solid value, a lot of standard and optional features, as well as a very comfortable interior and decent fuel economy. Let’s see whether the owners think of their vehicles.
J.D. Power Consumer Ratings (2022–2026)
| Model Year | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Nissan Rogue |
| 2026 | 82 | 81 | 84 |
| 2025 | 82 | 81 | 84 |
| 2024 | 83 | 79 | 83 |
| 2023 | 81 (New Gen) | 78 | 81 |
| 2022 | 80 | 76 (New Gen) | 83 |
| 5-Year Average | 81.6/100 | 79.0/100 | 83.0/100 |
J.D. Power surveys encompassing the past five model years show strong initial customer satisfaction scores across the board, aside from the first year of the new generation Tucson, which pulled its overall average down.
Both the Rogue and CR-V averaged scores within the “Great” tier (81–90). The Nissan Rogue leading this trio with owners impressed by the initial driving experience, interior storage design, and high perceived value on mid-tier SV and Platinum trims.
The Honda CR-V saw a mild dip in 2023 during its transition to the sixth generation model, before climbing back up again, and it was noted for its quality, resale value, and interior ergonomic ratings.
The Tucson posted slightly lower quality and reliability scores in 2022 and 2023, with customers not initially pleased with the touch-panel controls and modest base-engine performance. However, the overall satisfaction score has steadily risen, especially since the 2025 refresh and improved electronic reliability.
Kelley Blue Book Consumer Reviews (2022–2026)
Honda
Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog
| Model Year | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Nissan Rogue |
| 2026 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 3.6 |
| 2025 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 3.6 |
| 2024 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 3.6 |
| 2023 | 3.6 (New Gen) | 4.2 | 3.6 |
| 2022 | 4.0 | 4.2 (New Gen) | 3.6 |
| 5-Year Average | 3.68 / 5.0 | 4.20 / 5.0 | 3.60 / 5.0 |
Kelley Blue Book looks at a longer timeframe than J.D. Power, and it scores vehicles based on owner feedback in categories including performance, styling, comfort, value, and reliability.
In a reversal of positions, the Hyundai Tucson holds a commanding lead here, owners commenting positively on the refined and quiet cabin, generous rear passenger space, and impressive hybrid engines.
The Honda CR-V maintained its second place, but the results aren’t great, especially after the model change in 2023.
While owners praised its ride, cargo volume, and fuel efficiency, negative reviews frequently highlight feature lower spec levels on certain trims and hypersensitive parking assistance systems.
The Nissan Rogue drops to third here, getting a consistent but relatively poor 3.6 across the past five model years. Owners had good things to say about the Zero Gravity front seats, exterior looks, and practical cabin layout, but issues with the CVT transmission and reliability concerns over the turbocharged engine kept the satisfaction levels down.
CR-V vs. Tucson vs. Rogue: Aligning with Owner Expectations
Satisfaction surveys if this type tend to include a broad array of objective and subjective metrics, and real-world experiences can vary significantly between owners. While we are comparing the owner satisfaction levels here across three compact SUV rivals, the results don’t indicate which vehicle is the superior choice, rather which one has met the expectations of its owners better.
A top-spec Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid needs to may be quicker, more efficient and more luxurious than the base 2.5-liter model, and it will be marked down by owners if it is not. This takes objective stats and imbues them with a subjective, personal quality that gives these surveys a more relatable quality.
And judging from these results, a Nissan Rogue or Honda CR-V tend to leave a more favorable impression on owners in the early days of ownership, but if you intend to keep your SUV for more than just a couple of years, then the Hyundai Tucson has them both beat.
About the author
John Tallodi
Senior Editor