Safety, a Subaru hallmark and one of our six criteria, is another category the Solterra performs well in; IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+, making it one of the safest SUVs in our competition. Driver assistance systems are merely competent, however, and lack some of the high-tech capabilities available in other contenders. Design changes

Pros Comfortable and composed ride Thoughtful interior touches Excellent value Cons Frustrating dual-function control panel Weak base engine Not the most efficient hybrid In the high-stakes 2026 SUV of the Year arena, the 2026 Kia Sportage’s low-key refresh wasn’t enough. Its subtle updates didn’t stand out next to newer, truly innovative vehicles. Others fared better

However, the dual control pads on the wheel indicate the need for further polish. Their insubstantial feel contrasts sumptuous touchpoints elsewhere, calling Lucid’s attention to detail into question. Likewise, there’s a jagged edge of pixels along the upper touchscreen’s top curve. Even with a few physical buttons, Lucid’s user interface presents a steep learning curve.

Inside, the dash layout and the materials used are a massive step beyond the old model, but the touchscreen’s orientation away from the driver is a shared point of frustration among our judges. Meanwhile, second-row legroom and headroom are cramped enough to make you think twice about offering adults a ride. Another issue: The Leaf’s