The 2021 Honda CR-V beat out many well-loved SUVs for this year, but what made the CR-V stand out? For this SUV, it isn’t necessarily about standing out. It is about performing year after year and being a reliable option.

For 2021, the CR-V beat a lot of reliable SUVs to be number one. The other top 10 had similar statistics and price, which also makes these picks a solid choice if you aren’t sold on the Honda.

How did the Honda CR-V beat the RAV4 and CX-5?

Based on the list compiled by U.S. News, the Honda CR-V was the top-rated compact SUV for the money this year. For the money, it seems the CR-V had the most features. With an 8.7 out of 10 on the list, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 was only one-tenth of a point behind.

The price for the Honda CR-V was between $25,350 and $35,150. The CX-5 MSPR was similarly priced at $25,270 to $37,405. The Toyota RAV4 actually came in at number seven with a score of eight. The MSRP was in line with the other two options at $26,050 to $35,980.

The CR-V pulled ahead by a marginal amount. This could be due to the fuel economy, spacious room for passengers, and quick acceleration noted by U.S. News.

It also gets an estimated combined 28 miles per gallon. 20 miles per gallon in the city and an estimated 37 on the highway, which is pretty good all around.

What about the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester?

The 2021 Nissan Rogue and 2021 Subaru Forester were both in the top 10. Actually, let’s just go down the line. We have the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and the Kia Sportage.

For the number four spot, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, and Nissan Rogue all tied. That is followed by the Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester tied for 10th. What do all of these cars have in common? These SUVs tend to rank well year after year. The SUVs are consistently safe, fuel-efficient, and generally financially sound decisions.

The Nissan Rogue has been a top-performing SUV since it entered the market in 2008. The CX-5 was the most affordable compact SUV in 2013 and has stayed at the top of that list since then.

The Subaru Forester came out in 2007 and had more pros than cons. It doesn’t usually rank at the top of the SUV lists, but it remains on the list.

Is the Honda CR-V a good car?

The CR-V tends to be a crowd and critic favorite throughout the years. The 2021 model came in at number one for compact SUVs.

The 2019 CR-V was number one in affordable compact SUVs. 2018 made the list, and 2017 was number one in compact SUVs again.

Drivers who want to purchase an SUV that is reliable and easy to drive should feel confident in getting the Honda CR-V. The Toyota and Subaru options are a close second.

If reliability is the biggest decision-making factor for you, it seems that any of the choices in the top 10 would work. Depending on your budget and upgrade options, there is an SUV out there that works for everyone.