The next-generation Toyota RAV4, which comes only in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, reaches U.S. dealers for model year 2026 later this year. These are the 13 new/next-generation competitors expected in the U.S. compact SUV market by 2028.
1. Honda CR-V Hybrid TrailSport (2025)
The 2026 CR-V TrailSport, which is weeks away from U.S. dealers, is a variant addition. Nevertheless, the CR-V is the RAV4’s biggest competitor, and the TrailSport should be seen by many prospective buyers as a worthy alternative. Featuring better traction management, Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires, rugged styling cues, and a fully-digital gauge cluster, the appeal of the TrailSport trim on RAV4 buyers should not be underestimated.
2. Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid (2025)
Nissan has confirmed it will introduce a plug-in version of the Rogue this financial year in North America. It won’t be a Nissan-developed product, as the vehicle is expected to be a restyled Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, under the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. In the Nissan compact SUV, we expect the new EU-spec Outlander’s 22.7 kWh battery, 302 hp system, with around 45 miles of electric driving range.
3. Next-gen Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (2026)
Codenamed NX5, the next-gen Tucson is expected next year. The SUV will switch to the 1.6L TMED-II hybrid powertrain for quieter operation, smoother low-speed performance, and improved highway mpg. It is also likely to feature the new ‘Pleos Connect’ infotainment system with AI voice control, multi-window layout, and split-screen capability.
4. Next-gen Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid (2026)
Hyundai should also improve the PHEV model when the Tucson moves to its fifth generation next year. Expected to embody the same “Art of Steel” design philosophy, Pleos Connect infotainment, a good balance of physical controls, and 40+ miles of EV range, it should also boast features like e-Handling 2.0, e-VMC 2.0, and e-Ride 2.0.
5. Mazda CX-5 Hybrid (2027)
Mazda has confirmed that it is developing a 2.5L Skyactiv-Z hybrid system that will debut in the next-gen CX-5 in 2027. While the third-generation CX-5 debuts in the coming months, the in-house hybrid system will utilize the next-generation engine featuring improved exhaust and heat efficiency. We expect around 40 mpg (EPA-est. combined), and the small lithium-ion battery to offer a couple of miles of EV mode range.
6. Nissan Rogue Hybrid (2027)
The Rogue Hybrid, scheduled for 2027, will be a fully original product, featuring the company’s third-gen e-Power hybrid system, a new exterior, and a revamped interior. Unlike a traditional hybrid, e-Power uses a combustion engine only to generate electricity, with the electric motor driving the wheels. It promises 15% better fuel economy and more power than the current setup used in Europe and Asia.
7. Ford Bronco Sport Hybrid (2027)
Ford’s hybrid growth in larger segments will trickle down to smaller models in the coming years. The company is developing range-extender technology which should be launched on its trucks and SUVs, midsize and larger. For the compact segment where the Bronco Sport is positioned, we’re expecting a traditional hybrid system which should do 35-40 mpg (combined), with a system output of at least 200 hp. As per Automotive News, the Bronco Sport Hybrid will be available in the second-generation model family.
8. Next-gen Kia Sportage Hybrid (2027)
Kia has begun work on the next-gen Sportage (codename: NQ6), expected in South Korea in Q3 2027, as per ET News. Like the new Tucson, expect the 1.6L TMED-II engine with further efficiency, power, and refinement levels. The company should also revamp its infotainment system, and present buyers with an evolutionary exterior design shift.
9. Next-gen Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (2027-28)
The same ET News report confirms a next-gen Sportage PHEV is coming, with up to 62 miles of EV range (about 50 miles EPA-est., up from today’s 34 miles). Like the current model, it should share most of its design and features with the hybrid, with mild visual changes at the front and rear.
10. VW Tiguan Hybrid (2027-28)
Volkswagen intends to introduce new hybrid models in North America as soon as possible, global CEO Thomas Schäfer confirmed to journalists at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show. Kjell Gruner, CEO of the VW Group of America, confirmed in April 2025 (via Car & Driver) that the brand will introduce two full hybrids in the next few years, and will electrify “volume models,” which can only mean hybrid versions of the Tiguan and Atlas for the U.S.
11. Next-gen Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2027-28)
The next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander is expected to shift out of the current platform shared with the Nissan Rogue. Automotive News suggests that the next-gen Outlander, which will be redesigned in 2027, is likely to revert to a Mitsubishi-developed underpinning, possibly following the lifecycle of the final refresh, where it will also receive a mild-hybrid variant late in the lifecycle.
12. Next-gen Honda CR-V Hybrid (2027-28)
Considering the nameplate’s shorter 5-6 year lifecycle, we expect the next-generation CR-V at U.S. dealers by the first half of 2028. While there are no official details, it should employ Honda’s next-gen 2.0L hybrid system which uses three modes: EV, Hybrid, and Engine Drive.
An all-new direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine, downsized drive unit, and advanced cooling raise efficiency, Honda revealed in December 2024. Fuel economy is over 10% better than the current hybrid, which could translate to a circa 45 mpg (EPA-est, combined) efficiency. Torque transfer in Engine Drive mode improves, enabling efficient high-speed cruising.
S+ Shift sharpens throttle response and simulates gear shifts for a more connected drive. The system supports a new electric AWD unit for better traction and control.
13. Chevrolet Equinox Plug-in Hybrid (2027-28)
While GM has announced that it will introduce plug-in hybrid models in the U.S. beginning in 2027, it hasn’t confirmed the models or segments. However, Scott Bell, Vice President of Global Chevrolet, hinted to The Drive that the Equinox could be among the first models with the PHEV system. While he didn’t confirm timing or the details, Bell said that Chevy “have a lot of opportunities for plug-ins.”
An Equinox PHEV is already sold in the Chinese market, but it’s a different vehicle to the U.S.-spec compact SUV. We expect GM to introduce a further evolution of the current PHEV powertrain for the American market, and serve as a bridge between the gasoline and all-electric versions.
Featured image: Toyota
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
