It looks like such a easy query, proper? What’s the greatest small SUV? Actually, we might love to offer a easy reply. Purchase the _______! Sadly, it is simply not that easy, although we’ll at the very least do our greatest to make it simpler. First, like most folk, we’re defining “SUV” to mainly be synonymous with “crossover.” We might go into the variations and definitions of these phrases, however we doubt you care, so we’ll simply transfer on.
Second, it is vital to ask how small would you like your small SUV to be? The variety of selections exploded in recent times with many long-standing fashions rising in dimension whereas many new, smaller choices debuted. For some time, this left us with three sizes, together with one we dubbed “midcompact” as a result of the collection of SUVs was clearly in between present subcompact and compact fashions. After a pair years, although, most of these subcompact fashions grew to midcompact dimensions. Because of this, we declared all these “midcompacts” subcompact once more.
Subcompact SUV | Compact SUV
OK, now with the housekeeping out of the way in which, let’s present some solutions to what are the perfect small SUVs, together with what they’re particularly good at and what they might do higher. Hopefully this shall be a useful place to start out your analysis. All are listed in alphabetical order.
Finest compact SUVs
Honda CR-V
Why it stands out: Wonderful hybrid possibility; high-quality and trendy cabin; refined driving expertise
Could possibly be higher: No PHEV possibility; no out of doors journey trims; merely common base engine
Learn our full 2024 Honda CR-V Assessment
Think about the CR-V the baseline for any compact SUV search. Objectively talking, it is powerful to beat resulting from its large cargo capability, voluminous again seat, very good hybrid powertrain possibility, well-balanced driving dynamics, aggressive pricing and options, robust security rankings and well-regarded reliability. It is easy to see why it continues to be such a best-seller: for the overwhelming majority of compact SUV patrons, and particularly households, it checks each field. In fact, individuals do not make shopping for selections primarily based solely on goal standards. Previously, people may’ve discovered it a bit uninteresting to drive and ever duller to take a look at. These points had been severely addressed with the CR-V’s 2023 redesign, particularly with regard to its knock-out inside that is far cooler than something related to a CR-V previously. Now, you should still favor the appears to be like or driving expertise of one thing else, or want it offered the type of plug-in hybrid or out of doors journey trim stage choices its prime opponents do. However that is why different selections exist, together with these under.
Mazda CX-50
Why it stands out: Price range Porsche driving expertise; luxurious cabin; highly effective turbo engine improve
Could possibly be higher: No hybrid; much less cargo, passenger and cupboard space; non-touchscreen infotainment will not be for everybody
Our full 2024 Mazda CX-50 Assessment
The CX-50 is all about model and driving enjoyable. It may also be thought of an alternative choice to luxurious compact SUVs. All of it begins with its sporty-yet-rugged styling and carries inside the place its good-looking design and plush supplies are a transparent step up from others at its worth level. Then, whenever you’re behind the wheel, the CX-50 impresses with partaking driving manners that we have routinely described as indicative of a “finances Porsche.” Moreover, its accessible turbocharged engine even has as a lot or extra energy as a number of equally sized luxurious fashions. Now, it does not have as a lot passenger or cargo house because the CR-V or RAV4, so it will not be for everybody, but it surely ought to undoubtedly be thought of. A lot of the above may be mentioned for the CX-5 that used to reside on this listing, however the CX-50’s barely bigger proportions, improved off-road driving chops, nicer inside and arguably extra enticing exterior design make it our desire between the 2.
Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
Why it stands out: Distinctive hybrid powertrain; class-leading infotainment and security tech; large cargo space
Could possibly be higher: Base gas-only engine is weak and unrefined; X Line not accessible with Hybrid
Our full 2023 Kia Sportage Assessment
The Kia Sportage catapults to the highest of the category after one of the radical redesigns in latest automotive historical past. It is considerably bigger, going from one of many smallest within the phase to the biggest. The cargo space specifically is huge and the again seat are very household pleasant. The daring design additionally makes it simple to tell apart from different compact SUVs (it could be a bit too daring for some), whereas the inside impresses with sharp appears to be like, robust high quality and the provision of attention-grabbing colour schemes, even on decrease trim ranges. Know-how is one in every of its robust fits, with distinctive infotainment options and touchscreen interfaces, plus the best-executed suite of driver help tech within the phase. Lastly, the Sportage’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains stand out for not solely saving you fuel, but in addition by being real efficiency upgrades that behave extra usually than the standard hybrid. As is the case with the CR-V and RAV4, the hybrids are undoubtedly the powertrains to get. Not like these, nonetheless, the Sportage’s base engine is notably much less interesting and we do not advocate it. It is unrefined and ends in sluggish acceleration, even in a phase the place swift acceleration isn’t anticipated.
Toyota RAV4
Why it stands out: Unmatched number of fashions together with two hybrids; spacious again seat and cargo space; reliability
Could possibly be higher: Engines might be extra refined; tech interface can frustrate
Our full 2024 Toyota RAV4 Assessment
The RAV4 has extra passenger and cargo house than most. It is snug and surprisingly aware of drive. Its inside is nicely constructed with high quality supplies, and affords user-friendly controls and plentiful storage (although some could favor the extra premium atmosphere supplied by its opponents). Its resale worth and reliability needs to be higher than nearly something on the highway. These are all of the fundamentals that the RAV4 nails, however the newest model actually stands out by providing an unparalleled number of fashions. From the run-of-the-mill RAV4 LE or XLE you possibly can go in several instructions towards the extra rugged Journey, TRD Off-Street and Woodland fashions, or towards the sporty XSE Hybrid and Prime. And people latter two are significantly important, because the RAV4 is a part of a rising cadre of small SUVs which might be accessible not solely accessible with a hybrid, however with a plug-in hybrid (Prime) as nicely. We like that there is a little one thing for everybody with the RAV4.
Finest Subcompact SUVs
Buick Envista
Why it stands out: Compelling design; ample house for the phase; quiet and refined driving expertise; punchy and environment friendly engine; well-equipped; low worth
Could possibly be higher: All-wheel drive is unavailable; armrests are a bit exhausting; technically sluggish acceleration (even when it does not really feel it).
Learn our full 2024 Buick Envista Assessment
The Buick Envista is without doubt one of the greatest, best and most related vehicles to return out of Basic Motors in a very long time. It’s wildly spectacular and actually shocking. It has a modest, fuel-efficient three-cylinder engine, but feels completely potent and refined when driving round city. The trip consists and inside noise ranges low. It appears to be like costly, but stickers for nicely south of $30,000. That additionally worth places it nicely within the coronary heart of this subcompact phase regardless of exterior dimensions and a again seat that rivals compacts. The dearth of all-wheel drive could also be a sticking level for some, however we predict anybody purchasing for a small, inexpensive SUV could be smart to take a look at the Envista.
Ford Bronco Sport
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; cargo house; intelligent storage and cargo options; distinctive model
Could possibly be higher: Gas economic system; some low-cost inside bits
Our full 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Assessment
Though its exterior dimensions and again seat house fall in between the compact and subcompact segments, one of many nice issues concerning the new Bronco Sport is that it really has as a lot or extra cargo house than fashions which might be significantly greater on the skin. So it may well maintain quite a lot of stuff for a weekend away, however the “Child Bronco” does a lot extra for these searching for one thing a bit extra Swiss Military Knife than the standard small SUV. There are quite a few intelligent options all through, like zippered map pockets and campsite lighting within the liftgate, plus an unlimited accent catalog. Each model is a lot better than ordinary off-road (although the Badlands is unquestionably the one to get for these going additional afield) with its customary all-wheel drive, ample floor clearance and “G.O.A.T. Modes” that set the car for a wide range of highway and terrain circumstances. It is also not possible to disregard the Bronco Sport’s distinctive model in and out, plus a driving expertise that is a bit extra SUV-ish … and on this case, we do imply that within the conventional, body-on-frame truck-based SUV manner.
Kia Seltos
Why it stands out: Shocking house; acceleration from Turbo fashions; class-leading tech; distinct design particulars
Could possibly be higher: Some low-cost inside bits
Our full 2023 Kia Seltos Assessment
The surprisingly good Seltos proves you do not have to spend some huge cash for each operate and style. Its worth and exterior dimensions fall in between the subcompact and compact SUV segments, but it boasts extra inside quantity than is anticipated and an abundance of particular design particulars all through that efficiently counter a number of the cheaper bits utilized to maintain the worth down. It additionally appears to be like fairly good, and the accessible turbocharged engine produces surprising acceleration for this phase. Mainly, it gives much more worth past Kia’s ordinary extra-long options listing and guarantee. Just like the Bronco Sport and CX-30, we might really take into account the Seltos earlier than most of the compact SUVs that did not make the lower above.
Kia Niro
Why it stands out: Slick design; three electrified engine choices; surprisingly spacious; class-leading tech
Could possibly be higher: No AWD; questionable worth for each the Hybrid and EV; no EV tax credit score; mediocre dealing with
Our Kia Niro Assessment
The Kia Niro comes with a robust lineup of three electrified powertrains in a single attractively designed package deal. All three, the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full EV benefit from the Niro’s surprisingly spacious, tech-filled inside and snazzy exterior styling. The distinctive “aero blade” behind the rear doorways offers it a definite look, however even with out it, we love the hatchback form and tall LED taillights. One draw back of the Niro is that it does not supply all-wheel drive with any of the three electrified powertrains. That is tremendous for those who’re simply in it for the implausible effectivity and are glad to purchase some snow tires, however many will nonetheless miss all-wheel traction. The Niro is in the end proof that you just need not drive round a miserly trying automobile to seize top-shelf effectivity, so if you’d like the perfect inexperienced possibility potential within the midcompact phase, head straight right here.
Mazda CX-30
Why it stands out: Luxurious inside; best-in-class driving dynamics; attractiveness
Could possibly be higher: Inside house is extra hatchback than SUV; dopey plastic fenders; non-touchscreen tech interface
Our full 2024 Mazda CX-30 Assessment
If the Bronco Sport gives ruggedness and flexibility, and the Seltos worth and elegance, the Mazda CX-30 gives driving enjoyable and luxurious. We really take into account it a wiser purchase than luxurious subcompacts just like the BMW X2 and Audi Q3, and never simply due to its cheaper price. Its inside does not actually surrender something to them when it comes to luxurious or options, and it may well really be extra partaking to drive, particularly with the turbo engine. Regardless of all this luxurious discuss, although, the CX-30 worth nonetheless begins within the low $20,000s, and crests $35,000 when totally loaded. Mainly, it is a discount with out trying or driving like one.
Nissan Kicks
Why it stands out: Tons of house and options for a low worth; best-in-class gas economic system; well-executed security tech
Could possibly be higher: It is actually sluggish; merely common inside
Our full Nissan Kicks Assessment
This is able to be SUV on this listing that aligns most carefully with the unique concept of a subcompact. It is a lot smaller than the others right here, at the very least on the skin, but it surely’s additionally less expensive. Now, we would not blame you for not getting excited concerning the Kicks. It does not have a lot horsepower, it is not precisely enjoyable to drive, and its tall hatchback physique continues to be fairly gawky regardless of a beautiful styling replace again in 2021. That mentioned, the Kicks does a extremely nice job on the fundamentals. It provides a large quantity of house for a car its dimension, comes with a wealth of security options for a car with its modest worth, and does not really feel like a penalty field to sit down in or drive. The inside is good-looking and well-equipped with spectacular supplies in higher trim ranges. For these looking for an environment friendly, cheap city runabout that may swallow sufficient stuff for a weekend getaway, it simply makes quite a lot of sense.
Volkswagen Taos
Why it stands out: Section-leading again seat house; large cargo space; robust energy and gas economic system
Could possibly be higher: Bland to drive; appears to be like extra rugged than it’s
Our full Volkswagen Taos Assessment
The Taos is probably the most family-friendly of the midcompact SUVs due to a again seat that is shockingly large enough to suit rear-facing automobile seats with out scrunching these up entrance into the sprint. There’s additionally a large cargo space that solely falls wanting the Bronco Sport, which is nothing to be ashamed of. In reality, the Taos has extra inside house than fairly a number of compact SUVs which might be bigger on the skin. When you will get that whereas having fun with the advantages of a smaller car (higher maneuverability and gas economic system, a cheaper price), that is known as a win-win. We additionally like that the Taos is not as conservatively styled, in and out, than different latest made-for-America Volkswagens and has VW’s older, extra user-friendly inside controls as a substitute of the maddening ID.four and GTI structure. Even its “might be betters” listed above are hardly what we might name deal breakers. It is a winner.
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