It looks like such a easy query, proper? What’s the finest small SUV? Actually, we might love to supply a easy reply. Purchase the _______! Sadly, it is simply not that easy, although we’ll not less than do our greatest to make it easier. First, like most people, we’re defining “SUV” to principally be synonymous with “crossover.” We may go into the variations and definitions of these phrases, however we doubt you care, so we’ll simply transfer on.
Second, it is essential to ask how small would you like your small SUV to be? There used to solely be “compact SUVs” just like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However then they acquired larger and a complete bunch of different smaller crossover SUVs had been launched. Whereas the CR-Vs and RAV4s of the phrase have saved their compact SUV descriptor, the dimensions beneath is what we name subcompact SUVs. Even inside that group there are a selection of sizes, characters and capabilities. This record consists of each compact SUVs and subcompact SUVs.
Third, perhaps you are questioning whether or not you really want a small SUV in any respect? The reply may very effectively be “perhaps not!” Compact and midsize sedans (or hatchbacks) supply much more passenger and cargo area than you may assume, and are typically less expensive and environment friendly than an SUV. That stated, you will be hard-pressed to maneuver a TV or the contents of an condo with a sedan, whereas just a few supply all-wheel drive. Many of the SUVs on this record do, whereas additionally offering extra floor clearance, basic versatility and the up-high driving place desired by many.
Subcompact SUV | Compact SUV
OK, now with the housekeeping out of the way in which, let’s present some solutions to what are the most effective small SUVs, together with what they’re particularly good at and what they might do higher. Hopefully this can be a useful place to start out your analysis. All are listed in alphabetical order.
Greatest compact SUVs of 2023 and 2024
2024 Honda CR-V
Why it stands out: Glorious hybrid choice; high-quality and trendy cabin; refined driving experienceCould be higher: No PHEV choice; no out of doors journey trims; merely common base engine
Learn our full 2024 Honda CR-V Evaluation
Think about the CR-V the baseline for any compact SUV search. Objectively talking, it is powerful to beat on account of its large cargo capability, voluminous again seat, excellent hybrid powertrain choice, well-balanced driving dynamics, aggressive pricing and options, sturdy security scores 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 consumers, and particularly households, it checks each field. In fact, folks do not make shopping for choices based mostly solely on goal standards. Prior to now, of us may’ve discovered it a bit uninteresting to drive and ever duller to have a look at. These points had been critically addressed with the CR-V’s 2023 redesign, particularly with reference 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 supplied the form of plug-in hybrid or out of doors journey trim stage choices its prime opponents do. However that is why different decisions exist, together with these beneath.
2024 Mazda CX-50
Why it stands out: Finances Porsche driving expertise; luxurious cabin; highly effective turbo engine upgradeCould be higher: No hybrid; much less cargo, passenger and space for storing; non-touchscreen infotainment will not be for everybody
Our full 2024 Mazda CX-50 Evaluation
The CX-50 is all about type and driving enjoyable. It can be thought-about 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, while you’re behind the wheel, the CX-50 impresses with participating driving manners that we have routinely described as indicative of a “funds Porsche.” Moreover, its out there turbocharged engine even has as a lot or extra energy as a number of equally sized luxurious fashions. Now, it would not have as a lot passenger or cargo area because the CR-V or RAV4, so it will not be for everybody, however it ought to undoubtedly be thought-about. A lot of the above is also stated for the CX-5 that used to reside on this record, 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.
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
Why it stands out: Distinctive hybrid powertrain; class-leading infotainment and security tech; large cargo areaCould be higher: Base gas-only engine is weak and unrefined; X Line not out there with Hybrid
Learn our most up-to-date Kia Sportage Evaluation
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 section to the most important. The cargo space particularly is huge and the again seat are very household pleasant. The daring design additionally makes it simple to differentiate from different compact SUVs (it might be a bit too daring for some), whereas the inside impresses with sharp appears to be like, sturdy high quality and the provision of attention-grabbing shade schemes, even on decrease trim ranges. Expertise is certainly one of its sturdy fits, with distinctive infotainment options and touchscreen interfaces, plus the best-executed suite of driver help tech within the section. Lastly, the Sportage’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains stand out for not solely saving you gasoline, 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, nevertheless, 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 section the place swift acceleration just isn’t anticipated.
2024 Toyota RAV4
Why it stands out: Unmatched number of fashions together with two hybrids; spacious again seat and cargo space; reliabilityCould be higher: Engines could possibly be extra refined; tech interface can frustrate
Our full 2024 Toyota RAV4 Evaluation
The RAV4 has extra passenger and cargo area than most. It is snug and surprisingly conscious of drive. Its inside is effectively constructed with high quality supplies, and gives user-friendly controls and ample storage (although some might favor the extra premium atmosphere supplied by its opponents). Its resale worth and reliability needs to be higher than virtually 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 may 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 notably important, because the RAV4 is a part of a rising cadre of small SUVs which might be out there not solely out there with a hybrid, however with a plug-in hybrid (Prime) as effectively. We like that there is a little one thing for everybody with the RAV4.
Greatest Subcompact SUVs of 2023 and 2024
2024 Buick Envista
Why it stands out: Compelling design; ample area for the section; quiet and refined driving expertise; punchy and environment friendly engine; well-equipped; low priceCould be higher: All-wheel drive is unavailable; armrests are a bit laborious; technically sluggish acceleration (even when it would not really feel it).
Learn our full 2024 Buick Envista Evaluation
The Buick Envista is among the finest, best and most related vehicles to return out of Normal Motors in a very long time. It’s wildly spectacular and really 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 effectively south of $30,000. That additionally worth places it effectively within the coronary heart of this subcompact section 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 expect anybody purchasing for a small, inexpensive SUV could be sensible to take a look at the Envista.
2024 Ford Bronco Sport
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; cargo area; intelligent storage and cargo options; distinctive styleCould be higher: Gasoline economic system; some low-cost inside bits
Learn our should latest Ford Bronco Sport Evaluation
Though its exterior dimensions and again seat area 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 area than fashions which might be significantly larger on the skin. So it might maintain lots of stuff for a weekend away, however the “Child Bronco” does a lot extra for these on the lookout for one thing somewhat 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 significantly better than standard off-road (although the Badlands is certainly the one to get for these going additional afield) with its commonplace all-wheel drive, ample floor clearance and “G.O.A.T. Modes” that set the automobile for quite a lot of highway and terrain situations. It is also unattainable to disregard the Bronco Sport’s distinctive type inside and outside, 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 means.
2024 Kia Seltos
Why it stands out: Shocking area; acceleration from Turbo fashions; class-leading tech; distinct design detailsCould be higher: Some low-cost inside bits
Learn our most up-to-date 2024 Kia Seltos Evaluation
The surprisingly good Seltos proves you do not have to spend some huge cash for each perform and style. Its worth and exterior dimensions fall in between the subcompact and compact SUV segments, but it boasts extra inside quantity than is predicted and an abundance of particular design particulars all through that efficiently counter among the cheaper bits utilized to maintain the worth down. It additionally appears to be like fairly good, and the out there turbocharged engine produces surprising acceleration for this section. Principally, it gives much more worth past Kia’s standard extra-long options record 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 minimize above.
2024 Kia Niro
Why it stands out: Slick design; three electrified engine choices; surprisingly spacious; class-leading techCould be higher: No AWD; questionable worth for each the Hybrid and EV; no EV tax credit score; mediocre dealing with
Our Kia Niro Evaluation
The Kia Niro comes with a robust lineup of three electrified powertrains in a single attractively designed bundle. 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 provides 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 would not supply all-wheel drive with any of the three electrified powertrains. That is positive for those who’re simply in it for the implausible effectivity and are completely happy to purchase some snow tires, however many will nonetheless miss all-wheel traction. The Niro is finally proof that you just needn’t drive round a miserly trying automotive to seize top-shelf effectivity, so in order for you the most effective inexperienced choice doable within the midcompact section, head straight right here.
2024 Mazda CX-30
Why it stands out: Luxurious inside; best-in-class driving dynamics; good looksCould be higher: Inside area is extra hatchback than SUV; dopey plastic fenders; non-touchscreen tech interface
Our full 2024 Mazda CX-30 Evaluation
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 would not actually hand over something to them by way of luxurious or options, and it might really be extra participating to drive, particularly with the turbo engine. Regardless of all this luxurious speak, although, the CX-30 worth nonetheless begins within the low $20,000s, and crests $35,000 when totally loaded. Principally, it is a discount with out trying or driving like one.
2024 Nissan Kicks
Why it stands out: Tons of area and options for a low worth; best-in-class gasoline economic system; well-executed security techCould be higher: It is actually sluggish; merely common inside
Our full Nissan Kicks Evaluation
This may be SUV on this record that aligns most carefully with the unique concept of a subcompact. It is a lot smaller than the others right here, not less than on the skin, however it’s additionally less expensive. Now, we would not blame you for not getting excited concerning the Kicks. It would not have a lot horsepower, it isn’t precisely enjoyable to drive, and its tall hatchback physique remains to be fairly gawky regardless of a horny styling replace again in 2021. That stated, the Kicks does a extremely nice job on the fundamentals. It provides a large quantity of area for a automobile its measurement, comes with a wealth of security options for a automobile with its modest worth, and would 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 in search of an environment friendly, cheap city runabout that may swallow sufficient stuff for a weekend getaway, it simply makes lots of sense.
2024 Volkswagen Taos
Why it stands out: Section-leading again seat area; large cargo space; sturdy energy and gasoline economyCould be higher: Bland to drive; appears to be like extra rugged than it’s
Our full Volkswagen Taos Evaluation
The Taos is essentially the most family-friendly of the midcompact SUVs due to a again seat that is shockingly sufficiently big to suit rear-facing automotive seats with out scrunching these up entrance into the sprint. There’s additionally an enormous cargo space that solely falls wanting the Bronco Sport, which is nothing to be ashamed of. In truth, the Taos has extra inside area than fairly a couple of compact SUVs which might be bigger on the skin. When you will get that whereas having fun with the advantages of a smaller automobile (higher maneuverability and gasoline economic system, a cheaper price), that is known as a win-win. We additionally like that the Taos is not as conservatively styled, inside and outside, than different latest made-for-America Volkswagens and has VW’s older, extra user-friendly inside controls as an alternative of the maddening ID.4 and GTI format. Even its “could possibly be betters” listed above are hardly what we might name deal breakers. It is a winner.
Associated video:
