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 least do our greatest to make it simpler. First, like most people, we’re defining “SUV” to mainly 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? The variety of decisions has exploded lately with many long-standing fashions rising in measurement whereas many new, smaller choices debuted. This mainly leaves us with three sizes of small SUV: compact, subcompact and the rising sub-segment that matches in between them. It does not actually have a universally accepted identify but, so we’re going with the suggestion by Autoblog reader John Prince: the midcompact SUV.
Subcompact SUV | Midcompact 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 may do higher. Hopefully this might be a useful place to begin your analysis. All are listed in alphabetical order.
Finest compact SUVs
Honda CR-V
Why it stands out: Glorious hybrid choice; high-quality and classy cabin; refined driving experienceCould be higher: No PHEV choice; no out of doors journey trims; merely common base engine
Learn our full 2023 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 huge cargo capability, voluminous again seat, excellent hybrid powertrain choice, well-balanced driving dynamics, aggressive pricing and options, sturdy 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, 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 have been significantly 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 prior to now. Now, you should still favor the appears or driving expertise of one thing else, or want it supplied the type of plug-in hybrid or out of doors journey trim stage choices its high rivals do. However that is why different decisions exist, together with these beneath.
Mazda CX-50
Why it stands out: Funds Porsche driving expertise; luxurious cabin; highly effective turbo engine upgradeCould be higher: No hybrid; much less cargo, passenger and cupboard space; non-touchscreen infotainment will not be for everybody
Our full 2023 Mazda CX-50 Evaluation
The CX-50 is all about fashion and driving enjoyable. It can be thought-about a substitute for 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 obtainable 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, however it ought to positively be thought-about. A lot of the above is also stated for the CX-5 that used to reside on this checklist, however the CX-50’s barely bigger proportions, improved off-road driving chops, nicer inside and arguably extra enticing exterior design make it our choice between the 2.
Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
Why it stands out: Distinctive hybrid powertrain; class-leading infotainment and security tech; enormous cargo areaCould be higher: Base gas-only engine is weak and unrefined; X Line not obtainable with Hybrid
Our full 2023 Kia Sportage Evaluation
The Kia Sportage catapults to the highest of the category after one of the vital radical redesigns in current 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 straightforward to tell apart from different compact SUVs (it could be a bit too daring for some), whereas the inside impresses with sharp appears, sturdy high quality and the provision of attention-grabbing colour schemes, even on decrease trim ranges. Know-how is one among its sturdy 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 everyday hybrid. As is the case with the CR-V and RAV4, the hybrids are positively the powertrains to get. In contrast to these, nevertheless, the Sportage’s base engine is notably much less interesting and we do not advocate it. It is unrefined and ends in gradual acceleration, even in a phase the place swift acceleration will not be anticipated.
Toyota RAV4
Why it stands out: Unmatched number of fashions together with two hybrids; spacious again seat and cargo space; reliabilityCould be higher: Engines may very well be extra refined; tech interface can frustrate
Our full 2023 Toyota RAV4 Evaluation
The RAV4 has extra passenger and cargo house than most. It is comfy and surprisingly attentive to drive. Its inside is effectively constructed with high quality supplies, and gives user-friendly controls and considerable storage (although some could favor the extra premium atmosphere supplied by its rivals). 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 possibly can go in several instructions towards the extra rugged Journey, TRD Off-Highway 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 are obtainable not solely obtainable 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.
Finest Midcompact SUVs
Ford Bronco Sport
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; cargo house; intelligent storage and cargo options; distinctive styleCould be higher: Gas financial system; some low cost inside bits
Our full 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Evaluation
Though its exterior dimensions and again seat house fall in between the compact and subcompact segments, one of many nice issues in regards to the new Bronco Sport is that it really has as a lot or extra cargo house than fashions which are significantly larger on the surface. So it might probably maintain a whole lot of stuff for a weekend away, however the “Child Bronco” does a lot extra for these in search of one thing slightly extra Swiss Military Knife than the everyday 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 regular 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 circumstances. It is also not possible to disregard the Bronco Sport’s distinctive fashion 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 detailsCould be higher: Some low cost inside bits
Our full 2023 Kia Seltos Evaluation
The surprisingly good Seltos proves you do not have to spend some huge cash for each operate and vogue. 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 a number of the cheaper bits utilized to maintain the worth down. It additionally appears fairly good, and the obtainable turbocharged engine produces stunning acceleration for this phase. Principally, it gives much more worth past Kia’s regular extra-long options checklist 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 reduce above.
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 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 provide all-wheel drive with any of the three electrified powertrains. That is fantastic for those who’re simply in it for the incredible 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 simply needn’t drive round a miserly trying automotive to seize top-shelf effectivity, so in order for you the most effective inexperienced choice potential within the midcompact phase, head straight right here.
Mazda CX-30
Why it stands out: Luxurious inside; best-in-class driving dynamics; good looksCould be higher: Inside house is extra hatchback than SUV; dopey plastic fenders; non-touchscreen tech interface
Our full 2023 Mazda CX-30 Evaluation
If the Bronco Sport gives ruggedness and flexibility, and the Seltos worth and magnificence, 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 lower cost. Its inside does not actually hand over something to them when it comes to luxurious or options, and it might probably 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. Principally, it is a discount with out trying or driving like one.
Volkswagen Taos
Why it stands out: Phase-leading again seat house; enormous cargo space; sturdy energy and gasoline economyCould be higher: Bland to drive; appears extra rugged than it’s
Our full Volkswagen Taos Evaluation
The Taos is probably 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 actual fact, the Taos has extra inside house than fairly a number of compact SUVs which are bigger on the surface. When you may get that whereas having fun with the advantages of a smaller automobile (higher maneuverability and gasoline financial system, a lower cost), that is referred to as a win-win. We additionally like that the Taos is not as conservatively styled, in and out, than different current 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 “may very well be betters” listed above are hardly what we might name deal breakers. It is a winner.
Finest Subcompact SUVs
Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV
Why it stands out: Two physique types to select from; enjoyable to drive; low cost worth for an EVCould be higher: Restricted cargo house in each; barely SUVs in look or performance
Learn our full Chevy Bolt Evaluation
We’re grouping the revised Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV collectively right here as a result of, simply in case the image above is not illustrative sufficient, they’re mainly the identical automotive. The EUV has significantly extra backseat house, a vaguely extra SUV-ish form, refined styling variations and eight fewer miles of vary. They’re so shut collectively, together with in worth ($31,995 vs $33,995), we marvel why Chevy bothered revising and conserving across the Bolt EV in any respect. Both manner, and most essential, each are glorious electrical vehicles made even higher due to their shared inside, consolation and have content material upgrades (together with the provision of Tremendous Cruise for the EUV). They’ve ample ranges of 258 and 250 miles, respectively, to simply assuage range-anxiety fears. They’re roomy, well-equipped, fast to speed up and deal with shockingly effectively. Oh, they usually’re far cheaper than most different EVs.
Hyundai Kona
Why it stands out: Enjoyable to drive; easy-to-use tech; highly effective turbo engine improve; 258-mile EV choice, N mannequin rocksCould be higher: Small again seat and cargo space; the EV appears fairly bizarre; an all-new one is coming quickly
Our full 2023 Hyundai Kona Evaluation
The Kona continues to show {that a} subcompact SUV might be enjoyable to drive. It is actually not probably the most spacious mannequin, however its sharp dealing with, distinctive styling and enticing cabin with user-friendly tech assist it stand out from the group. Oh, and that is not even mentioning what’s beneath the hood. The bottom four-cylinder is completely aggressive, however the Kona gives different distinctive decisions: a 195-horsepower turbo engine that truly will get almost equivalent gasoline financial system as the bottom engine, the completely raucous N mannequin with 276 horsepower and an all-electric model that gives aggressive vary for its worth with 258 miles.
Kia Soul
Why it stands out: Ample house and considerable options for the cash; distinctive fashion; glorious techCould be higher: All-wheel drive will not be obtainable; no extra turbo engine choice
Our full Kia Soul Evaluation
The Kia Soul positively did not begin off as a small SUV, and the time period “crossover” might be higher utilized to it. Nonetheless, what began life as an undefinable funky tall hatchback now finds itself in its third technology with quite a few automobiles of comparable form and measurement which are dubbed “small SUV” or “small crossover.” If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck … Name it what you’ll, however the Soul delivers the products with tons of kit and house for its worth and measurement. We additionally suppose it is fairly cool. All the above helped it win our subcompact SUV comparability check (so did the turbocharged engine choice, however that is sadly been discontinued). Now, if there’s one space the place the Soul doesn’t fulfill a typical SUV requirement, it is the shortage of obtainable all-wheel drive. That there are extra such automobiles within the phase, together with our subsequent entry, solely appears to additional safe the Soul’s membership into the membership.
Nissan Kicks
Why it stands out: Tons of house and options for a low worth; best-in-class gasoline financial system; well-executed security techCould be higher: It is actually gradual; merely common inside
Our full Nissan Kicks Evaluation
We would not blame you for not getting excited in regards to the Kicks. It does not have a lot horsepower, it is not 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 an enormous quantity of house for a automobile its measurement, comes with a wealth of security options for a automobile with its modest worth, and does not really feel like a penalty field to take a seat 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 a whole lot of sense.
Subaru Crosstrek
Why it stands out: Finest-in-class floor clearance; commonplace all-wheel drive; cargo house and practical roof railsCould be higher: Sluggish base engine; CVT transmission; roly-poly dealing with
Our full 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Evaluation
The Crosstrek proves simply how far and wide this phase is. It is mainly simply an Impreza hatchback with some styling tweaks and an enormous elevate (its 8.7 inches of floor clearance is far more than most crossovers), however that is really adequate to higher many automobiles that have been constructed from scratch to be a small SUV. Apart from that floor clearance, the Crosstrek has grow to be a darling of the out of doors journey set for its manageable measurement, easy-to-use inside, sturdy and simply reached roof rails and a comfort-oriented driving expertise that serves it effectively on longer drives. That it lastly gives a extra highly effective engine choice satisfies a long-held criticism amongst house owners that the bottom engine was simply too darn gradual.
You’ll find extra SUV opinions by Autoblog right here
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