It looks as if such a easy query, proper? What’s the finest small SUV? Actually, we would love to offer a easy reply. Purchase the _______!
Sadly, it is simply not that straightforward, although we’ll a minimum of do our greatest to make it simpler. First, like most folk, 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 vital to ask how small would you like your small SUV to be? The variety of selections has exploded in recent times with many long-standing fashions rising in measurement whereas many new, smaller choices debuted. This principally leaves us with three sizes of small SUV: compact, subcompact and the most recent rising sub-segment that matches in between them. It would not actually have a universally accepted title but, so we’re calling it the in-betweener small SUV section.
OK, now with the housekeeping out of the way in which, let’s present some solutions to what are one of the best small SUVs, together with what they’re particularly good at and what they might do higher. Hopefully this will probably be a useful place to start out your analysis. All are listed in alphabetical order.
Compact SUV
Honda CR-V
Why it stands out: Finest-in-class area, strong-yet-efficient base engine, obtainable hybrid, center decrease LATCH anchor
May very well be higher: Antiquated and glitchy tech interface, a bit uninteresting
Learn our 2021 Honda CR-V Assessment
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, strong-yet-efficient engines (together with the CR-V Hybrid), 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 consumers, and particularly households, it checks each field. In fact, folks do not make shopping for choices based mostly solely on goal standards, so you could discover it uninteresting to take a look at or drive, be annoyed by its tech interface, or another motive solely you’ll be able to consider. That is why different selections exist, together with the following pair of small SUVs which will fulfill these subjective desires slightly higher.
Mazda CX-5
Why it stands out: Price range Porsche driving expertise; luxurious cabin; highly effective turbo engine improve
May very well be higher: Much less cargo, passenger and cupboard space; non-touchscreen infotainment will not be for everybody
Our full 2021 Mazda CX-5 Assessment
Principally, the CX-5 delivers in areas the place the CR-V falls brief: fashion and driving enjoyable. Nevertheless, it can be thought of an alternative choice to luxurious compact SUVs. All of it begins with its elegantly sporty styling and carries inside the place its good-looking design and plush supplies are a transparent step up from others at its value level. Then, once you’re behind the wheel, the CX-5 impresses with partaking driving manners that we have routinely described as being 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 would not have as a lot passenger or cargo area because the CR-V or RAV4, so it will not be for everybody, nevertheless it ought to positively be thought of.
Toyota RAV4
Why it stands out: Unmatched number of fashions together with two hybrids; spacious again seat and cargo space; reliability
May very well be higher: Unrefined base engine; antiquated tech interface
Our full 2021 Toyota RAV4 Assessment
The RAV4 has extra passenger and cargo area than most. It is comfy and surprisingly attentive to drive. Its inside is properly constructed with high quality supplies, and provides user-friendly controls and plentiful storage. Its resale worth and reliability must 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’ll be able to go in several instructions towards the extra rugged Journey and TRD Off-Highway fashions, or towards the sporty XSE Hybrid and Prime. And people latter two are significantly vital, because the RAV4 is the uncommon small SUV that is not solely obtainable as a hybrid, however as plug-in hybrid (Prime) as properly. The Ford Escape is the one different. We like that there is a little one thing for everybody with the RAV4.
In-betweener compact SUV
Ford Bronco Sport
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; cargo area; intelligent storage and cargo options; distinctive fashion
May very well be higher: Gas financial system; some low-cost inside bits
Our full 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Assessment
Though its exterior dimensions and again seat area 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 area than fashions which might be significantly greater on the surface. So it will probably maintain numerous 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 a lot better than typical 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 quite a lot of highway and terrain situations. It is also unimaginable 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 approach.
Kia Seltos
Why it stands out: Stunning area; acceleration from Turbo fashions; user-friendly tech; distinct design particulars
May very well be higher: Some low-cost inside bits
Our full 2021 Kia Seltos Assessment
The surprisingly good Seltos proves you do not have to spend some huge cash for each perform and trend. Its value 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 section. Principally, it offers much more worth past Kia’s typical extra-long options checklist and guarantee. Just like the Bronco Sport and CX-30, we would really take into account the Seltos earlier than most of the compact SUVs that did not make the reduce above.
Mazda CX-30
Why it stands out: Luxurious inside; best-in-class driving dynamics
May very well be higher: Inside area is extra hatchback than SUV; these plastic fender flares need to go
Our full 2021 Mazda CX-30 Assessment
If the Bronco Sport offers ruggedness and flexibility, and the Seltos worth and magnificence, the Mazda CX-30 offers driving enjoyable and luxurious. We really take into account it a better 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 surrender something to them by way of luxurious or options, and it will probably really be extra partaking to drive, particularly with the new-for-2021 turbo engine. Regardless of all this luxurious speak, although, the CX-30 value nonetheless begins within the low $20,000s, and solely barely crests $30,000 when totally loaded. Principally, it is a cut price with out trying or driving like one.
Subcompact SUV
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Why it stands out: 250 miles of electrical vary; usable again seat; speedy acceleration; low value for an EV
May very well be higher: Excessive value for a small SUV; small cargo space
Our 2021 Chevy Bolt EUV First Drive Assessment
The all-electric Bolt EUV is new for 2021. The U in its title signifies it is extra of an SUV than the present Chevy Bolt, however the variations actually solely quantity to a significantly enlarged again seat and extra squared off, SUV-like styling. No matter, the Bolt EUV is a compelling electrical automotive in a small SUV wrapper that may go 250 miles on a cost and delivers acceleration that’ll blow the doorways off the whole lot else on this measurement section. It is satisfying to drive, well-equipped and first rate to take a look at. It additionally provides hands-free driving with GM’s up to date Tremendous Cruise superior driver help system. The beginning value of $33,995 is hefty in comparison with the opposite small SUVs right here, however do not forget the lots of to hundreds of {dollars} per yr you may be saving by not shopping for gasoline and that sustaining an electrical automotive is cheaper long-term.
Hyundai Kona
Why it stands out: Enjoyable to drive; easy-to-use tech; highly effective turbo engine improve; 258-mile EV choice
May very well be higher: Small again seat and cargo space; the EV appears fairly bizarre
Our full 2021 Hyundai Kona Assessment
The Kona continues to show {that a} subcompact SUV could be enjoyable to drive. It is definitely not essentially the most spacious mannequin, however its sharp dealing with, distinctive styling and enticing cabin with user-friendly tech assist it stand out from the gang. Oh, and that is not even mentioning what’s underneath the hood. The bottom four-cylinder is completely aggressive, however the Kona provides two different distinctive selections: a 175-horsepower turbo engine that really will get higher gas financial system and an all-electric model that outdoes the Bolt EUV’s vary with 258 miles. Word that the Kona will probably be considerably up to date for 2022, together with with new styling and the addition of a sporty Kona N Line.
Kia Soul
Why it stands out: Ample area and plentiful options for the cash; distinctive fashion; sturdy turbo engine improve
May very well be higher: All-wheel drive will not be obtainable
Our most up-to-date full Kia Soul Assessment
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 might be 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 area for its value and measurement, an agreeable driving demeanor, and an much more highly effective engine improve than the Kona’s. We additionally suppose it is fairly cool. All the above helped it win our subcompact SUV comparability check. 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 section, 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 area and options for a low value; best-in-class gas financial system; well-executed security tech
May very well be higher: It is actually gradual
Our full 2021 Nissan Kicks Assessment
We would not blame you for not getting excited in regards to the Kicks. It would not have a lot horsepower, it isn’t precisely enjoyable to drive, and its tall hatchback physique continues to be fairly gawky regardless of a sexy styling replace for 2021. That stated, the Kicks does a very nice job on the fundamentals. It provides an enormous quantity of area for a car its measurement, comes with a wealth of security options for a car with its modest value, 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 searching for an environment friendly, cheap city runabout that may swallow sufficient stuff for a weekend getaway, it simply makes numerous sense.
Subaru Crosstrek
Why it stands out: Finest-in-class floor clearance; customary all-wheel drive; cargo area and purposeful roof rails
May very well be higher: Gradual base engine; CVT transmission; roly-poly dealing with
Our full 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Assessment
The Crosstrek proves simply how in all places this section is. It is principally simply an Impreza hatchback with some styling tweaks and an enormous carry (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. Moreover that floor clearance, the Crosstrek has change into 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 properly on longer drives. That it lastly provides a extra highly effective engine choice for 2021 satisfies a long-held criticism amongst homeowners that the bottom engine was simply too darn gradual.
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