It looks as if such a easy query, proper? What’s the greatest small SUV? Actually, we would love to offer a easy reply. Purchase the _______! Sadly, it is simply not that straightforward, 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 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 would 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 best way, 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 may do higher. Hopefully this might be a useful place to start out your analysis. All are listed in alphabetical order.
Greatest compact SUVs
Honda CR-V
Why it stands out: Wonderful hybrid possibility; high-quality and classy cabin; refined driving expertise
May very well be higher: No PHEV possibility; no outside 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 resulting from its huge cargo capability, voluminous again seat, excellent hybrid powertrain possibility, well-balanced driving dynamics, aggressive pricing and options, robust 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 patrons, and particularly households, it checks each field. After all, individuals do not make shopping for selections primarily based solely on goal standards. Prior to now, people would possibly’ve discovered it a bit boring to drive and ever duller to take a look at. These points had been critically 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 prior to now. Now, you should still desire the seems or driving expertise of one thing else, or want it supplied the form of plug-in hybrid or outside journey trim degree choices its high rivals do. However that is why different selections exist, together with these under.
Mazda CX-50
Why it stands out: Funds Porsche driving expertise; luxurious cabin; highly effective turbo engine improve
May very well be higher: No hybrid; much less cargo, passenger and space for storing; non-touchscreen infotainment will not be for everybody
Our full 2023 Mazda CX-50 Evaluation
The CX-50 is all about type and driving enjoyable. It can be thought of 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, once 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 accessible 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. 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 desire between the 2.
Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
Why it stands out: Distinctive hybrid powertrain; class-leading infotainment and security tech; big cargo space
May very well be higher: Base gas-only engine is weak and unrefined; X Line not accessible 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 section 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 differentiate from different compact SUVs (it might be a bit too daring for some), whereas the inside impresses with sharp seems, robust high quality and the provision of attention-grabbing colour schemes, even on decrease trim ranges. Expertise is one in all its robust 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 additionally 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. 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 section the place swift acceleration is just not anticipated.
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: Engines may very well be extra refined; tech interface can frustrate
Our full 2023 Toyota RAV4 Evaluation
The RAV4 has extra passenger and cargo area than most. It is comfy and surprisingly attentive to drive. Its inside is effectively constructed with high quality supplies, and presents user-friendly controls and considerable storage (although some might desire the extra premium atmosphere supplied by its rivals). Its resale worth and reliability ought to be higher than virtually something on the street. 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-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 can be accessible not solely accessible 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 Midcompact SUVs
Ford Bronco Sport
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; cargo area; intelligent storage and cargo options; distinctive type
May very well be higher: Gasoline financial system; some low cost inside bits
Our full 2023 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 truly has as a lot or extra cargo area than fashions which can be significantly greater on the surface. So it will probably maintain plenty of stuff for a weekend away, however the “Child Bronco” does a lot extra for these on the lookout for one thing a bit 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 enormous accent catalog. Each model is a lot better than typical 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 a wide range of street 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 approach.
Kia Seltos
Why it stands out: Stunning area; acceleration from Turbo fashions; class-leading tech; distinct design particulars
May very well 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 perform 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 among the cheaper bits utilized to maintain the worth down. It additionally seems fairly good, and the accessible turbocharged engine produces surprising acceleration for this section. Principally, it supplies much more worth past Kia’s typical extra-long options checklist and guarantee. Just like the Bronco Sport and CX-30, we would truly think about the Seltos earlier than lots 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 tech
May very well 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 powerful lineup of three electrified powertrains in a single attractively designed package deal. All three, the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full EV make the most of 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 provide all-wheel drive with any of the three electrified powertrains. That is tremendous if you happen to’re simply in it for the unbelievable effectivity and are completely satisfied to purchase some snow tires, however many will nonetheless miss all-wheel traction. The Niro is finally proof that you simply need not drive round a miserly trying automobile to seize top-shelf effectivity, so in order for you one of the best inexperienced possibility attainable within the midcompact section, head straight right here.
Mazda CX-30
Why it stands out: Luxurious inside; best-in-class driving dynamics; attractiveness
May very well be higher: Inside area is extra hatchback than SUV; dopey plastic fenders; non-touchscreen tech interface
Our full 2023 Mazda CX-30 Evaluation
If the Bronco Sport supplies ruggedness and flexibility, and the Seltos worth and magnificence, the Mazda CX-30 supplies driving enjoyable and luxurious. We truly think about 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 truly 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 absolutely loaded. Principally, it is a discount with out trying or driving like one.
Volkswagen Taos
Why it stands out: Phase-leading again seat area; big cargo space; robust energy and gas financial system
May very well be higher: Bland to drive; seems extra rugged than it’s
Our full Volkswagen Taos Evaluation
The Taos is probably the most family-friendly of the midcompact SUVs because of a again seat that is shockingly sufficiently big to suit rear-facing automobile 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 reality, the Taos has extra inside area than fairly a couple of compact SUVs which can be bigger on the surface. When you will get that whereas having fun with the advantages of a smaller automobile (higher maneuverability and gas financial 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 current made-for-America Volkswagens and has VW’s older, extra user-friendly inside controls as a substitute of the maddening ID.4 and GTI format. Even its “may very well be betters” listed above are hardly what we would name deal breakers. This can be a winner.
Greatest Subcompact SUVs
Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV
Why it stands out: Two physique kinds to select from; enjoyable to drive; low cost worth for an EV
May very well be higher: Restricted cargo area 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 automobile. The EUV has significantly extra backseat area, 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 surprise why Chevy bothered revising and conserving across the Bolt EV in any respect. Both approach, and most vital, each are wonderful electrical automobiles made even higher because of 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, and so they’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 possibility, N mannequin rocks
May very well be higher: Small again seat and cargo space; the EV seems fairly bizarre; an all-new one is coming quickly
Our full 2023 Hyundai Kona Evaluation
The Kona continues to show {that a} subcompact SUV will be enjoyable to drive. It is definitely 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 below the hood. The bottom four-cylinder is completely aggressive, however the Kona presents different distinctive selections: a 195-horsepower turbo engine that truly will get almost an identical gas financial system as the bottom engine, the completely raucous N mannequin with 276 horsepower and an all-electric model that provides aggressive vary for its worth with 258 miles.
Kia Soul
Why it stands out: Ample area and considerable options for the cash; distinctive type; wonderful tech
May very well be higher: All-wheel drive is just not accessible; no extra turbo engine possibility
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 can 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 apparatus and area for its worth and measurement. We additionally assume it is fairly cool. The entire above helped it win our subcompact SUV comparability check (so did the turbocharged engine possibility, 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 dearth 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 worth; best-in-class gas financial system; well-executed security tech
May very well be higher: It is actually sluggish; merely common inside
Our full Nissan Kicks Evaluation
We would not blame you for not getting excited concerning the Kicks. It would 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 gorgeous 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 take a seat 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 plenty of sense.
Subaru Crosstrek
Why it stands out: Greatest-in-class floor clearance; commonplace all-wheel drive; cargo area and practical roof rails
May very well 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 section is. It is mainly simply an Impreza hatchback with some styling tweaks and a large elevate (its 8.7 inches of floor clearance is far more than most crossovers), however that is truly adequate to raised many automobiles that had been constructed from scratch to be a small SUV. Apart from that floor clearance, the Crosstrek has develop into a darling of the outside 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 presents a extra highly effective engine possibility satisfies a long-held grievance amongst house owners that the bottom engine was simply too darn sluggish.
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