It looks as if such a easy query, proper? What’s the greatest small SUV? Actually, we might love to supply 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 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 an entire bunch of different smaller crossover SUVs have been launched. Whereas the CR-Vs and RAV4s of the phrase have stored their compact SUV descriptor, the dimensions under is what we name subcompact SUVs. Even inside that group there are a selection of sizes, characters and capabilities. This listing consists of each compact SUVs and subcompact SUVs.
Third, possibly you are questioning whether or not you actually need a small SUV in any respect? The reply may very effectively be “possibly not!” Compact and midsize sedans (or hatchbacks) supply much more passenger and cargo house than you would possibly assume, and are typically less expensive and environment friendly than an SUV. That stated, you may 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 listing do, whereas additionally offering extra floor clearance, common 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 very best small SUVs, together with what they’re particularly good at and what they may 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: Wonderful hybrid choice; high-quality and classy cabin; refined driving expertise
Could possibly be higher: No PHEV choice; no outside 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 as a result of its huge cargo capability, voluminous again seat, very good hybrid powertrain choice, well-balanced driving dynamics, aggressive pricing and options, sturdy security scores and well-regarded reliability. It is simple 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. Up to now, of us would possibly’ve discovered it a bit boring to drive and ever duller to have a look at. These points have 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 want the appears to be like or driving expertise of one thing else, or want it supplied the kind of plug-in hybrid or outside journey trim degree choices its prime rivals do. However that is why different selections exist, together with these under.
2024 Mazda CX-50
Why it stands out: Finances 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 type and driving enjoyable. It may also 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, if you’re behind the wheel, the CX-50 impresses with partaking driving manners that we have routinely described as indicative of a “price range 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 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 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 choice between the 2.
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
Why it stands out: Distinctive hybrid powertrain; class-leading infotainment and security tech; enormous cargo space
Could possibly be higher: Base gas-only engine is weak and unrefined; X Line not accessible with Hybrid
Learn our most up-to-date Kia Sportage Assessment
The Kia Sportage catapults to the highest of the category after some of the radical redesigns in current automotive historical past. It is considerably bigger, going from one of many smallest within the phase to the most important. The cargo space particularly is huge and the again seat are very household pleasant. The daring design additionally makes it straightforward 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 coloration 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 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. In contrast to these, nonetheless, the Sportage’s base engine is notably much less interesting and we do not suggest it. It is unrefined and leads to sluggish acceleration, even in a phase the place swift acceleration will not be anticipated.
2024 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 may very well 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 comfy and surprisingly attentive to drive. Its inside is effectively constructed with high quality supplies, and affords user-friendly controls and considerable storage (although some could want the extra premium atmosphere provided by its rivals). Its resale worth and reliability ought 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’ll be able to 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 vital, 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 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 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 would not really feel it).
Learn our full 2024 Buick Envista Assessment
The Buick Envista is among the greatest, best and most related automobiles to return out of Normal 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 experience 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 phase regardless of exterior dimensions and a again seat that rivals compacts. The shortage of all-wheel drive could also be a sticking level for some, however we predict anybody purchasing for a small, reasonably priced SUV can be clever to take a look at the Envista.
2024 Ford Bronco Sport
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; cargo house; intelligent storage and cargo options; distinctive type
Could possibly be higher: Gas economic system; some low cost inside bits
Learn our should current 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 in regards to the new Bronco Sport is that it truly has as a lot or extra cargo house than fashions which might be significantly larger on the skin. So it could maintain numerous stuff for a weekend away, however the “Child Bronco” does a lot extra for these searching for one thing just a little 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 common 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 highway and terrain situations. It is also unimaginable to disregard the Bronco Sport’s distinctive type 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.
2024 Kia Seltos
Why it stands out: Stunning house; acceleration from Turbo fashions; class-leading tech; distinct design particulars
Could possibly be higher: Some low cost inside bits
Learn our most up-to-date 2024 Kia Seltos Assessment
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 anticipated 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 accessible turbocharged engine produces surprising acceleration for this phase. Mainly, it offers much more worth past Kia’s common extra-long options listing and guarantee. Just like the Bronco Sport and CX-30, we might truly take into account the Seltos earlier than lots of the compact SUVs that did not make the lower above.
2024 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 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 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 would not supply all-wheel drive with any of the three electrified powertrains. That is tremendous when you’re simply in it for the implausible effectivity and are comfortable to purchase some snow tires, however many will nonetheless miss all-wheel traction. The Niro is in the end proof that you just needn’t drive round a miserly wanting automobile to seize top-shelf effectivity, so if you would like the very best inexperienced choice attainable within the midcompact phase, head straight right here.
2024 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 offers ruggedness and flexibility, and the Seltos worth and magnificence, the Mazda CX-30 offers driving enjoyable and luxurious. We truly 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 would not actually hand over something to them when it comes to luxurious or options, and it could truly 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 wanting or driving like one.
2024 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 may be SUV on this listing that aligns most intently with the unique concept of a subcompact. It is a lot smaller than the others right here, at the very least on the skin, however it’s additionally less expensive. Now, we would not blame you for not getting excited in regards to the Kicks. It would 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 gorgeous styling replace again in 2021. That stated, the Kicks does a very 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 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 looking for an environment friendly, cheap city runabout that may swallow sufficient stuff for a weekend getaway, it simply makes numerous sense.
2024 Volkswagen Taos
Why it stands out: Phase-leading again seat house; enormous cargo space; sturdy 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 essentially the most family-friendly of the midcompact SUVs because of 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. The truth is, the Taos has extra inside house 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 gas economic system, a lower cost), that is known 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.
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