Compact SUVs
The compact SUV segment is the fastest-growing one in the automobile industry. These vehicles are great for families and those who need versatility while offering a higher ride height for better visibility. The current crop of compact SUVs now offer great fuel economy along with all-wheel-drive as well as creature comforts and safety features that until only recently were available on high-end brands. Get the latest information and reviews on the current crop of compact SUVs here.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Being the only compact SUV offering a standard third-row seat, the Mitsubishi Outlander is considering by many growing families across the globe. After a significant redesign for the 2022 model year, the Outlander has more legroom and shoulder room as well as laminated glass and additional sound deadening to make family road trips more pleasant. Notable available features include a full-screen digital gauge cluster, a full-color head-up display, quilted leather upholstery. and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.
Honda CR-V
Honda’s CRV is a perennial favorite of American buyers, combining the ideal balance of performance, versatility, efficiency, and refinement. For 2020, the CR-V gets updated styling and a hybrid powertrain option, making it an even more formidable contender in the crossover space. Front wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel-drive optional. Honda Sensing, which provides collision mitigating braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist, is standard on all CR-Vs.
Ford Bronco Sport
With the new all-wheel-drive-only Bronco Sport, Ford is catering to customers who are active on the weekends but need a high level of usability in urban areas. Notably, two mountain bikes fit in the cargo area (with rear seats folded) and an overlanding-ready roof rack that makes roof-top tent camping possible. Customers needing dedicated off-road hardware can get the Badlands or First Edition versions with 28.5-inch all-terrain tires and a Terrain Management System.
Chevrolet Equinox
This adept 5-person compact crossover is Chevrolet’s second-best selling vehicle in the world. Customers can choose from a variety of trims and engines that give more flexibility regarding fuel economy and performance capabilities. Standard features include projector-beam headlamps, 4 USB data ports, active noise cancellation, and Teen Driver, which allows parents to set controls and review driving habits. A “kneeling” rear seat enhances functionality, with bottom cushions tilting forward when the split-folding seatbacks are lowered, allowing a flat loading floor.
Jeep Compass
Jeep’s legendary name and best-in-class 4x4 off-road capability is on full display in the Compass, a fuel-efficient vehicle with a host of innovative safety and advanced technology features. Notably, for the 2022 model year, the Compass receives a more upscale interior design. Shoppers can choose between 5 different models, ranging from the base Sport to the off-road-optimized Trailhawk. All models come with front-wheel-drive standard and all-wheel-drive optional except Latitude LUX, Trailhawk, and Limited. (which are AWD-only). The sole engine is a 177-horsepower 4-cylinder.
Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson, Hyundai’s highly competitive compact crossover, continues to combine amazing features at an affordable price. Front-wheel-drive is standard with all-wheel-drive optional. Standard features include an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and an anti-theft system with keyless entry. An N-Line trim level provides a sporty look while a plug-in hybrid version is a welcome choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency. Smart Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, LED headlights, and ventilated front seats are available as well.
Subaru Forester
The all-wheel-drive-only Forester compact SUV is the roomiest, most capable and most versatile Subaru ever made. With safety updates for 2020, including lane centering and a Rear Seat Reminder system, it is also one of the safest. The top-of-the-line Touring model gets Subaru’s new DriverFocus safety technology, which uses facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction and provides an audio and visual warning to alert the driver. Other standard features include LED headlights and automatic climate control.
Mazda CX-5
Mazda’s CX-5 compact SUV gets significant updates for 2019, with the availability of a more powerful engine along with higher-end trim levels. Standard features include a 7-inch full-color touch screen display, 2 front USB inputs, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, Smart City Brake Support automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 compact SUV continues to be Toyota’s top-selling vehicle and ready to tackle urban, suburban and outdoor adventures with precise skill. There is a hybrid option as well for the environmentally-minded and AWD for those who need more road control. Toyota Safety Sense, which includes a pre-collision system, pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist, is standard. The RAV4 is ready for adventure and makes sure to keep you safe while doing it.
Ford Escape
Ford’s compact Escape SUV has been completely redesigned for the 2020 model year and now offers both standard hybrid as well as plug-in hybrid options. Backseat passengers looking for more comfort now get a sliding seat. The Escape also comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technology, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system, and lane keeping system. Audiophiles can also add a 575-watt 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Nissan Rogue
The Rogue, completely redesigned for 2021, is Nissan’s top-selling model. The Rogue comes standard with front-wheel-drive, with all-wheel-drive an option. It also comes with wide open rear doors for easier entry and exit, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning. The newest option is ProPILOT Assist, an in-lane semi-autonomous driving technology that can adjust the distance to the vehicle ahead and can automatically bring the vehicle to a full halt if necessary.
GMC Terrain
Refreshed for 2022, the Terrain, GMC’s compact SUV, remains as versatile as ever and now offers an off-road-oriented AT4 trim level with a front steel skid plate. Standard features include LED signature lighting, active noise cancellation, and a 4-cylinder engine making 170 horsepower. On the equipment front, the safety features have increased, with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and front pedestrian braking coming standard, with head-up display now an option.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s SUV with fun-to-drive character and a spacious interior. All Tiguans come with a 184-horsepower 4-cylinder engine while 4Motion all-wheel-drive is optional. (Opting for 4Motion will eliminate the third-row seat.) For 2022, the Digital Cockpit with an 8-inch screen in the dash becomes standard along with heated seats. The IQ.DRIVE driver assistance suite is standard on all trims except the base version and brings forward collision warning, blind spot assist, and adaptive cruise control, among other safety features.
Kia Sportage
The Sportage is Kia’s small crossover for drivers looking for high ride height and a refined driving experience, all in a cost-effective package. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17-inch alloy wheels, Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist with Pedestrian Detection, and lane-keeping assist. AWD is an option, as well as LED lights and UVO link infotainment system, leather seats, and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
Jeep Cherokee
As it’s made by Jeep, the Cherokee is designed to take on some of the toughest off-road trails imaginable. With a multitude of engine options and trim levels it can be adjusted to each buyers needs. Continuing the Jeep heritage, buyers can specify equipment such as Jeep Active Drive Lock with two-speed power transfer unit, low-range and mechanically locking rear differential for serious off-road conditions.