Best Compact SUVs for 2024 and 2025

You can trust our picks for the best compact SUVs. Choosing the right compact SUV can be overwhelming. That’s why we drive and analyze more than 400 models every year, looking at 300 factors like acceleration, handling, and everyday comfort.

Our goal? Helps you find the perfect match for your needs and driving style. We strive to provide car buyers with the most insightful and reliable rankings available. We highlight the best compact SUVs below that best suit your needs and target audience.

Best Compact SUVs

2024 Honda CR-V (8.5/10 rating from Car and Driver)

The CR-V is a perennial favorite for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. The hybrid version is especially efficient, with an EPA-estimated 40 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

Feature LX EX EX-L Sport Sport Touring  
Engine 1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder 1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder 1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder 1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder 1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder 2.0L 4-cylinder + 2 electric motors
Horsepower 190 hp 190 hp 190 hp 190 hp 190 hp 204 hp
Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined) 28/34/30 mpg (FWD) 27/32/29 mpg (AWD) 28/34/30 mpg (FWD) 27/32/29 mpg (AWD) 28/34/30 mpg (FWD) 27/32/29 mpg (AWD) 28/34/30 mpg (FWD) 27/32/29 mpg (AWD) 28/34/30 mpg (FWD) 27/32/29 mpg (AWD) 43/36/40 mpg (FWD) 40/34/37 mpg (AWD)
Transmission CVT CVT CVT CVT CVT Lockup Clutch Automatic
Drivetrain FWD or AWD FWD or AWD FWD or AWD FWD or AWD FWD or AWD FWD or AWD
Seating Capacity 5 5 5 5 5 5
Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats) 39.3 cu ft 39.3 cu ft 39.3 cu ft 39.3 cu ft 39.3 cu ft 39.2 cu ft
Cargo Space (Fold Rear Seats) 102.5 cu ft 102.5 cu ft 102.5 cu ft 102.5 cu ft 102.5 cu ft 102.4 cu ft
Starting Price $26,800 $28,500 $31,700 $32,600 $34,700 $30,300

 

2024 Mazda CX-50 (9.5/10 rating from Car and Driver)

The CX-50 is a new addition to Mazda’s lineup, and it quickly earned rave reviews for its stylish design, sporty handling, and luxurious interior. It’s also available with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain.

Feature Base Turbo
Engine 2.5L naturally aspirated I4 2.5L turbocharged I4
Horsepower 187 hp 256 hp
Torque 186 lb-ft 320 lb-ft
Transmission 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Fuel economy (combined) 32 mpg 26 mpg
Cargo space (behind rear seats) 31.4 cu ft 31.4 cu ft
Cargo space (with rear seats folded) 56.3 cu ft 56.3 cu ft
Starting price $26,800 $34,200

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan (8.0/10 rating from Car and Driver)

The Tiguan is a well-rounded SUV that offers a comfortable ride, plenty of cargo space, and a long list of standard features. It’s also available with a powerful turbocharged engine.

Feature Specification
Engine 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower 184 hp
Torque 221 lb-ft
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Fuel Economy (EPA) 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway
Drivetrain Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Seating Capacity 5
Cargo Space (behind rear seats) 12.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space (with rear seats folded) 37.6 cubic feet

2024 Mazda CX-5 (8.0/10 rating from Car and Driver)

The CX-5 is the more traditional SUV, but it’s still a great choice for its sharp handling, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. It’s also available with a turbocharged engine.

Feature Base Turbo
Engine 2.5L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder 2.5L Skyactiv-G Turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower 187 hp 227 hp (87 octane); 256 hp (93 octane)
Torque 186 lb-ft 310 lb-ft (87 octane); 320 lb-ft (93 octane)
Transmission 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain All-wheel drive All-wheel drive
Fuel economy (city/highway/combined) 25/30/27 mpg 22/27/24 mpg
Seating capacity 5 5
Cargo space (behind rear seats) 29.1 cu ft 29.1 cu ft
Starting price $30,675 $35,725

2024 Ford Bronco Sport (8.0/10 rating from Car and Driver)

The Bronco Sport is a more rugged option that’s perfect for those who like to get off the beaten path. It offers excellent off-road capability, a spacious interior, and a fun-to-drive personality.

Trim Level Base Big Bend Outer Banks Badlands
Starting Price $27,415 $29,575 $33,345 $35,385
Engine 1.5L EcoBoost 1.5L EcoBoost 1.5L EcoBoost or 2.0L EcoBoost 2.0L EcoBoost
Horsepower 181 hp 181 hp 181 hp or 250 hp 250 hp
Torque 190 lb-ft 190 lb-ft 190 lb-ft or 277 lb-ft 277 lb-ft
Standard Features 4WD, 1.5L EcoBoost engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, cloth seats, manual liftgate, 16-inch wheels Same as Base plus roof rack, fog lights, heated mirrors, rear view camera Same as Big Bend plus power liftgate, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control Same as Outer Banks plus leather-trimmed seats, 10-speaker B&O sound system, moonroof, adaptive cruise control

2024 Kia Sportage (8.5/10 rating from Car and Driver)

The Sportage is a stylish and affordable SUV that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It has a comfortable ride, plenty of cargo space, and a long list of standard features.

Specification LX EX SX SX Prestige
Engine 2.5L I4 2.5L I4 1.6L I4 Turbo 1.6L I4 Turbo
Horsepower 181 hp 181 hp 231 hp 231 hp
Transmission 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic
Fuel Economy (combined) 28 mpg 28 mpg 26 mpg 26 mpg
Starting Price $25,990 $27,190 $30,890 $36,790

2024 Hyundai Tucson (8.5/10 rating from Car and Driver)

The Tucson is another great option from Hyundai. It offers a comfortable ride, plenty of cargo space, and a long list of standard features. It’s also available in a hybrid version.

Feature Base SE SEL XRT Limited Hybrid Blue
Engine 2.5L I4 2.5L I4 1.6L T-GDI 1.6L T-GDI 1.6L T-GDI + Electric Motor
Horsepower 187 hp 187 hp 226 hp 226 hp 226 hp
Torque 178 lb-ft 178 lb-ft 258 lb-ft 258 lb-ft 258 lb-ft
Transmission 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
MPG (City/Highway) 24/29 23/28 22/28 22/28 37/36
Starting Price $26,135 $28,135 $28,835 $31,035 $31,495

2024 Toyota RAV4 (8.5/10 rating from Car and Driver)

The RAV4 is a popular choice for a reason. It’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and offers a comfortable ride. It’s also available in a hybrid version.

2024-Toyota-RAV4
Feature Gasoline Hybrid
Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with electric motor
Horsepower 203 hp 219 hp (combined)
Torque 184 lb-ft 221 lb-ft (combined)
Transmission 8-speed automatic Continuously variable automatic (CVT)
Fuel economy (combined) 28 mpg 38 mpg
Seating capacity 5 5
Cargo space (behind rear seats) 37.5 cubic feet 30.2 cubic feet
Cargo space (with rear seats folded) 69.8 cubic feet 65.8 cubic feet
Starting price $27,595 $29,025

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