15 Best Compact SUVs

Mazda consistently delivers cars that stand out from the mainstream herd with expressive styling, near-luxury interior design and sophisticated driving dynamics. The CX-30 crossover continues that winning streak; it’s essentially a lifted version of the award-hogging Mazda3 hatchback with available AWD. One brand question remains: Will people who reflexively buy Toyotas or Hondas put Mazda on their shopping list?

Toyota resurrected its Venza midsize crossover for the 2021 model year as a premium, hybrid-only, tuned-for-on-road-performance crossover. It’s built for small families and empty nesters seeking the versatility of a utility vehicle without the hulking size of a three-row SUV. This new Venza sits on an all-new platform and features a more upscale interior and restyled exterior. The five-seater also boasts updated technology, safety features, infotainment and an all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain rated to achieve 39 mpg in combined highway and city driving.

Toyota’s latest updates to the RAV4 make it an even more compelling proposition than before. With a handful of trims and optional all-wheel drive, it’s appealing for buyers in seasonal regions as well as the weekend warrior types who enjoy light trailblazing. Its already-competitive fuel efficiency gets a boost by its optional hybrid powertrain and new plug-in hybrid variant, the RAV4 Prime. While exterior styling may be polarizing, the RAV4 is more self-assured than ever before and offers a menu of choices much longer than key rivals. It also has a starting price point under $25,000 and lots of standard tech including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and safety tech such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.

The Mazda CX-5 is a standout in its segment. Value packed, it drives and looks like a much more expensive machine, proving that quality and attention to detail don’t have to break the bank. It’s a high-style vehicle inside and out, and its driving dynamics are every bit as good as the wrapper, despite not having the most powerful base engine. Top-notch safety scores and a long list of standard features should put it at the top of most shoppers’ lists. It only truly falls short on cargo space, lagging most of its rivals.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek sees the rare mid-model refresh that feels, well, refreshing. The 2.5-liter boxer engine now available in Limited and an all-new Sport trim works well with its CVT transmission at speed, greatly improving acceleration. The Sport model offers even greater off-road ability for outdoor enthusiasts looking for that next trail or campsite. An even better do-it-all car for people who want a car to do it all.

The RAV4 Prime is the quickest, best and costliest RAV4. The first 40 miles are on battery. Both rows have adequate space and cargo space is good. Driver safety assists are all standard through Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and included blind-spot warning. On interstates, the car provides rudimentary self-driving. Handling is just fair. Loaded, the price nears $50K before a $7,500 tax credit. 

The Honda CR-V isn’t the most exciting vehicle on the road and gets no changes for 2021, but in 2020 it welcomed a hybrid powertrain to the lineup, which helps make the popular crossover a compelling choice for fuel-conscious buyers. Tts gas engine already delivered competitive fuel economy, but the hybrid yields up to 38 mpg in combined driving. Couple that with a spacious cabin and lots of cargo space and it isn’t hard to see why the CR-V is so popular. Though a conservative and soon-to-be-replaced design, the CR-V appeals to a wide range of demographics and offers a generous list of features.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E lives up to its high-voltage hype with speedy, near-silent performance and up to 300 miles of driving range, and it costs less than a Tesla Model Y thanks to a $7,500 federal tax break that Tesla buyers can no longer claim. Ford’s handsome electric SUV can be had for as little as $36,495 (after the tax credit) with front-drive and a 230-mile driving range. A good choice is the Mach-E Premium with eAWD and the extended-range battery ($5,000) that boosts range to 270 miles ($48,700).

The Escape can be expensive, topping $40,000 in some configurations, but Ford gives a lot for the money. The small crossover is ideal for small and growing families, especially with its variety of fuel-efficient powertrains, including a new plug-in hybrid variant, standard suite of safety technology, superiors crash ratings and surprisingly spacious cabin. All models come with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 along with up to 38.8 inches of rear legroom and up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo-space. It’s also worth considering for sedan drivers considering an upgrade to the crossover segment. One downside is its use of low-rent materials in the interior on most trims. 

The Subaru Forester isn’t fast or stylish, but it has as many talents as a Swiss Army knife and it’s just as practical. The tall, boxy shape gives it an enormous interior, with a back seat that even some NBA point guards won’t mind and impressive cargo carrying abilities. The Forester’s 182 horsepower aren’t much, but its standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode off-road settings make short work of trails, mud and (modest) rocks in ways many other small crossovers can’t. It also delivers up to 33 mpg on the highway and top marks for safety.

The competitive new Taos gives VW an SUV smaller and more affordable than the Tiguan, a must in today’s market. Compared to the Golf hatchback that it effectively replaces, the Taos is certainly roomier—and at the base level, no more expensive—although it doesn’t quite capture the lively persona of that exemplary hatchback.

Nissan’s new Rogue is proof that thoughtful packaging and desirable tech can push any vehicle to the next level.  It’s powertrain doesn’t offer an overwhelming amount of power, but it gets high marks for efficiency, especially when configured with front-wheel drive. It comes with a host of advanced driver-assistance safety tech, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection as well as alerts for lane departure, blind spots and more. It offers a spacious interior and updated tech such as an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The all-new Kia Seltos is a thoughtfully executed subcompact crossover. Offering a well-curated blend of value, utility and comfort as well as impressive interior space for the class, the Seltos lands right in the sweet spot of a popular segment. It also has much of the style and substance that shoppers love about the larger Kia Telluride in a smaller package. The Seltos also offers all-wheel drive across the line and two powertrains, one of which hits high notes in terms of fuel efficiency when compared with rivals.

The Outback carries the flag for yet another generation, offering fans of the model—and there are many—all the utility and capability of the previous models with the bonus of bumper-to-bumper modernization. It shines on beaches and trails and will undoubtedly survive decades of use and abuse.

The Jeep Wrangler continues to be tough to beat on the trail, and its rugged interior, good infotainment, and array of capable engine choices sweeten the deal. While its road manners are unpolished and its standard advanced safety tech lacking, the Wrangler’s rich offering of available off-road features and hardware is second to none, making it a top choice for wilderness adventuring.