Compact SUVs are now the go-to choice for family transportation. Actually, considering how popular they are, they have clearly moved beyond only family duty. With such popularity, though, comes an awful lot of competitors, and it can be difficult to figure out which one might be the best compact SUV for you.
It's important to note that by "compact SUV" we're talking about a specific segment. As we describe in our more comprehensive "Best small SUVs" list, there are also subcompact SUVs that vary widely in size amongst themselves, but are clearly smaller than the SUVs below. Frankly, today's segment of compact SUVs isn't exactly compact — some have more cargo space than vehicles that are considered midsize based on their exterior dimensions. They've all grown considerably over the years.
While many lists out there just rattle off every vehicle available in a segment, we thought we'd be a bit more helpful and curate your shopping a bit with the top-recommended choices reviewed by Autoblog. We've included both mainstream and compact luxury SUV choices.
Best compact SUVs of 2023 and 2024
2024 Honda CR-V
Why it stands out: Best-in-class space; excellent hybrid powertrain; sharp interior style; Honda dependability
Could be better: No lower-price base trim levels; no sporty or off-road niche models; no plug-in hybrid
Read our full 2024 Honda CR-V Review
Consider the CR-V the baseline for any compact SUV search, and look extra closely at the superb CR-V Hybrid option. Objectively speaking, it's tough to beat due to its massive cargo capacity, voluminous back seat, strong-yet-efficient engines, well-balanced driving dynamics, competitive pricing and features, and well-regarded reliability. It's easy to see why it continues to be such a best-seller: for the vast majority of compact SUV buyers, and especially families, it checks every box. That's been the case for many years now, however. The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V changes things up by adding a bit more style and character, particularly in terms of its interior design and how surprisingly enjoyable the Sport and Sport Touring hybrid trim levels are to drive.
Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
Why it stands out: Exceptional hybrid powertrain; class-leading infotainment and safety tech; huge cargo area
Could be better: Base gas-only engine is weak and unrefined; X Line not available with Hybrid
Read our 2023 Kia Sportage Review
The Kia Sportage catapults to the top of the class after one of the most radical redesigns in recent automotive history. It's substantially larger, going from one of the smallest in the segment to the largest. The cargo area in particular is vast and the back seat very family friendly. The bold design also makes it easy to distinguish from other compact SUVs (it may be a bit too bold for some), while the interior impresses with sharp looks, strong quality and the availability of interesting color schemes, even on lower trim levels. Technology is one of its strong suits, with exceptional infotainment features and touchscreen interfaces, plus the best-executed suite of driver assistance tech in the segment. Finally, the Sportage's hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains stand out for not only saving you gas, but also by being genuine performance upgrades that behave more normally than the typical hybrid. As is the case with the CR-V and RAV4, the hybrids are definitely the powertrains to get. Unlike those, however, the Sportage's base engine is notably less appealing and we don't recommend it. It's unrefined and results in slow acceleration, even in a segment where swift acceleration is not expected.
2024 Mazda CX-50
Why it stands out: Budget Porsche driving experience; luxurious cabin; powerful turbo engine upgrade
Could be better: Less cargo, passenger and storage space; infotainment system won't be for everyone
Read our 2024 Mazda CX-50 Review
The CX-50 is all about style and driving fun. It can also be considered an alternative to luxury compact SUVs. It all starts with its sporty-yet-rugged styling and carries inside where its handsome design and plush materials are a clear step up from others at its price point. Then, when you're behind the wheel, the CX-50 impresses with engaging driving manners that we've routinely described as indicative of a "budget Porsche." Furthermore, its available turbocharged engine even has as much or more power as several similarly sized luxury models. Now, it doesn't have as much passenger or cargo space as the CR-V or RAV4, so it won't be for everyone, but it should definitely be considered. Much of the above could also be said for the CX-5, but the CX-50's slightly larger proportions, improved off-road driving chops, nicer interior and arguably more attractive exterior design make it our preference between the two.
2024 Toyota RAV4
Why it stands out: Unmatched variety of models including two hybrids; spacious back seat and cargo area; reliability
Could be better: Unrefined base engine; antiquated tech interface
Our full 2024 Toyota RAV4 Review
The RAV4 has more passenger and cargo space than most. It's comfortable and surprisingly responsive to drive. Its interior is well built with quality materials, and offers user-friendly controls and abundant storage. Its resale value and reliability should be better than almost anything on the road. Those are all the basics that the RAV4 nails, but the latest version really stands out by offering an unparalleled variety of models. From the run-of-the-mill RAV4 LE or XLE you can go in different directions toward the more rugged Adventure, TRD Off-Road and Woodland Hybrid models, or toward the sporty XSE Hybrid and Prime. And those latter two are particularly significant, as the RAV4 is the rare small SUV that's not only available as a hybrid, but as a plug-in hybrid (Prime) as well. The Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are the others. We like that there's a little something for everyone with the RAV4.
Best compact luxury SUVs of 2023 and 2024
2024 Genesis GV70
Why it stands out: Beautiful interior; user-friendly tech; sophisticated road manners; available electric version
Could be better: Merely average back seat space; not as sporty as it looks
Read our Genesis GV70 review and Electrified GV70 review
The GV70 is a genuine, real-deal challenger in segment featuring SUVs by Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche. Indeed, we think it's stronger than most. Although technically cheaper than German models, this isn't a value play — it still has a higher price than those from Acura, Lexus and Infiniti, and features a plusher interior and more sophisticated engineering that warrants it. Its distinctive looks and beautiful interior really stand out (check out the purple, green and blue interior choices), and its rear-wheel-drive platform can be augmented by a smooth, massively powerful turbo V6 and a high-tech adaptive suspension that not only reacts to road imperfections but anticipates them. Oh, and it's now available in an electric version dubbed the Electrified GV70.
Porsche Macan
Why it stands out: The best compact SUV to drive; Porsche quality and customization potential
Could be better: Expensive before you even get to the exorbitantly priced options; small interior
Read our full 2023 Porsche Macan Review and see what you can expect from the upcoming all-new 2024 Macan Electric
Taken literally, the Porsche Macan is almost certainly the best compact luxury SUV. The way it looks, the way it's made and, most significantly, the way it drives would make it a no-brainer if we were shopping for a compact SUV ... and didn't have to worry about a budget. Ah yes, there's the rub. As exceptional as the Macan is, it's still a Porsche, which means that it delivers pretty dismal feature content and space for the money. The base four-cylinder model in particular is a questionable value. So, is it the most sensible choice? No, but then, this isn't the "Most Sensible Luxury SUV" list. It's about the best. The Macan is one of them.
2024 Volvo XC60
Why it stands out: Scandinavian design; more space and features for the money; great plug-in hybrid option
Could be better: Infotainment isn't for everyone; unremarkable handling
Read our most recent 2024 Volvo XC60 Review
OK, so sometimes it is about being a bit sensible, and the XC60 is more so than most. It's more spacious than the norm and (surprise!) this Volvo boasts safety credentials that should please fretful parents everywhere. It's also pretty fuel efficient, and even available with an excellent plug-in hybrid model dubbed Recharge. But the XC60 also isn't some uber-utilitarian boxy Volvo of old. The styling is timelessly beautiful, and its interior oozes Scandinavian cool. Quality and feature content are also fully in keeping with the bigger, pricier XC90. Basically, the XC60 is one of the more sensible choices in the segment, but also one of the best.
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