![]() Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Why it stands out: Exceptional hybrid powertrain class-leading infotainment and safety tech huge cargo areaĬould be better: Base gas-only engine is weak and unrefined X Line not available with Hybrid Our full 2023 Kia Sportage Review Much of the above could also be said for the CX-5 that used to reside on this list, 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. 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. 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. 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. It can also be considered an alternative to luxury compact SUVs. The CX-50 is all about style and driving fun. Mazda CX-50 Why it stands out: Budget Porsche driving experience luxurious cabin powerful turbo engine upgradeĬould be better: No hybrid less cargo, passenger and storage space non-touchscreen infotainment won't be for everyone Our full 2023 Mazda CX-50 Review But that's why other choices exist, including those below. Now, you may still prefer the looks or driving experience of something else, or wish it provided the sort of plug-in hybrid or outdoor adventure trim level options its top competitors do. Those issues were seriously addressed with the CR-V's 2023 redesign, especially in regards to its knock-out interior that's far cooler than anything associated with a CR-V in the past. In the past, folks might've found it a bit dull to drive and ever duller to look at. Of course, people don't make buying decisions based solely on objective criteria. 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. Objectively speaking, it's tough to beat due to its massive cargo capacity, voluminous back seat, superb hybrid powertrain option, well-balanced driving dynamics, competitive pricing and features, strong safety ratings and well-regarded reliability. Honda CR-V Why it stands out: Excellent hybrid option high-quality and stylish cabin refined driving experienceĬould be better: No PHEV option no outdoor adventure trims simply average base engine Read our full 2023 Honda CR-V ReviewĬonsider the CR-V the baseline for any compact SUV search. Hopefully this will be a helpful place to start your research. ![]() OK, now with the housekeeping out of the way, let's provide some answers to what are the best small SUVs, including what they're especially good at and what they could do better. ![]() Subcompact SUV | Midcompact SUV | Compact SUV ![]() It doesn't really have a universally accepted name yet, so we're going with the suggestion by Autoblog reader John Prince: the midcompact SUV. This basically leaves us with three sizes of small SUV: compact, subcompact and the growing sub-segment that fits in between them. Second, it's important to ask how small do you want your small SUV to be? The number of choices has exploded in recent years with many long-standing models growing in size while many new, smaller options debuted. ![]() Buy the _! Unfortunately, it's just not that simple, though we'll at least do our best to make it less complicated. First, like most folks, we're defining "SUV" to basically be synonymous with "crossover." We could go into the differences and definitions of those terms, but we doubt you care, so we'll just move on. It seems like such a simple question, right? What is the best small SUV? Really, we'd love to provide a simple answer. ![]()
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