Best compact SUVs: Top 10
A reliable vehicle with good load capacity and cross-country ability is indispensable in many situations. And if a full-size SUV is too heavy and bulky, then compact SUVs fit perfectly into the urban flow, show excellent dynamics on the highway and at the same time are suitable for trips out of town for fishing or hunting, outdoor recreation, for travel on country and difficult roads. The best small SUVs - versatile, reliable and practical - you will learn about them in this article.
Compact SUVs - their features and advantages
If you are looking for a vehicle that perfectly combines the advantages of a passenger car and an SUV, if you have been dreaming of a spacious vehicle with better handling and fuel efficiency, then a compact SUV is your best choice. Let's take a look at a few reasons why you need such a vehicle:
- Luggage compartment capacity. Compact SUVs don't sacrifice storage space. They have a voluminous trunk with the ability to increase volume by folding down the rear row of seats. And this volume is more than enough for making large purchases and carrying luggage on a trip.
- Passenger Car Maneuverability. Unlike traditional frame SUVs, compact models usually have better handling on the road, maneuverability, which makes them convenient for the city. And all-wheel drive helps small SUVs cope with difficult roads, drive on mud, snow.
- Enhanced safety. Compact SUVs combine the safety features of both passenger cars and SUVs. In the event of a collision, their weight provides strong protection and their body construction includes crumple zones, increasing safety in frontal collisions. This unique combination makes compact SUVs some of the safest vehicles on the road.
- Excellent visibility. The high seating position in the compact SUV provides excellent road visibility. This gives you confidence behind the wheel and ensures safe driving.
- Passenger space. Compact SUVs offer passengers not only storage space, but also more comfort and legroom than sedans, for example.
- Style and versatility in one package. Compact SUVs look sleek and modern, Today's current models are as versatile as minivans and station wagons.
Top 10 small SUVs
SUVs are becoming increasingly popular. When choosing a car, the driver first of all evaluates options in terms of price-quality combination. The optimal balance of these two factors allows you to buy an inexpensive, but reliable and spacious car, ready for use in various conditions. What models of compact SUVs are characterized by the most successful price-quality ratio? Those that are in high demand, as well as positive feedback from their owners.
Here are the best compact SUVs for comparison - a brief review of each model.
10. Suzuki Jimny (2018-2022)
If you're looking for a true off-roader with frame construction, reliable lockers and excellent off-road capability in a small footprint, the Jimny is the ideal and perhaps the only choice for you. It stands out from the competition, with a load-bearing body overloaded with various support systems and driving modes. Jimny is characterized by high cross-country ability, reliability and gives full freedom of action for driving in any conditions. For all these advantages you have to pay a high center of gravity, not the highest top speed and a higher price. But for your money, you also get a fairly economical vehicle.
Characteristics:
- The Jimny is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing a relatively modest 102 hp/130 Nm through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
- Equipped with cruise control, remote central locking, dual-disc CD player and AM/FM radio with Bluetooth, manual air conditioning, 15-inch steel wheels.
It's not very roomy, not particularly comfortable, far from sporty, but it's surprisingly equipped with most of the modern features you'd expect to see in a new car, including decent safety systems.
9. Ford Puma (2nd generation - from 2019)
The older generation is familiar with the old Ford Puma models, which was a stylish and refined coupe based on the Fiesta. The new Puma follows the same concept, but has updates with modern trends and is adapted to the small crossover format. The car has a comfortable trunk, is equipped with modern technologies and is known for its excellent handling.
Characteristics and Benefits:
- The standard Puma comes with two 1.0-liter three-cylinder engines rated at 123 or 153 hp. Both versions also have a 48-volt hybrid system. For more power, Ford has fitted a more powerful turbo engine with 155 hp. There is also an ST version with a 1.5-liter 197-hp turbo engine (like the Fiesta ST).
- A number of clever decisions in the rear end design make it the largest and most comfortable in the small SUV class.
- Equipment: digital dashboard, second-level assisted driving and permanent internet connection.
This car is so good that it was even voted car of the year by What Car in the past.
8. Ford Kuga (2019 - current )
It's a small SUV built on the Ford Focus hatchback platform, which is already a distinct advantage. Add to that an extensive range of engines, plenty of technology and a spacious interior, and it's clear why Ford has already sold more than a million such vehicles worldwide.
Characteristics:
- The 1.5 Ecoboost gasoline engine is available with 120 or 150 hp. Ecoblue diesel engine with 120 hp. The new 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid with 225 hp emits just 26 g/km of CO2 (NEDC). It is based on a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter gasoline engine. PHEV. It can travel up to 56 km on electric power thanks to 14.4 kWh batteries. There is also a mild hybrid Ecoblue diesel with 190 hp.
- Base equipment includes: 17-inch alloy wheels, heated windshield, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and front and rear parking sensors.
- Safety: dual front and side airbags for front passengers. Curtains for all passengers, ISOFIX anchorages, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, automatic emergency braking with hazard warning, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.
7. Hyundai Kona (2020-2023)
The main feature of the Kona is its design, and this car from Hyundai will be on the first or last place on your list, but will definitely not leave you indifferent. Behind the stylish solutions there is a sleek motor, a lot of features and not bad handling, although a bit inferior to some small SUVs from Ford.
Characteristics:
- The 1.0-liter 120 hp T-GDi gasoline engine is available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) as an option. For improved fuel economy, a hybrid version with 48 kW and a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission is also available. Maximum power: 120 hp, maximum torque: 200 Nm (7DCT)/172 Nm (6MT and 6iMT).
- The Kona's interior looks stylish, is logically structured and features an intuitive infotainment system.
6. Hyundai Tucson (2020-2022)
The Hyundai Tucson is among the most popular compact SUVs due to its excellent performance, stylish design and affordable price. It is the optimal choice for SUV enthusiasts who are looking for a vehicle with a comfortable cabin for five passengers. The interior of Hyundai Tucson combines elegance, practicality and innovative technologies. The interior upholstery depends on the choice of equipment. The base version of the SUV is equipped with high-quality fabric trim, while the Tucson Limited version offers premium leather and faux leather options.
Characteristics:
- The powertrain includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder GDI engine, 164 hp. Power is transmitted to the front wheels by a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is also available.
- The vehicle is equipped with a comfortable 8-inch touchscreen display, high-definition (HD) radio, multimedia with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A 10.25-inch display is available as an option.
5. Renault Duster (2017 - current)
This French SUV has an all-wheel drive version, which can be confidently attributed to full-fledged SUVs. It stands out for its excellent cross-country ability, compact dimensions and roomy interior. With a high ground clearance of 210 mm, the car is able to cope with unfavorable road conditions and light off-roading. The Duster is reliable and economical and has become the most popular car from Renault in recent years.
- Equipment - diesel and two gasoline engines, 1.5 liters. The car is available with manual and automatic transmission.
- The dashboard features new center air vents with chrome bezels. The three-spoke steering wheel has soft-touch buttons to control music, phone and cruise control, among other functions. The device list includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen display with MediaNAV Evolution with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice control, as well as EcoGuide, a system that monitors driving style.
- Renault Duster safety meets NCAP standards for frontal, side and pedestrian collisions. Standard features include ABS with EBD, driver and passenger airbags, speed warning and rear parking sensors.
4. Peugeot 2008 ( 2019 - present)
The Peugeot 2008 stands out among small SUVs thanks to its extravagant design, which has become even bolder after the latest update. In recent years, it has become one of the top sellers in the Peugeot range and even topped the ranking of the best-selling compact SUVs in Europe in 2021.
Characteristics and Benefits:
- A productive three-cylinder gasoline engine with a capacity of 1.2 liters, 128 hp demonstrates excellent dynamics (acceleration to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds in manual mode, 9.1 seconds in automatic mode). The electric version has the same impressive dynamics (acceleration to 100 km/h takes 8.5 sec).
- With dynamic handling and a smooth ride, the 2008 claims to be the sportiest compact SUV in the Peugeot, Citroen, DS and Vauxhall family.
- Interior equipment: 3D cockpit (standard on the GT version), which adds a double holographic image to the 10-inch digital instrument display, comfortable steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, four USB ports. The luggage compartment is 434 liters in volume.
The advantages of the model are a productive motor and the availability of an electric alternative. Minuses - it is an average SUV in its class in terms of capacity.
3. Nissan Qashqai (from 2021)
The Qashqai crossover takes a special position in our rating. This car, though accidentally, but became a prototype in the creation of a compact SUV. If you are looking for a family car with great technological capabilities at an affordable price, Nissan Qashqai is one of them. Even with stiff competition, it remains one of the most popular and best-selling vehicles on the used market.
Characteristics and Benefits:
- Stylish design, 17-inch wheels are standard, a model with 20-inch rims is available.
- Practical and stylish interior. High quality trim, especially in the Tekna+ configuration. Not very spacious rear row of seats, but quite enough for children's comfort.
- Comfortable driving with cruise control, pedestrian detection, emergency braking, driver monitoring and surround-view cameras.
- Power units in the equipment: gasoline - motors 1.2-1.6 liters, 115-163 hp and turbodiesels 1.5 and 1.6 liters, 115 and 130 hp. Modifications with front and all-wheel drive are available.
The crossover is suitable for a small family.
2. Volkswagen Tiguan (2020 - current)
The Volkswagen Tiguan combines luxurious looks with comfort and has a more minimalistic profile compared to similar SUVs.
Characteristics:
- The equipment levels are S, SE, SE R-Line Black and SEL R-LINE. The base S offers a number of standard features such as a digital display, intuitive controls and sophisticated design, and heated seats.
- The Tiguan not only looks good, it functions well. It comes equipped with an economical 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 184 hp, 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Spacious interior despite its compact size.
- Driver assistance technologies: blind spot monitoring, parking distance control and traffic sign display, Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE technology package is available, which provides access to features such as rear cross traffic alerts, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and more.
-
Nissan Juke (2019 - current)
Nissan Juke first came on the market in 2010, becoming a pioneer in its class. The car combined dynamics, unusual design and compact dimensions. In 2019, a new generation was presented, which retains the spirit of the original.
Characteristics and Benefits:
- Juke is characterized by a unique extravagant style that many other manufacturers have tried to emulate. However, no car has been able to compete with the Nissan Juke in eccentricity.
- The interior space of the new generation Juke has become spacious and comfortable, filled with modern technologies and functional electronics. The car has a spacious luggage compartment.
- The Juke has retained its compact dimensions, convenient for city driving and for parking.
- Under the hood of the new Juke is a three-cylinder gasoline engine that can be combined with a DCT automatic transmission. An important step was the introduction of the Juke Hybrid version with an innovative system developed using technology from the world of Formula 1. The Hybrid variant offers a 25% increase in power with fuel economy of 20%.
Nissan Juke is the best small SUVs - beautiful, undemanding to maintain and easy to drive cars with excellent equipment. The disadvantage of the model is not the most advanced infotainment system.
This and other compact SUVs from our ranking can be purchased at car auctions in the U.S. and Canada, in both base and more expensive configurations.