Adventure awaits in the all-new Honda Passport SUV.
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best small SUVs for you.
You live in the city. But on the weekends, you’re all about being off the grid and under the stars.
We get it. You need adventure to balance the weekday grind, a car that has all the phone and tech connectivity to keep you moving at warp speed and maybe even 4×4 for off-road fun. But you still need something that can squeeze the family in, that is easy to park in the city and that is kind to your budget. Welcome the small SUV, your ideal match!
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best small SUVs that can provide all of the above. Regardless of price, they’re all capable of being a family vehicle that is ready for weekend adventures!
10 Adventure-Friendly Small Sport Utility Vehicles
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is not just a great small SUV, it’s also a a PHEV:plug-in electric hybrid. And, it has a third row to boot!
“It wasn’t just the hybrid powertrain that had me skeptical, I’ve driven some pretty nice hybrids, but it was the combination of this being a plugin hybrid and an SUV. See, I expect a lot from my SUVs. I treat them like pickups, driving them across fields, down riverbanks, and up washed-out dirt roads. I haul animal feed and bales of hay and wood chips and garden supplies in the cargo space. We really put these vehicles through their paces which means I’m looking for power, durability, and practicality as well as comfort for our family.”
Starting Price: $20,945 USD
Drive: AWC = All Wheel Control which essentially means Mitsubishi’s version of all wheel drive
Towing: 1500 to 3500 lbs
Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo (behind passengers) Space: 34.2
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is all ready for a weekend adventure and is trail-rated to boot. Pack up the family and find an off-road trail. The cargo space isn’t huge but still sufficient for the dog and a tent on your off-road adventure.
Read more about the Compass Trailhawk versus the Cherokee Overland coming soon!
Starting Price: $22,095 USD for the Sport model
Drive: Available 4×4 with Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud and Rock modes
Towing: Up to 2000 lbs
Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo (behind Passengers) Space: 27.2
VW Tiguan
“Having driven the Tiguan before, at an automotive event, I knew that I liked it, but I think at that point I was enamored by the Habanero Orange Metallic paint job and the roof rack that made this compact SUV look so sporty and fun. Until I got one to drive for a week I had no idea just how much I would love and appreciate this car. I really didn’t want to give it back. The Tiguan was completely redesigned last year, updated to look like a mini-version of the very popular VW Atlas 3-row SUV. It has a sharper, more sculpted look and a classic SUV shape. And, with American car buyers demonstrated demand for third row SUVs, the company extended the body a few inches to add the option ofa third row.”
Starting Price: $24,295 USD
Drive: Available 4×4 with on road, off road and snow mode
Towing: Up to 1500 lbs
Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo (behind Passengers) Space: 33 (behind the second row)
A few years ago Mazda rebranded as a premium car company. Still value priced—especially for what you get— the brand has been making waves; it’s a great car for a smart girl who wants luxury but doesn’t need a flashy badge to tell the world.
Sort of like the stealth goodness of a demure but luxe Saint Laurent bag versus the bright interlocking double C’s that announce a Chanel bag. Inside, they are smartly designed and appointed with quality details, but on the outside they have a different message to the world. One says “I got this,” the other says “look out, here I come!” Mazda is just such a luxury car. It delivers the luxury features you need, but minus the flashy badge. And, as long as the luxury is real, we’re good with that.
Starting Price: $24,350 USD
Drive: FWD with available AWD
Towing: 2000 to 3500 lbs
Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo (behind passengers) Space: 31
Subaru Forester
“Subaru’s reputation is rooted in all-wheel drive and 4WD capability; it was the first brand to offer this technology across all its models and why it became so popular with drivers in the Northern States where you really need the capability.
X Mode lets you choose the amount of all-wheel drive assist you to want the Subaru to kick in; but dual-mode X Mode adds to it with automated capability on challenging surfaces: The system controls acceleration and braking to maximize grip on rough terrain, mud, snow, gravel, sand, hills; you just take your foot off the brake or gas and the system self-regulates. All you do is steer, again, taking some of the distraction out of these situations; steering itself can be a challenge in many places!”
Starting Price: $24,295 USD
Drive: Standard AWD
Towing: 1600 to 3300lbs
Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo (behind Passengers) Space: 35.4
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain is a classic in my opinion, with beautiful GMC DNA and functionality.
With Apple CarPlay + Android Auto standard and available in-car 4G LTE WIFI with GMC OnStar and a very spacious cabin for the whole family, you are set for city driving. The towing capability combined with available AWD and 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space (behind passengers) will have you packing your bags and boat for adventurous weekend getaways. The front to backload floor of 8″ with the seats folded down, means you can even fit your kayak inside the Terrain should you want to!
Starting Price: $25,000 USD
Drive: FWD or AWD option
Towing: The GMC Terrain can tow up to 3,500 lbs
Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo (behind Passengers) Space: 29.6
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 can easily take you from the city with a hybrid model all the way off-road with larger wheel wells on the AWD models. “You see them on the highway: The Toyota RAV4 loaded with gear – kayaks and surfboards and fishing rods – and you wonder where that car is headed and what adventure they’ll soon see.”
“If you’re road tripping with a group, your rear passengers will be happy as well. Charging ports are within reach, there’s a drop-down cupholder in the third (middle) seat, and the legroom is spacious. The double sunroof adds to the feeling of roominess and really brings the outdoor in when on the road. The back seat stayed cool with the powerful air conditioning and proper vent locations.”
Starting Price: $25,650 USD
Drive: Hybrid, FWD and AWD available
Towing: 1700lbs for the Hybrid to 3500lbs for the top models
Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo (behind Passengers) Space: 37.5
Kia Sportage
“There were some specific needs and some specific wants that I had in mind while I was shopping around for our new family car. Needs for size, safety, reliability and fuel, and wants for aesthetics and personal preference.
I needed a vehicle big enough to fit my family of three and two small dogs and still have enough room to load it all in for road trips so, an SUV made the most sense. It was also important for us to buy a vehicle that was competitive on gas mileage, had advanced safety features and a nice technology package.
I knew this would be the car my son would end up learning to drive in and most likely own himself in six years. So I wanted to make sure that he would be in a safe car with handsfree technology. The Kia Sportage fit the bill.
Starting Price: $23,990 USD
Drive: FWD and available AWD
Towing: 1600 lbs to s
Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo (behind passengers) Space: 30
Chevy Blazer
“It’s eye-catching and bold, bolder than its predecessor – one of the original SUVs on the road – that went out of production in 2005. But the Chevy Blazer is back and takes inspiration in style and design from one of the most iconic Chevy models ever – the Camaro.
Taking a nod from Camaro, the sporty body design is appealing with thin LED headlamps under the headlights, and the Chevrolet bowtie emblem stands out against the all-black grille. The interior has large climate control dials that also hail from the Camaro interior. And like the Camaro, the motor doesn’t disappoint, either. It’s the same drive train as the Chevrolet Equinox and the Cadillac XT5.”
Starting Price: $28,800 USD
Drive: Available AWD
Towing: 4500lbs
Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo (behind Passengers) Space: 30.5
HondaPassport
With technology galore, the Honda Passport does not disappoint for both city and weekend travels. Standard Apple CarPlay + Android Auto here also as well as available Hotspot with AT+T. Tons of safety features like lane-keeping assist, collision warning system and advanced backup cameras. With 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the passengers, this is the largest cargo area in this class.
Starting Price: $31,990 USD
Drive: FWD and AWD (AWD standard in Canada) with Mud, Snow, and Sand drive modes with AWD.
Towing: Maximum of 5,000 lbs on the top models
Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo (behind Passengers) Space: 41.2
So there you have it, 10 adventure-ready, budget friendly small SUVs for you to choose from. Now, get out there!
