Which is the Best Small SUV? These 11 Have Great Features and Affordable Prices

By Scotty Reiss

·Updated: August 18, 2024

We love small SUVs for all the reasons: Good road visibility, comfortable seating for all passengers, flexible space and plenty of conveniences. Plus, most have the option of all wheel drive for messy weather or steep terrain, they usually have a reasonable amount of power for merging onto the highway or towing a small trailer, and SUVs simply look good.

Here are our favorite small SUVs, with the features we love and a price tag that puts in the realm of reality.

Toyota RAV4, the Most Popular Small SUV, Priced From $28,675

The Toyota RAV4 is the best selling compact SUV in the country and for good reason: Not only is it spacious and capable, but buyers can get opt for any type of lifestyle in this SUV, from basic to adventure to efficient. There are three off-road models: Adventure, TRD-Off-road and Woodland Edition. There fuel efficient options, with almost all but the base model offered as a hybrid , and there is an electric-driving plug-in hybrid option for those who want to drive 35+ miles on electricity.

Buyers can opt for AWD for capability in snow, mud and sand; and with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, there’s room for lots of gear.

Honda CR-V, A Small SUV Priced From $29,500

The Honda CR-V got a makeover not long ago and with it, updated technology such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a new multimedia system and a beautiful new interior look. There’s a hybrid version of this small SUV that offers a bit of electric driving experience (EV mode allows you to drive on electric for a short distance) and fuel economy is much improved, at about 30 MPG combined for the gas model or about 43 in the hybrid.

And, in the new CR-V, interior space was a priority. Honda’s engineers worked to improve rear seat space to accommodate kids car seats, often a challenge in smaller SUVs.

Kia Sportage, Now Fancier, But Still Affordable, Priced From $27,190

As a brand, Kia is ambitious, moving from a value player to a challenger brand, competing with bigger brands on cutting-edge technology and premium features, but still at a lower price. For its recent makeover of the Kia Sportage, the company added off-road capability to this small SUV in the X-Line and X-Pro models, added hybrid and plug-in hybrid models to the lineup and made features like a 12″ multimedia system and Kia Drive Wise driver assist systems standard.

And then, all buyers get the angular, modern look to the Sportage, a design that translates inside, too, with a simple but smart interior design.

Hyundai Tucson Is City-Sized, Priced from $27,500

Redesigned in 2022 with a futuristic look, the Hyundai Tucson maintains that edge still, inside and out. On the outside its dynamic front grille lights up the chain mail pattern; inside a large multimedia system is customizable and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (plus, a nice cubby to hold your phone).

The Hyundai Tucson is the ideal small SUV for the city, keeping options simple with four trim editions, from basic to fancy, and a single 4-cylinder engine option. The idea here is to keep prices in check–this model tops out at about $37,000–and offer lots of interior comforts and conveniences.

Jeep Compass Gives You All the Jeep Feels, Priced From $25,900

As good Jeeps go, they should always have all wheel drive capability, and thankfully, the Jeep Compass does. Leaving buyers with no second-guessing or even considering skipping AWD to save a few dollars. On that first surprise snowfall or muddy spring flood, you’ll be glad to have it.

The Compass is Jeep’s best selling model worldwide, and for good reason: It’s a workhorse with a turbo 4-cylinder engine, great UConnect technology, two years of maintenace included and a top price of about $34,000 for the off-road capable Trailhawk model.

Mazda CX-50 Delivers Style and Capability, Priced From $30,300

Mazda has been busy building out its lineup of SUVs, adding the slightly larger, more off-road capable Mazda CX-50 as a complement to the CX-5 (as well as the CX-90, CX-70 and CX-30). In the CX-50 buyers will find a spacious, beautifully designed cabin set for adventure in the city or out. The 8 trim options–4 offering a standard 4 cylinder engine, and 4 offering a turbo charged engine–span basic to luxe, with the Meridian edition being spec’d out specifically for off-the-grid adventure.

Subaru Outback, Our Long-Time Love, Priced From $28,895

We’ve long had a love affair with the Subaru Outback. Its standard all wheel drive and capable power gives us the muscle we need on snowy, messy-weather days. Its no-nonsense cabin is comfortable but also resilient to what the weather–or a pack of toddlers or dogs–can leave behind.

The new Wilderness model adds even more off road capability, such as a higher ground clearance and skid plates. And with an updated and oversized multimedia screen that is bright and easy to use, and standard Eyesight driver assist system, the Outback has you covered in every way.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Will Leave You Feeling Rugged, Wild and Free

Volkswagen Tiguan Is All That, Priced From $28,880

VW calls the Volkswagen Tiguan the family SUV and for good reason: It’s roomy, comfortable and does most of the things a larger SUV can do, but for less money and in a smaller footprint. And, it does have a 3rd row option for those who really want it (though, it’s a small 3rd row, better suited for small people).

The mini-me of the VW Atlas, the Tiguan is VW’s best-selling SUV. We love it for the smart multimedia system, a full suite of driver assist systems, easy drivability and the option of all wheel drive that makes it a natural in challenging weather. And its sharp lines and classic look don’t hurt, either.

Nissan Rogue Just Got a Makeover, Priced From $28,850

Nissan just gave the uber-popular Nissan Rogue SUV a makeover for 2024 and while we wouldn’t have said she needs it, she certainly got better looking and more capable.

The redesign gives the Rogue a new modern look and feel inside, with a small, more modern gear shifter, a larger multimedia screen that houses Google’s operating system; just say “hey Google,” and your wish is her command.

On the outside, the Rogue has a new bossier, beefier look to it, bumping out some of the round lines for a more robust look and feel.

Ford Escape Offers All the Options, Priced From $29,495

It was a joy to see the 2024 Ford Escape debut with lots of new technology and more modern features, but also, sad to hear that Ford is phasing out this super popular and affordable SUV. We love its bullet shape and elegant front and rear end. And we love the range of options that buyers can choose from, from basic to Sport Line to the fancy Platinum edition to a plug-in hybrid model that is the top of the line, priced at about $40,000. Most models have the choice of a hybrid engine and all wheel drive, too, so you can get the fuel economy and driving capabilty you need.

Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro Inspired, Priced From $35,400

Brands that put some sport and spunk into their SUVs win our love. Such is the Chevrolet Blazer, which is Chevy’s SUV with the spirit of the Camaro sports coupe: it’s sporty, fun and capable. Buyers can choose from the 4-cylinder turbo engine or the V6 option, and inside the Blazer is nicely appointed with premium features, and all wheel drive is an option for those who need it.

It was nice to see Chevy return the Blazer to the lineup, and now, to add the Blazer EV, which takes the idea sporty modernity even further.

By Scotty Reiss

Journalist, entrepreneur and mom. Expertise includes new cars, family cars, 3-row SUVs, child passenger car seats and automotive careers ... More about Scotty Reiss