Cars

Compact SUV Comparisons

The compact SUV has become the default family vehicle in the US for good reason: it rides higher than a sedan, fits in an ordinary garage, seats five and swallows a real load of luggage behind the rear seats. Models like the RAV4, CR-V, Rogue, CX-5, Tucson and Sportage look interchangeable at a glance, which is exactly why the details deserve a closer look.

The powertrain is the biggest split. Many rivals offer a hybrid next to the base gas engine, and some are now sold only as hybrids. A hybrid typically brings much better city gas mileage and smoother stop-and-go driving, while a turbocharged gas engine may feel stronger when passing on the highway. Plug-in hybrids and EVs change the math again if you can charge at home, so compare electric range alongside the gas-mode EPA figures.

Next, check how all-wheel drive is offered. Some brands make it standard on every trim, others charge extra for it, and the EPA ratings for front-wheel-drive and AWD versions are not the same. Ground clearance is worth a look if you drive unpaved roads or deal with unplowed streets in winter.

Space varies more than the class name suggests. Cargo volume behind the rear seats can differ by enough to decide whether a stroller and a week of groceries fit at once, and rear legroom decides how comfortable teenagers or adults are on longer trips. Towing is modest across the class, and the rating often depends on trim, so check the exact version if you plan to pull a small trailer.

Last, compare what the base trim includes. Standard driver-assist features, screen size, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the length of the basic warranty are genuine differentiators when two starting MSRPs sit close together.

166 comparisons · 37 products