The compact SUV market brings several models that are easy to drive and work great in many situations. You might sit down and create a pro/con list of the models you’ll consider. You may want to see what various publications recommend. In the end, the deciding factors for you will likely be your budget and how you feel during a test drive. Most models in this class offer similar sizes and pricing, which can make the search a bit more daunting than you might like. Let’s look at some of the most popular models and see if they have what you’re looking for in an SUV.
Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is a redesigned model for 2022, giving you a vehicle with composed handling and a spacious, upscale interior area. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and you’ll find a long list of driver-assist features to give you the safety and alerts you want when behind the wheel.
Pros
- Premium Cabin
- Roomy seating and cargo area
- Lots of standard features
- Composed ride and handling
Cons
- Distracting touch-sensitive buttons on higher trims
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V remains one of the most popular compact SUV models in the market today. This vehicle gives you a generous cargo area, plenty of room for five people, and the technology you’re looking for in your SUV. The CR-V is one of the most fuel-efficient models you’ll find, making it a great choice when you want to squeeze more out of a tank of gas.
Pros
- Good fuel mileage
- Upscale interior
- Excellent cargo room
- Roomy, comfortable seats
Cons
- Base model is sparsely equipped
- Infotainment is frustrating
Ford Bronco Sport
The “baby Bronco,” as it’s more affectionately known, gives you the off-road chops you desire when you want an SUV that can take you out on the trails for some fun. You’ll find this to be a good SUV to drive, but it doesn’t have as many high-class qualities as other models you’ll see. Could this be the SUV you want to drive?
Pros
- A champion on the trails
- Good handling
- Supportive seats
- Useful technology
Cons
- Not as upscale as others
- Rear seats are a bit tight
- Infotainment graphics aren’t as sharp as we would like
Nissan Rogue
Another sales champion for its brand, the Nissan Rogue, is one of the most popular and useful compact SUVs in the market. This vehicle is attractive, affordable, and filled with impressive safety tech to give you the security you want out on the roads. While the Rogue is easy to drive, the acceleration lags behind other models, making this a vehicle you need to test drive before you buy.
Pros
- Good fuel mileage
- Ride and handling are impressive
- Lots of room for passengers
- Expansive cargo area
Cons
- Highway acceleration leaves a lot to be desired
- Not the best infotainment system in the market
Volkswagen Tiguan
When you want something a little different from the rest of the pack, the Volkswagen Tiguan is an excellent option in the compact SUV market. This vehicle is spacious and upscale, giving you a wonderful place for a drive. You might find the engine and some controls to be lacking when you take your test drive.
Pros
- High-class cabin materials
- Impressive cargo area
- Confident ride and handling on any road
Cons
- Acceleration is slow
- Wonky infotainment controls
Jeep Cherokee
Not much can be said about the Jeep Cherokee that will shine a positive light on this SUV. It can handle some off-road adventures, but it feels like the Jeep team forgot it existed for 2022. If you want an SUV with some good power, this could be the right one for you.
Pros
- Off-road capabilities
- Optional turbocharged engine is powerful
- Impressive infotainment system
Cons
- Poor handling
- Sluggish base engine
- Very small cargo area
- Lacks the interior quality of many competitors
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain fits in the compact SUV class very well, giving you premium materials in the cabin and a spacious area for you and your passengers to enjoy the drive. You won’t find a lot of room for cargo in this SUV, but you will enjoy the impressive infotainment controls offered.
Pros
- Extremely useful infotainment system
- Seats that fit adults in ever spot
- Smooth and easy drive
Cons
- Sluggish underpowered engine
- Limited cargo area
- Premium base price
Ford Escape
The 2022 Ford Escape is one of the most popular compact SUVs in the market. This little Ford is versatile, and it gives you excellent technology features. The interior quality lags behind some of the more popular competitors, but it might be a good choice for you. You’ll feel safe and secure when behind the wheel of the Escape.
Pros
- Impressive fuel mileage
- Comfortable seats
- Useful infotainment system on higher trims
- Large and versatile cargo area
Cons
- Interior quality leaves a lot to be desired
- Handling needs improvements
- The standard infotainment system is dated
Kia Sportage
Kia brings you an impressive small SUV to drive in the Sportage. No longer is this vehicle a low-rent model that can’t handle your needs. You’ll enjoy the best warranty in the class, a spacious cabin, and some useful tech in this Kia. Unfortunately, you pay for that with the lack of fuel mileage offered.
Pros
- Comfortable seating
- Useful infotainment system
- Good handling that feels composed
- Impressive interior build
Cons
- Fuel economy isn’t economical
- Small cargo area
Toyota RAV4
One of the most popular compact SUVs in the market is the Toyota RAV4. When shoppers want to avoid the CR-V, they turn to the RAV4 for their drive. This small SUV gives you a comfortable place for the ride and the reliability you expect from the Toyota brand.
Pros
- Large cargo area
- Fuel mileage is impressive
- Tons of standard and optional features
Cons
- Powertrain can be loud
- Slow touchscreen for some controls
Which one of these compact SUVs will be the one
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