Best Small and Compact SUVs for 2024
The best used and new small and compact SUVs based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
The best small and compact SUV is the Honda CR-V based on our analysis of 12 million vehicles to assess their reliability, resale value and safety. Its overall rating of 8.9 out of 10 reflects the CR-V’s reliability, value retention and safety scores. A new Honda CR-V costs between $30,100 and $36,500 while a used version costs between $21,400 and $32,997. This small and compact SUV can seat up to 5 people and is EPA rated to deliver up to 30 miles per gallon in mixed city/highway driving.
The Small And Compact SUV category consists of 19 models priced between $23,860 and $43,300 for new vehicles and between $13,895 and $38,641 for used vehicles. iSeeCars has sufficient vehicle data to rate and rank 14 of these 19 models based on their reliability, value retention and safety scores.
With a near-perfect blend of flexible interior space and manageable exterior size, small and compact SUVs represents the ideal choice for an increasing number of car shoppers. That's probably why this category has grown new car market share in recent years while compact and midsize cars have shrunk.
The best compact SUVs provide a comfortable ride, responsive acceleration, high fuel efficiency, premium cabin materials, and confident, sporty handling. Top-ranked models, like the Subaru Outback and Forester, also include standard all-wheel drive, which means improved confidence regardless of weather conditions. Top sellers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 include hybrid options for increased fuel efficiency, and an increasing number are adopting plug-in hybrid drivetrains with over 40 miles of electric car-like operation.
Buyers seeking a premium nameplate should check out our Best Luxury Small and Compact SUVs list, featuring the top-ranked small luxury SUVs from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. Midsize SUV shoppers can browse our Best Midsize SUVs list, and full-size shoppers can look at our Best Large SUVs list.
With a near-perfect blend of flexible interior space and manageable exterior size, small and compact SUVs represents the ideal choice for an increasing number of car shoppers. That's probably why this category has grown new car market share in recent years while compact and midsize cars have shrunk.
The best compact SUVs provide a comfortable ride, responsive acceleration, high fuel efficiency, premium cabin materials, and confident, sporty handling. Top-ranked models, like the Subaru Outback and Forester, also include standard all-wheel drive, which means improved confidence regardless of weather conditions. Top sellers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 include hybrid options for increased fuel efficiency, and an increasing number are adopting plug-in hybrid drivetrains with over 40 miles of electric car-like operation.
Buyers seeking a premium nameplate should check out our Best Luxury Small and Compact SUVs list, featuring the top-ranked small luxury SUVs from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. Midsize SUV shoppers can browse our Best Midsize SUVs list, and full-size shoppers can look at our Best Large SUVs list.
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
9.024196
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.57156
/ 10
-
Safety
9.0
/ 10
Honda CR-V Summary
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover with mass appeal. It has been one of the best-selling SUVs since its introduction as a 1997 model. The current CR-V benefitted from a redesign for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,288 and 3-year-old models averaging $25,089.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
8.538733
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.724201
/ 10
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Safety
9.0
/ 10
Toyota RAV4 Summary
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
8.195281
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.612453
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
Ford Escape Summary
The Ford Escape is a compact five-person SUV with a smooth ride and efficient engine options. The current Escape was redesigned for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $29,828 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,407.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
8.021952
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.759395
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
GMC Terrain Summary
The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that seats five people with a roomy cabin and impressive fuel economy. The current Terrain was redesigned for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,939 and 3-year-old models averaging $24,337.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
8.002393
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.68942
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
Chevrolet Equinox Summary
The Chevrolet equinox is a compact five-person SUV with a comfortable interior and a smooth ride. The current Equinox was redesigned for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $28,912 and 3-year-old models averaging $21,742.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
8.293408
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.357629
/ 10
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Safety
9.0
/ 10
Subaru Forester Summary
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
8.582382
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.057466
/ 10
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Safety
9.0
/ 10
Subaru Outback Summary
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.410545
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.931585
/ 10
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Safety
9.3
/ 10
Volkswagen Tiguan Summary
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact sport utility vehicle with a reputation for engaging driving dynamics and upscale interior materials. The Tiguan has become VW’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and is currently in its second generation, with new models averaging $30,442 and 3-year-old models averaging $22,319.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.6
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.872852
/ 10
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Safety
9.0
/ 10
Kia Sportage Summary
The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle and a mainstay of Kia’s model line, going through several generations prior to the current Sportage, which debuted in 2017. The Sportage is known for its sharp looks, feature-packed interior, and low cost of entry, with new models costing an average of $28,105 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,380.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.2
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.251151
/ 10
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Safety
9.0
/ 10
Mazda CX-5 Summary
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover with seating for five and a reputation as a favorite for drivers. The current Mazda CX-5 was redesigned for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $32,211 and recent models averaging $23,771.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.984671
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.850766
/ 10
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Safety
8.6
/ 10
Nissan Rogue Summary
The Nissan Rogue is a five-passenger SUV with a roomy cabin and excellent cargo capacity. The current Rogue was redesigned for the 2021 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,623 and 3-year-old models averaging $21,320.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
8.216432
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.679632
/ 10
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Safety
8.41
/ 10
Mitsubishi Outlander Summary
The Outlander from Mitsubishi is a compact SUV with seating for up to 7 people. It was redesigned for 2022 with substantial improvements to its interior quality, refinement and overall execution, though engine power remains adequate at best. Previous Outlanders were offered in three basic flavors: the Outlander Sport, a smaller, two-row model, the Outlander, a somewhat larger three-row version, and the Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid option. The previous Outlander and Outlander Sport models were introduced in 2011, and the Outlander PHEV was introduced in 2014. New models of the Mitsubishi Outlander cost an average of $32,039 and 3-year-old models average $18,676.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.5
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.045042
/ 10
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Safety
8.68
/ 10
Hyundai TUCSON Summary
The Hyundai Tucson is a five-passenger SUV with an upscale cabin and plenty of room for cargo and people. The current Tucson was redesigned for the 2022 model year, with new models costing an average of $29,524 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,667.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.7
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.814487
/ 10
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Safety
8.0
/ 10
Jeep Cherokee Summary
The Jeep Cherokee has come a long way since its introduction in 1974. The current generation, introduced in 2014, was given an exterior update in 2019, along with some added engine options. The Cherokee is best known for its fuel economy, off-road capability, and family friendly design. New models cost an average of $32,172 and 3-year-old models average $22,989.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
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Value Retention
8.618258
/ 10
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Safety
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
8.093471
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.904421
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.821635
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Summary
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is an affordable subcompact crossover ideal for families on a budget. It was introduced as an all-new vehicle for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $27,997 and 3-year-old models averaging $19,605.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
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Value Retention
7.667255
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
Ford Bronco Sport Summary
The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV that combines a comfortable ride with off-road capability. It was introduced for the 2021 model year as a smaller more road-friendly alternative to the Ford Bronco. The average new model costs $32,096.
Pros and Cons
Key Features
Related Rankings
How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on the latest research by our data science team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We analyze data from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with the NHTSA's Safety Ratings to give you an unbiased guide to the best vehicles in each segment.
After being evaluated, vehicles with the highest average scores earn a spot in the iSeeCars Best Car Rankings. (No final score is given to vehicles missing a score in any of the categories, but scores for other categories are still shown.)
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).