We do like the exterior styling of the Jeep Compass, and the interior is just as straightforward and appealing. However, it has below-average reliability ratings, so even the affordable price point may turn into a more expensive investment in the long term. It also features underpowered engines, humdrum handling, and tight cargo space.
The Outlander does have 3 rows, something the majority of these competitors don't. That makes it affordable for a 3-row SUV. But since it has a dull engine, low-quality interior materials, and doesn't rank very well for reliability, buyers' money is best spent elsewhere. The Outlander had undergone a complete redesign for the 2022 model year.
One great thing about the 2023 Nissan Rogue Sport is that the Safety Shield 360 driver assistance suite of features now comes standard as of last year. And that long list of standard tech and safety features at this price point is something buyers shouldn't overlook. What they won't be impressed by, however, is the underpowered engine options and below-average cabin material quality.
We are fans of the exterior look, and it's getting an even better mini-refresh in 2022. However, the tricky space between the C- and D-pillars offers an essentially unusable window which makes rear visibility troublesome. The GMC Terrain's cabin is comfy, and the ride is smooth. Yet, there aren't enough upgrades from the mechanically identical Chevrolet Equinox to justify the higher price tag.
Like its other Jeep siblings, the Cherokee has a well laid out, if not simple, infotainment dash. It also truly holds its own off-road. Maybe that off-road focus contributed somewhat to the lowest fuel economy ratings in the class. Acceleration also suffers from a poor base engine, though a new optional 2.0L is available.
The Chevrolet Equinox fell just behind its corporate cousin. It's affordable and has good reliability ratings. The cabin is comfortable and roomy, and the infotainment dash is intuitive. The build quality materials could be amped up a bit, but it does have a diesel model that offers stellar fuel economy. At least that's a differentiator from competitors.
Sure the Tiguan has a funny name, but there's nothing funny about the driving experience. It floats down the road with the sure-footedness of a mid-size luxury sedan. It also has a great warranty and good reliability ratings, which means that it's a safe investment for the long haul. The rear cargo area is also particularly spacious.
The Kia Sportage offers the typical South Korean value proposition. Tons of standard features at lower prices than rivals. The Sportage is also smooth-riding with taut handling. It doesn't have the most cargo space behind the rear seats, however. Nonetheless, it's still a solid choice.
The Ford Escape was newly redesigned in 2020. This new version comes with the addition of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. We aren't the biggest fans of this new car-like design. Things are a little bland on the outside and the inside. On the plus, the dash is laid out in an intuitive and clean way. If you prize cargo space, the Ford Escape is one of the class leaders.
The Hyundai Tucson is related to the Kia Sportage and has, essentially, the same pros and cons. Its smooth ride is counterbalanced by middling fuel economy ratings and smaller cargo capacity than some rivals in this class. It received a complete overhaul in 2022, including some radical styling. It might be worth your while to wait a few months to see what Hyundai has in store if your heart is set on a Tucson.
Even though the Nissan Rogue comes near the bottom of the pack in our rankings, it's one of the best-selling vehicles in the country. It's affordable and comes loaded with a large array of standard features. It's also surprisingly roomy for a compact SUV. The underpowered engine, however, tends to whine and struggle when picking up speed. It's noticeable enough to hear it in the cabin. The interior is also beginning to show its age.
Ford is bringing back its celebrated Bronco nameplate. While a true body-on-frame off-roading SUV is on the horizon, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a smaller unibody crossover version that appeals more to urban dwellers. We are fans of the design and the clean interior (although the C-pillar is a bit strange). The driving dynamics are promising, but it is a bit more expensive than competitors.
The venerable Forester (a lifted station wagon "disguised" like an SUV) has been selling like gangbusters for Subaru. It's easy to see why. The Japanese automaker's cars typically have great safety scores and solid handling with a comfortable ride. All of that applies to the Forester, plus it comes standard with all-wheel-drive. Not many other competitors in this class can say that.
Toyota's top seller was completely redesigned in 2019, and we are fans of the more aggressive styling (at least compared to something like Ford's Escape). The RAV4 has spacious dimensions throughout the interior, and it comes with an array of standard driver assistance features. Plus, the very fuel-efficient hybrid model is only slightly more expensive and comes standard with AWD. There really isn't a reason not to opt for it. New for 2023 is the Woodland Edition trim with TRD-tuned suspension.
While the CR-V may not have won us over on the looks depart from the outside, once you sit in the cockpit you can't help but appreciate the obvious care and precision with which Honda appointed its vehicle. It has the most space in the class, great fuel economy, an upscale interior, and a smooth-as-can-be ride. No wonder it's a perennial best-seller.
Mazda's CX-5 outsells the rest of Mazda's lineup combined. It's easy to see why. Both the exterior and interior are gorgeous. The sheet metal shines in classy waves, and the minimalist interior looks like it was pulled straight out of the luxury class. The powerful engines provide a pleasant and engaging driving experience, and it doesn't come at the expense of fuel economy. What is there not to like?
