The Consumer Guide to 2008 Compact SUVs
by Jennifer Geiger
2008 Compact SUV Lineup
Base Price Range: $18,580 - $26,825 EPA MPG Range: 4-cyl 19/24 mpg city/highway, V6 17/22 mpg city/highway, hybrid 34/30 mpg city/highway The 2008 Ford Escape is updated with freshened exterior and interior styling, new features, and lower prices. This compact SUV is nearly identical in size and has the same powertrains as the 2001-2007 version. Compared with other compact SUVs with newer designs, Escape and the similar Mercury Mariner feel dated. With the V6 engine, fuel economy trails class leaders as well. The surprisingly frugal Hybrid may be the best value here, offering acceptable performance and besting 30 mpg in our real-world testing. | |
Base Price Range: $20,700 - $28,400 EPA MPG Range: 20/27 mpg city/highway The 2008 Honda CR-V gets no major changes after its 2007 redesign. It's not the most powerful compact SUV, but CR-V excels for its "just right" blend of comfort, refinement, and cargo versatility. Lots of standard safety and convenience features and Honda's reputation for reliability and resale value further bolster its appeal. | |
Base Price Range: $18,980 - $23,575 EPA MPG Range: 18/25 mpg city/highway The 2008 Honda Element is basically unchanged this year. Element isn't so much an SUV as a motorized gear tote for "active lifestyle" types. It sacrifices some convenience to rear doors that don't open independently of the front doors. And posh comfort or serious off-roading aren't on its agenda. It is, however, a roomy and adaptable little wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship. | |
Base Price Range: $16,895 - $23,745 EPA MPG Range: 4-cyl 19/25 mpg city/highway, V6 17/23 mpg city/highway The 2008 Hyundai Tucson is largely unchanged, but a new 4-cylinder Limited model is planned. Tucson is a pleasant light-duty people mover with modest off-road capabilities. We prefer versions with the V6 engine since it provides class-competitive power and is smoother than rivals' fours, if hardly more potent. Lots of standard equipment, decent road manners, laudable cargo versatility, and generous warranties qualify Tucson as a solid choice in this class. | |
Base Price Range: $16,475 - $22,255 EPA MPG Range: 21/27 mpg city/highway The 2008 Jeep Compass gets no major changes following its 2007 introduction. Compass is an SUV that flies in the face of Jeep tradition because it doesn't carry a pretense of off-road capability. Compared with others of its ilk, Compass lacks the overall refinement of the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, especially in interior decor. Fuel economy is decent for the class, but the 4-cylinder engine feels underpowered and coarse. Compass makes sense as a functional wagon for people who crave Jeep style but don't need go-anywhere Jeep capability. For most others, there are better alternatives. | |
Base Price Range: $20,330 - $26,125 EPA MPG Range: 15/22 mpg city/highway The 2008 Jeep Liberty is redesigned for the first time since its introduction. The second generation of this "Trail Rated" compact is roomier and more refined. Jeep calls Liberty one of its "traditional" trucks, as it retains the brand's trademark off-road prowess--unlike the more car-like Compass and Patriot. Shoppers who have no plans to venture beyond the pavement will be better served by more refined SUVS like Toyota's RAV4, but for those with real wanderlust, Jeep has a truck for you. | |
Base Price Range: $15,475 - $21,945 EPA MPG Range: 21/28 mpg city/highway The 2008 Jeep Patriot gets no major changes following its 2007 introduction. Compared to the mechanically similar Jeep Compass, Patriot feels more like an authentic Jeep. Compass and Patriot lack the on-road polish and cabin refinement of other vehicles in this class, but Patriot compensates somewhat with impressive available off-road capability. Most shoppers will be better served by more street-oriented trucks like the Honda CR-V or Suzuki Grand Vitara. However, as a daily driver ready for the occasional off-road foray, a properly equipped Patriot makes some sense. | |
Base Price Range: $18,660 - $29,535 EPA MPG Range: 15/21 mpg city/highway The 2008 Jeep Wrangler gets no major changes following its 2007 redesign. This Jeep remains a limited-purpose machine. Off road, it's a finely honed tool. On road, it's best considered a fun-in-the-sun runabout. | |
Base Price Range: $16,050 - $22,895 EPA MPG Range: 4-cyl 19/25 mpg city/highway, V6 17/21 mpg city/highway The 2008 Kia Sportage is largely unchanged. This compact SUV is a crossover that shares its platform with the Hyundai Tucson from Kia's corporate parent. Sportage and its design cousin, the Hyundai Tucson, are pleasant light-duty people movers with modest off-road capabilities. We prefer versions with the V6 engine; it provides class-competitive power and is smoother than rivals' fours, if hardly more potent. Lots of standard equipment, decent road manners, laudable cargo versatility, and generous warranties qualify Sportage and Tucson as Recommended picks. | |
Base Price Range: $18,850 - $26,220 EPA MPG Range: 4-cyl 19/24 mpg city/highway, V6 17/22 mpg city/highway, hybrid 34/30 mpg city/highway The 2008 Mazda Tribute is redesigned after a 2007-model-year hiatus. We have not yet tested the '08 Tribute, though its performance should mirror that of the 2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. | |
Base Price Range: $20,730 - $27,515 EPA MPG Range: 4-cyl 19/24 mpg city/highway, V6 17/22 mpg city/highway, hybrid 34/30 mpg city/highway The 2008 Mercury Mariner is updated, getting revised interior and exterior styling along with a higher level of standard equipment. Despite slightly higher base prices, Mariner offers little of substance over its Ford Escape cousin. The extra dollars bring only modestly upscale trim, a little extra sound insulation, and a more compliant ride. These compact SUVs are likable enough, but be sure to shop the competition first. | |
Base Price Range: $21,370 - $25,010 EPA MPG Range: 4-cyl 20/25 mpg city/highway, V6 17/25 mpg city/highway The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander gets an available 4-cylinder engine this year. Outlander is worth a look, but be sure to scout the competition as well. This crossover's virtues include a responsive transmission and flexible cargo accommodations. Among its vices are a raucous engine, subpar interior materials, and the Mitsubishi brand's record of weak resale values. | |
Base Price Range: $19,250 - $21,870 EPA MPG Range: 21/27 mpg city/highway The 2008 Nissan Rogue is a new compact SUV from the Japanese automaker. Rogue is based on Nissan's Sentra architecture and is a 4-door wagon with seating for five. Overall, Rogue's competitors are quieter and more refined, but this compact Nissan gets points for sleek styling and high levels of interior functionality. If you can live with Rogue's sometimes harsh ride, this little Nissan might make sense. | |
Base Price Range: $20,770 - $28,770 EPA MPG Range: 4-cyl 19/26 mpg city/highway, V6 15/22 mpg city/highway, hybrid TBD The 2008 Saturn Vue is a redesigned model based on a design from one of General Motors' European subsidiaries, Opal. Saturn loyalists may decry the loss of plastic body panels, but the redesigned Vue is a better vehicle by every other measure. V6 models offer ample power, while apparent attention to detail brings classy interior accommodations and a refined driving experience. Buyers looking for something a little larger and more powerful than a Honda CR-V, but who are not quite willing to commit to a midsize SUV, would do well to test drive this Recommended pick. | |
Base Price Range: $21,195 - $27,895 EPA MPG Range: 4-cyl 22/29 mpg city/highway, turbocharged 4-cyl 20/27 mpg city/highway Only minor trim alterations, equipment shuffling, and model-name changes mark the 2008 Subaru Forester. If you can live with limited rear-seat space, Forester is a rational alternative to bulkier, less-efficient SUVs. All models deliver respectable fuel economy in a pleasant, car-like package, but the 2.5 X and 2.5 X with Premium Package are the best values; the other models are priced against SUVs with more room and, in the case of non-turbo versions, more power. Forester's older basic design is betrayed mostly by a lack of curtain side airbags, which are now typically standard on its more-modern rivals. | |
Base Price Range: $19,349 - $25,149 EPA MPG Range: 17/22 mpg city/highway Aside from some minor equipment shuffling, there are no changes of note to the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Grand Vitara is among the strongest values in the compact SUV class and a worthy Best Buy. Its V6 engine could be smoother and stronger, but that demerit is easily offset by a comprehensive list of standard safety features, competent road manners, adequate passenger space, and competitive pricing. | |
Base Price Range: $21,100 - $26,670 EPA MPG Range: 4-cyl 21/27 mpg city/highway, V6 19/26 mpg city/highway The 2008 Toyota RAV4 is unchanged this year. Available with the most powerful engine in the compact-SUV class, seating for seven, and impressive cargo room, refinement, and road manners, RAV4 is worth a look. Toyota's reputation for resale value is another asset. Base prices are reasonable, but stickers skyrocket with options; our test AWD Limited V6 listed for over $31,000. Shop around, but don't leave the RAV4 off your list. |
Inside This Article
