Browse our Compact SUV reviews here.

Once symbolized by the rugged-but-crude Jeep Wrangler, the ideal compact SUV has been transformed into a refined, useful, and livable vehicle. Though they are the smallest SUVs, that doesn't mean they can't accommodate four adults and a weekend's worth of stuff for travel off the beaten path and to the campground.

Perhaps the biggest change in this class has been the switch from a frame- to a car-based chassis. Dropping a ladder frame and live rear axle and going to a unit body and independent rear suspension creates more interior room, improves egress, and enhances refinement. At the same time, the switch to unit body reduces towing and payload capacity and, in most cases, limits off-road ability.

Still, compact SUVs are an excellent choice for active, on-the-go owners. They have versatile interiors, loads of cargo room, and are very maneuverable. Compact SUVs offer reasonable fuel economy and the security of available all-wheel drive.

Cool Compact SUV Features

Honda Element has rear seats that fold flat, flip up, and remove. Jeep Liberty offers a diesel model. Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner offer hybrid versions. Saturn VUE has plastic body panels that resist dents and rust. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is as off-road capable as an SUV can get. Subaru Baja has a rear-seat pass through to its pickup bed.

Like any vehicle, compact SUVs are built to a price point. Interior materials are sourced from the same parts bin that's used to dress an economy car. Engines and transmissions are swapped directly out of sedans, rather than being designed from scratch for heavy-duty use. And features found on larger vehicles, like rear-seat entertainment and navigation systems, aren't offered on many compact SUVs.

Compact SUVs are designed for singles or small families on the move. They offer adequate passenger room and a modest amount of cargo capacity. The upright design makes for good outward visibility, and the tall ride height gives drivers a commanding view of the road.

What to look for in a compact SUV
Most compact SUVs offer front-drive or all-wheel drive. If you live where there is little snow, then a front-drive model is all you'd ever need. If you live in a hilly area where snow is a real possibility for half the year, you should consider all-wheel drive.

Be warned, the all-wheel-drive systems in most compact SUVs are not designed for rugged off-road driving. They can cope with gravel and dirt roads, but shouldn't be expected to do much more.

A few compact SUVs, Jeep Liberty and Wrangler and Suzuki Grand Vitara, offer rear-drive or 4WD with a low range for off-road driving. If you intend to trek deep into the woods or live on a cattle farm, a true 4WD system makes a lot of sense.

The disadvantages of AWD or 4WD vs. a 2WD model include reduced fuel economy as well as higher insurance and maintenance costs. Finally, the higher cost of AWD is somewhat offset by its higher resale value.

If you are considering a compact SUV, make sure the cargo area is flexible enough to meet your needs. Some have rear seats that fold, others have rear seats you can remove. All have rear hatches, but some have separate-opening rear glass that makes loading and unloading small items a lot easier.

Finally, don't expect a compact SUV to ride like a car. Though many are based on car chassis, they have tough suspension systems, bouncy tires, and a higher center of gravity. This makes them ride more like a truck. There are a few that have a carlike ride, Subaru Forester for example, but on the whole, the firm and somewhat noisy ride of compact SUVs can grow tiresome on longer highway trips.

Compact SUVs ply versatility. Element features flip, fold, or removable rear seats. Wrangler Rubicon is an off-road giant. Baja has a cargo-bed pass-through. Click on images to enlarge.

Don't skimp on safety!
Because compact SUVs are built to be affordable to younger buyers, many important safety features are left off the standard equipment list. Regardless of which compact SUV you choose, be sure it has antilock brakes and curtain side airbags. They are two very important safety features that might save your life. Usually, these two features cost significantly less than $1000 total.

Another important safety feature available on many compact SUVs is stability control. Sometimes called skid control, this system will help the driver maintain the intended path on slippery roads. This is especially important on SUVs where the grip of an AWD system might have drivers going too fast through turns.

Another good safety innovation is park assist. Sensors embedded in the rear bumper will detect an object behind the vehicle and alert the driver through audible tones when reversing. Since the taller design of compact SUVs can often hide small objects behind the vehicle, park assist is a great safety feature.

Get what you need, not what you want
Before you buy a compact SUV, consider what you need vs. what you want. Do you need that V6 engine and the lower fuel economy and higher insurance rates that come with it? Do you need a leather interior that won't wear well on camping trips? Do you need a high-end audio unit that's likely to disappear when parking on unsecured city streets?

The compact SUV is a poor substitute for a family hauler. The tall ride height presents a fun jungle-gymlike challenge for children, but one that can be painful if they fall. A compact SUV's regular-opening rear doors aren't as convenient as the sliding doors on a minivan. And, in many, the cramped rear seats aren't designed for long-term adult use.

Many compact SUV buyers fall in love with the image, and overlook the vehicle's inherent shortcomings. Compact SUVs don't ride as smoothly as cars, they are noisy, and are generally expensive to insure. They do, however, offer reasonable fuel economy, a commanding driving position, and excellent utility.

Bottom line: Buy a compact SUV because you need it, not because you want it.

Compact SUV Roundup

BMW X3 Base Price:* $36,800 EPA Estimates* 6-sp man: 17/25 5-sp auto: 16/23 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Base prices place X3 in premium-SUV territory. A loaded X3 approaches $48,000. Like BMW's 3-Series cars, the X3 gives up outright size to most like-priced competitors, but delivers sporty performance and solid quality. Ford Escape Base Price Range: $19,380 - $28,525 EPA Estimates: 4 cyl, 5-sp man: 22/26 4 cyl, 4-sp auto: 19/22 V6, 4-sp auto: 18/22 Hybrid, CVT: 33/29 Body Styles: 4-door wagon By any name--Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner--these compact SUVs are Best Buy appealing: solid, spacious, practical, pleasant to drive. Keen pricing makes them high-value alternatives to larger truck-based SUVs that use more gas and aren't much roomier. Ultrafrugal Hybrids are pricey for the class, but that can be partly offset by the one-time federal tax deduction for hybrid-vehicle purchases--which ends with '06 models. Honda CR-V Base Price Range: $20,395 - $25,450 EPA Estimates: 5-sp man: 21/26 5-sp auto: 22/27 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Efficient and well-built, CR-V also appeals for relative comfort, refinement, and spaciousness. Some small SUVs offer more muscle, but none beats this Honda for thoughtful design, proven reliability, and resale value. Standard head-protecting curtain side airbags, ABS, and antiskid system only enhance its Best Buy credentials. Honda Element Base Price Range: $17,450 - $21,725 EPA Estimates: 5-sp man: 21/24 4-sp auto: 21/24 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Element isn't so much an SUV as a motorized gear tote for "active lifestyle" types. Though not designed for posh comfort or serious off-roading, it earns our Recommended label as a versatile, practical, roomy little wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship and thoughtful features. Hyundai Santa Fe Base Price Range: $21,695 - $25,895 EPA Estimates: 2.7, 4-sp auto: 18/23 3.5, 5-sp auto: 17/23 Body Styles: 4-door wagon All Santa Fes need more suspension composure, and the 2.7-liter V6 feels underpowered. But this high-features-per-dollar SUV is competitive within its segment. In addition, generous 5-year/60,000-mi. basic warranty and 10/100,000 powertrain coverage is impressive for the class. Hyundai Tucson Base Price Range: $17,495-$23,195 EPA Estimates: 4 cyl, 5-sp man: 21/26 4 cyl, 4-sp auto: 22/27 V6, 4-sp auto: 19/24 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Both Tucson and similar Kia Sportage are fine light-duty people-movers with modest off-road capabilities. We prefer the V6; it provides class-competitive power and is smoother than rivals' fours, though no more powerful. Impressive standard equipment lists, decent road manners, laudable cargo versatility, and generous warranties qualify these pleasant wagons as Recommended values. Jeep Liberty Base Price Range: $20,970 - $25,920 EPA Estimates: V6, 6-sp man: 18/22 V6, 4-sp auto: 17/22 Diesel, 5-sp auto: 21/26 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Liberty's on-road behavior is less carlike than that of its top competitors, but it has better off-road ability than most. Overall, it's capable, solid, and competitively priced, earning it our Recommended label. Jeep Wrangler Base Price Range: $18,070 - $28,465 EPA Estimates: 4cyl, 18/20 V6, 6-sp man: 16/20 V6, 6-sp auto: 16/20 Body Styles: 2-door convertible LWB 2-door convertible Wrangler is an uncomfortable, unrefined throwback. All versions have outstanding off-road ability and strong resale value, but prices are relatively steep. The Sport quickly tops $25,000, where Unlimited prices begin. Unlimiteds add precious cargo space and slightly better on-road feel without sacrificing much off-road prowess. Kia Sportage Base Price Range: $15,900 - $22,000 EPA Estimates: 4 cyl, 5-sp auto: 22/27 4 cyl, 4-sp auto: 21/26 V6, 4-sp auto: 19/23 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Surprisingly refined, reasonably roomy, and remarkably priced, Sportage is a strong Recommended pick. V6 versions are our choice for about the same money as rival 4-cyl models. An impressive list of standard equipment and a long warranty add to its appeal. Mazda Tribute Base Price Range: $20,115 - $24,700 EPA Estimates: 4 cyl, 5-sp auto: 22/26 4 cyl, 4-sp auto: 19/22 V6, 4-dp auto: 18/22 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Tribute and the related Escape and Mariner are solid, spacious, and rewarding to drive. They cost in the mid-$20,000 range, well-equipped, making them Best Buy alternatives to some truck-based SUVs that may be larger on the outside, but use more gas and don't have significantly more interior space. Mercury Mariner Base Price Range: $21,380 - $29,225 EPA Estimates: 4 cyl, 20/23 V6, 18/23 Hybrid, 23/29 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Despite somewhat higher sticker prices, Mariner is a Best Buy just like its cousins. The extra dollars mainly buy more-upscale trim, a little extra sound insulation and a slightly more-compliant ride, but those traits have appeal for some buyers. Whatever the name, these compact SUVs are very likable, especially with their frequent discounts. Mitsubishi Outlander Base Price Range: $18,499 - $25,949 EPA Estimates: 5-sp man: 21/27 4-sp auto: 21/26 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Though pleasantly carlike in many respects, Outlander isn't a class standout, let down mainly by a coarse, relatively weak engine. Also, Mitsubishi doesn't match most other import brands on workmanship and resale values. But that usually means deeper discounts, so Outlander is worth considering if you're on a tight budget. Saturn Vue Base Price Range: $17,390 - $23,050 EPA Estimates: 4 cyl, 5-sp man: 23/28 4 cyl, 4-sp auto: 22/26 V6, 5-sp auto: 19/25 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Forget the 4-cyl and go with the punchy, refined Honda V6, which almost offsets Vue's deficits in handling, comfort, and quality. Dent-resistant no-rust body panels, competitive pricing, and Saturn's high customer-satisfaction scores also appeal, but we'd still scout the competition. Subaru Baja Base Price Range: $22,495 - $27,495 EPA Estimates: 4 cyl, 5-sp man: 21/27 4 cyl, 4-sp auto: 21/28 Turbo, 5-sp man: 19/25 Turbo, 4-sp auto: 18/23 Body Styles: 4-door crew cab Baja has less utility than a regular compact pickup, but its versatility, features, and carlike behavior have appeal. Turbo models are pricey for their size, but furnish far better acceleration than Sport versions. With either, you get most of the all-wheel-drive traction of a conventional SUV but with greater fuel efficiency and less unnecessary bulk. Subaru Forester Base Price Range: $21,795 - $27,895 EPA Estimates: 4 cyl, 5-sp man: 22/29 4 cyl, 4-sp auto: 23/28 Turbo, 5-sp man: 19/25 Turbo, 4-sp auto: 21/26 Body Styles: 4-door wagon If you can live with limited towing capacity and constrained rear-seat space, Forester is a highly rational alternative to bulkier, less-efficient SUVs. 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 the L.L. Bean, with more power. Otherwise, this Recommended pick combines AWD security, good cargo space, a stable ride, and respectable fuel economy in a pleasant, carlike package. Suzuki Grand Vitara Base Price Range: $18,999 - $24,699 EPA Estimates: 5-sp man: 18/23 5-sp auto: 19/23 Body Styles: 4-door wagon A big improvement over the outgoing model, Grand Vitara now challenges the best in this class. Power could be better, but a comprehensive list of standard safety features, competent road manners, and adequate passenger space make Grand Vitara a must-see compact SUV. Toyota Rav4 Base Price Range: $20,300 - $25,870 EPA Estimates: Not Available Body Styles: 4-door wagon Available with the most-powerful engine in its class as well as segment-exclusive seating for 7, the redesigned 2006 RAV4 stands out among compact SUVs. Factor in fine ergonomics and Toyota's reputation for reliability, and it's well worth considering. *Prices accurate as of October 31, 2005. EPA estimates for 4WD vehicles.

Compact SUV Specification Comparison

Vehicle	Wheel-base, in.	Length, in.	Curb Weight, lb.	Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	Fuel Capacity, gal.	Front Head Room, in.	Front Leg Room, in.	Rear Head Room, in.	Rear Leg Room, in.
BMW X3	110.1	179.7	NA	71.0	17.7	39.3	40.2	39.4	35.8
Ford Escape	103.2	174.9	3347	66.3	16.5	40.4	41.6	39.2	35.6
Honda CR-V	103.3	181.0	3428	72.0	15.3	40.9	41.3	39.1	39.4
Honda Element	101.4	169.3	3508	77.1	15.9	43.3	41.0	39.4	39.1
Hyundai Santa Fe	103.1	177.2	3752	77.7	19.0	39.6	41.6	39.2	36.8
Hyundai Tucson	103.5	170.3	3240	65.5	17.2	40.3	42.1	38.8	37.2
Jeep Liberty	104.3	174.4	4011	69.0	20.5	40.7	40.8	42.1	37.2
Jeep Wrangler	93.4	154.9	3200	47.1	19.0	42.5	40.9	39.7	35.3
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited	103.4	171.0	3721	63.3	19.0	41.9	41.1	40.6	36.7
Kia Sportage	103.5	171.3	3406	66.6	15.3	40.7	42.1	39.4	37.2
Mazda Tribute	103.1	174.4	3359	66.8	16.5	40.4	41.6	39.2	36.3
Mercury Mariner	103.2	174.9	3435	66.3	16.5	39.5	40.4	37.8	39.2
Mitsubishi Outlander	103.3	179.0	3461	60.3	15.7	38.9	42.3	38.2	35.5
Saturn Vue	106.6	181.3	3630	63.5	16.3	40.3	41.3	40.3	40.1
Subaru Baja	104.3	193.3	3480	--	16.9	38.3	43.3	37.3	33.5
Subaru Forester	99.4	176.6	3165	67.6	15.9	39.8	43.6	39.8	33.7
Suzuki Grand Vitara	103.9	176.0	3582	68.9	17.4	40.0	41.3	38.2	37.2
Toyota RAV4	104.7	181.0	3444	73.0	15.9	40.8	41.8	39.7	38.3