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When it comes to finding the perfect small SUV, there are a plethora of options available on the market today. When it comes to finding the perfect small SUV, there are a multitude of options available on the market today. With so many makes and models to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your needs. This guide will help you navigate the often-tedious process of selecting the perfect small SUV, considering factors like performance, safety, interior comfort, and of course, value for money. Whether you’re a city dweller looking for a nimble vehicle or a family looking for a versatile weekend adventurer, read on to discover the best small SUVs currently available in the United States.
The Rise of the Small SUV
The small SUV has become an increasingly popular choice for drivers across the US. Offering a perfect balance between compact dimensions for easy maneuvering and a spacious, versatile interior, it’s easy to see why this class of vehicle has gained such traction. Often boasting higher ride heights than their hatchback counterparts, small SUVs provide a commanding driving position, offering improved visibility and a sense of security on the road.
Additionally, with the rise of hybrid and electric powertrains, small SUVs are now more efficient than ever, appealing to those conscious of their environmental impact and running costs. With so many manufacturers jumping on the small SUV bandwagon, the competition is fierce, resulting in a diverse range of feature-rich offerings that cater to a wide range of budgets and tastes.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Small SUV
When it comes to selecting the best small SUV for your needs, there are several key factors to consider:
Performance and Handling
While small SUVs may not offer the same power and performance as their larger counterparts, there is still a wide variation in engine options and handling characteristics across the market. From zippy turbocharged engines to efficient hybrid setups, each model will offer a unique driving experience. Consider your priorities when it comes to acceleration, top speed, and fuel efficiency, and be sure to take potential models out for a test drive to get a feel for their performance and handling.
Interior Space and Comfort
One of the key advantages of a small SUV is the extra interior space they afford over traditional hatchbacks or sedans. Look for models that offer ample head and legroom, both in the front and rear seats, to ensure comfort for all passengers. Additionally, consider the versatility of the interior space, with features such as sliding and reclining rear seats, and a configurable cargo area, which can greatly enhance the practicality of your vehicle.
Safety Features
Safety is always a top priority when choosing a new vehicle. Modern small SUVs are packed with advanced safety technologies, with many models offering a suite of driver-assistance features as standard. Look for vehicles with a high overall safety rating from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Key safety features to look out for include collision avoidance systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Value for Money
Small SUVs vary significantly in price, with a range of trim levels and optional extras that can quickly add up. It’s important to set a budget and prioritize the features that are most important to you. Consider the overall cost of ownership, including fuel efficiency, insurance costs, and expected maintenance expenses. By weighing up the features and benefits against the price, you can determine which small SUV offers the best value for your money.
The Best Small SUV Options on the Market Today
With the key considerations in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the best small SUV options currently available on the US market:
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a stylish and sophisticated small SUV that delivers an engaging driving experience. With a sleek exterior design and a well-appointed cabin, the CX-5 offers an upmarket feel at a competitive price point. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing a healthy 256 hp, resulting in brisk acceleration and confident overtaking. The CX-5 handles corners with poise and precision, offering a sporty driving experience that belies its practical SUV body style.
The interior of the CX-5 is a comfortable and refined space, with high-quality materials used throughout. Front and rear passengers are treated to generous levels of leg and headroom, ensuring comfort even on longer journeys. The rear seats recline and slide, allowing you to optimize the balance between passenger space and cargo capacity. When it comes to safety, the CX-5 impresses, with a suite of i-Activsense safety features including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
Key Specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 |
| Power | 256 hp |
| Torque | 320 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars |
Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is a relatively new entrant to the small SUV market, but it has quickly made a name for itself as a feature-rich and value-packed offering. With bold styling and a raised ride height, the Seltos has a confident and rugged appearance. The interior is well-designed, with a user-friendly layout and an impressive list of standard equipment. The Seltos offers a comfortable ride, with well-judged suspension that soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, making it a pleasure to drive both in the city and on longer highway journeys.
The Seltos comes with a choice of two efficient engines, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated or a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit, both mated to a smooth-shifting continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not the most powerful in its class, the Seltos has ample performance for everyday driving, and its lightweight construction keeps it feeling responsive and nimble. The Seltos also impresses when it comes to safety, with a range of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention warning system.
Key Specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L naturally aspirated or 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 |
| Power | 146 hp (2.0L) / 175 hp (1.6L) |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft (2.0L) / 195 lb-ft (1.6L) |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 29 mpg city / 34 mpg highway (2.0L) ; 27 mpg city / 31 mpg highway (1.6L) |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars |
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a versatile and capable small SUV that’s perfect for those seeking a little extra adventure. With standard all-wheel drive and a raised suspension, the Crosstrek is ready to tackle rough terrain and inclement weather conditions with ease. The boxy exterior design gives the Crosstrek a distinctive look, while also maximizing interior space for passengers and cargo. The interior is well-built and functional, with easy-to-use controls and a range of useful storage compartments.
The Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0-liter boxer engine producing 152 hp, which, while not class-leading, provides adequate performance for everyday driving. The real strength of the Crosstrek lies in its handling, with precise steering and minimal body roll, making it feel agile and responsive on winding roads. The all-wheel-drive system provides sure-footed traction and confidence-inspiring stability, even when the going gets tough. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Crosstrek can also tackle light off-roading, making it a great choice for those who like to explore off the beaten path.
Key Specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L boxer engine |
| Power | 152 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 28 mpg city / 33 mpg highway |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars |
Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is a sleek and stylish small SUV that offers impressive versatility and practicality. With its compact dimensions, the HR-V is perfect for navigating tight city streets and squeezing into tight parking spaces. However, the HR-V has an incredibly spacious and adaptable interior. The rear ‘magic seats’ can be folded or reclined. These seats offer a range of configurations to accommodate both passengers and cargo.
Under the hood, the HR-V is offered with a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 141 hp, which provides adequate performance for everyday driving. The HR-ving handles corners well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. One of the standout features of the HR-V is its fuel efficiency, with the latest model achieving an impressive 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. With a range of advanced safety features available, including Honda Sensing, the HR-V also offers excellent peace of mind for you and your passengers.
Key Specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L naturally aspirated inline-4 |
| Power | 141 hp |
| Torque | 127 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway |
| Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars |
Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is a bold and distinctive small SUV that stands out from the crowd. With its unique styling and range of vibrant exterior colors, the Kona has a fun and youthful character. This sense of fun continues into the driving experience, with the Kona offering responsive handling and a comfortable ride. The interior is well-designed and packed with features, offering excellent value for money.
The Kona is offered with a choice of two efficient engines, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated or a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit, both mated to a smooth-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The turbocharged engine, in particular, provides impressive performance, with strong acceleration and a sporty character. The Kona also impresses when it comes to safety, with a range of advanced driver-assistance systems available, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention warning system.
Key Specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L naturally aspirated or 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 |
| Power | 147 hp (2.0L) / 195 hp (1.6L) |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft (2.0L) / 195 lb-ft (1.6L) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Fuel Economy | 27 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (2.0L) ; 26 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (1.6L) |
| Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars |
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a perennial favorite in the small SUV segment, and for good reason. With its rugged good looks and go-anywhere capability, the RAV4 has a broad appeal that has kept it at the top of the sales charts for years. The RAV4 offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, with a spacious and well-built interior that can accommodate passengers and cargo with ease.
Under the hood, the RAV4 is offered with a choice of two powerful and efficient hybrid powertrains, delivering impressive fuel economy without compromising on performance. The RAV4 handles confidently, with responsive steering and well-controlled body movements. When it comes to safety, the RAV4 excels, with a range of advanced safety features available, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes lane-tracing assist, road sign assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
Key Specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L hybrid inline-4 |
| Power | 219 hp |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 41 mpg city / 38 mpg highway |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars |
Nissan Rogue Sport
The Nissan Rogue Sport is a compact and nimble small SUV that’s perfect for city dwellers. With its small footprint and tight turning circle, the Rogue Sport is a breeze to maneuver in tight spaces. The interior is well-designed and spacious, with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The rear seats slide and recline, providing flexibility to optimize legroom or cargo capacity as needed.
The Rogue Sport is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 141 hp, which provides adequate performance for everyday driving. The engine is mated to a smooth and responsive CVT transmission, which helps to maximize fuel efficiency. When it comes to safety, the Rogue Sport impresses, with Nissan's suite of Safety Shield 360 features coming as standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Key Specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L naturally aspirated inline-4 |
| Power | 141 hp |
| Torque | 147 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway |
| Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars |
Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is a rugged, capable small SUV built to take you off the beaten path. With a raised ride height, off-road suspension and standard all-wheel drive, the Bronco Sport is ready to take on any adventure you throw at it. The boxy exterior design gives the Bronco Sport a distinctive and purposeful look, while the interior is well-appointed and comfortable.
The Bronco Sport is offered with a choice of two powerful and efficient Eco Boost engines, a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter turbocharged unit, producing 181 hp and 245 hp respectively. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, these engines provide strong performance and responsive acceleration. The Bronco Sport truly comes into its own off-road, with a range of terrain management systems and advanced 4x4 technologies that make light work of challenging conditions.
Key Specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L or 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 |
| Power | 181 hp (1.5L) / 245 hp (2.0L) |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft (1.5L) / 275 lb-ft (2.0L) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 25 mpg city / 28 mpg highway (1.5L) ; 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (2.0L) |
| Towing Capacity | 2,200 lbs (1.5L) / 2,500 lbs (2.0L) |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | Not rated |
Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos is a sleek and sophisticated small SUV that offers a premium driving experience. With its sharp exterior styling and well-appointed interior, the Taos brings a touch of luxury to the small SUV segment. The Taos offers a comfortable and refined ride, with well-judged suspension tuning that soaks up road imperfections with ease. The interior is spacious and quiet, with high-quality materials used throughout.
Under the hood, the Taos is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 158 hp, which provides brisk acceleration and responsive performance. The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which contributes to impressive fuel efficiency. The Taos comes packed with advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera system.
Key Specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 |
| Power | 158 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 28 mpg city / 36 mpg highway |
| Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | Not rated |
So, Which is the Best Small SUV?
As you can see, there is no shortage of impressive small SUVs on the market today. Each of the models listed above offers a unique blend of performance, practicality, and features, making them stand out in this highly competitive segment.
When it comes to choosing the best small SUV, it really depends on your specific priorities and budget. If you’re looking for a sleek and sophisticated vehicle with a premium feel, the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Taos. For those looking for a fun and sporty ride, the Hyundai Kona and Ford Bronco Sport.
If efficiency and value for money are key considerations, the Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, and Nissan Rogue Sport are hard to beat. Meanwhile, the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota RAV4 are perfect choices for those who require a little extra capability and versatility for light off-roading and adventure.
Ultimately, the best small SUV is the one that best meets your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to test drive a range of models, consider your must-have features, and weigh up the overall package to find the perfect small SUV for you.
