The impressive market share that crossover SUVs hold is testament to how the body style has grown in popularity. But it’s the modest small SUV that really impresses. This is in no small part due to the way they effortlessly blend the practicality of a high-riding SUV body with a smaller, car-like footprint that is ideal for the urban setting. Of course, their appealing price tags certainly don’t hurt either. Many automakers are locked in a fierce battle to present buyers with the best product, trying to one-up each other with more spacious interiors, additional infotainment and comfort features, or extra safety tech. Some have even gone so far as to create new, niche segments that slot in between subcompact and compact models. There really has never been more choice, and more indecision, when it comes to small crossovers and SUVs, so to help you figure out what the best options are, here is our rankings of the best small SUVs in 2024.
Characteristics of Compact SUVs
There is definitely no shortage of brands and nameplates within the segment, but while variety may be the spice of life, there are still many similarities binding all the models together. These are the qualities that set compact SUVs apart from other classifications:
What to Consider Before Buying a Small SUV
While a small SUV may be relatively affordable in the larger context of the automotive industry, any new car is still a big purchase decision. This is why it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons, as no vehicle is perfect. Here is the good and bad of the classification:
Pros
Cons
FAQs
What is the cheapest small SUV?
There are plenty of small crossovers that come in under the $30k mark, and many of them cost less than $20k when used. Some of the cheapest when bought new include the Volkswagen Toas, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue Sport, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester. Each comes in at around $25,000.
What is the best compact SUV?
As popular as they are, competition among compact SUVs is fierce. This means there are more than a few very capable options. Everyone will have a different opinion as to which is truly the best, but some of the top-rated small SUVs include the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Bronco Sport. If you have a slightly larger budget, great premium compact-size SUVs include the Tesla Model Y, Genesis GV70, and Lexus NX. Naturally, if you live in a bad weather state and need a crossover with AWD, your options will be more limited.
Are crossovers better than SUVs?
The distinction between these two types of vehicles has become blurred these days, with many people using the two terms interchangeably or combined. Actuality, SUVs are traditionally body-on-frame vehicles, whereas crossovers are unibody. This means that the latter is more comfortable on the road. However, SUVs are more capable off-road and more rugged in general. Crossovers are also generally smaller and more city-friendly. To say one is better than the other would largely depend on your point of view.