This article is part of a directory: Best Cars of 2024
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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.

2023 Hyundai Kona N
Base MSRP
$34,950
Fuel Economy
20/27 MPG
Horsepower
276 hp
2024 Volvo XC40
Base MSRP
$40,500
Fuel Economy
24/30 MPG
Horsepower
247 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Base MSRP
$28,220
Fuel Economy
45/38 MPG
Horsepower
196 hp
2024 Kia Soul
Base MSRP
$20,190
Fuel Economy
29/35 MPG
Horsepower
147 hp
2024 Kia Seltos
Base MSRP
$22,840
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
146 hp
2024 Mazda CX-30
Base MSRP
$24,995
Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG
Horsepower
191 hp
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
Base MSRP
$23,860
Fuel Economy
31/33 MPG
Horsepower
169 hp
2023 Volkswagen ID.4
Base MSRP
$38,995
Fuel Economy
115/99 MPG
Horsepower
145 hp
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Base MSRP
$39,800
Fuel Economy
24/32 MPG
Horsepower
221 hp
2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Base MSRP
$53,550
Fuel Economy
92/79 MPG
Horsepower
402 hp
2024 Hyundai Venue
Base MSRP
$19,900
Fuel Economy
29/33 MPG
Horsepower
121 hp
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Base MSRP
$27,800
Fuel Economy
125/104 MPG
Horsepower
200 hp
2024 Audi Q3
Base MSRP
$37,400
Fuel Economy
22/29 MPG
Horsepower
184 hp
2024 BMW X1
Base MSRP
$40,500
Fuel Economy
25/34 MPG
Horsepower
241 hp
2023 Volvo C40 Recharge
Base MSRP
$55,300
Fuel Economy
94/80 MPG
Horsepower
402 hp
2023 Honda HR-V
Base MSRP
$23,800
Fuel Economy
26/32 MPG
Horsepower
158 hp
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Base MSRP
$25,195
Fuel Economy
27/34 MPG
Horsepower
152 hp
2024 Kia Niro
Base MSRP
$26,940
Fuel Economy
53/54 MPG
Horsepower
139 hp
2024 Nissan Kicks
Base MSRP
$21,050
Fuel Economy
31/36 MPG
Horsepower
122 hp
2024 Hyundai Kona
Base MSRP
$24,250
Fuel Economy
30/35 MPG
Horsepower
147 hp
2024 Buick Encore GX
Base MSRP
$25,600
Fuel Economy
30/31 MPG
Horsepower
137 hp
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
Base MSRP
$33,550
Fuel Economy
134/106 MPG
Horsepower
201 hp
2023 Kia Niro EV
Base MSRP
$39,550
Fuel Economy
126/101 MPG
Horsepower
201 hp
2023 Jaguar E-Pace
Base MSRP
$48,000
Fuel Economy
20/26 MPG
Horsepower
246 hp
2024 Chevrolet Trax
Base MSRP
$20,400
Fuel Economy
28/32 MPG
Horsepower
137 hp
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Base MSRP
$36,845
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
148 hp
2024 Cadillac XT4
Base MSRP
$37,895
Fuel Economy
23/30 MPG
Horsepower
235 hp
2024 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Base MSRP
$43,800
Fuel Economy
24/30 MPG
Horsepower
301 hp
2023 Fiat 500X
Base MSRP
$30,245
Fuel Economy
24/30 MPG
Horsepower
177 hp
2024 Mini Cooper Countryman
Base MSRP
$32,650
Fuel Economy
26/32 MPG
Horsepower
134 hp
2023 Mini Cooper Countryman Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP
$41,500
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
221 hp
2023 Jeep Renegade
Base MSRP
$27,850
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
177 hp
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Base MSRP
$22,995
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
148 hp
2022 Buick Encore
Base MSRP
$26,100
Fuel Economy
24/32 MPG
Horsepower
155 hp
2022 Ford EcoSport
Base MSRP
$22,040
Fuel Economy
23/29 MPG
Horsepower
166 hp
2022 Lexus UX Hybrid
Base MSRP
$35,750
Fuel Economy
41/38 MPG
Horsepower
181 hp
2022 Toyota C-HR
Base MSRP
$24,280
Fuel Economy
27/31 MPG
Horsepower
144 hp
2024 BMW X2
Base MSRP
$42,000
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
241 hp
2024 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Base MSRP
$34,390
Fuel Economy
53/54 MPG
Horsepower
180 hp
2024 Lexus UX
Base MSRP
$35,540
Fuel Economy
43/41 MPG
Horsepower
181 hp
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV
Base MSRP
$41,850
Fuel Economy
24/34 MPG
Horsepower
221 hp
2025 Mini Cooper Countryman Electric
Base MSRP
$0
Fuel Economy
TBC
Horsepower
201 hp

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.