With all the different makes and models of vehicles on the road, it can be hard to pick wheat from the chaff. Your friends and family can give you stories about their favorite cars, but sometimes the expectation doesn’t line up with reality – there were people who loved the Ford Pinto, but the model had a little too much risk of bursting into flames. That’s why we’ve put together our lists of the best cars in various categories.
Since their introduction in the 1980s, SUVs have climbed the charts to be one of the most desired kinds of cars. Their combination of comfort, safety, cargo space, and attractive designs blend style and substance in an elegant way. Over the years, the design has shifted more to urban usage rather than the rugged “country” style that initially defined them. As a result, SUVs have branched into various subcategories. The small SUV is a variation that emphasizes the more car-like aspects and tends to be more efficient than its larger, utility-focused cousins.
The Most Important Qualities of Small SUVs
Despite being within the SUV category, drivers have certain expectations about small SUVs. The following qualities tend to be high on the list for those who prefer to drive small SUVs.
- Durability – The car should be built well and able to drive on the road without needing a lot of regular maintenance.
- Efficiency – Generally, those who want small SUVs are interested in an SUV that actually gets decent gas mileage.
- Safety – Despite the smaller size, these SUVs are still expected to be safe choices for nervous drivers and those with families.
- Features – Although cargo and passenger storage may not be as large, small SUVs are still big on creature comforts.
Our Picks for the Best Small SUVs on the Market Today
Now that we’ve figured out the most important qualities However, itsa good SUV should have, it’s time to reveal our picks for the best ones out there today. This list focuses on newer models (2022 and 2023), so if you’re searching for a used small SUV, there are plenty of gems from the previous decade. We’ve chosen an option for each of the following categories: best overall, best on-road experience, most efficient, and best off-road experience.
- Best Overall: Honda CR-V – This compact SUV puts the emphasis on efficiency, boasting an impressive combined fuel economy, capping out at 40 MPG in the hybrid model. Despite its hybrid engine, the powertrain still packs enough punch to make drivers feel secure on the road. Its basic appearance reveals that this model is more substance than style, so it’s suited for those who want a safe, efficient, and practical ride rather than the best-looking car in the lot.
- Best On-Road Experience: Mazda CX-5 – Somewhat more of a budget option than the CR-V, the Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV that fits comfortably in the middle of the pack in terms of fuel efficiency (26 MPG combined). It possesses a sleeker look and a bit more storage space, but it truly shines in terms of its comfortable and smooth driving experience. Despite the affordable price tag, this model feels more luxurious than its price.
- Most Efficient: Kia Sportage – The Sportage is an impressive offering, with a sleek design and robust fuel economy in the hybrid models, cresting over 40 MPG combined. Although there’s a strictly gas version, the hybrid Sportage is both more efficient and more powerful. Kia continues to offer high-quality economy options for all its lines, and the compact Sportage SUV is no exception.
- Best Off-Road Experience: Ford Bronco Sport – The American-designed Bronco Sport leans more into the “S” in SUV, with due attention paid to offroad capabilities and features that are designed for an active lifestyle. Although it’s not as smooth a ride as the CX-5 on the road, it fares much better off the road and is a stable choice for those who want to explore the countryside whether or not the road itself goes in that direction.
These four models are by no means the only worthwhile small SUVs on the market, but they each have unique advantages that make them the best choices for 2023. Once you know the kind of vehicle you’re looking for, set up a test drive near you and see what it’s really like behind the wheel.