SUV Rankings: Affordable Compact SUVs
Ranking of compact SUVs and crossovers, generally priced under $25,000. Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.
- MSRP: $29,645 - $33,725
- Invoice: $27,422 - $31,135
- MPG: 34 City / 31 Hwy
#1
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
Though the Escape Hybrid was officially redesigned in 2008, upgrades for this year have changed its performance significantly. Auto reviewers say the 2009 changes are for the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | NA |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $21,245 - $27,745
- Invoice: $19,778 - $25,806
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
#1
2009 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V, a longtime award winner, is appreciated for providing a safe driving experience with ample storage space -- now packaged in a sleeker design.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $21,500 - $27,810
- Invoice: $20,103 - $25,585
- MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
#1
2009 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 delivers an excellent combination of power, performance and interior comfort in its class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $20,435 - $27,670
- Invoice: $19,245 - $25,625
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#4
2009 Ford Escape
Though the Escape was officially redesigned in 2008, upgrades for this year have changed its performance significantly. Auto reviewers, while disappointed in the 2008 model's driving dynamics, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $24,300 - $32,940
- Invoice: $22,551 - $30,668
- MPG: 18 City / 24 Hwy
#5
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
The all-new VW Tiguan stands out for its German driving dynamics and upscale feel, which set it apart in a class dominated by SUVs with ho-hum driving experiences ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $20,275 - $25,770
- Invoice: $18,878 - $23,974
- MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy
#6
2009 Honda Element
With suicide rear doors, a highly configurable cabin and an incredibly angular shape, the Element is perfect for those who march to their own drummer. But the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $21,545 - $27,245
- Invoice: $20,530 - $25,350
- MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
#6
2009 Kia Sorento
The Sorento delivers good value with its strong towing capacity and excellent safety ratings. However, in comparison to its class, it falls short on fuel economy and ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.7 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $20,580 - $25,980
- Invoice: $19,610 - $24,492
- MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy
#8
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is a slightly better-than-average performer in the vast compact SUV segment. However, it isn't a standout due to lacking engine power and poor interior quality.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $16,695 - $23,400
- Invoice: $15,895 - $21,850
- MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy
#9
2009 Kia Sportage
Along with quality materials, driving dynamics and styling that rival leading SUVs, the Sportage has a base price that is thousands less than competitors -- making it ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $20,220 - $23,010
- Invoice: $19,278 - $21,450
- MPG: 22 City / 27 Hwy
#9
2009 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue's strengths are its pleasant on-pavement ride, good fuel economy and good value compared to the competition. However, it falls short on engine power without a ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $22,650 - $27,515
- Invoice: $21,082 - $25,508
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#11
2009 Mercury Mariner
Redesigned last year, the Mariner stands out for its attractive exterior, although reviewers have consistently complained about its aging powertrain and chassis. For 2009, Mercury attempts to ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $30,090 - $31,840
- Invoice: $27,852 - $29,444
- MPG: 34 City / 31 Hwy
#11
2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
The Mariner Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy, elegant exterior styling and an attractive interior. For 2009, it gets performance improvements including a new engine.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $22,310 - $29,340
- Invoice: $21,150 - $27,491
- MPG: 16 City / 20 Hwy
#11
2009 Nissan Xterra
The Xterra's strengths are its strong off-road performance and a versatile cargo capacity. However, it doesn't match the car-like handling and ride of others in its class. ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 7.5 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $18,499 - $26,299
- Invoice: $17,759 - $25,247
- MPG: 19 City / 26 Hwy
#11
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Grand Vitara stands out for its off-road performance, powerful engine options and roomy interior. However, it simply can't compete with top crossovers in its class due ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 7.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $18,070 - $25,620
- Invoice: $17,507 - $24,205
- MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy
#15
2009 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson remains a good value, but still lags behind competitors in overall driving performance and refinement.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $19,730 - $32,445
- Invoice: $18,484 - $30,335
- MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
#16
2009 Mazda Tribute
Redesigned just last year, the Tribute continues to be an excellent value. Still, test drivers consistently complain that it can't match the handling and power of rivals ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 6.0 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $20,710 - $32,090
- Invoice: $19,518 - $29,391
- MPG: 15 City / 19 Hwy
#17
2009 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is loved for its rugged off-road capabilities. However, it pays the price in on-road handling and comfort, which fall far short of other compact SUVs. If ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.1 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 6.3 |
| Safety: | 6.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $24,820 - $31,415
- Invoice: $23,455 - $29,687
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#17
2009 Pontiac Torrent
The Torrent is a competent but unexciting option in the compact SUV class. A platform-mate to the Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn VUE, it delivers a roomy interior ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.1 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $23,015 - $27,730
- Invoice: $21,659 - $26,012
- MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
#19
2009 Jeep Liberty
The Liberty's strong suit is its excellent off-road capabilities. However, even with last year's redesign it can't match the raw power and refined handling of rivals. For ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.0 |
| Performance: | 6.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 7.5 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $17,540 - $23,980
- Invoice: $16,507 - $22,432
- MPG: 23 City / 28 Hwy
#19
2009 Jeep Patriot
The Patriot is most appealing for its affordability and good off-road capabilities. However, it still can't match the quality interiors and backseat comfort of rivals -- although ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.0 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.1 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: NA
- Invoice: NA
- MPG: 25 City / 32 Hwy
#19
2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid
The VUE Hybrid is a green SUV that offers decent gas mileage at an affordable sticker price. Though not as fuel-efficient as some other hybrids, a new ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.0 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 6.5 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $22,240 - $26,220
- Invoice: $20,941 - $24,622
- MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
#22
2009 Dodge Nitro
The Nitro ultimately can't match the value or performance of its competitors. However, check it out if you want a rugged SUV with aggressive styling, excellent towing ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.7 |
| Performance: | 6.5 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 7.5 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $18,465 - $24,575
- Invoice: $17,363 - $22,984
- MPG: 23 City / 28 Hwy
#23
2009 Jeep Compass
Jeep's first and only crossover vehicle, the Compass, is a smooth-riding, affordable option within the compact SUV class. However, it lacks Jeep's trademark styling and off-road abilities. ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.5 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 6.8 |
| Interior: | 6.5 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
Unranked: Affordable Compact SUVs
Our rankings are based on analysis of third party reviews. Sometimes, we are unable to find enough reviews to publish a definitive ranking. Please check back later, as we are constantly updating our reviews.
2010 Chevrolet Equinox
MSRP: $22,440 - $29,795 | Invoice: $21,206 - $28,156 | MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
