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: $20,700 - $28,400
- Invoice: $19,257 - $26,398
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
#1
2008 Honda CR-V
The CR-V's high ranking is based on its excellent combination of a practical interior and a reputation for safety and reliability in its class. Its major competitor, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.2 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $21,250 - $26,820
- Invoice: $19,655 - $24,405
- MPG: 21 City / 27 Hwy
#2
2008 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4's high ranking is based on its delivery of one of the best combinations of power, performance and interior comfort in its class. Compared to the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $18,980 - $23,575
- Invoice: $17,662 - $21,923
- MPG: 18 City / 23 Hwy
#3
2008 Honda Element
The Element ranks near the top of its class because it offers a distinctive and fun exterior design, comfortable front seating, and class-leading versatile cargo space. However, with ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $21,250 - $29,300
- Invoice: $19,869 - $27,396
- MPG: 16 City / 24 Hwy
#3
2008 Saturn VUE
The VUE ranks near the top of its class because it offers one of the best combinations of style, a comfortable, interior and impressive performance.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $20,995 - $26,195
- Invoice: $20,000 - $24,370
- MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
#5
2008 Kia Sorento
The Sorento ranks in the top half of its class for delivering good value on a midsize SUV with strong towing capacity and good safety ratings. However, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $21,195 - $28,895
- Invoice: $20,015 - $27,025
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
#5
2008 Subaru Forester
The Forester ranks in the top half of its class for delivering excellent acceleration and a surprisingly fun driving experience, along with proven safety and reliability. However, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 5.8 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $16,050 - $22,895
- Invoice: $15,270 - $21,370
- MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy
#7
2008 Kia Sportage
The Sportage looks, feels and drives like a more upscale SUV, making it a good bargain that ranks in the top half of its class. Along with ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 6.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $21,240 - $28,740
- Invoice: $20,137 - $26,930
- MPG: 18 (2007) City / 22 (2007) Hwy
#7
2008 Nissan Xterra
The Xterra delivers strong off-road performance and a versatile cargo capacity, but doesn't match the car-like handling and ride of others in its class. Still, it falls ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 7.9 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $19,349 - $25,149
- Invoice: $18,575 - $24,143
- MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
#9
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Grand Vitara offers standout off-road performance and a roomy interior, but provides a less comfortable ride in around-town driving than top crossovers in its class. Still, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $19,005 - $21,305
- Invoice: $17,979 - $20,095
- MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
#10
2008 Ford Escape
The redesigned Escape delivers a more comfortable interior and a tougher exterior than prior models, leading to a good ranking in the top half of this large ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $17,235 - $24,585
- Invoice: $16,709 - $23,237
- MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy
#11
2008 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is a good value and ranks in the top half of its class, but it lags behind competitors in overall driving performance and refinement.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 6.1 |
| Exterior: | 6.8 |
| Interior: | 6.7 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $19,990 - $25,110
- Invoice: $19,048 - $23,671
- MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy
#12
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander offers a stylish exterior, versatile cargo capacity and plenty of interior features and options. While it's a solid compact SUV option, the Outlander isn't a ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $19,250 - $21,990
- Invoice: $18,357 - $20,502
- MPG: 22 (Est) City / 27 (Est) Hwy
#12
2008 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue offers a relatively comfortable highway ride with plenty of interior space and some upscale touches for an affordable price. However, it doesn't offer the V6 ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 6.7 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $21,745 - $26,505
- Invoice: $20,500 - $24,879
- MPG: 34 City / 30 Hwy
#14
2008 Ford Escape-Hybrid
The Escape Hybrid is an environmentally conscious car with a comfortable interior and tough exterior, but it can't match the driving dynamics or overall quality of top-class ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 8.9 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $23,220 - $29,445
- Invoice: $21,711 - $27,531
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#15
2008 Pontiac Torrent
The Torrent delivers a roomy interior, comfortable ride and great safety ratings, which makes it a solid option for family hauling. However, its driving dynamics aren't as ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.0 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $18,660 - $29,535
- Invoice: $17,596 - $26,941
- MPG: 15 City / 19 Hwy
#16
2008 Jeep Wrangler
The 2008 Jeep Wrangler offers superior off-road capabilities in a rugged package. However, it sacrifices on-road handling and comfort, which lands it in the bottom half of ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 6.1 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $22,740 - $29,445
- Invoice: $21,262 - $27,531
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#17
2008 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox delivers two powerful V6 engine choices, crisp styling, and an interior noteworthy for its space and comfort. However, the steering and handling are not quite ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $20,330 - $26,125
- Invoice: $19,095 - $24,384
- MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
#18
2008 Jeep Liberty
The redesigned Liberty offers excellent off-road capabilities, a smoother on-road ride than last year's model and a more aggressive-looking package. However, it receives a ranking in the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.1 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $15,475 - $21,945
- Invoice: $14,562 - $20,450
- MPG: 23 City / 28 Hwy
#19
2008 Jeep Patriot
The Patriot is an inexpensive and roomy SUV with good off-road capabilities and classic Jeep styling. However, it still can't match the quality interiors and rear seat ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.9 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 6.7 |
| Interior: | 6.7 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $22,905 - $28,945
- Invoice: $21,607 - $27,164
- MPG: 34 City / 30 Hwy
#19
2008 Mercury Mariner-Hybrid
The Mariner Hybrid offers elegant, well-regarded exterior style, an attractive interior, and overall good value on a hybrid vehicle that delivers excellent fuel economy for its class. ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.9 |
| Performance: | 6.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $16,475 - $22,255
- Invoice: $15,492 - $20,752
- MPG: 23 City / 28 Hwy
#21
2008 Jeep Compass
The Compass offers car-like handling at an affordable price. However, it lacks the higher quality craftsmanship, sporty performance and off-road abilities of its competitors and falls in ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.8 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 6.4 |
| Interior: | 6.0 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $21,349 - $28,899
- Invoice: $21,136 - $27,743
- MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
#22
2008 Suzuki XL7
The XL7 falls on the larger side of the compact SUV class and now includes an optional third row seat for seven-person capacity. While it's a competent ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.7 |
| Performance: | 6.6 |
| Exterior: | 6.8 |
| Interior: | 6.6 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $19,595 - $24,665
- Invoice: $18,431 - $23,070
- MPG: 18 City / 24 Hwy
#23
2008 Dodge Nitro
The Nitro offers aggressive style, excellent towing capabilities and functional cargo space, but can't match the value or ride and handling of others in its class. For ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.6 |
| Performance: | 6.0 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 6.3 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $21,155 - $24,055
- Invoice: $19,998 - $22,666
- MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy
#23
2008 Mercury Mariner
The Mariner offers elegant, well-regarded exterior style and an attractive interior, but its aging powertrain can't match the performance of most of its competition, leaving it with ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.6 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $19,135 - $26,505
- Invoice: $17,923 - $24,794
- MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
#25
2008 Mazda Tribute
The Tribute delivers excellent safety features at an affordable price, but can't match the handling and power of rivals -- which contributes to an overall ranking near ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.5 |
| Performance: | 5.5 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $24,170 - $24,170
- Invoice: $22,720 - $22,720
- MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
#26
2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid
The VUE Green Line is a gas-electric hybrid SUV that offers decent gas mileage at an affordable sticker price. However, it can't match the more refined performance ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.4 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 6.4 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
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.
