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: $21,545 - $29,745
- Invoice: $20,056 - $27,661
- Avg. Paid: $21,761 - $29,780
- MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy
#1
2010 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V provides one of the best combinations of safety, utility and affordability in its class. And with increased fuel economy, more power and a more ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $22,440 - $29,795
- Invoice: $21,318 - $28,305
- Avg. Paid: $22,716 - $29,931
- MPG: 22 City / 32 Hwy
#2
2010 Chevrolet Equinox
Previously a good - but not great - entry within its class, the Equinox gets a much-needed makeover for 2010. With more power, a revamped interior and ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 9.1 |
| Interior: | 9.1 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $24,250 - $31,000
- Invoice: $23,038 - $29,450
- Avg. Paid: $24,052 - $30,315
- MPG: 22 City / 32 Hwy
#2
2010 GMC Terrain
The 2010 GMC Terrain, a brand new compact crossover SUV, impresses initial test drivers with its value, excellent fuel economy and quiet, attractive interior. Though its mechanical ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 9.0 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $20,275 - $25,770
- Invoice: $18,878 - $23,974
- Avg. Paid: $20,450 - $25,750
- MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy
#4
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: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $23,280 - $30,935
- Invoice: $22,116 - $28,924
- Avg. Paid: $21,982 - $29,439
- MPG: 19 City / 26 Hwy
#4
2009 Saturn VUE
Redesigned last year, the VUE offers one of the best combinations of style, a comfortable interior and impressive performance in its class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $21,500 - $27,810
- Invoice: $20,103 - $25,585
- Avg. Paid: $21,290 - $27,498
- MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
#4
2010 Toyota RAV4
More than 10 years after it was first introduced, the RAV4 continues to shine for its excellent combination of power, performance and interior comfort.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $23,200 - $33,215
- Invoice: $21,455 - $30,919
- Avg. Paid: $22,802 - $32,321
- MPG: 19 City / 26 Hwy
#4
2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
A blend of the words "tiger" and "iguana," the interestingly named Tiguan is a sporty and appealing entry within its class. Its German driving dynamics and upscale feel ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $20,840 - $29,250
- Invoice: $19,859 - $27,575
- MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy
#8
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is a better-than-average performer in the vast compact SUV segment. It stands out for an enjoyable driving experience and lengthy warranties. However, poor interior quality ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $18,999 - $26,999
- Invoice: $18,239 - $25,919
- MPG: 19 City / 26 Hwy
#8
2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Suzuki Grand Vitara stands out for its low price, off-road performance and powerful engine options. However, it simply can't compete with the top crossovers in its ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $29,785 - $34,045
- Invoice: $27,605 - $31,481
- Avg. Paid: $29,519 - $33,698
- MPG: 34 City / 31 Hwy
#10
2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
Along with its Mercury Mariner Hybrid platform-mate, the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market. Most people expect that hybrid fuel economy ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $20,295 - $28,495
- Invoice: $19,214 - $26,707
- Avg. Paid: $20,115 - $27,889
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
#10
2010 Subaru Forester
Redesigned in 2009, the third-generation Subaru Forester rides smoother and looks better than ever before. The cabin is considerably quieter than before, with a stylish dashboard reminiscent ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $22,450 - $30,400
- Invoice: $21,282 - $28,504
- Avg. Paid: $22,201 - $29,800
- MPG: 16 City / 20 Hwy
#12
2010 Nissan Xterra
The Nissan Xterra is an affordable off-roader with strong V6 performance, but it doesn't match the car-like handling and nicer interiors of others in its class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $20,550 - $27,055
- Invoice: $19,407 - $25,120
- Avg. Paid: $20,651 - $26,984
- MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
#13
2010 Ford Escape
Thanks to performance upgrades last year, the Ford Escape is a smooth-riding, fuel-efficient SUV. However, a few reviewers still feel the revisions aren't enough to distinguish the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $18,070 - $25,620
- Invoice: $17,507 - $24,205
- Avg. Paid: $18,336 - $25,775
- MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy
#13
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: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $16,695 - $23,400
- Invoice: $15,895 - $21,850
- Avg. Paid: $16,947 - $23,570
- MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy
#13
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: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $21,545 - $27,245
- Invoice: $20,530 - $25,350
- Avg. Paid: $21,495 - $27,019
- MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
#16
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: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.7 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $21,165 - $32,050
- Invoice: $20,627 - $30,090
- Avg. Paid: $21,691 - $31,434
- MPG: 15 City / 19 Hwy
#17
2010 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is loved for its rugged off-road capabilities and boxy styling. However, its off-road chops come at a price -- on-road handling and comfort fall far short ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 6.1 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $30,030 - $31,780
- Invoice: $27,847 - $29,439
- Avg. Paid: $29,949 - $31,731
- MPG: 34 City / 31 Hwy
#18
2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
The Mariner Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy, elegant exterior styling and an attractive interior. Last year's model received modifications to smooth the transition between electric and engine-driven ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $20,340 - $23,130
- Invoice: $19,392 - $21,563
- Avg. Paid: $20,526 - $23,212
- MPG: 22 City / 27 Hwy
#18
2010 Nissan Rogue
Introduced in 2008, the Nissan Rogue is a decent value within its class. Its pleasant on-pavement ride, great cargo versatility, better-than-average fuel economy and affordable price trump ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $23,070 - $26,890
- Invoice: $21,514 - $24,990
- Avg. Paid: $23,228 - $27,001
- MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy
#20
2010 Mercury Mariner
The Mariner stands out for its attractive exterior and new safety features for 2010. However, despite last year's performance upgrades, the Mariner still trails top rivals in ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $23,255 - $28,735
- Invoice: $22,630 - $27,701
- Avg. Paid: $23,347 - $28,709
- MPG: 16 (2009) City / 22 (2009) Hwy
#21
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Liberty's strong suit is its excellent off-road capabilities. In spite of that, it can't match the raw power and refined handling of rivals and probably won't ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 6.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: NA
- Invoice: NA
- Avg. Paid: $26,558 - $26,558
- MPG: 25 City / 32 Hwy
#21
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: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $24,820 - $31,415
- Invoice: $23,455 - $29,687
- Avg. Paid: $24,079 - $30,382
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#23
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: $21,590 - $24,895
- Invoice: $21,088 - $24,168
- Avg. Paid: $21,089 - $24,274
- MPG: 16 (Est) City / 22 (Est) Hwy
#24
2010 Dodge Nitro
The Nitro stands out for its aggressive styling, class-leading 5,000-pound towing capacity and functional cargo space but it ultimately can't match the performance or interior quality of ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.0 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $17,795 - $24,550
- Invoice: $17,376 - $23,591
- Avg. Paid: $18,086 - $24,683
- MPG: 23 City / 28 Hwy
#24
2010 Jeep Patriot
The Jeep Patriot lives up to its Jeep heritage and receives plenty of praise as a genuine off-road vehicle. But in all other applications, it simply can't ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.0 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $18,720 - $25,135
- Invoice: $18,237 - $24,139
- Avg. Paid: $19,080 - $25,291
- MPG: 23 (2009) City / 28 (2009) Hwy
#26
2010 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 capabilities ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.5 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Exterior: | 6.8 |
| Interior: | 6.7 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
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.
