View the best small SUVs, generally priced below $30,000. Compare small SUV reviews and specs to find a top compact SUV for you. Learn more about our rankings.
Related Lists:
#1
2013 Ford Escape
The redesigned 2013 Ford Escape impresses test drivers with its engaging performance and overall refinement. Some even say it’s ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Critics' Rating: | 9.5 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
Reliability:
| |
- MSRP: $20,995 - $28,595
- MPG: 26 City / 35 Hwy
#2
2013 Mazda CX-5
Test drivers give the 2013 Mazda CX-5 a glowing letter of recommendation for its phenomenal handling, near-perfect manual transmission and excellent fuel economy figures. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Critics' Rating: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability:
| |
#3
2013 Honda CR-V
While some competing SUVs offer more power, the 2013 Honda CR-V shines with nimble handling, a roomy interior and ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability:
| |
#4
2013 Chevrolet Equinox
With more power from its optional V6 and a better ride for 2013, the Chevrolet Equinox adds to its appeal as a versatile affordable compact SUV. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability:
| |
#4
2013 Subaru Forester
A large back seat and standard all-wheel drive are among the 2013 Subaru Forester’s high points, though test drivers say some competing SUVs offer nicer interiors or better fuel economy. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability:
| |
#6
2013 GMC Terrain
The 2013 GMC Terrain doesn’t have the most exciting performance in the class, but its high-tech cabin and roomy interior make it an appealing option among compact SUVs. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability:
| |
#6
2013 Toyota RAV4
Although the redesigned 2013 Toyota RAV4 no longer offers a V6 engine or an optional third row, reviewers appreciate its large cargo hold and long list of standard ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability:
| |
#8
2013 Buick Encore
While it’s not as powerful or spacious as some higher-ranking SUVs, the all-new Buick Encore pleases test drivers with controlled handling and an attractive, feature-packed interior. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | N/A |
| Reliability:
| |
#8
2013 Kia Sportage
Though not as comfortable or spacious as other SUVs in the class, the 2013 Kia Sportage stands out with a strong safety score, nimble handling, attractive styling and plenty ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability:
| |
#8
2013 Mini Cooper Countryman
Though many reviewers are impressed with the 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman’s roomy cabin, others are frustrated with its confusing tech features and the base engine’s sluggish acceleration. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability:
| |
#11
2013 Hyundai Tucson
The 2013 Hyundai Tucson is a good option for shoppers who want plenty of standard features. While the Tucson doesn’t have the most power or cargo space in the ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability:
| |
#11
2013 Nissan Juke
The 2013 Nissan Juke has available all-wheel drive and sharp handling, but its tight cabin and small cargo space may limit its appeal for some shoppers. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 6.6 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability:
| |
#11
2013 Nissan Rogue
The 2013 Nissan Rogue earns praise for its low starting price and high-quality interior, though test drivers say that some crossovers are more spacious, while others are more fun ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability:
| |
#11
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Test drivers say that while the all-new Subaru XV Crosstrek is short on power, it offers good fuel economy, standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable interior. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability:
| |
#15
2013 Dodge Journey
An optional third row makes the 2013 Dodge Journey unique among compact SUVs, but the base Journey can’t match the performance, fuel economy or reliability of top-ranked ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability:
| |
#15
2013 Jeep Wrangler
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler may lack the refinement of most crossovers, but when the pavement ends, the Wrangler remains one of the most fun and capable off-road ... Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 6.6 |
| Safety: | 7.1 |
| Reliability:
| |
#15
2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
Test drivers say that the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a powerful engine, but falls short with less cargo space and a higher price than many of its rivals. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability:
| |
#18
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a low base price and a roomy back seat, but it can’t match the performance and interior quality of top-ranked compact SUVs. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability:
| |
- MSRP: $19,949 - $25,949
- MPG: 19 City / 26 Hwy
#19
2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara
The 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara offers more standard features and better off-road capability than most compact SUVs, but critics dislike its underwhelming performance and outdated styling. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.0 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 8.1 |
| Reliability: | NA |
#20
2013 Jeep Patriot
Although it offers four-wheel drive capability, test drivers say that the 2013 Jeep Patriot can’t compete with compact SUVs that offer higher-quality interiors and better on-road performance. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.4 |
| Critics' Rating: | 5.8 |
| Performance: | 6.2 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability:
| |
#21
2013 Jeep Compass
Its low base price may attract value-conscious shoppers, but test drivers say that the 2013 Jeep Compass lacks the power, refinement and space of higher-ranking compact SUVs. Read full review »
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.3 |
| Critics' Rating: | 6.5 |
| Performance: | 6.3 |
| Interior: | 5.9 |
| Safety: | 7.2 |
| Reliability:
| |
