Small SUV Review

Sizing up compact SUVs for 2009

Compact SUVs offer a compromise for small families that want the higher seating position and cargo flexibility of a sport utility vehicle but don't want to pay dearly at the pump. Small SUVs are generally car-based with seating for five, though some, like the Mitsubishi Outlander (*Est. $20,580 to $25,980) and Toyota RAV4 (*Est. $21,500 to $27,810) do offer third-row seating. Most compact SUV pricing starts well below $30,000. Four-cylinder engines are commonplace, either as the base or only engine offering. Some models offer more powerful six-cylinder engines as added-cost options. Compact hybrid SUVs are available, but the selection is very limited and, like their hybrid car counterparts, they carry a price premium over standard models outfitted with the most economical nonhybrid powertrains.

Because small SUVs aim to blend ride comfort and sportiness with family practicality and good gas mileage, the best reviews evaluate small SUVs not only on traditional performance criteria like acceleration and handling, but also on important daily-use aspects like cargo capacity, seating comfort and convenience features. Reliability and resale value are also important considerations.

One capability compact SUV drivers sacrifice is tow capacity. Heavy towing is best handled by more powerful midsize and large SUVs. The most popular small SUVs all have good safety ratings. For example, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue and Volkswagen Tiguan are Top Safety Picks at the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

We found excellent roundups of small SUVs at sources including Motor Trend, ConsumerReports.org, Car and Driver, Edmunds Inside Line and Truck Trend. Kiplinger's Personal Finance ranks SUVs based on resale value, insurance expenses and fuel costs. MotherProof.com evaluates compact SUVs from a mom's point of view, considering family-friendly features like car-seat compatibility, cupholders and useful cargo space. ConsumerReports.org's automotive editors purchase and test dozens of cars and trucks annually for safety, reliability and performance, picking a handful to recommend.

Larger SUVs are covered in our separate reports on midsize SUVs and large SUVs.