Sporty Compact SUVs

Sportier small SUVs combine fun and practicality

Drivers seeking a little more fun in their compact SUVs at the expense of cargo space have a couple of options they can choose from. The 2009 Nissan Rogue (*Est. $20,220 to $23,010) carries over essentially unchanged from 2008. Looking very much like a shrunken Nissan Murano (*Est. $27,680 to $37,260), the front- or all-wheel-drive Nissan Rogue makes some of the same compromises as its midsize brother. The small SUV's sloping rear hatch gives it a sporty profile but cuts into the available cargo space, and the Rogue's upswept rear glass hampers visibility. Edmunds.com is critical of the Nissan Rogue's continuously variable automatic transmission, which creates an "odd, elastic feel in the driveline," but calls the Rogue's seating comfort "as good as it gets." For the most part, however, the Nissan Rogue delivers both economy and driving enjoyment. The Car Family observed average fuel consumption of over 23 mpg with the small SUV. Jonny Lieberman, reviewing the Nissan Rogue for TheTruthAboutCars.com, says "the Rogue feels young." He goes on to summarize that in everyday use, "the Rogue is neutral, balanced and sporty" and "a surprisingly fresh little ride."

The Volkswagen Tiguan (Est. $23,200 to $32,940), is an entertaining new small SUV derived from the same platform used by the Volkswagen Rabbit. There's just one engine offering: a 200-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers between 20 and 21 mpg on premium gas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Unlike the Nissan Rogue, the VW Tiguan has a more upscale feel about it. MotherProof.com's Lori Hindman says "the idea of quiet elegance, of having all the luxury I need without bragging about it, is why I love the Tiguan." Hindman is also a fan of the compact Volkswagen SUV's "positively punchy" engine response. In an Edmunds Inside Line comparison test against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Tiguan falls short in terms of cargo capacity, but it's deemed the best-handling compact SUV in that group. The biggest obstacle for the Volkswagen Tiguan may well be its window sticker. With a starting point of $23,200 (for a front-wheel-drive base model with a manual gearbox), it's significantly pricier than the competition. For example, the Nissan Rogue in its upper-level SL trim with all-wheel drive has an MSRP of $23,010, undercutting the base Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV.

Traditionally, the "sport" in sport utility vehicle hints at off-road capability. If you're planning to venture off the beaten path on a regular basis, critics suggest the Suzuki Grand Vitara (*Est. $18,499 to $26,299) if you're willing to live with a more truckish ride and a more cramped interior in exchange for some genuine off-road chops at a budget price.