Best Small SUVs of 2023 and 2024
The Edmunds experts test small SUV contenders on our test track and in the real world. Our ratings assess performance, comfort, technology, utility, value and more. How we rank
Best X-Small SUVs
Extra-small SUVs are the smallest and least expensive crossovers you can buy. Cost-cutting is sometimes apparent, but top-trim versions can feel surprisingly upscale.
1st

Introduced in 2022
Volkswagen Taos
- Edmunds Rating
- 8.1/10
- MSRP
- $24,155 - $34,535
- Combined MPG
- 28 - 31
2nd

Introduced in 2021
Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Edmunds Rating
- 8.0/10
- MSRP
- $22,100 - $27,700
- Combined MPG
- 28 - 31
3rd

Introduced in 2020
Mazda CX-30
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
- MSRP
- $22,950 - $35,400
- Combined MPG
- 25 - 29
4th

Introduced in 2020
Buick Encore GX
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
- MSRP
- $25,600 - $33,500
- Combined MPG
- 27 - 30
5th

Introduced in 2018
Hyundai Kona
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
- MSRP
- $22,140 - $34,950
- Combined MPG
- 23 - 32
6th

Redesigned in 2020
Kia Soul
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
- MSRP
- $19,890 - $24,190
- Combined MPG
- 30 - 31
7th

Introduced in 2021
Kia Seltos
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.6/10
- MSRP
- $24,390 - $29,990
- Combined MPG
- 26 - 31
8th

Redesigned in 2024
Subaru Crosstrek
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.5/10
- MSRP
- $25,195 - $32,195
- Combined MPG
- 27 - 29
9th

Redesigned in 2023
Honda HR-V
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.5/10
- MSRP
- $24,100 - $29,700
- Combined MPG
- 27 - 28
Also Consider
10th

Introduced in 2022
Toyota Corolla Cross
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.4/10
- MSRP
- $23,610 - $29,015
- Combined MPG
- 30 - 32
11th

Introduced in 2020
Hyundai Venue
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.4/10
- MSRP
- $19,800 - $23,050
- Combined MPG
- 31
11th

Introduced in 2018
Nissan Kicks
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.4/10
- MSRP
- $20,790 - $23,350
- Combined MPG
- 33
13th

Introduced in 2016
FIAT 500X
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.3/10
- MSRP
- $28,965 - $31,955
- Combined MPG
- 26
14th

Introduced in 2015
Jeep Renegade
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.2/10
- MSRP
- $27,805 - $32,845
- Combined MPG
- 24 - 26
15th

Redesigned in 2017
Jeep Compass
- Edmunds Rating
- 6.6/10
- MSRP
- $28,400 - $38,340
- Combined MPG
- 27
16th

Introduced in 2011
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- Edmunds Rating
- 6.1/10
- MSRP
- $22,995 - $28,045
- Combined MPG
- 25 - 26
Best Small SUVs
Small SUVs are popular thanks to virtues like reasonable pricing, excellent versatility and a just-right size. They've supplanted midsize sedans as the sensible choice for many families.
1st
Introduced in 2023
Mazda CX-50
- Edmunds Rating
- 8.1/10
- MSRP
- $30,300 - $43,300
- Combined MPG
- 25 - 27
2nd
Redesigned in 2023
Honda CR-V
- Edmunds Rating
- 8.1/10
- MSRP
- $29,500 - $39,500
- Combined MPG
- 29 - 40
3rd
Redesigned in 2017
Mazda CX-5
- Edmunds Rating
- 8.1/10
- MSRP
- $29,300 - $40,600
- Combined MPG
- 24 - 28
4th
Redesigned in 2019
Subaru Forester
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
- MSRP
- $27,095 - $37,395
- Combined MPG
- 26 - 29
5th
Redesigned in 2023
Kia Sportage
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
- MSRP
- $27,090 - $37,890
- Combined MPG
- 25 - 28
6th
Redesigned in 2022
Hyundai Tucson
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
- MSRP
- $27,250 - $39,465
- Combined MPG
- 25 - 38
7th
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.8/10
8th
Redesigned in 2018
Jeep Wrangler
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.7/10
- MSRP
- $31,195 - $90,895
- Combined MPG
- 14 - 22
9th
Redesigned in 2019
Toyota RAV4
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.7/10
- MSRP
- $28,275 - $37,980
- Combined MPG
- 28 - 30
10th
Redesigned in 2020
Ford Escape
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.7/10
- MSRP
- $28,000 - $40,500
- Combined MPG
- 26 - 40
11th
Introduced in 2021
Ford Bronco Sport
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.6/10
- MSRP
- $29,215 - $44,655
- Combined MPG
- 23 - 26
12th
Redesigned in 2018
Volkswagen Tiguan
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.6/10
- MSRP
- $28,505 - $38,505
- Combined MPG
- 24 - 27
13th
Redesigned in 2021
Buick Envision
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.4/10
- MSRP
- $33,400 - $47,460
- Combined MPG
- 25 - 26
14th
Redesigned in 2018
GMC Terrain
- Edmunds Rating
- 6.5/10
- MSRP
- $28,700 - $38,600
- Combined MPG
- 25 - 26
Best Small 3-row SUVs
If you need a lot of seats on a tight budget, a small three-row SUV might be a good fit. The third row will be cramped for anyone larger than a child, but it's nice to have the option.
1st
Redesigned in 2021
Kia Sorento
- Edmunds Rating
- 8.2/10
- MSRP
- $30,090 - $43,690
- Combined MPG
- 24 - 26
2nd
Redesigned in 2022
Mitsubishi Outlander
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
- MSRP
- $28,395 - $40,845
- Combined MPG
- 26 - 27
3rd
Redesigned in 2018
Volkswagen Tiguan
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.6/10
- MSRP
- $28,505 - $38,505
- Combined MPG
- 24 - 27
Best X-Small luxury SUVs
Extra-small luxury SUVs offer a prestigious badge at an affordable price. They don't always deliver luxury-grade comfort and performance, but a few gems stand out.
1st
Redesigned in 2023
BMW X1
- Edmunds Rating
- 8.1/10
- MSRP
- $40,500 - $49,900
- Combined MPG
- 26
2nd
Introduced in 2020
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
- Edmunds Rating
- 8.1/10
- MSRP
- $39,800 - $51,500
- Combined MPG
- 23 - 27
3rd
Redesigned in 2021
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
4th
Introduced in 2019
Volvo XC40
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
- MSRP
- $36,350 - $46,500
- Combined MPG
- 26 - 27
5th
Redesigned in 2019
Audi Q3
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.8/10
- MSRP
- $37,000 - $42,200
- Combined MPG
- 23 - 25
6th
Redesigned in 2017
MINI Countryman
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.8/10
- MSRP
- $29,600 - $44,900
- Combined MPG
- 26 - 29
7th
Introduced in 2018
Jaguar E-PACE
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.5/10
- MSRP
- $48,000
- Combined MPG
- 23
8th
Introduced in 2018
BMW X2
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.3/10
- MSRP
- $36,600 - $38,600
- Combined MPG
- 27
9th
Introduced in 2019
Cadillac XT4
- Edmunds Rating
- 6.9/10
- MSRP
- $36,295 - $43,295
- Combined MPG
- 24 - 26
Best Small luxury SUVs
Small luxury SUVs cost more than their extra-small counterparts, but they typically offer a more comfortable ride, nicer materials and better performance, as well as a larger cabin, of course.
1st
Introduced in 2022
Genesis GV70
- Edmunds Rating
- 8.3/10
- MSRP
- $44,900 - $57,500
- Combined MPG
- 20 - 24
2nd
Redesigned in 2023
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
- Edmunds Rating
- 8.0/10
- MSRP
- $47,450 - $49,450
- Combined MPG
- 27 - 29
3rd
Redesigned in 2019
Acura RDX
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
- MSRP
- $44,050 - $53,850
- Combined MPG
- 23
4th
Introduced in 2017
Jaguar F-PACE
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.8/10
- MSRP
- $52,400 - $89,500
- Combined MPG
- 17 - 24
5th
Redesigned in 2018
BMW X3
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.8/10
- MSRP
- $46,900 - $61,900
- Combined MPG
- 23 - 25
5th
Redesigned in 2022
Lexus NX 350
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.8/10
- MSRP
- $42,815 - $50,265
- Combined MPG
- 25
7th
Redesigned in 2018
Audi Q5
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.6/10
- MSRP
- $44,600 - $67,000
- Combined MPG
- 24 - 26
8th
Redesigned in 2019
BMW X4
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.5/10
- MSRP
- $55,000 - $66,400
- Combined MPG
- 23 - 24
9th
Redesigned in 2021
Audi Q5 Sportback
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.4/10
- MSRP
- $51,000 - $59,700
- Combined MPG
- 25
10th
Redesigned in 2019
INFINITI QX50
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.4/10
- MSRP
- $40,300 - $57,350
- Combined MPG
- 25 - 26
11th
Introduced in 2015
Porsche Macan
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.2/10
- MSRP
- $60,900 - $86,800
- Combined MPG
- 19 - 21
12th
Introduced in 2022
INFINITI QX55
- Edmunds Rating
- 6.8/10
- MSRP
- $49,150 - $57,800
- Combined MPG
- 25
Best Small performance SUVs
Compact performance SUVs are among the most capable all-around performers on the planet, pairing major driving thrills with plenty of SUV versatility.
1st
Introduced in 2020
Tesla Model Y Performance
- Edmunds Rating
- 8.1/10
- MSRP
- $43,990 - $52,490
2nd
Redesigned in 2018
Audi SQ5
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.9/10
- MSRP
- $57,000 - $66,100
- Combined MPG
- 21
3rd
Redesigned in 2021
Audi SQ5 Sportback
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.8/10
- MSRP
- $60,400 - $68,500
- Combined MPG
- 21
4th
Introduced in 2018
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
- Edmunds Rating
- 7.6/10
- MSRP
- $87,370
- Combined MPG
- 19
Vehicles included in the data set are exclusively retail registrations to individuals and do not include rental sales or registrations from government bodies*
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Best Small SUVs
Small SUVs have exploded in popularity over the past few years, even though they are usually more expensive than comparable hatchbacks or sedans. It's easy to see why, considering that small SUVs provide a commanding view of the road ahead and a more spacious cargo area than traditional cars, as well as available all-wheel drive. This irresistible blend of visibility and utility, with a little rugged styling thrown in, makes compact and subcompact SUVs appealing to a wide range of new-car shoppers. Determining which small SUV is right for you can be tough since there are dozens of models to consider. That's why the Edmunds experts rate and review every SUV on the market — so you don't have to. Based on our own vehicle testing, we've put together this guide to help you narrow down your search for the best small SUV.
What is a subcompact SUV?
A larger compact SUV may make sense for families or people who frequently travel with friends, but you'll pay more for the added utility, and you'll also have a harder time parking the thing. If you don't need all that space or you just want to save a few bucks (who doesn't?), consider a smaller subcompact SUV instead. You still get the elevated ride height and useful cargo bay of a crossover, but you'll enjoy easier parking and likely better fuel efficiency too.
What is a compact SUV?
If a subcompact SUV just doesn't work for you — whether you require extra room, a nicer interior, better ride quality or more power — it's time to try the next size up. Compact crossovers have been around for decades and are certainly more practical as long as you don't mind driving a larger vehicle. They're typically more expensive than subcompacts, but many shoppers will find the upgrades to be worth the premium.
Choosing the best small SUV for you
Choosing between a subcompact and compact crossover is a personal decision. On the one hand, subcompacts are less expensive both up front and over time since they are typically more fuel-efficient than compact crossovers. On the other hand, many prefer the additional interior space, improved ride quality, more upscale cabin and expanded features list of a compact, even though these models cost a bit more. Before you head to your nearest dealer, we recommend assessing your needs to decide which vehicle type is best for you. From there, read Edmunds' expert reviews of specific vehicles to narrow down the field of subcompact or compact SUVs. With impressions from behind the wheel and a comprehensive breakdown of trim levels, these reviews can be invaluable in your shopping journey.