

Compact crossovers have been around for decades and are certainly more practical as long as you don't mind driving a larger vehicle. 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. 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. 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. What is a subcompact SUV?Ī 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. Based on our own vehicle testing, we've put together this guide to help you narrow down your search for the best small SUV. That's why the Edmunds experts rate and review every SUV on the market - so you don't have to. Determining which small SUV is right for you can be tough since there are dozens of models to consider. 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. 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 study looks at the number of problems a brand’s three-year-old models have.įinally, the CarComplaints tabulation of scary, high-likelihood problems that owners report on a given model.Small SUVs have exploded in popularity over the past few years, even though they are usually more expensive than comparable hatchbacks or sedans. Power & Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). We average a few years of Consumer Reports scores for each individual model. Our list of the most reliable small SUVs leans on data from owners collected and tabulated by three trustworthy sources.įirst, Consumer Reports.

Read about how we rank our vehicles > Who Provided the Data for This List?

His was the role of the battery thermal control designer. In the 1990s, he was part of an academic team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. John's focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. John Goreham is a life-long car nut and recovering engineer.
