Best small compact suv trucks: Fortunately for us all, automakers have responded to the proliferation of compact SUVs by improving their performance and fun-to-drive qualities. Many cars in this group have larger trunks than sedans, and one of them even boasts a 302 horsepower engine!
Shopping through the tangle of tiny SUV alternatives can be difficult, so we’ve made it simpler by ranking each option from worst to best.
Honda CR-V
Although the CR-V from Honda isn’t the sportiest or most attractive compact SUV, it is undoubtedly the most well-rounded. The CR-sole V’s source of propulsion is a four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower. There is also a 204-hp CR-V Hybrid model that offers a more pleasurable driving experience. Credit Honda’s decision to only offer the CR-V Hybrid in Sport and Sport Touring trims—trims that are not offered with the less powerful gas engine—as well as the improvement of the gasoline-electric powertrain. No of how it is propelled, every CR-V features a roomy interior and comfortable controls. The frosting on the cake is that this Vehicle is not at all unpleasant to drive.
- Base price: Rs.26.58 lakh
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 40/43/36 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
Mazda CX-50
The CX-50, a second compact crossover from Mazda, is now available. The subcompact CX-30 shares the same foundations as the CX-50, which is larger than the CX-5. As a result, the CX-50 offers a well-designed cabin and enjoyable driving dynamics, giving the impression that it punches above its class. The CX-50, like its CX-5 stablemate, has two engine choices: a 2.5-liter I-4 with 187 horsepower or a 2.5-liter I-4 with 256 horsepower.
- Base price: Rs.23.68 lakh
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 27/24/30 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Standard
Volkswagen Tiguan
One of the largest options in this market is the VW Tiguan. On some models, it’s actually big enough to fit a little third-row seat. Front-wheel drive as well as a four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 184 horsepower and an eight-speed automated transmission are standard. Nonetheless, the Tiguan’s heft feels considerably outweighed by the engine, especially when the SUV is outfitted with its available all-wheel-drive system. The cabin of the Tiguan, like that of most contemporary Volkswagens, is ergonomic but lacks any true sense of flair.
- Base price: Rs.23.21 lakh
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 27/24/31 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 dazzles with its opulent appearance and competitive cost. But, this Mazda offers more than just a smooth, plush ride since the CX-5 is actually fun to drive. A six-speed automatic transmission is available with either a 2.5-liter I-4 engine with 187 horsepower or a 2.5-liter I-4 with 256 horsepower as an option for buyers. All models come standard with all-wheel drive.
- Base price: Rs. 22.99 lakh
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 26/24/30 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Standard
Kia Sportage
In the SUV model lineup for the Korean manufacturer, the Kia Sportage is positioned above the tiny Seltos but below the three-row Sorento. The Sportage now stands out even more from its smaller and larger relatives thanks to a facelift planned for 2023. Its controversial design and enlarged engine lineup, which now includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid types in addition to a strictly gas-powered model, deserve credit. But, the gas engine’s 187 horsepower is insufficient to move this Kia, therefore we advise staying away from it. Both hybrid versions provide the Sportage with adequate straight-line performance and more over 200 horsepower.
- Base price: Rs.22.42 lakh
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 43/42/44 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
Hyundai Tucson
The most recent Tucson offers plug-in hybrid and gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain options in addition to a basic gas engine. Less powerful gas variants rely on a rough 2.5-liter I-4 engine with 187 horsepower. It connects to an automatic transmission with eight speeds, sending power to the front wheels. But, all-wheel drive is an option. According to the EPA, the plug-in generates 261 horsepower, compared to the hybrid’s 221 horsepower and 33 miles of electric-only range. All-wheel drive is standard on both vehicles.
- Base price: Rs.22.80 lakh
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 38/38/38 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is obviously here to party because it’s the only car on this list with a bottle opener integrated into the liftgate. Although they don’t look alike, the Bronco Sport and Escape both share a platform, and their appearance matches their performance. Both the regular 181 horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine and the bigger 250 horsepower four-cylinder engine come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In a recent compact crossover comparison test, the Bronco Sport Badlands came in second place, beating the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, but falling short of the Mazda CX-5 due to a dearth of creature amenities and poor performance on paved roads.
- Base price: Rs.25.31 lakh
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 26/25/28 mpg (2022)
- All-wheel drive: Standard
Toyota RAV4
Customers can still choose from a number of different powertrains with the Toyota RAV4. RAV4s that only run on gas have a 203-hp four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on RAV4 Hybrid versions, which rely on a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain with a maximum output of 219 horsepower. The most potent model is the RAV4 Prime. It has a 302 horsepower plug-in hybrid variant. The relatively loud four-cylinder engine of this well-rounded compact SUV is our main criticism.
- Base price: Rs.23.75 lakh
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 40/41/38 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
Nissan Rogue
For 2022, the Nissan Rogue received a new engine: a 1.5-liter I-3 turbocharged with 201 horsepower and Nissan’s clever variable compression ratio technology. As before, the only transmission option is a CVT, which sends the power from the engine to either the SUV’s front wheels or, optionally, all four of them thanks to the Rogue’s available all-wheel-drive system. With all-wheel drive, the three-cylinder Rogue can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The Rogue may not be the compact SUV standard-setter, but it’s still a good choice in this segment thanks to its ergonomic interior design, competitive materials, and adequate passenger and cargo space. Also, Nissan will expand the appeal of this SUV in 2023 with the addition of a blacked-out Midnight Edition variant to the line.
- Base price: Rs.23.54 lakh
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 33/30/37 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Nissan Rogue and the most recent Outlander have the same chassis. Nonetheless, the Mitsubishi’s base 181-hp four-cylinder engine provides more power than the three-cylinder Rogue’s. But on our 75 mph highway fuel-economy test, an Outlander SEL with such equipment only managed a disappointing 26 mpg. But, the Outlander PHEV, which combines a four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to generate a maximum output of 248 horsepower, may be of interest to consumers seeking greater efficiency. It has a big 20.0-kWh battery pack that enables it to go 38 miles, according to the manufacturer’s estimation. The third row of seats in every Outlander, regardless of the powertrain, is about as handy as the backseats of a Porsche 911.
- Base price: Rs.24.09 lakh
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 27/24/31 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
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