Best compact SUVs
Compact SUVs
Balancing practicality with versatile dimensions, a compact SUV is a great choice for busy lifestyles.
We've compiled a list of the 10 most popular used compact SUVs with CarMax customers. Learn more about how our lists work.
1. Nissan Rogue
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
Fuel-efficient Ample cargo volume Many standard features
Cons
Steering lacks road feel Upper trims can get very pricey Less second-row legroom than some rivals
2. Toyota RAV4
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Quiet and comfortable ride Capacious cabin for passengers and cargo Excellent off-road capabilities
Cons
Mediocre acceleration Steering on road feels vague Rugged styling might not be for everyone
3. Honda CR-V
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Spacious interior Intuitive infotainment Smooth ride
Cons
Limited cabin storage Noisy hybrid powertrain Hybrid only on upper trims
4. Chevrolet Equinox
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
Smooth ride over most road surfaces Stable and precise handling Simple, intuitive infotainment system
Cons
Smaller cargo area than most competitors Center vents near the touchscreen don't distribute the air evenly The interior materials quality is disappointing
5. Ford Escape
CarMax owner rating
4.3
Pros
Smooth city and highway ride Intuitive SYNC® 4 infotainment system Plenty of engine choices
Cons
Handling lacks liveliness Transmission can be abrupt when shifting Body roll in tight corners
6. Jeep Wrangler
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Supremely capable off-road Plenty of customization options from the factory or aftermarket Variety of engine choices Removable doors and soft top or hard top
Cons
Steering can feel slow to react Noticeable wind and tire noise at highway speeds Offers less cargo space than some conventional SUVs
7. Jeep Cherokee
CarMax owner rating
4.2
Pros
Powerful engine options Impressive available off-road capability Great standard feature list
Cons
Less cargo space than some in the class Best off-road features are optional Standard touchscreen is a bit small
8. Hyundai Tucson
CarMax owner rating
4.2
Pros
Plush ride quality and comfortable seats Plenty of tech and driver-assistance features on lower trims Spacious interior
Cons
The 2.5-liter engine is slow to accelerate Touch-sensitive center stack controls can be distracting to use
9. Volkswagen Tiguan
CarMax owner rating
4.2
Pros
Available third-row seat Spacious interior and generous cargo storage Chock full of standard driver aids
Cons
Available third-row feels cramped Touch-sensitive controls are distracting Lackluster acceleration
10. Jeep Compass
CarMax owner rating
3.9
Pros
Off-road ready Powerful engine Good infotainment system
Cons
Noisy ride Limited visibility Quirky driver-assist features
Frequently asked questions about compact SUVs
Yes, a compact SUV is the same as a small SUV. These terms are often used interchangeably in the automotive industry.
The Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable compact SUV according to our partners at RepairPal.
RepairPal Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy.
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was selected as the top-rated SUV by Edmunds in 2023.
The Nissan Rogue is the top selling compact SUV at CarMax, based on sales data over a recent 6-month period (December 2022 through May 2023).
How we ranked this list
To create our "Best Of" lists, our analysts look at CarMax vehicle and sales data over a recent 6-month period, from December 2023 through May 2024. Looking back over a 6-month period allows for the highest sample size possible while also providing up-to-date pricing information. Some articles may include data points with lower sample sizes.
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RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy.
Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.