View the best small SUVs, generally priced below $30,000. Compare small SUV reviews and specs to find a top compact SUV for you. Learn more about our rankings.
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#1
2014 Honda CR-V
With a roomy, comfortable interior, solid performance and plenty of standard tech features, the 2014 Honda CR-V stands out in this highly competitive class, test drivers say. Because ... Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
Reliability: |
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#2
2014 Buick Encore
Auto writers like the 2014 Buick Encore’s upscale interior and wealth of standard features, but many note that its underpowered engine will be a burden if you ... Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 8.9 |
| Reliability: |
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#2
2014 GMC Terrain
Although critics say the 2014 GMC Terrain has uninspiring handling, they note that it boasts a luxurious interior, high-tech standard features and strapping performance from its available ...Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: |
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#4
2014 Nissan Rogue
Test drivers say the redesigned 2014 Nissan Rogue has ample cargo space, great fuel economy and a polished cabin, but its powertrain could be more refined. Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Critics' Rating: | 9.1 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 8.9 |
| Reliability: |
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#5
2014 Ford Escape
With its agile handling and powerful EcoBoost engine choices, the 2014 Ford Escape earns praise from reviewers as one of the best-performing compact SUVs in the segment. Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: |
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#5
2015 Mazda CX-5
If you're looking for a sporty compact SUV that is fun to drive, gets good fuel economy and has plenty of passenger space, reviewers agree that the ... Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | NA |
#7
2015 Subaru Forester
According to reviewers, the 2015 Subaru Forester’s generous cargo space, ample rear-seat legroom, good fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive make it a highly appealing compact SUV.Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: | NA |
#7
2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
Reviewers say the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid's great on-road prowess, capable all-wheel drive system and quiet cabin make it a strong competitor. Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: |
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#9
2014 Chevrolet Equinox
Automotive writers like the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox’s smooth ride, roomy seats and powerful available V6. Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: |
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#9
2014 Jeep Cherokee
Test drivers say the all-new Jeep Cherokee offers great off-road capability, a powerful V6 engine and an upscale interior. Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: |
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#9
2014 Kia Sportage
The 2014 Kia Sportage impresses reviewers with its capable turbocharged engine option and responsive transmission, but lacks the interior space and comfortable ride of top-ranked compact SUVs. Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 8.9 |
| Reliability: |
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#12
2014 Dodge Journey
While they like its available infotainment system, auto writers say the 2014 Dodge Journey's underpowered four-cylinder engine and poor fuel economy estimates put it behind other compact ... Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: |
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#12
2014 Hyundai Tucson
Reviewers say the 2014 Hyundai Tucson's firm handling, powerful engine option and upgraded interior make it a viable competitor among compact SUVs. Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: |
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#12
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
Test drivers say the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a powerful engine and sharp handling. However, some competing SUVs offer more cargo space and better fuel economy. Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: |
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#15
2014 MINI Cooper Countryman
Charming style and sharp handling make the 2014 Mini Cooper Countryman a compelling choice for those willing to forgo the added cargo space offered by rivals, test ... Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: |
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#15
2014 Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke turns heads with its unique styling and sporty dynamics, but rival crossovers offer roomier cabins and more cargo space, critics say. Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 6.6 |
| Safety: | 8.1 |
| Reliability: |
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#17
2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Superb fuel economy, standard all-wheel drive and composed handling make the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek worth a look, test drivers note, but many say its engine is ... Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: |
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#18
2014 Jeep Wrangler
The automotive press says the 2014 Jeep Wrangler is one of the best off-road SUVs available, but its sparse interior and off-road-oriented suspension make it a less-than-ideal ... Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 5.7 |
| Reliability: |
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#19
2014 Toyota RAV4
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 offers a smooth ride and plenty of cargo space, test drivers say, but rival SUVs offer more powerful engines that make them peppier ... Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.3 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: |
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#20
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport gets good fuel economy for the class, and auto writers like its roomy seats. However, they’re disappointed with its poor performance and ... Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.7 |
| Critics' Rating: | 6.9 |
| Performance: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 6.8 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: |
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#21
2014 Jeep Compass
Reviewers say although the 2014 Jeep Compass is a decent option for shoppers attracted to its low base price, it lacks the power, standard features and off-road ... Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 5.7 |
| Critics' Rating: | 5.4 |
| Performance: | 5.4 |
| Interior: | 6.4 |
| Safety: | 7.7 |
| Reliability: |
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#21
2014 Jeep Patriot
Reviewers say that the 2014 Jeep Patriot falls short of the competition with its underpowered engines and cheap interior materials. Read full review»
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 5.7 |
| Critics' Rating: | 5.1 |
| Performance: | 5.7 |
| Interior: | 6.3 |
| Safety: | 7.8 |
| Reliability: |
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