Best small SUVs for 2024: Compact and subcompact crossovers

It seems like such a simple question, right? What is the best small SUV? Really, we'd love to provide a simple answer. Buy the _______! Unfortunately, it's just not that simple, though we'll at least do our best to make it less complicated. First, like most folks, we're defining "SUV" to basically be synonymous with "crossover." We could go into the differences and definitions of those terms, but we doubt you care, so we'll just move on.

Second, it's important to ask how small do you want your small SUV to be? There used to only be "compact SUVs" like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. But then they got bigger and a whole bunch of other smaller crossover SUVs were introduced. While the CR-Vs and RAV4s of the word have kept their compact SUV descriptor, the size below is what we call subcompact SUVs. Even within that group there are a variety of sizes, characters and capabilities. This list includes both compact SUVs and subcompact SUVs.

Third, maybe you're wondering whether you really need a small SUV at all? The answer could very well be "maybe not!" Compact and midsize sedans (or hatchbacks) offer a lot more passenger and cargo space than you might think, and are generally much cheaper and efficient than an SUV. That said, you'll be hard-pressed to move a TV or the contents of an apartment with a sedan, while only a few offer all-wheel drive. Most of the SUVs on this list do, while also providing more ground clearance, general versatility and the up-high driving position desired by many.

Subcompact SUV | Compact SUV

OK, now with the housekeeping out of the way, let's provide some answers to what are the best small SUVs, including what they're especially good at and what they could do better. Hopefully this will be a helpful place to start your research. All are listed in alphabetical order.

Best compact SUVs of 2024

2024 Honda CR-V

Why it stands out: Excellent hybrid option; high-quality and stylish cabin; refined driving experience
Could be better: No PHEV option; no outdoor adventure trims; simply average base engine

Read our full 2024 Honda CR-V Review

Consider the CR-V the baseline for any compact SUV search. Objectively speaking, it's tough to beat due to its massive cargo capacity, voluminous back seat, superb hybrid powertrain option, well-balanced driving dynamics, competitive pricing and features, strong safety ratings and well-regarded reliability. It's easy to see why it continues to be such a best-seller: for the vast majority of compact SUV buyers, and especially families, it checks every box. Of course, people don't make buying decisions based solely on objective criteria. In the past, folks might've found it a bit dull to drive and ever duller to look at. Those issues were seriously addressed with the CR-V's 2023 redesign, especially in regards to its knock-out interior that's far cooler than anything associated with a CR-V in the past. Now, you may still prefer the looks or driving experience of something else, or wish it provided the sort of plug-in hybrid or outdoor adventure trim level options its top competitors do. But that's why other choices exist, including those below.

2024 Mazda CX-50

Why it stands out: Budget Porsche driving experience; luxurious cabin; powerful turbo engine upgrade
Could be better: No hybrid; less cargo, passenger and storage space; non-touchscreen infotainment won't be for everyone

Our full 2024 Mazda CX-50 Review

The CX-50 is all about style and driving fun. It can also be considered an alternative to luxury compact SUVs. It all starts with its sporty-yet-rugged styling and carries inside where its handsome design and plush materials are a clear step up from others at its price point. Then, when you're behind the wheel, the CX-50 impresses with engaging driving manners that we've routinely described as indicative of a "budget Porsche." Furthermore, its available turbocharged engine even has as much or more power as several similarly sized luxury models. Now, it doesn't have as much passenger or cargo space as the CR-V or RAV4, so it won't be for everyone, but it should definitely be considered. Much of the above could also be said for the CX-5 that used to reside on this list, but the CX-50's slightly larger proportions, improved off-road driving chops, nicer interior and arguably more attractive exterior design make it our preference between the two.

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid

Why it stands out: Exceptional hybrid powertrain; class-leading infotainment and safety tech; huge cargo area
Could be better: Base gas-only engine is weak and unrefined; X Line not available with Hybrid

Our fulle 2024 Kia Sportage Review

The Kia Sportage catapults to the top of the class after one of the most radical redesigns in recent automotive history. It's substantially larger, going from one of the smallest in the segment to the largest. The cargo area in particular is vast and the back seat are very family friendly. The bold design also makes it easy to distinguish from other compact SUVs (it may be a bit too bold for some), while the interior impresses with sharp looks, strong quality and the availability of interesting color schemes, even on lower trim levels. Technology is one of its strong suits, with exceptional infotainment features and touchscreen interfaces, plus the best-executed suite of driver assistance tech in the segment. Finally, the Sportage's hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains stand out for not only saving you gas, but also by being genuine performance upgrades that behave more normally than the typical hybrid. As is the case with the CR-V and RAV4, the hybrids are definitely the powertrains to get. Unlike those, however, the Sportage's base engine is notably less appealing and we don't recommend it. It's unrefined and results in slow acceleration, even in a segment where swift acceleration is not expected.

2024 Toyota RAV4

Why it stands out: Unmatched variety of models including two hybrids; spacious back seat and cargo area; reliability
Could be better: Engines could be more refined; tech interface can frustrate

Our full 2024 Toyota RAV4 Review

The RAV4 has more passenger and cargo space than most. It's comfortable and surprisingly responsive to drive. Its interior is well built with quality materials, and offers user-friendly controls and abundant storage (though some may prefer the more premium ambience offered by its competitors). Its resale value and reliability should be better than almost anything on the road. Those are all the basics that the RAV4 nails, but the latest version really stands out by offering an unparalleled variety of models. From the run-of-the-mill RAV4 LE or XLE you can go in different directions toward the more rugged Adventure, TRD Off-Road and Woodland models, or toward the sporty XSE Hybrid and Prime. And those latter two are particularly significant, as the RAV4 is part of a growing cadre of small SUVs that are available not only available with a hybrid, but with a plug-in hybrid (Prime) as well. We like that there's a little something for everyone with the RAV4.

Best Subcompact SUVs of 2024

2024 Buick Envista

Why it stands out: Compelling design; ample space for the segment; quiet and refined driving experience; punchy and efficient engine; well-equipped; low price
Could be better: All-wheel drive is unavailable; armrests are a bit hard; technically slow acceleration (even if it doesn't feel it).

Read our full 2024 Buick Envista Review

The Buick Envista is one of the best, most competitive and most relevant cars to come out of General Motors in a long time. It is wildly impressive and truly surprising. It has a modest, fuel-efficient three-cylinder engine, yet feels perfectly potent and refined when driving around town. The ride is composed and interior noise levels low. It looks expensive, yet stickers for well south of $30,000. That also price puts it well in the heart of this subcompact segment despite exterior dimensions and a back seat that rivals compacts. The lack of all-wheel drive may be a sticking point for some, but we think anyone shopping for a small, affordable SUV would be wise to check out the Envista.