Best Small SUVs of 2022

The impressive market share that crossover SUVs hold is impossible but it’s the modest small SUV that really impresses. This is in no small part due to the way they effortlessly blend the practicality of a high-riding SUV body with a smaller, car-like footprint that is ideal for the urban setting. Of course, their appealing price tags certainly don’t hurt either. Many automakers are locked in a fierce battle to present buyers with the best product, trying to one-up each other with more spacious interiors, additional infotainment and comfort features, or extra safety tech. Some have even gone so far as to create new, niche segments that slot in between subcompact and compact models. There really has never been more choice, and more indecision, when it comes to small crossovers and SUVs, so to help you figure out what the best options are, here is our rankings of the best small SUVs in 2022.

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
9.3
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#2
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime
9.3
BuzzScore
9
Design
10
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#3
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#4
2022 Hyundai Tucson
9
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#5
2022 Lexus NX Hybrid
9
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#6
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E
9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
10
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#7
2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
10
Interior
7
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#8
2022 Lexus NX
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#9
2022 Genesis GV70
8.9
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#10
2021 Volvo XC60
8.9
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#11
2022 Ford Bronco Sport
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#12
2022 BMW X3
#12
BMW X3
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
8
Value
#13
2021 BMW X3 Hybrid
8.8
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#14
2021 BMW X4
#14
BMW X4
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#15
2022 BMW iX
#15
BMW iX
8.8
BuzzScore
7
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#16
2022 Kia Sportage
8.6
BuzzScore
7
Design
6
Performance
6
MPG
7
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value
#17
2021 Nissan Rogue
8.6
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#18
2022 Honda CR-V
8.6
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
7
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#19
2022 Toyota RAV4
8.6
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#20
2022 Audi Q5 Hybrid
8.6
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value

Characteristics of Compact SUVs

There is definitely no shortage of brands and nameplates within the segment, but while variety may be the spice of life, there are still many similarities binding all the models together. These are the qualities that set compact SUVs apart from other classifications:

  • Size: Slotting between subcompacts and midsize SUVs, these cars offer slightly more space and comfort than the former while being more easily maneuvering the city streets than the latter. At the same time, these are still high-riding vehicles that afford drivers a better view of the roading and a stronger sense of confidence.
  • Practicality: Due to their vertical construction, crossover SUVs have more space for passengers and cargo on the inside. They also offer easier ingress and egress and quicker loading thanks to their raised height. Folding seats and smart internal storage solutions are common, too. These are all common factors among any type of crossover, but the fact that something so small can easily best the capabilities of sedans or hatchbacks is impressive.
  • Safety: Crossovers have come to be considered the epitome of family cars, so it stands to reason that their safety features, passive and active, are exemplary. Excellent structural integrity and crumple zones, combined with modern driver-assistance features are common qualities, even among the cheap brands.
  • Price: Naturally, there are some pricier luxury brands in the classification, but the majority of small crossovers are remarkably affordable. Subcompacts are even cheaper, but many see compact SUVs as the entry point to family-oriented transportation, so they need to be accessible to a large portion of the market.

What to Consider Before Buying a Small SUV

While a small SUV may be relatively affordable in the larger context of the automotive industry, any new car is still a big purchase decision. This is why it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons, as no vehicle is perfect. Here is the good and bad of the classification:

Pros

  • The fundamental nature of their construction makes crossovers highly practical vehicles, even in their smaller configurations. They’re also remarkably reliable.
  • Their small dimensions also make compact SUVs highly maneuverable and easy to manage around busy city streets.
  • This self-same urban bias means that these cars deliver a comfortable and composed ride in most circumstances.
  • Modern vehicles are becoming safer and advanced tech is more readily available than ever, but SUVs are also constructed to be safer than smaller cars.
  • Smaller cars are naturally more affordable than their larger ilk, but compact crossovers are often specifically targeted toward first-time buyers or small families on a tight budget.

Cons

  • Even small SUVs don’t have the best gas mileage when compared to a sedan or hatchback, so expect slightly higher ownership costs.
  • After a few years, the back seats may not be spacious enough for a growing family. Similarly, the trunk may not seem so spacious when you need to pack groceries, school backpacks, and sports bags. It should go without saying that you should not expect a compact SUV with a 3rd row.
  • Smaller cars can’t really venture off-road like their larger, more capable siblings, and their towing capacity is usually quite low, too.

FAQs

What is the cheapest small SUV?

There are plenty of small crossovers that come in under the $30k mark, and many of them cost less than $20k when used. Some of the cheapest when bought new include the Volkswagen Toas, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue Sport, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester. Each comes in at around $25,000.

What is the best compact SUV?

As popular as they are, competition among compact SUVs is fierce. This means there are more than a few very capable options. Everyone will have a different opinion as to which is truly the best, but some of the top-rated small SUVs include the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Bronco Sport. If you have a slightly larger budget, great premium compact-size SUVs include the Tesla Model Y, Genesis GV70, and Lexus NX. Naturally, if you live in a bad weather state and need a crossover with AWD, your options will be more limited.

Are crossovers better than SUVs?

The distinction between these two types of vehicles has become blurred these days, with many people using the two terms interchangeably or combined. Actuality, SUVs are traditionally body-on-frame vehicles, whereas crossovers are unibody. This means that the latter is more comfortable on the road. However, SUVs are more capable off-road and more rugged in general. Crossovers are also generally smaller and more city-friendly. To say one is better than the other would largely depend on your point of view.
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