Every 2023 Compact SUV Ranked from Worst to Best
Ranking the compact crossover SUV segment, from Bronco Sport to Tucson.
Compact SUVs are everywhere, and lucky for all of us, automakers have responded by making these models more capable and fun to drive. Many vehicles in this segment offer more cargo space than sedans, and one even has a powertrain with 302 horsepower!
It can be overwhelming to shop through the maze of compact SUV options, so we've made it easier by ranking each option from worst to best. Interested in something bigger or smaller? We've ranked those too.
More New SUVs Ranked from Worst to Best:
Subcompact | Mid-Size | Full-Size | 3-Row
17. Jeep Compass
Crossover SUVs aren't typically known for their off-road chops, but the Jeep Compass Trailhawk is an exception. Make no mistake, the off-road-oriented Compass trim is still no Jeep Wrangler, but this small Jeep model, which sits between the subcompact Renegade and the compact Cherokee, is surprisingly capable off-the-beaten-path—when properly equipped. Jeep reworks the Compass's powertrain line for 2023, too. Gone is the naturally aspirated 177-hp four-cylinder engine of yore and front-wheel-drive drivetrain. Instead, every 2023 Compass model comes standard with a 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic serves as the middleman between the engine and drive wheels.
- Base price: $31,590
- Max. fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 25/22/31 mpg (est.)
- All-wheel drive: Standard
16. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross benefitted from an exterior and interior update for 2022. For 2023, Mitsubishi adds standard all-wheel-drive to the Eclipse Cross's feature list. The same 152-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) carry over from last year. Every Eclipse Cross now comes standard with driver-assistance features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Though the Eclipse Cross is not the penalty box the subcompact Outlander Sport is, this SUV's middling dynamics fail to help it keep up with the best options in the compact SUV segment.
- Base price: $27,335
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 26/25/28 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Standard
15. GMC Terrain
GMC's Terrain benefits from a light refresh for 2022 that includes new front and rear bumpers, LED headlights and taillights, and updated interior bits. A 175-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and nine-speed automatic transmission continue to motivate this compact SUV. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optionally available. The Terrain's ride is on the firm side and, like its Chevrolet-badged Equinox sibling, the build quality inside is less than stellar—especially given the GMC's base price.
- Base price: $31,295
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 26/24/29 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
14. Jeep Cherokee
Much like the smaller Jeep Compass, the compact Jeep Cherokee can be outfitted for off-the-grid exploration, albeit for a hefty premium. Limited to just two trims for 2023, Altitude Lux and Trailhawk, the Cherokee now serves as one of the segment's priciest options. Gone is last year's V-6, as the Cherokee switches to an all-four-cylinder engine line: a naturally aspirated 180-hp 2.4-liter unit or a 270-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter.
- Base price: $39,290
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 24/21/29 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Standard
13. Chevrolet Equinox
Following a refresh for 2022, the Chevrolet Equinox changes little for 2023. The bow-tie brand's compact SUV adds five horses to its turbo four-cylinder engine's stable, netting it a total of 175 hp. Even so, those extra ponies are not enough to properly motivate the Equinox, a fact that's exacerbated by the SUV's sluggish six-speed automatic gearbox.
- Base price: $27,995
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 28/26/31 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
12. Ford Escape
Ford offers its Escape with a wide variety of powertrains. Strictly gas-powered Escapes rely on a 181-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine for motivation, however, a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 is also available. The former engine offers both front- and all-wheel-drive options and delivers adequate performance, while the latter is all-wheel-drive-only and makes the Escape quite zippy. The Escape is also available in gasoline-electric and plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid forms. Going the hybrid route nets buyers a 2.5-liter gas engine and two electric motors that ought to be good for a peak output of more than 200 horses. Opt for the Escape PHEV, and the Blue Oval's compact SUV offers an estimated 37 miles of all-electric driving range. We like the refined ride quality of the Ford Escape as well as its spacious cabin and modern features. A facelift for 2023 improves its exterior and interior looks dramatically. Still, the Escape feels a few steps behind segment leaders.
- Base price: $28,995
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 41/44/37 mpg (2022)
- All-wheel drive: Available
11. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester continues to rely on the same basic formula that's helped it attract customers for decades. This includes standard all-wheel drive, excellent visibility, a roomy interior, and a spacious cargo bay. We're a little disappointed the SUV is limited to one powertrain: a 182-hp naturally aspirated flat-four that mates to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The combination delivers smooth and reasonably peppy acceleration in day-to-day driving situations, even if it feels a little underpowered during passing situations at highway speeds. It's certainly not the quickest in the class, but the Subaru Forester is still one of the best all-around compact crossovers and an affordable way to get all-wheel drive.
- Base price: $27,620
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 29/26/33 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Standard
10. Mitsubishi Outlander
The latest Outlander shares its chassis with the Nissan Rogue. Unlike the three-cylinder Rogue, however, the Mitsubishi relies on a standard 181-hp four-cylinder engine for motivation. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, though, a so-equipped Outlander SEL achieved an underwhelming 26 mpg. That said, those looking for additional efficiency may want to look at the Outlander PHEV, which features a four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce a peak output of 248 horsepower. A large 20.0-kWh battery pack allows it to travel a manufacturer-estimated 38 miles on a full charge. No matter the powertrain, all Outlanders offer three rows of seats, however, its rearmost row is about as useful as the rear seats in a Porsche 911.
- Base price: $29,315
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 27/24/31 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
9. Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue welcomed a new powertrain for 2022: a turbocharged 1.5-liter I-3 with 201 horsepower and Nissan's trick variable compression ratio technology. As before, a CVT is the only game in town and it shoots the engine's power to either the SUV's front wheels or—optionally—all four of its wheels courtesy of the Rogue's available all-wheel-drive system. Opt for all-wheel drive and the three-cylinder Rogue hits 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The Rogue may not set the compact SUV standard, but it's certainly a solid option in this class, offering an ergonomic cabin with competitive materials and reasonable space for passengers and cargo. Plus, Nissan adds a blacked-out Midnight Edition trim to the line for 2023 that ought to broaden the appeal of this SUV.
- Base price: $28,655
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 33/30/37 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
8. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 continues to offer consumers a variety of powertrain options. Strictly gas-powered RAV4s feature a 203-hp four-cylinder that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. RAV4 Hybrid models have standard all-wheel drive and rely on a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that produces a peak of 219 horsepower. The RAV4 Prime is the most powerful variant. It's a plug-in hybrid model with 302 horsepower. Our only major complaint with this well-rounded compact SUV centers on its relatively loud four-cylinder engine.
- Base price: $28,910
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 40/41/38 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
7. Ford Bronco Sport
As the only vehicle on this list with a bottle opener built into the liftgate, it's clear the Ford Bronco Sport is here to party. Its looks match its capability, and, though they don't look similar, the Bronco Sport and Escape both share a platform. A 181-hp turbocharged three-cylinder is standard, and a larger 250-hp four-cylinder engine is available; both come with an eight-speed automatic. A Bronco Sport Badlands placed second in a recent compact crossover comparison test, where it beat the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, but came up short against the Mazda CX-5 due to a lack of creature comforts and paved-road performance.
- Base price: $30,810
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 26/25/28 mpg (2022)
- All-wheel drive: Standard
6. Hyundai Tucson
Along with a standard gas powertrain, the latest Tucson is also available with gasoline-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. Lesser gas models rely on a coarse 187-hp 2.5-liter I-4 for motivation. It mates to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which shoots power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive, however, is optional. The hybrid setup, meanwhile, makes 221 horses, while the plug-in nets 261 and offers up to 33 miles of electric-only driving, per the EPA. Both come standard with all-wheel drive.
- Base price: $27,745
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 38/38/38 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
5. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage sits above the subcompact Seltos but below the three-row Sorento in the Korean brand's SUV model line. Thanks to a redesign for 2023, the Sportage stands out even more from its smaller and larger kin. Credit both its love-it-or-hate-it design, as well as its expanded powertrain lineup, which now includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, as well as a strictly gas-powered model. We recommend avoiding the gas engine, though, as its 187 horsepower struggles to move this Kia. Both hybrid options offer more than 200 horses and net the Sportage adequate straight-line performance.
- Base price: $27,285
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 43/42/44 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
4. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 impresses with its luxurious feel and affordable pricing. This Mazda offers more than just a comfortable, well-appointed ride, though, as the CX-5 is actually enjoyable to drive. Buyers can opt for either a 187-hp 2.5-liter I-4 or a 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4, both of which mate to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is standard across the line.
- Base price: $27,975
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 26/24/30 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Standard
3. Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the biggest offerings in this segment. In fact, it's large enough to squeeze in a tiny third-row seat in certain models. A 184-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic come standard, as does front-wheel drive. The powertrain feels somewhat overmatched by the Tiguan's mass, though, particularly when the SUV is equipped with its optional all-wheel-drive system. Like most modern Volkswagens, the Tiguan's interior is ergonomic but lacks any real sense of style.
- Base price: $28,245
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 27/24/31 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
2. Mazda CX-50
Mazda adds a second compact crossover to its lineup, the CX-50. Bigger than the CX-5, the CX-50 sits on the same underpinnings as the subcompact CX-30. As such, the CX-50 feels as though it punches above its class, offering a well-crafted cabin and pleasing driving dynamics. Like its CX-5 stablemate, the CX-50 offers two powertrain options, a 187-hp 2.5-liter I-4 or a 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4.
- Base price: $28,825
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 27/24/30 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Standard
1. Honda CR-V
Honda's CR-V isn't the sportiest or best-looking compact SUV, but it is arguably the most well-rounded one. The solely gas-powered CR-V comes with a 190-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A 204-hp CR-V Hybrid is also available, and it provides the more enjoyable driving experience. Credit the gasoline-electric powertrain's refinement, as well as Honda's decision to offer the CR-V Hybrid exclusively in Sport and Sport Touring guises—trims that are not available with the lesser gas engine. Regardless of what powers it, every CR-V benefits from a spacious interior and ergonomic controls. The fact this SUV is not half bad to drive is just icing on the cake.
- Base price: $32,355
- Max. EPA fuel economy (combined/city/highway): 40/43/36 mpg
- All-wheel drive: Available
Every 2023 Compact SUV Ranked from Worst to Best
17. Jeep Compass
16. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
15. GMC Terrain
14. Jeep Cherokee
13. Chevrolet Equinox
12. Ford Escape
11. Subaru Forester
10. Mitsubishi Outlander
9. Nissan Rogue
8. Toyota RAV4
7. Ford Bronco Sport
6. Hyundai Tucson
5. Kia Sportage
4. Mazda CX-5
3. Volkswagen Tiguan
2. Mazda CX-50
1. Honda CR-V
Yes, he's still working on the 1986 Nissan 300ZX Turbo project car he started in high school, and no, it’s not for sale yet. Austin Irwin was born and raised in Michigan, and, despite getting shelled by hockey pucks during a not-so-successful goaltending career through high school and college, still has all of his teeth. He loves cars from the 1980s and Bleu, his Great Pyrenees, and is an active member of the Buffalo Wild Wings community. When Austin isn’t working on his own cars, he’s likely on the side of the highway helping someone else fix theirs.
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