What is a compact SUV?

Compact SUVs offer more practicality than a sedan and tend to be more fuel-efficient and maneuverable than larger SUVs. They serve as a good entry point to the SUV segment, as they are spacious enough for a small family and start at a lower price point than mid-size and full-size SUVs.

How big are compact SUVs?

Compact SUVs are larger than subcompact SUVs and smaller than mid-size SUVs. The Honda CR-V is a good benchmark for the segment, measuring in at 182.1 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 66.5 inches tall. Average cargo volume for the compact segment typically ranges between 30 and 50 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.

Are compact SUVs good for families?

Compact SUVs generally provide plenty of space for a small family, but mid-size SUVs are typically more comfortable for families of five or more. While some compact SUVs offer three-row seating, most options in the segment come with only two rows and seating for five.

Best Compact SUVs for 2020

Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best compact SUVs based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.

Read about how we test and evaluate vehicles here.

Top Ranked Compact SUVs for 2020 at a glance

C/D Rating: 10/10

2020

Mazda CX-5

$26,290 - $38,255

Shop Now

C/D Rating: 9.5/10

2020

Volkswagen Tiguan

$25,965 - $39,815

Shop Now

C/D Rating: 9/10

2020

Honda CR-V

$26,325 - $37,225

Shop Now

Shop the Top 3 Compact SUVs for 2020

See full list

2020 Mazda CX-5

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$26,290

SHOP USED CX-5

EPA MPG

28 combined

C/D SAYS: Thanks to a high-end experience, a pleasing design, and a fun-to-drive nature, the CX-5 adds up to more than the sum of its parts. Learn More

#3 in Best Compact SUVs

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

9.5

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$25,965

SHOP USED Tiguan

EPA MPG

23–25 combined

C/D SAYS: Offering a refined driving experience, excellent fuel economy, and an optional third row, the Tiguan stands out from the compact-SUV crowd—in a good way. Learn More

#2 in Volkswagen SUVs and Crossovers

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

2020 Honda CR-V

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$26,325

SHOP USED CR-V

EPA MPG

29–38 combined

C/D SAYS: The CR-V offers a classy cabin, fuel-efficient engines, and a voluminous cargo hold; buyers looking for a refined and practical SUV will not be disappointed. Learn More

#1 in Best Compact SUVs

#1 in Best SUVs Under $40,000

#1 in Honda SUVs

#2 in Safest SUVs

2020 Toyota RAV4

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$27,125

SHOP USED RAV4

EPA MPG

27–30 combined

C/D SAYS: A compelling choice in a crowded segment, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 offers rugged styling, a practical cabin, and plenty of standard safety tech. Learn More

#3 in Toyota SUVs and Crossovers

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$29,470

SHOP USED RAV4 Hybrid

EPA MPG

40 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is quicker and more fuel efficient than its gasoline-only counterpart, but does that make it the better RAV4? Learn More

➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.

Shop the Top 5 Compact SUVs for 2020

2020 Subaru Forester

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$25,505

SHOP USED Forester

EPA MPG

29 combined

C/D SAYS: The Forester is great at normal SUV tasks and offers a roomy interior, but what was once a fun option in the crossover category has lost its spark. Learn More

#3 in Subaru SUVs and Crossovers

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

2020 Hyundai Tucson

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$24,690

SHOP USED Tucson

EPA MPG

23–25 combined

C/D SAYS: Hyundai has evolved from making low-priced econoboxes to producing stylish, feature-rich cars and SUVs; the 2020 Tucson is just one of the brand's latest examples. Learn More

2020 Kia Sportage

7.5

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$25,110

SHOP USED Sportage

EPA MPG

21–26 combined

C/D SAYS: With competent driving manners and impeccable cabin quality, the 2020 Kia Sportage is an engaging and sophisticated compact crossover. Learn More

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

2020 Ford Escape

7.5

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$26,130

SHOP USED Escape

EPA MPG

26–30 combined

C/D SAYS: Graceful exterior styling, a plethora of powertrains, and standard driver-assistance features help the new Escape lead Ford's charge to replace cars with SUVs. Learn More

2020 Ford Escape Hybrid

7.5

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$29,510

SHOP USED Escape Hybrid

EPA MPG

40–41 combined

C/D SAYS: Ford's strategy of ditching sedans creates an opportunity for the 2020 Escape Hybrid to fill a fuel-efficiency gap in the automaker's lineup. Learn More

#2 in Most Affordable Plug-In-Hybrid SUVs