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 2021

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 2021 at a glance

C/D Rating: 10/10

2021

Mazda CX-5

$26,595 - $38,730

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C/D Rating: 9.5/10

2021

Volkswagen Tiguan

$26,440 - $40,290

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C/D Rating: 9/10

2021

Honda CR-V

$26,575 - $37,575

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Shop the Top 3 Compact SUVs for 2021

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2021 Mazda CX-5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$26,595

SHOP USED CX-5

EPA MPG

24–28 combined

C/D SAYS: The Mazda CX-5 transcends all other compact crossovers thanks to its gorgeous sheetmetal, sophisticated interior, and fun-to-drive nature. Learn More

#3 in Best Compact SUVs

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

9.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$26,440

SHOP USED Tiguan

EPA MPG

24–25 combined

C/D SAYS: The Volkswagen Tiguan sets itself apart from other compact crossovers for its refined driving nature, practical interior, and optional third row of seats. Learn More

#2 in Volkswagen SUVs and Crossovers

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2021 Honda CR-V

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$26,575

SHOP USED CR-V

EPA MPG

29–38 combined

C/D SAYS: The Honda CR-V has all the desirable qualities you could want in a compact SUV: fuel efficiency, interior versatility, and an abundance of modern technology. Learn More

#1 in Best Compact SUVs

#1 in Best SUVs Under $40,000

#1 in Honda SUVs

#2 in Safest SUVs

2021 Ford Bronco Sport

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$28,710

SHOP USED Bronco Sport

EPA MPG

23–26 combined

C/D SAYS: The Bronco Sport is the baby brother of the all-new Ford Bronco, and its capability and versatility make it a worthy challenger to similarly sized Jeeps. Learn More

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2021 Toyota RAV4

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$27,565

SHOP USED RAV4

EPA MPG

28–30 combined

C/D SAYS: A perennial best-seller, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 offers a trim for every budget, from the basic LE to the posh Limited to the adventurous TRD Off-Road. Learn More

#3 in Toyota SUVs and Crossovers

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Shop the Top 5 Compact SUVs for 2021

2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$29,715

SHOP USED RAV4 Hybrid

EPA MPG

38–40 combined

C/D SAYS: Toyota brings together its decades of hybrid-powertrain dominance and its top-selling SUV in the electrified 2021 RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime. Learn More

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2021 Nissan Rogue

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$27,345

SHOP USED Rogue

EPA MPG

28–30 combined

C/D SAYS: Nissan's popular Rogue compact SUV is all-new for 2021 and sports truckier styling, a much-improved interior design, and greater performance. Learn More

#3 in Nissan SUVs and Crossovers

2021 Subaru Forester

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$25,845

SHOP USED Forester

EPA MPG

29 combined

C/D SAYS: Subaru's adventurous brand image and practical nature converge in the 2021 Forester, but its relaxed driving dynamics make it anything but exciting. Learn More

#3 in Subaru SUVs and Crossovers

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2021 Hyundai Tucson

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$24,885

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 and the 2021 Tucson is just one of latest examples. Learn More

2021 Kia Sportage

7.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$25,265

SHOP USED Sportage

EPA MPG

21–26 combined

C/D SAYS: The Kia Sportage boasts an interesting design, refined driving manners, and a speedy turbocharged version that make it a compelling compact crossover. Learn More