The Best Compact SUVs and Crossovers You Can Buy in 2023: Small Size, Serious Utility

The 2023 Jeep Cherokee certainly has its charms. Few other offerings in the segment have the instant "off-road-capable SUV" credibility that a Jeep has by default, and an optional V-6 engine is like nothing else in the segment. That said, the Cherokee is both smaller on the inside and more expensive overall than most of its competitors while offering so-so fuel economy to boot. No electrified options are present, either, though if you're willing to spend more, the Trailhawk trim does have even more off-road ability to add to that Jeep cool factor.

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Despite good looks and minor improvements, the 2023 GMC Terrain remains a middling choice overall. GMC as a brand promises an upscale, premium experience that the Terrain doesn't quite deliver on, instead offering what one of our editors termed "Walmart luxury." The actual quality of interior materials is fine, but design is muted to the point of being bland. Upsides of the Terrain include some solid standard features such as Apple CarPlay. Overall, however, you'd likely be better off in a cheaper Equinox.

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After a recent refresh, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has more useful traits than ever, yet it doesn't necessarily have the value, features, or style to make it stand out in a packed field. That said, the Tiguan is VW's bestseller for good reasons. The Tiguan has adaptive cruise control and a lane keeping system on the trim just above the base model. Additionally, the crossover is larger than its direct competitors while smaller than the midsize crossovers in the next size class up, though that extra size is better utilized by cargo space than the available third row of seating, which is exceptionally tight. While the Tiguan doesn't necessarily stand out, it does have the space, safety tech, and general competency to offer a good overall small SUV option.

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In many ways the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox is the poster child of the extreme popularity of compact crossovers, for better and worse. Engineering wise, the Equinox is … fine. The engine lacks power and response but delivers adequate efficiency. In terms of practicality, the Equinox offers less cargo space than the competition despite a more spacious rear seat. Overall, the low cost of the Equinox ensures its ubiquity on American roads, but that popularity doesn't translate into it being the best.

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Standing out as one of the smallest and cheapest vehicles on the market to offer a third row of seating, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander might not be best for most, but it offers a compelling package for many. Driving dynamics and ride are both quite pleasant, while the third row is a class-exclusive feature. The reason no other vehicle in its size class has a third row is obvious once you see the one in the Outlander: We're hesitant to call such a tiny space an actual seat. If you need to haul small children back there, it might just be enough, though moving more than five people in an Outlander would best be accomplished with the plug-in hybrid model.

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Standard features abound on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and driver attention monitors. Spaciousness and style are also factors in the Tucson's favor, though its driving dynamics are not. While offering neither an interesting drive or a comfortable ride, the Tucson is a solid overall value that has only gotten better.

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Base Price: $26,450

Available Engines: 2.5L I-4 (187 hp, 178 lb-ft)

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 26/33 mpg

Cargo Space (behind 1st/2nd): 75/39 cu-ft

Given Ford's all-in approach on SUVs, you'd expect the 2023 Ford Escape to be better than it is. The Escape's appealing, carlike appearance and demeanor are offset by a less than stellar interior and unrefined entry-level powertrain. On the plus side, there are two hybrid powertrain options, one being a plug-in that offers some electric-only driving range, as well as a novel turbocharged three-cylinder engine. For the 2023 model year, the Ford Escape gets a raft of upgrades to its styling, tech, and trim structure to keep it competitive.

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A highly capable all-arounder, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has many attributes that buyers want, from the now 8.0-inch standard touchscreen to the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance suite. The issue with being an all-arounder is that the RAV4 isn't particularly great in any one area, with middling interior space and a decidedly unfun driving experience. But it's hard to beat Toyota quality and features for the price of a RAV4.

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Futuristic looks and a spacious interior make the 2023 Kia Sportage worth a look. In many volume and space metrics the Sportage sits at the top of the compact SUV pack, despite over a dozen competitors gnashing at the same goal. Features like 4G wi-fi connectivity and an array of driver assistance and safety systems ensure the Sportage has more technology than many of those same competitors, though more foundational features like engine power and efficiency aren't up to snuff on the base model. For our money, the Sportage Hybrid is the best buy of the extensive lineup.

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Premium feel and genuinely good handling continue to set the 2023 Mazda CX-5 apart from a crowded field of mostly samey compact crossovers and SUVs. Adding to those uncommon endorsements are great safety ratings and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The main downside to all this relative sportiness is less overall cargo space and fuel economy when compared to other compact crossovers. For a little more fun, that's a compromise worth making for a small sporty SUV like the CX-5.

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The CX-5 can be thought of as Mazda's asphalt-focused compact crossover, while the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is meant for adventures further afield. The CX-50 absolutely looks the part and backs up those looks with genuine capability both on-road and off. It can even be made to slide around somewhat on the dirt, which is a forbidden activity for other crossovers under the watchful computerized eye of undefeatable stability control nannies. Chances are you won't find a more fun compact crossover SUV, though you pay for that fun through overly heavy steering and less than plush ride quality.

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Spacious and comfortable-riding, the 2023 Subaru Forester is easily among the most practical compact crossovers on the market. Great visibility, intuitive infotainment, and status as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ add to the Forester's credentials as a practicality champion. Does the Forester match that practicality with the performance of a small sporty SUV? Well, no. But sport isn't the point, even though the Subaru Forester Wilderness does deliver a modicum of off-road capability.

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Competent almost to the point of being boring, the 2023 Honda CR-V continues to be the benchmark of the compact SUV segment. The CR-V is spacious, safe, and reasonably efficient, demolishing competing crossovers by the dozen through sheer adeptness at blending into the background of daily life. As a bonus, the CR-V's Civic underpinnings (just like the original decades ago) ensure a quality driving experience to boot. For more efficiency you can opt for the Honda CR-V hybrid, but every CR-V has experienced a price jump that requires you to pay appropriately for all that extra competency.

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In our estimation, the 2023 Nissan Rogue covers all the bases. Its new variable-compression engine offers both enough power and great efficiency, and the cabin is adorned with both spaciousness and high safety scores, all for not more money than the riff-raff of a class overflowing with samey options. When pit against the very best compact crossovers, the Rogue came out on top through a combination of capability, competency, and value. Sure, it's not the best drag racer among crossovers, but the Rogue doesn't really miss a beat in being comfortable and practical daily transportation for a good price.

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