Compact crossover SUVs are the most popular automotive class nowadays. Buyers love the versatility of those vehicles. They keep the handling from cars and sedans, the safety of SUVs, towing capability from trucks, and all the way keeping excellent fuel economy. So, there is no surprise why all the companies are producing such vehicles.
From the base offer, you can also select the performance configurations of some models. Here we won’t speak about luxury class. There will be another article analyzing which are the best premium crossovers SUVs in the market. For the standard offer, we don’t take only sales numbers, but also the general picture. So, here is what our ratings of the best crossover compact SUV market look like.
No13. 2024 VW Tiguan
The German manufacturer is one of the best in the world. But, Volkswagen somehow didn’t make a breakthrough in the US market. We can blame the old scandal with fake emission reports, but it happened a long time ago. VW restored the image, but it seems like they never intended to make anything bigger in the US.
The Tiguan is their compact crossover and our last pick in the best crossover compact SUV list. That doesn’t mean the vehicle is bad. Owners of the Tiguan can witness its reliability. But, it is not as affordable as in Europe, where you can find parts more easily. If the 2024 VW Tiguan R joins the lineup, it might move higher on this list.
No12. 2024 Jeep Compass
If it was Wrangler, it wouldn’t be No12. But, the 2024 Jeep Compass is not as attractive as some of its siblings. Not only Wrangler but also Grand Cherokee or Wagoneer are drawing more attention. Jeep somehow failed to meet the demands of buyers in the compact segment. Anyway, the Compass offers a few cool options that remind you this is a true Jeep.
Unfortunately, there is no hybrid engine. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain is the only option. It can deliver 200 hp, which is not bad, but the Jeep Compass still needs exceptional fuel economy numbers to be considered as one of the best crossover compact SUV in the market. Grades are generic. Besides Trailhawk, none is worthy of mentioning. And finally, the base price is $30,000. Too much for a small SUV.
No11. 2024 Subaru Forester
The 2024 Subaru Forester is a unique model in the market. The Boxer engine with a low center of gravity provides a totally different ride impression. If this was the only factor that decides the rating, Forester would be positioned very high on this list. But, the 2.5-liter engine is also thirsty and returns 29 mpg combined. The good thing about it – a 4WD is standard.
The base price of the 2024 Subaru Forester will stay put, around $26,500. Again, have in mind that four-wheel drive will cost you at least $1,500 on other vehicles from this list. We are impressed with the Wilderness grade. It is an off-road tuned model, which will also be offered for the rest of the Subaru crossover and SUV lineup. Still, the Japanese company needs to do a lot more to catch up with the best crossover compact SUVs.
No10. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
Again, it takes a lot to be the best, and one of the examples is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander. The plug-in hybrid this vehicle is offering is exceptional. But, the base version would probably be even lower on this list. A 2.5-liter engine is producing 181 hp and returns just 24/31 mpg. Also, there are no too many grades and options to choose from. The Outlander is going to be available in ES, SE, and SEL trims. The price starts from $28,000.
On the other hand, the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is way more impressive. The Japanese carmaker revisited the crossover for the current season, so we believe it will draw more attention. The PHEV system is combining a petrol engine and a 20 kWh battery pack. Total outputs are 250 hp and 332 lb-ft. The range of the electric-only drive is 38 miles. You need to pay $10,000 over the base configuration to get this hybrid.
No9. 2024 GMC Terrain
The mechanical twin of the Chevrolet Equinox is positioned much lower than its sibling. Well, the 2024 GMC Terrain is an upscale model with more premium options. But, it is still not a luxury crossover SUV. The base price is $29,000. You can upgrade the ride with the premium Denali trim. Or, if you want to go off the road, the AT4x is one of the best packages you can get in the entire market.
So, why the 2024 GMC Terrain is not at the very top of the best crossover compact SUV rating? The only engine is a 1.5-liter turbo-four mill with 175 horsepower. It is weak and comes with sluggish acceleration. Also, you won’t get some exceptional gas mileage to cover it up. The Terrain can do only 26 mpg combined. There is no hybrid and there won’t be such a system for the 2024 YM.
No8. 2024 Kia Sportage
The Korean crossover is making its way on this list. The new design is attractive, but still not for everyone. The engine is a 2.5-liter inline-four and produces 187 hp. The crossover needs 8.5 seconds to spring 0-60 mph. The fuel economy might be better than 28 mpg. If you select AWD, then it drops to 25 miles per gallon.
Anyway, there are a few good things that the 2024 Kia Sportage can offer. First, there are 7 trim levels available. You can choose a perfect build when there are so many options. Plus, the base MSRP starts from $26,300, making the Sportage one of the most affordable models on the list. And finally, an extended warranty is the joker for all Kia vehicles.
No7. 2024 Mazda CX-5
Halfway at the list of our 2024 best crossover compact SUV ratings is another Japanese carmaker. The new generation of the Mazda CX-5 is taking the game to the next level. The carmaker is catching up with the competition thanks to the unique styling, safe and cozy interior, and the SkyActiv engine technology. Besides the entry-level unit, that delivers exactly what we expect from a small crossover, there is also a turbocharged drivetrain with improved performance.
There are no too many downsides that can harm the 2024 Mazda CX-5 ratings. We can complain about the cargo space. But, you don’t expect the compact crossover to be too generous here. Also, Mazda is not offering a hybrid system, yet. The price starts under $27,000, which is a bargain for a vehicle that offers AWD and premium features inside the cabin. Well, a turbocharged crossover will add more than $10,000, but you are also getting a higher trim level and extra options in that package.
No6. 2024 Ford Escape
Many models would be happy to take the number 6 spot on this list, but we doubt Ford will like it where we put the Escape. One thing stands out when we speak about this model – its gas mileage. A hybrid system is very efficient and can make the crossover go 44 mpg. Plus, there is the PHEV variant with an electric range. But, all those options are pretty expensive.
The base model includes a turbocharged I3 plant that delivers 180 hp. All-wheel drive is optional. The price starts from $28,000 and it exceeds $30k pretty quickly. The 2024 Escape PHEV costs $39,000. Standard hybrid is more affordable and it can return the investment over the years thanks to the exceptional fuel economy.
No5. 2024 Hyundai Tucson
This might be a surprise – the 2024 Hyundai Tucson is at number 5. But, if you check what the Korean company did over the past few years, this is a reward for all its efforts. Hyundai drew attention with the ix35, which was turned into the Tucson. After the huge success of the previous generation, the all-new model is impressive.
First, the fresh look and those headlights are impossible to miss. If it was about the styling, the 2024 Tucson would be at first 3 picks for sure. There are numerous options and trim levels available to build a perfect crossover SUV. Also, the new hybrid unit is able to return 38 mpg combined. Even the base engine does 30 miles per gallon. The price went up a bit, but $26,500 is still a bargain.
No4. 2024 Nissan Rogue
The 2024 Nissan Rogue won’t offer a hybrid configuration. But, its base engine can do 34 mpg combined. Also, it’s price is a bit higher, starting around $28,000. Nevermind, the Rogue covers it up with a strong resale value and extended durability. Maybe those things could take it to top 3 spots, but this position is great is such strong competition.
A 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 engine delivers 200 hp. The 2024 Rogue can accelerate 0-60 mph in less than 8 seconds. Most other models on this list will require their performance versions to do that. Nissan pays a lot of attention to details. For example, we must praise rear doors which open to 90 degrees, making entrance easier. The company keeps the comfort of front seats at the highest level for the best crossover compact SUV rating list.
No3. 2024 Chevy Equinox
If there was no 2024 Chevy Equinox, we would see the supremacy of Japanese crossovers in the market. So, what makes the Equinox so special, knowing the GMC Terrain is pretty much the same vehicle? Well, it is hard to say, but the crossover sells well. The company has revisited it last year, but its popularity lasts even longer.
The 2024 Chevy Equinox is not offering a hybrid setup, the base drivetrain delivers only 175 hp, needs 9 seconds to get to 60 mph, and consumes a lot of fuel. Well, the entry-level price is just above $26,000. We can also mention the new infotainment system, but it doesn’t seem enough to be sold in more than 200k examples every year. We must appreciate durability, reliability, sales and maintenance networks, resale value…
No2. 2024 Honda CR-V
For some time, the CR-V is definitely second-best crossover in the US and probably in the world. To be positioned so high, you must have everything. Except for the price, it is hard to find anything against the 2024 Honda CR-V. The MSRP is $31,500, but nothing is overcharged. The EX trim already brings advanced technologies and features that are mostly optional for other vehicles. The engine produces 190 hp and returns 31 mpg.
Some would be happy with that, but Honda upgrades the lineup with a hybrid setup. The crossover is now one of the members of the exclusive 40 mpg club. The resale value is excellent if you ever need to do that. Hybrid is a $1,000 upgrade that pays off with every mile driven. No PHEV variant is available, which could position it at #1.
No1. 2024 Toyota Rav4
The model that has it all. The 2024 Toyota Rav4 will keep the spot, without any doubts. There are the base engine, hybrid and PHEV with 300 hp and 38 mpg fuel economy. There are trim levels that can improve everything. Some fans even expected the TRD Pro model for off-road adventures. Still, the TRD Off-Road still can take you to many places without problems.
When we were speaking about resale values, that is nothing compared to the RAV4. Plus, the base model costs under $27,000. Heavily loaded, the crossover reaches $40,000. The PHEV is a little bit less expensive than that. But, you can drive it by using an electric battery only and cover 42 miles. In the foreseeable future, the Rav4 could be redesigned. It will cement the #1 place in the best crossover compact SUV list.
