While they're large and bulky vehicles with a lot of power just like pickup trucks, the primary purpose of SUVs has always been for transporting passengers. They're more comfortable and better insulated, often offering more ample seating than any other segment. One of the main criticisms of SUVs over the years has been their size and fuel economy, which put them behind sedans and hatchbacks for decades—but no more. Today, SUVs are more practical and economical than ever, with a myriad of sub-segments there to ensure every buyer gets exactly what they need.
For travel, everyday city driving, and errands, nothing beats a compact SUV. This segment was once no bigger than ordinary cars, but nowadays, some compact SUVs are more than large enough for a family of five and their luggage.
Updated November 2022: For years, SUVs seemed to be getting bigger and bigger, without actually serving any real purpose. Today, there's an increasing number of compact SUVs in production, and they offer better fuel efficiency, more features, and more value than most of their full-size counterparts. If you are looking for a family car, you should seriously consider one of these.
Apart from that, these vehicles can tow up to 3,000 pounds and still offer sprightly handling and acceleration. Therefore, it's no wonder this segment is booming in sales. And in fact, the sheer number of compact SUVs being churned out by virtually every major manufacturer can be downright confusing for buyers looking to score a new SUV. That's why we've compiled our own list of the best compact SUVs of 2022.
11 Lincoln Corsair
The base model Lincoln Corsair offers incredible luxury for the price of $36,580. It also broke the trend for Lincolns finding themselves in the bottom half of the reliability rankings, with a top 10 finish this year.
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Impressive reliability, a comfortable ride and folding seats make this a great choice for families. It also won't leave you in want of more power with its 250 hp powertrain.
10 GMC Terrain
Coming in tenth place, the 2022 GMC Terrain (base version) is equipped with a 1.5-liter Turbo 4-cylinder engine that offers 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. The compact SUV comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission and various features such as hill descent control and StabiliTrak, an electronic stability control system featuring traction control.
As for its towing capacity, the GMC Terrain can tow anything weighing up to 1,500 lbs. As you can see the interior looks very nice but as expected, comfort comes at a price. The SLT model starts at an MSRP of $34,895.
9 Jeep Cherokee
This SUV is stronger than the GMC Terrain as it features a 3.2-liter V-6 engine with 271 hp, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.
Apart from various comfort and technological attributes, the compact SUV's combined MPG is 22 with a fair 27 MPG on highways making it an excellent choice for long trips. The base version comes in at a $33,995 MSRP.
8 Toyota RAV4
Coming in the eighth position, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 (LE version) is equipped with a VVT-i 2.5-liter 4-Cylinder DOHC engine at 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 rocks an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 1,500-lb towing capacity.
Once again, apart from comfort and various driving assists, the true MPV here is the highway MPG coming in at a value of 35. The LE RAV4 starts at $26,975 making it more affordable compared to other vehicles on this list.
7 Nissan Rogue
The 2022 Nissan Rogue packs a 1.5-liter DOHC 12-valve VC-Turbo engine at 201 hp and 225 lb-ft torque. Even though the base model is very affordable, you will have to sacrifice the AWD capabilities of the more premium model which only costs around $1,500 more coming in at $28,650.
It also features various driving, steering, braking, and parking assists as well as an 8-inch colored touchscreen infotainment system that is guaranteed to provide helpful information and keep the passengers entertained.
6 Subaru Forester
Even though the Forester's 182-hp 2.5-liter DOHC engine and 176 lb-ft of torque might not seem like much, the compact SUV managed to claim the sixth position on our list thanks to the value it offers.
There are 6 different trims with the base one starting at $25,895. However, its towing capacity is only 1,500 lbs, so if you need a great towing machine you would be better off with the Wilderness trim.
5 Ford Bronco Sport
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What we really like about the Ford Bronco Sport was the G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any type of Terrain) meaning the vehicle will seamlessly change driving modes to offer the best driving experience based on the surface it moves on.
The Ford Co-pilot 360, a suite of driving assists, is another amazing feature of the Bronco Sport. The base 181-hp and 190 lb-ft of torque version comes in at $28,265.
4 Honda CR-V
Occupying the fourth place, the 2022 Honda CR-V rocks a 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine at 190 hp and 179 lb-ft torque. The compact SUV comes with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driving-assistive technologies that improve the overall driving experience.
Even though the CR-V's interior design is excellent, the car's highway MPG value is 34 making it excellent for long-distance trips. The base model, the LX, starts at $26,800.
3 Kia Sportage
Claiming the third position, almost entirely because of its incredible exterior and interior design, the Kia Sportage is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
As for the towing capacity, with the help of the trailer brakes, you'll be able to tow up to 2,000 lbs. Otherwise, you'll have to limit yourself to 1,653 lbs only. The cheapest trim, the LX, starts at an MSRP of $25,990 only making it one of the most affordable options on our list.
2 Mazda CX-5
This list's runner-up, the Mazda CX-5 is equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter DOHC 16-Valve engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
It has a towing capacity of up to 2,000 lbs without adding any premium elements to the trim, and has established itself as one of the most reliable compact SUVs on the market. It comes in at an MSRP of $26,250.
1 Hyundai Tucson
Claiming the first place on our list is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. It can be broadly customized as you can choose from a selection of eight exterior colors and two interior colors. The car is equipped with a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-Valve engine with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque as well as an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The towing capacity is once again 2,000 lbs and 1,650 lbs without the trailer brakes. The car retails in five different trims, but the base SE version starts at $25,800.
Sources: Mazda, Toyota, Jeep, GMC