Honda CR-V
	Honda Element
	Chevrolet Equinox
	Jeep Compass
	Saturn Vue Green Line Photos by Tracey Kroll

In just 10 years, the small, car-based SUV segment has grown from one vehicle, the Toyota RAV4, to a category that includes dozens of models and has redefined what consumers think of as an SUV. Small, car-based SUVs have become mainstream alternatives to traditional family sedans or wagons, providing an optimal combination of fuel economy and cargo room.

Three models have consistently dominated the top of our small-SUV Ratings: the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. Each is a well-rounded vehicle that delivers good performance, road proficiency, interior flexibility, and good fuel economy. In our July 2006 test the redesigned RAV4 took the top spot, beating the previous CR-V.

For this test we purchased the redesigned Honda CR-V, the all-new Jeep Compass, the hybrid Saturn Vue Green Line, and the recently updated Chevrolet Equinox and Honda Element. Prices ranged from $21,660 for the Compass to $27,740 for the Equinox. Of the five, only the CR-V and Element are recommended because they performed well in our tests and have shown excellent reliability.

The new CR-V was the best vehicle in the group, but it doesn’t topple the RAV4 as our highest-rated small SUV. The CR-V has shed its boxy styling for sleeker, carlike looks. The driving position is much improved, the controls are more straightforward, and interior flexibility is improved. Cargo room and rear visibility suffers because of the new styling, but passengers will find the rear seat relatively roomy. We chose an all-wheel-drive EX model that comes with a sunroof and alloy wheels for $24,645.

The Element is a boxy, utilitarian vehicle based on the previous-generation CR-V. For 2007 Honda added standard electronic stability control, side and curtain air bags, and safety belts integrated into the front seats. The last allows front-seat passengers to remain belted when rear passengers enter or exit. Despite the addition of ESC, the Element was disconcerting at its cornering limits. High noise levels, a jittery ride, and poor visibility are still problems. We paid $23,705 for an EX model with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

The Equinox used to tip up in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s rollover test. Chevrolet rectified this problem for 2007 by adding standard electronic stability control. It didn’t tip up in NHTSA’s retest. Despite that update and some suspension modifications, the Equinox is still clumsy and its low handling limits are discouraging. The ride has improved at low speeds, but the Equinox feels sluggish. The addition of a five-speed automatic transmission improves fuel economy, but mileage is still below par. Towing capacity is good for a small SUV. Interior fit and finish is slightly improved. Our tested Equinox LT cost $27,740 and included a power seat, 17-inch polished aluminum wheels, sunroof, heated seats, and curtain air bags.

The Compass, Jeep’s first car-based SUV, shares a platform with the Dodge Caliber. We found the Caliber unimpressive in our September 2006 test, and the Compass follows suit. Its noisy four-cylinder engine delivers decent fuel economy thanks to the continuously variable transmission (CVT), but interior materials are cheap and poorly assembled in many places. Overall ride comfort is acceptable. The Compass has low handling limits but is kept secure by the standard electronic stability control. Our tested Sport model cost $21,660 with options including power windows and locks, air conditioning, heated seats, and the CVT transmission.

The Vue Green Line is General Motors’ first mass-market hybrid vehicle. It is available only with front-wheel drive and is a very mild hybrid, meaning it can’t propel itself solely on electric power. It uses a large alternator that can produce a small amount of power as well as charges the system. Fuel economy was 24 mpg overall; its all-wheel-drive competitors, the Ford Escape Hybrid and the nonhybrid Toyota RAV4 four-cylinder, returned 26 and 23 mpg respectively.

Acceleration is slow, and the Vue Green Line has clumsy handling and imprecise steering. Electronic stability control isn’t available. The regular Vue tipped up in NHTSA’s rollover test. Our loaded Green Line cost $26,250 and came with optional curtain air bags, a power driver seat, leather upholstery, and a sunroof.