Personal Picks: Small SUVs

This month's group of Small SUVs takes us away from the gargantuan monsters, like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Dodge Durango and Ford Expedition, and instead introduced us to a few smaller, new and redesigned models. All are competitively priced (around $23,000 for the Kia Sportage to almost $28,000 for the Saturn Vue), and none dipped below 17 mpg overall. The big SUVs mentioned above only get from 12-14 mpg. The smaller models are also somewhat agile, easy to park, and simple to live with. Naturally, their size doesn't suit everyone's needs. But if you don't require three-row seating or huge towing capacities, you might take a look at a smaller ‘Ute.

Here's what we like:

Gabe Shenhar: In the small SUV class, provided you're not going to tackle the Rubicon Trail  every weekend, it's almost a no-brainer. Although I like the BMW X3 for its agility and compact dimensions, it's typical $42,000 or so price point takes it out of the class we're talking about. I always had a soft spot for the Toyota RAV4 (available to online subscribers) ever since it pioneered the category in 1996. The latest generation, however, really takes it to another level. It looks good, rides and handles well, has many thoughtful interior features, and is roomy inside without being bulky. And, with the optional V6, the car is really transformed. It's quick, smooth and quiet, sprinting to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds—even with the added weight of the AWD system. And, ready for this? It gets 22 mpg overall (just like the previous generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid); what an amazing combo! So, if I were to replace my family car today, the RAV6, as we call it here, would be a top contender. It's not for nothing that it's CR's top-rated small SUV.

Rick Small: For me, the Toyota RAV4 is a bit more comfortable and more fun to drive than most of the others in our December test, and with a V6 model you can tow 3,500 pounds if needed. The Honda CR-V is also nice—it's much improved over the previous model. For my tall frame, though, I was most comfortable in the Ford Escape, but the dated driveline and interior trim take it off my list. The new competitively priced Kia Sportage is also a worth a consideration; it has a very nice interior and delivers a competent ride and handling. Nissan has just come out with the Rogue, which will offer some fresh competition for these. We have our test model and will be putting it thorough its paces shortly. One other consideration: The new AWD Suzuki SX4 offers some stiff competition for fans of Subarus. I was comfortable in the SX4; it's very well equipped, competitively priced and worth a look.

Gene Petersen: What is a small SUV nowadays? Hard to tell based on size alone. Or is it price that differentiates them? And when is it an SUV vs. a tall wagon or hatchback? From my perspective, I'm looking for something with AWD that's reasonably priced (cheap), seats at least four adults reasonably comfortably, and has good cargo space—including the versatility of expanding the cargo area with fold-down rear seats. Can I name one? No, but I can name a bunch that would suit my needs. The Subaru Forester tops my list (confession: I own one). It just does everything I need it to do, though rear-seat room could be more spacious. Others that I would consider are the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and the Kia Sportage.If I had to replace the Forester today, I might consider the Toyota RAV4 for its slightly better fuel economy and roomier rear-seat area. The Honda is right up there, too, but it's a little less fuel efficient; the Hyundai's and Kia's fuel consumption is unimpressive in this class, too.

Tom Mutchler: Sure, I know that small SUVs are all the rage. They're practical and stuff. But I just can't really find one that gets me all that excited. Based on the early rave reviews for the Saturn Vue, I thought that one would break the mold—but I don't find it that fun to drive and the front seats are lousy. (Almost all of my colleagues agree about the seats.) Despite the Toyota RAV4 V6's excellent combination of fuel economy and acceleration, I just can't get comfortable in the seats. (Not many of my colleagues agree there.) A Hyundai Santa Fe isn't all that small. The Honda CR-V is very practical and efficient, but I want a bit more power. (We'll see how the Nissan Rogue works out when we test it later this year.) Finally, my last small SUV Personal Pick, the Subaru Forester XT Sports, is a touch loud and rowdy for me. So, another month of Personal Picks yields another station wagon. A Subaru Outback XT Limited gives me a quieter interior than the Forester; rides better; has seats that fit me like a glove; provides plenty of cargo room; and has a low roof for loading my kayaks. Fuel economy, based on our tested Legacy GT's 18 mpg overall, isn't great, but it's quite fast and handles well.

Mike Leung: I WANT to choose the Nissan Murano… it's the answer to everything SUV. But since some editors in Yonkers (ahem) get tired of us answering every "which one would you buy" question with the Murano, next on my short list of small SUVs is the Toyota RAV4 V6. It's really quick, handles competently, and is quite comfortable while still delivering 22 mpg. Honorable mention: While I wouldn't categorize it as an SUV, the Suzuki SX4 was actually quite nice. Also, the Kia Rondo was very versatile and easy to drive.

Mike Quincy: I haven't really changed my mind about this category since the last time we gave them a look—the Hyundai Santa Fe is still my #1. However, now we know its predicted reliability (it's average), so we can recommend it. The Toyota RAV4 V6 is also really nice. But, for about $30,000, both aren't really a great value. I could envision saving a little money and going for a Nissan Xterra (a tough truck, but still somewhat livable); or I could see saving a LOT of money and putting another perennial favorite in my garage: the 5-door Mazda3 Grand Touring. I realize the Mazda gives up a lot of cargo room compared to the Hyundai or Nissan, but I could get a fully-loaded model for just over $24,000—and the 3's better fuel economy numbers would continuously convince me that it was a smarter buy than any small SUV. I'm with Tom Mutchler on this one: wagons rock.