Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activate
Small SUVs are one of the fastest growing new vehicle segments. It should come as little surprise, as the formula of small footprint and big versatility make compact ‘utes a sensible choice for buyers in cities and suburbs alike. Most models come with all the latest infotainment and high-tech safety gear, and many deliver impressive fuel economy. But not all of these vehicles are the same. To put them in perspective, Consumer Reports brings you the top 10 small SUVs that were on sale in 2014—ranked from worst to first, based on our exhaustive battery of more than 50 tests.
Click the models name for complete pricing, road test, reliability, owner satisfaction, and other key information.
The XV Crosstrek is essentially a high-riding Impreza wagon, and that puts it into unique territory. It features a user-friendly cabin and a rugged aesthetic, but it is the hybrid powertrain that sets it apart. We averaged 28 mpg in testing, making it the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the segment. The 2015 model boasts even better, with improved controls and the addition of Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety technology, including lane-departure warning and collision avoidance sytstems.
This is the "sports car" of the segment, if you will. Coming from the "Zoom-zoom" brand, it should be no surprise that the CX-5 has agile handling, quicker-than-average acceleration, but it also has exceptional fuel economy for the class. It is also the only vehicle on this list available with a manual transmission. CX-5 has relatively simple and easy-to-use controls and Touring or Grand Touring trim come with niceties such as a blind-spot monitoring system. Ultimately, the CX-5 is a perfect choice for buyers who put an engaging driving experience over a comfortable, plush interior.
The Rogue is the smaller sibling to the Nissan Murano—a stallwart in the crossover SUV segment. The 2015 Rogue has been completely redesigned, growing a bit in the process. As a result, it's roomy and has an accommodating interior, aided by rear doors that open almost a full 90 degrees. It also features a pretty nice ride, especially for the class. It might not be a sporty vehicle, but the Rogue handles well and feels competent at its limits. The kicker is the availability of a third-row seat—something very hard to come by in this class.
The Tiguan bridges the gap between mainstream and luxury models, with strong power, sharp handling, and good fit and finish. A 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers the Tiguan; it is the only available engine. It delivers punchy performance and a relatively good 21 mpg overall, but on premium fuel. One of only a few SUVs that can be driven with gusto through corners, the Tiguan handles well, with little body lean. The upright cabin allows for a commanding driving position, and buyers can put the generous 1,100-pound towing capacity to good use.
The hybrid version kicked off this list, but the conventionally powered XV Crosstrek impressed us even more. It is roomier than alternatives such as the Nissan Juke or Mini Countryman, and it costs less than competitors—even when loaded up with options. What sets the Crosstrek apart from other small SUVs is its eight inches of ground clearance. That is almost on par with some traditional truck-based SUVs, plus it has standard all-wheel-drive. The Crosstrek exists in a space for buyers who want a vehicle with a little more visual muscle and actual utility than a small hatch. Factor in AWD, great fuel economy, and excellent predicted reliablity, and you have a compelling entry in this hot segment.
Built on the current Ford Focus platform, the fun-to-drive Escape delivers agile handling and an impressively supple and composed ride. Its cabin is one of the quietest in the class and it feels solid and substantial, a pleasant change from some of the bantamweight-feeling competition. This small-displacement engine does a pretty good job moving the Escape around, with decent mid-range response. It doesn't feel underpowered but it does have to work at it. The fuel economy is 22 mpg overall—same as with the more powerful 2.0-liter engine.
The RAV4 pioneered the crossover segment nearly two decades ago, and it continues its solid performance in the category for 2015. Despite being fractionally smaller than its predecessor, it retains nearly the same interior space. The RAV4 features generous rear seat and cargo room. The standard backup camera is a welcomed feature, as is the lock button on vehicles equipped with the available all-wheel-drive. Engaging the lock sends more power to the rear wheels for added traction at speeds up to 25 mph. The RAV4's strong reliability will bring you peace of mind throughout the life of the vehicle and will result in solid resale value when you sell it!
The CR-V is an incredibly sensible option in this segment. It has impressive cargo versatility and interior space, and the 185-hp four-cylinder engine is fuel-efficient. For 2015, the CR-V gets a continuously variable transmission with the aim of further improving fuel economy. This year also brings updates to the front grille and headlights, as well as upgraded tech. The latter comes in the form of new safety features, including forward-collision warning with autonomous braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The view back is hurt by small rear windows, but the standard rearview camera helps.
The Escape gets credit for a long list of upmarket options, and this particular model is where that pays off. The Titanium trim features leather seating, MyFordTouch infotainment, and the innovative foot-activated, motion-sensing power rear hatch. The top-trim Titanium is powered by a 231-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder that delivers responsive performance and a good 22 mpg overall. The uplevel engine's added oomph and refinement boosts the Titanium's score as does a nicer interior and additional features.
The Forester may not have the sporty handling of the Mazda CX-5 or the clean styling of the VW Tiguan, but it delivers all the practical utility that defines the better vehicles in this class. The combined 26-mpg of the Forester is among the best in the class, and its upright layout provides impressive rear visibility and good cargo packaging. Features like power seats and massive, two-row sunroof come in in at a surprisingly low price, while features like a backup camera are standard across the line for 2015. Subaru's optional EyeSight delivers a suite of high-tech safety features, such as collision avoidance and lane-departure warning systems. Throw in stellar reliability, crash-test ratings, and dynamic safety marks, and the Forester shines in this competitive segment as a smart, practical choice.
—George Kennedy
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
