Best Small SUVs for 2024 & 2025

Price: $30,825

Honda's CR-V is a decades-old recipe at this point. Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged or 2.0-liter hybrid-electric inline-four, the interior offers modern amenities at an affordable price, and 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space is standard.

While the base engine will suit most buyers, we prefer the hybrid for its 200-hp-plus output and fantastic fuel economy. No matter which engine you go for, you'll be treated to a lovely interior and a pleasant driving experience.

Here's what you need to know about the CR-V

Price: $29,825

The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are practically in a race with each other. Toyota offers similar interior amenities but pulls ahead in the drivetrain department, with a plug-in hybrid model available.

That model, the RAV4 Prime, not only delivers excellent efficiency but power as well, rated at 302 horses combined. That's enough to sprint to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. Pretty quick for a Toyota crossover.

Read our review of the RAV4 Prime right here

Price: $46,095

The Genesis GV70 is proof you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a lot of car. It's the ultimate value proposition, offering luxury car looks, top-tier dynamics, and a plush cabin for a reasonable amount of money.

There are two turbocharged gas engines and an all-electric drivetrain to t0 choose from. We prefer the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, as it delivers a healthy 375 hp, enough for a 5.0-second sprint to 60 mph.

Check out our review of the Electrified GV70

Price: $32,825

While it may look like a rugged Bronco, the Ford Bronco Sport is a really better-looking Ford Escape. Even so, it still packs a punch, with a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 245-hp turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant options.

We much prefer the bigger 2.0 engine, as it delivers enough grunt to launch the mini Bronco Sport to 60 mph in and impressive 5.9 seconds.

Check out our impressions of the Bronco Sport here

Price: $32,330

Based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale platform (or vice-versa, depending on who you ask), the Dodge Hornet is one of the newest entrants in this segment. Four-cylinder power is standard, though you have a choice between turbocharged or hybrid-electric boost.

Whichever powertrain you go for, you'll be treated to solid dynamics, quick steering, and plenty of down-low punch. The Hornet is a bright ray of light in a sea of dullness.

Read our review right here

Price: $62,550

If driving fun is something you prioritize in your life, the Porsche Macan should be at the top of your list. Though it might not look like a low-slung sports car, make no mistake, the Macan's Porsche DNA means it drives more like a high-riding hot hatch than a crossover.

The Macan has a host of turbocharged trims to choose from, and no matter which you go for, you'll have a good time behind the wheel. We recommend springing for the GTS model, as it adds a selection of performance-minded upgrades that up the fun even more.

What you need to know about the Macan EV

Price: $29,855

The only non-luxury European offering in the mix, Volkswagen's Tiguan is built on the MQB platform shared with most modern VWs. As such, its driving character is lively while remaining comfortable all the same.

Under the hood of every new Tiguan sits Volkswagen's widely used 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, rated here at 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, while VW's 4Motion AWD is an optional extra.

Check out our review of the Tiguan here

Price: $28,415

Produced since 1993, the Kia Sportage is a lifer nameplate in a sea of new models, and it is shown in the Sportage's refinement. With ICE and PHEV powerplants and above-standard interior space, the Sportage is a thrifty, high-quality choice.

We recommend springing for the plug-in model over the standard gas engine Sportage. Not only is it more efficient, it's also quicker, able to put up a 7.4-second sprint to 60 mph (versus just 8.6 seconds for the base 2.5 motor).

Read our quick spin review right here

Price: $47,895

BMW's SUV game is on point right now, and there is no perhaps no better example than the X3. It sells better than the equivalent 3-Series, and comes with nearly the same performance, but with more space and utility.

The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will work fine for most buyers, but we love the M40i model's 382-hp turbocharged inline-six. It allows for a sports car-like 0-60 of just 4.1 seconds.

Price: $28,390

Another long-standing nameplate, the Subaru Forester is back for 2024 with a mild visual refresh and some light refinement. Safe as ever, the only knock on the Subaru Forester is its middling fuel economy as a result of its symmetrical all-wheel drive.

Sadly Subaru no longer offers a turbocharged version of the Forester, meaning all trims have to make due with a 2.5-liter boxer-four making 182 hp, connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Here's what you need to know about the Forester

Price: $47,645

Looking to stand out amongst all of the German crossovers populating your neighborhood or workplace parking lot? The Volvo XC60 might be the perfect alternative.

The Swedish crossover blends clean, understated looks to a minimalist interior with nice materials, equating to a pleasant, agreeable driving experience. Go for the plug-in hybrid T0 model and you get an impressive 455 hp, enough to launch the SUV to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.

Read our Colorado road trip test of the XC60

Price: $31,675

Buffer than the typical CX-5, the Mazda CX-50 is a real looker and a fantastic model to drive, too. Go for the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 256 horsepower if you can.

The Mazda CX-50 gets a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive as standard, and the turbo model can get to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds, and also comes with 10.3-inch infotainment screen.

Check out our review of the CX-50 here

Price: $30,095

GMC is forging a new path for 2024, revamping both its SUV offerings. The 2024 GMC Terrain looks genuinely luxurious as of late, but sharing its drivetrain with the Chevrolet Equinox isn't doing it any favors.

The GMC Terrain gets one powertrain choice: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 173 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. Front-drive is standard, but you can get all-wheel drive as an option.

Price: $30,015

Yes, we're including Mitsubishi's Outlander in this list because the manufacturer is making a genuine push towards electrification. Offering the plug-in hybrid Outlander, Mitsubishi hopes to challenge Honda and Toyota. Only time will tell if Mitsubishi will succeed, but competitive prices could help.

The Outlander PHEV can go 38 miles on purely electric power thanks to a 20-kWh battery pack. Fire up the 2.4-liter four-cylinder under the hood, and you get a combined 248 hp.

Check out our review of the Outlander PHEV here

Price: $48,250

Think of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class as a C-Class, but in crossover form. It gets that car's 255-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and standard 48-volt mild hybrid system, as well as a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on the GLC, and Mercedes's 4Matic all-wheel drive system is optional. The 0-60 sprint happens in a respectable 5.6 seconds.

We like the AMG version best