Compact SUVs have proven that size doesn’t always matter in terms of performance and practicality. These nimble vehicles offer powerful engines, luxurious interiors, and surprisingly quick acceleration. Here are 22 of the best compact SUVs that pack a punch despite their smaller size.
Mazda CX-5 (2012)
Launched in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 was designed by Akira Tamatani as part of Mazda’s “Kodo: Soul of Motion” design philosophy. It has a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower. The CX-5 has premium leather seating, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a Bose sound system. This compact SUV is sporty and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, making it elegant and exhilarating.
Toyota RAV4 (1994)
Masahiro Moro designed this hybrid model that combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower. The interior features eco-friendly materials, a 7-inch display screen, and ample cargo space. While it takes 7.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, this hybrid offers a balance of efficiency and performance.
Honda CR-V (1995)
Introduced in 1995 and designed by Hiroshi Takemura, the Honda CR-V is a 1.5L turbocharged unit with 190 horsepower. The cabin is well-finished with plush seats and a 9-inch touchscreen complemented by a panoramic sunroof. The CR-V can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, making it a perennial favorite for those who desire reliability and comfort in compact form.
Ford Escape (2000)
The 2000 Ford Escape, designed by Moray Callum, is a reliable and efficient SUV. Equipped with a 2.5L hybrid engine producing 200 horsepower, it offers a good power and fuel economy balance. The interior is clean and spacious, with comfortable passenger seating in both rows. An 8-inch touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 4 system provides modern connectivity. With a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds, the Escape is a practical and efficient choice for city driving.
Hyundai Tucson (2004)
Hyundai Tucson was launched in 2004 and designed by Peter Schreyer. Its latest variant is available with a 2.5L four-cylinder that churns out 187 horsepower. It features leather upholstery, a dual 10.25-inch screen layout, and ambient lighting. It takes 8.8 seconds to run from 0 to 60 mph. The Tucson blends high-end design with easy driving.
Kia Sportage (1993)
The Kia Sportage’s first model was launched in 1993, and its designer is Byungchul Lee. Its new 2023 comes with a hybrid 1.6L turbocharged powerplant making 227 horsepower. Interior features include vegan leather upholstery, curved digital display, and advanced driver-assist systems to complete this smart, sporty choice, hitting the 0 to 60mph mark in 7.2 seconds.
Chevrolet Trax (2013)
Sergio Rocha designed the Chevrolet Trax in 2013. It offers a practical and efficient package. Its 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivers 137 horsepower and impressive fuel economy. The interior is surprisingly spacious, featuring premium cloth upholstery, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it may not be the fastest, it had a 0-60 mph time of 9.4 seconds.
Nissan Rogue (2007)
Shiro Nakamura designed the Nissan Rogue, which was launched in 2007. The 1.5L variable-compression turbo engine offers 201 horsepower and impressive efficiency. The interior is refined with quilted leather seats, a 9-inch infotainment screen, and ambient lighting. It also offers family-friendly features such as rear sunshades and a motion-activated liftgate. The Rogue gets a respectable 0 to 60 mph of 7.8 seconds, giving a smooth and confident ride.
Subaru Crosstrek (2012)
Launched in 2012, the Subaru Crosstrek was designed by Masahiko Kobayashi. This compact SUV features a rugged 2.5L flat-four engine delivering 182 horsepower and Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive. The cabin features water-resistant StarTex upholstery, an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen, and advanced safety features like EyeSight Driver Assist. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds and shines as an off-road-capable yet city-friendly powerhouse.
Jeep Compass (2006)
Launched by Trevor Creed in 2006, the Jeep Compass has a 2.4L four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower under the hood. The interior is rugged yet sophisticated, and it features leather-trimmed seats, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and a dual-pane sunroof. Its legendary Jeep off-road capability, matched with 9.3 seconds to reach 0 to 60 mph, makes this a versatile adventurer.
Ford Bronco Sport (2020)
Ford’s Bronco Sport, released in 2020, was designed by Paul Wraith to be a smaller, more city-friendly sibling to the full-sized Bronco. This model will be powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four, which will produce 250 horsepower. Durable materials include easy-to-clean upholstery, a rubberized cargo floor, and an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3. From 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, the Bronco Sport combines rugged capability with everyday usability.
Hyundai Kona (2017)
Luc Donckerwolke designed Hyundai Kona in 2017. The Kona is built with a 1.6L turbocharged powerplant that makes 195 horsepower. Vibrant colors, such as bold accents, a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, and heated seats, are applied to the interior. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 6.6 seconds, giving this car a zing for urban dwellers to get style and performance.
Kia Seltos (2019)
The Kia Seltos, designed by Byungchul Lee, was launched in 2019. It is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 195 horsepower. The interior is a mix of sophistication and technology, including ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and customizable ambient lighting. The Seltos can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, making it as dynamic as practical.
Volkswagen Taos (2021)
Volkswagen’s latest compact SUV, the Taos, designed by Klaus Bischoff, aims to meet the growing demand for smaller, more efficient vehicles. The Taos offers performance and fuel efficiency, powered by a 1.5L turbocharged inline-four engine producing 158 horsepower. The stylish and practical interior features a digital cockpit display, leatherette seats, and ample cargo space. With a 0-60 mph time of 8.4 seconds, the Taos is a versatile SUV at home in the city or on the highway.
Chevrolet Trailblazer (2020)
Returning to the market after several years out of production, in 2020, SangYup Lee put the new Trailblazer to the pen. As such, it’s delivered a new 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder. 155 horsepower provides all this: peppy plus sensible. The cabin is modern and flexible: It comes with two-tone upholstery, a user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen, and a flexible cargo system with a fold-flat front passenger seat.
Toyota C-HR (2016)
Designed with bold looks and agile handling in mind, the 2016 Toyota C-HR, Kazuhiko Isawa’s brainchild, stands out from the crowd. While its 2.0L four-cylinder engine delivers a comfortable 144 horsepower, it prioritizes style and maneuverability over raw speed. Inside, the C-HR continues to impress with sleek design elements, leather-trimmed seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen. Safety is also a top priority, with Toyota Safety Sense offering advanced driver-assistance features.
Mazda CX-30 (2019)
Mazda’s 2019 Crossover, the CX-30, was introduced in 2019 courtesy of designer Ryo Yanagisawa. It offers luxury and convenience in a compact package. Under the hood, a 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine produces 186 horsepower. The interior showcases Mazda’s minimalist philosophy, offering high-quality materials, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, and supportive leather seating. It reaches 0 to 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds.
Honda HR-V (1999)
The Honda HR-V, designed by Daisuke Sawai, was one of the early pioneers of the compact SUV segment when it debuted in 1999. The latest model features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower. Inside, the HR-V prioritizes practicality with its versatile Magic Seat configuration and a 7-inch infotainment system. While it’s not the quickest, the HR-V offers a comfortable and efficient ride with a 0-60 mph time of 9.4 seconds.
Hyundai Tucson (2004)
The Hyundai Tucson was first introduced by Thomas Bürkle in 2004. The current model features a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower. The interior looks futuristic with this 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, well-layout leather seating, and ambient lighting for that touch of luxury. The Tucson exudes a perfect balance between style, performance, and comfort, with its time of 8.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (2010)
Introduced in 2010, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a smaller iteration of the Outlander. Its designer is Tsunehiro Kunimoto. It has a 2.0L four-cylinder with 148 horsepower. It has no unique features, but it offers good reliability and affordability. The interior has supportive seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, and soft-touch materials. It accelerates 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds.
Ford EcoSport (2012)
The 2012 Ford EcoSport, designed by Ehab Kaoud, is an urban practicality. It has a 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine that can produce up to 123 horsepower. It is very comfortable inside, with comfortable seating and an 8-inch touchscreen. The issue of storage with a swing-out tailgate is also smartly solved. It is not the quickest off the line, taking 10.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, but that’s not important in the city.
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