7 Best Compact SUVs of the Year

In recent years, the demand for compact SUVs has surged as drivers seek vehicles that offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and versatility. Compact SUVs have become a go-to choice for families, urban commuters, and adventure seekers alike. This year, the automotive market has unveiled some impressive contenders in the compact SUV segment, each boasting unique features, advanced technology, and performance capabilities. In this article, we will explore the best compact SUVs of the year, evaluating their strengths and what sets them apart from the competition.

1. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V continues to be a perennial favorite in the compact SUV category. With its spacious interior, impressive cargo capacity, and outstanding fuel efficiency, the CR-V strikes an ideal balance between comfort and practicality. The 2024 model features a refined exterior design, advanced safety technology, and an intuitive infotainment system.

One of the standout aspects of the CR-V is its fuel economy, especially with the hybrid variant. The standard model offers an EPA-estimated 28 city and 34 highway MPG, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save on fuel costs. Inside, the CR-V boasts ample legroom and headroom, making long trips comfortable for both front and rear passengers.

Moreover, the CR-V is equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. With these features, drivers can feel confident on the road, knowing that they have extra layers of protection.

2. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is another standout in the compact SUV category, renowned for its reliability, spaciousness, and off-road capabilities. The 2024 RAV4 has received a facelift that enhances its rugged aesthetic while maintaining a comfortable and functional interior.

Under the hood, the RAV4 offers a robust 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The RAV4 Hybrid variant is particularly appealing, offering excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.

The interior of the RAV4 is user-friendly, featuring a well-designed infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The cargo space is generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Safety is a top priority for Toyota, and the RAV4 comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alerts.

3. Ford Bronco Sport

For those who crave adventure, the Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV that brings ruggedness and off-road capability to the forefront. The 2024 model maintains the classic Bronco look while offering modern technology and comfort features.

The Bronco Sport is powered by a choice of two turbocharged engines: a 1.5-liter engine with 181 horsepower and a more robust 2.0-liter engine with 245 horsepower. This SUV excels in off-road conditions, with available all-wheel drive and features like a terrain management system that adapts to various driving scenarios.

Inside, the Bronco Sport is designed for practicality, with durable materials and easy-to-clean surfaces. The infotainment system includes a user-friendly interface with available navigation and smartphone integration. Cargo space is impressive, with up to 65.2 cubic feet available when the rear seats are folded down, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is often praised for its stylish design and engaging driving dynamics. The 2024 model enhances these attributes with a refined interior, making it a top contender in the compact SUV segment.

Under the hood, the CX-5 offers a choice between two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that can produce up to 250 horsepower. This variety ensures that drivers can choose the performance level that suits their needs.

The CX-5's interior is a standout feature, showcasing high-quality materials and a sophisticated design. The infotainment system, while slightly less intuitive than some competitors, offers a premium experience with features like a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Safety is prioritized in the CX-5, with available features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

5. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson has undergone a complete redesign for 2024, boasting a bold new look and a suite of innovative features. The Tucson is recognized for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive warranty coverage.

The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 187 horsepower, providing a smooth and efficient ride. For those seeking more power, a hybrid variant is also available, offering excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Inside, the Tucson impresses with its modern design and user-friendly technology. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, along with a premium audio system available on higher trims. The Tucson also offers ample cargo space, with up to 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.8 cubic feet with the seats down.

6. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester remains a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, thanks to its all-wheel drive capability and spacious interior. The 2024 model continues to emphasize safety, practicality, and comfort.

Powering the Forester is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower. While it may not be the most powerful option in the segment, the Forester excels in off-road situations and provides a smooth ride on various terrains.

The Forester’s interior is designed with comfort in mind, featuring ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The cargo area is generous, with up to 76.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The Subaru EyeSight driver-assist technology adds peace of mind, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

7. Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue has made significant strides in the compact SUV market, offering a stylish design, a comfortable ride, and a suite of technology features. The 2024 Rogue comes with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower, providing a spirited driving experience while maintaining impressive fuel economy.

Inside, the Rogue is equipped with a spacious and well-appointed interior, featuring high-quality materials and an intuitive infotainment system. The available 12.3-inch digital gauge display and 9-inch touchscreen make for an engaging driving experience. The cargo space is also impressive, with up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet when they are folded down.

Safety is a top priority for Nissan, and the Rogue is equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Conclusion

The compact SUV segment has never been more competitive, with a variety of options available to suit different preferences and lifestyles. The best compact SUVs of the year, including the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Bronco Sport, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester, and Nissan Rogue, each offer a unique blend of performance, comfort, technology, and safety.

When choosing the right compact SUV for your needs, consider factors such as fuel efficiency, cargo space, safety features, and overall driving experience. Whether you prioritize off-road capabilities, a luxurious interior, or advanced technology, there is a compact SUV that will meet your requirements and exceed your expectations.

As the automotive market continues to evolve, these vehicles set the standard for what drivers can expect in terms of quality, versatility, and performance. Whichever model you choose, rest assured that you'll be driving one of the best compact SUVs of the year, ready to take on any adventure that comes your way.