Best Compact SUVs of 2024: As the demand for versatile, efficient, and stylish vehicles continues to grow, compact SUVs have cemented their place as a top choice for drivers around the world. These vehicles strike a perfect balance between the spaciousness of traditional SUVs and the maneuverability of smaller cars. In 2024, the market is brimming with outstanding options, each offering a unique blend of performance, comfort, and value. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle, an adventure companion, or a daily commuter, there’s a compact SUV that fits the bill. Here’s a look at the best compact SUVs of 2024.
1. 2024 Toyota RAV4
Performance:
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 continues to be a leader in the compact SUV segment, offering a reliable and efficient performance. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the RAV4 delivers 203 horsepower, making it one of the more powerful options in its class. It also offers a hybrid variant for those looking to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Comfort:
Inside, the RAV4 boasts a spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long drives more comfortable. The interior is designed with high-quality materials, and the layout is intuitive and user-friendly.
Value:
The RAV4’s strong resale value, combined with Toyota’s reputation for reliability, makes it an excellent investment. It also comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, which adds to its overall value.
2. 2024 Honda CR-V
Performance:
The 2024 Honda CR-V remains a top contender in the compact SUV category, thanks to its smooth ride and responsive handling. The standard model comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 190 horsepower, providing a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid offers even better fuel economy without compromising on performance.
Comfort:
Honda has prioritized passenger comfort in the CR-V, with a roomy interior that comfortably seats five. The cabin is quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, and the seats are designed for long-term comfort. The rear seats recline and offer plenty of space, making the CR-V an ideal choice for families.
Value:
The CR-V offers great value for money, with a starting price that is competitive within its class. It’s also packed with standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of driver assistance technologies. Honda’s strong reputation for longevity and reliability further enhances the CR-V’s value proposition.
3. 2024 Mazda CX-5
Performance:
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 stands out for its sporty performance and dynamic handling, which make it one of the most enjoyable compact SUVs to drive. It offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version with up to 256 horsepower. The CX-5’s responsive steering and agile handling make it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV.
Comfort:
The CX-5’s interior is luxurious and stylish, with high-quality materials and attention to detail. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the cabin is quiet, even at highway speeds. The front seats offer excellent support, and the rear seats are roomy enough for adults, although they may feel slightly cramped compared to some competitors.
Value:
Mazda has equipped the CX-5 with a long list of standard features, including a large infotainment display, advanced safety features, and premium interior materials. While it may be priced slightly higher than some rivals, the CX-5 offers a level of refinement and driving pleasure that justifies the cost.
4. 2024 Subaru Forester
Performance:
The 2024 Subaru Forester is known for its rugged capability and standard all-wheel drive, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently drive in challenging weather conditions or enjoy off-road adventures. The Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower, offering solid, if not exhilarating, performance.
Comfort:
Inside, the Forester is spacious and comfortable, with a focus on practicality. The cabin features large windows and a high seating position, providing excellent visibility for the driver. The seats are designed for comfort, and there’s plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers in both the front and rear seats. The Forester’s ride quality is smooth, absorbing bumps and rough roads with ease.
Value:
Subaru’s reputation for reliability and safety makes the Forester a strong value proposition. It comes with a host of standard safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance technology. The Forester also offers excellent cargo space, making it a practical choice for families or those who need to haul gear.
5. 2024 Hyundai Tucson
Performance:
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson offers a smooth and composed ride, with a choice of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower or a more fuel-efficient hybrid option. Tucson’s handling is stable and predictable, making it a great choice for both city driving and highway cruising.
Comfort:
The Tucson’s interior is modern and well-appointed, with a design that emphasizes comfort and convenience. The seats are plush and supportive, and the cabin is remarkably quiet. The Tucson also offers a wealth of technology features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, and available ventilated seats.
Value:
Hyundai has positioned Tucson as one of the best values in the compact SUV segment, with a starting price that undercuts many competitors. It comes loaded with standard features, and Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty provides peace of mind for buyers. The Tucson also offers good fuel economy, especially with the hybrid variant, further enhancing its value.
6. 2024 Kia Sportage
Performance:
The 2024 Kia Sportage delivers a well-rounded performance with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower. For those seeking more power and efficiency, the Sportage also offers a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version. The Sportage’s ride is smooth and comfortable, and it handles well in a variety of driving conditions.
Comfort:
Kia has upped the ante with the Sportage’s interior, offering a spacious and stylish cabin that rivals more expensive vehicles. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the rear seats offer ample space for passengers. The Sportage also features a large cargo area, making it a practical choice for families.
Value:
The Sportage is competitively priced, and Kia’s strong warranty further adds to its appeal. It comes standard with a host of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance technologies. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions offer excellent fuel economy, providing additional value for environmentally conscious buyers.
7. 2024 Ford Escape
Performance:
The 2024 Ford Escape offers a variety of powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 181 horsepower, a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, and hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The Escape’s handling is agile, and it delivers a comfortable and composed ride, making it a great choice for a wide range of driving needs. Best Compact SUVs of 2024.
Comfort:
Ford has designed the Escape’s interior with a focus on comfort and convenience. The cabin is spacious, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, and the interior design is modern and functional. The Escape also offers a range of technology features, including a user-friendly infotainment system and available driver assistance features.
Value:
The Escape provides good value for money, with a range of features available at a competitive price point. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models offer excellent fuel economy, and Ford’s extensive lineup of available features allows buyers to customize the Escape to suit their needs. The Escape’s versatility and range of options make it a strong contender in the compact SUV market.
Conclusion
The compact SUV market in 2024 is packed with impressive options, each offering a unique combination of performance, comfort, and value. Whether you prioritize driving dynamics, interior comfort, fuel efficiency, or advanced technology, there’s a compact SUV on the market that will meet your needs. The Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Ford Escape are among the best of the best, offering a blend of features that cater to a wide range of drivers. Best Compact SUVs of 2024.
