Every year, our Car Confections Team gets behind the wheels of hundreds of cars, from every size and price point, to make reviews for the channel. So, we wanted to jot down our Top Picks for each of the segments we spend time in. Today, we will be sharing our Best 10 Compact SUV’s for 2024. For an in-depth video about each, be sure to head to the video linked at the bottom of this article!

Scoring Criteria

As the opinions of two brothers with no kids can differ from those of others in the market for a car, we have developed five categories that we feel shoppers prioritize in shopping for a Compact SUV. The categories are as follows:

  1. Space (cargo, interior storage)
  2. Luxury (features offered, details)
  3. Powertrain (fuel economy, choices offered, power)
  4. Technology (quantity, quality, ease of use, advanced features)
  5. Value @ $35,000 (do you get a lot with a mid-level trim that most people buy?)

Each of the categories will be rated on a 1–5-point scale, and winners will be determined by adding each category up for a final score. Ties will be broken by our professional opinions of each model.

Also, if you’re interested in buying any of the models we mention today, we have a tool on the website that you will want to check out. Click here for our tool that will connect you to local dealerships to get the best price and give you access to invoice pricing. With that being said, let’s get into the countdown!

Scoring Criteria

#10: Ford Escape – 15 Points

Sliding into 10th spot is the recently refreshed Ford Escape! This stylish offering excels when it comes to its multiple powertrain options and interior technology. However, it is still lacking in terms of space and overall luxury.

Escape Front
Escape Score

#9: Volkswagen Tiguan – 15 Points

Next, 9th place sits the only German on this list: the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Tiguan scores great in space (with a third row) and decent across the categories of value, tech, and luxury. But, the Tiguan an diverse or efficient powertrain offerings.

Tiguan Front
Tiguan Score

#8: Subaru Forester (2024) – 15 Points

In 8th place is the pre-redesigned Subaru Forester, as we have not had any hands-on time with the Upcoming 2025 Forester. With that aside, the current Forester scores very well in terms of space, luxury, and overall value. However, it’s powertrain and technology really keep it from scoring any higher.

Forester Front
Forester Score

#7: Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 – 15 Points

The winners in this four-way tie in 7th place are the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50! Both with their unique features, these offerings really excel in terms of value and luxury and offer some good powertrains for the class. At the end of the day, neither lead the segment in terms of space or technology.

CX-5 Front
CX-50 Front
CX-50/5 Score

#6: Honda CR-V – 16 Points

Sitting in 6th place is the recently redesigned Honda CR-V. As one of the brand’s most important products, the CR-V offers incredible space, but fails to pull ahead in any other category, scoring average for the most part. Additionally, the technology leaves much to be desired, especially if you opt for a lower trim with smaller screen.

CR-V Front
CR-V Score

#5: Nissan Rogue – 18 Points

In the middle of the pack at 5th place is the newly refreshed Nissan Rogue. With this refresh, the Rogue now makes an improvement in terms of technology and luxury, adding to its already good space. Additionally, its powertrain and value are competitive for the class as well.

Rogue Front
Rogue Score

#4: Toyota RAV4 – 19 Points

For 4th place sits the extremely popular Toyota RAV4, the best-selling of the bunch. In recent refreshes, the RAV4 has increased its lead with better technology and luxury, as well as its fantastic powertrain offerings. Along with its average space, the overall value suffers, as Toyota knows this RAV4 is a big moneymaker.

RAV4 Front
RAV4 Score

#3: Mitsubishi Outlander – 20 Points

As we enter the top 3, we find a unique offering in 3rd place: the Mitsubishi Outlander. Normally overlooked, the Outlander excels in terms of space, value, and luxury categories. However, it continues to lack with its powertrain and technology throughout.

Outlander Front
Outlander Score

#2: Kia SPortage – 22 Points

2nd place belongs to the increasingly popular Kia Sportage! This handsome offering from Kia does above average in every category but does best in terms of value offered and powertrain options. It also pulls out great scores for tech, luxury, and space in this segment.

Sportage Front
Sportage Score

#1: Hyundai Tucson – 22 Points

Here we are at first place, belonging to the even more popular Hyundai Tucson! Scoring the exact same score as the Sportage, this Tucson can do things slightly better, which is why we are giving it the win for this year. In such a congested segment, this is quite the feat to manage!

2024 Tucson Front
Tucson Score

Honorable Mentions

Of course, there are more than 10 options in this segment, so we wanted to take a moment to mention the vehicles that didn’t quite score high enough, which are:

  1. Ford Bronco Sport
  2. GMC Terrain
  3. Chevy Equinox

Thank you for checking out our expert picks for the Best 10 Compact SUV’s for 2024! Let us know in the comments which one you would choose and be sure to check out the associated video below, as well as our individual reviews for each vehicle located on the YouTube Channel. We hope this helps in your journey to purchase a new vehicle!