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 SUVs for 2025. 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 multiple categories that we feel shoppers prioritize in shopping for a Compact SUV. The categories are as follows:
- Luxury Features (Do you get some unexpected cool features?)
- Powertrain Choices (Does it offer a hybrid?)
- Drive Experience (Dynamics and ride quality)
- Cargo Space
- Rear Seat (Space and features)
- Technology (Quantity, quality, screen size, and advanced features)
- Active Safety Features
- Reliability and Resale Value
- Value under $35,000 (Double weighted for this segment!)
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 too 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!
#10: Subaru FOrester – 33.5 Points
Almost every option in this crowded segment has been redesigned within the last few years, which includes this new Subaru Forester. Perhaps the least rugged looking in the Subaru lineup now, the Forester adopts a new luxurious look on both the inside and outside. While it maintains the perks of a Subaru, such as standard AWD, a large screen on most models, and plenty of standard safety, it also ups the luxury in the cabin for this year. We are hoping the weakest category for this Forester, the powertrain, will be corrected for next year when a hybrid model finally joins the lineup. However, it is too soon to judge how that will affect its score.
#9: GMC terrain – 34 Points
Another redesigned option for this year is the new GMC Terrain, which is giving some much-needed updates to the brand’s smallest vehicle! Following its updates, the Terrain is now one of the most premium in the segment, offering high-end finishes from the more expensive Acadia and Yukon. Also from the nicer Acadia is its premium large display, which is standard on all models for this year. But, of everything premium in this Terrain, the powertrain is still lacking, as it’s a carryover 1.5L Turbo I-4 with low horsepower for the segment. Additionally, you get a CVT with the FWD model and no hybrid option.
#8: Mazda CX-5/CX-50 – 35 Points
Speaking of premium options in the segment, the Mazda compact crossovers, CX-5 and CX-50, are next on the countdown list. Though each has its own personality, both offer some of the nicest cabins in the segment, in addition to their premium engines, which now includes a Toyota Hybrid system on the CX-50. Though the Mazda crossovers are very high scoring in some categories, they take some of the lowest scores in the class as well, especially in terms of space and technology. The trunk space in both is lacking due to their sporty prowess, and their partial touchscreens with aging software are long overdue for an upgrade.
#7: Nissan Rogue – 36.5 Points
Perhaps one of the most underrated options in the segment is the recently refreshed Nissan Rogue! After spending a week with multiple Rogue models, we were very impressed with the overall comfort and space of this Rogue, as every passenger is guaranteed comfort in this option. Additionally, the upper models offer lots of unexpected luxury, even surpassing options like the CR-V. The least impressive part of the Rogue is its powertrain, which still consists of a VC-Turbo I-3 with a CVT and no hybrid. Pending Nissan’s merger with Honda, we may soon see improvement in this category.
#6: Chevy Equinox – 36.5 Points
Once an option that wouldn’t even make it into the top 10, the redesigned Chevy Equinox has made great strides in the segment for 2025. This new Equinox pairs some of the best style in the segment with leading technology and value, undercutting most of its competitors in the segment. Though less so than the Terrain, the Equinox also has a much nicer cabin than before, though some materials still suffer in comparison. Like its GMC sibling, we once again miss out on more power from its carryover engine, as well as a more efficient hybrid.
#5: Honda CR-V – 36.5 Points
Heading into the top five, the tried-and-true Honda CR-V is still one of the best in the segment, serving as a well-rounded choice with all the essentials. The CR-V has some of the best resale, reliability, and value in the segment, making this a prime choice for families. In addition, the CR-V is a spacious option in both the trunk and rear seats. Despite the cabin being solid, the CR-V lacks the screen size and plush materials to score any higher in this segment for now, though we hope that will change with a future refresh.
#4: Mitsubishi Outlander – 38 Points
The most improved option on this list is 100% this new Nissan Kicks! What used to be one of the slowest, least equipped options I the segment is now up into the top five, and with good reason! We recently spent a full week with this model, and found its value, luxury, and drive experience to be one of the best in the segment. Almost everything is improved on this new Kicks, outside of its rear seat and cargo space, which are still smaller for the segment.
#3: Toyota RAV4 – 38 Points
The best-seller of this segment, the Toyota RAV4, makes a strong case for it being in the top three of the segment. Scoring above average in every single category, it makes sense why so many buyers are still choosing this yet-to-be-redesigned option. The RAV4 is also very well-rounded in terms of choices, offering gas, hybrid, PHEV, sport, luxury, and many more options for buyers to choose from. All models are backed by Toyota’s segment leading safety, resale, and reliability as well. Since the RAV4 is due for a 2026 redesign, we expect the RAV4s lowest categories of technology and cargo space will be rectified.
#2: Kia Sportage – 39 Points
One of the value kings of the segment, the Kia Sportage is still one of the top competitors in the segment this year, despite a refresh on the way for next year. Like the RAV4, the Sportage is a very well-rounded option with many different options to choose from, in terms of both style and powertrain. No matter what option you choose, all Sportage models will have segment leading value, as well as some of the best space in the segment. Opposite to the Toyota, Kia will struggle in terms of reliability and standard safety features, but makes up for it in overall luxury.
#1: Hyundai Tucson – 42.5 Points
A distant, yet more updated, cousin to the Kia Sportage, it’s no surprise that the Hyundai Tucson is leading the way for the segment this year! Just refreshed, the Tucson builds upon its lead, adding even more luxury for 2025, in addition to having some of the best technology in the segment. The Tucson once again has many options to choose from, with gas, hybrid, PHEV, sport, luxury, and off-road trims, many of which can be had for great value. The Tucson is also one of the largest in terms of rear seats and cargo. Though the upcoming 2026 RAV4 may soon change the game once again, the Tucson is a clear winner for this year’s countdown!
Scoring Chart
We understand that buyers value different categories, which is why the chart below is a great tool to check out! This chart allows you to sort this competitive segment by category, to help choose your personal winner. If top tier reliability is your most important trait, then this tool can help you find the best!
| LUXURY FEATURES | POWERTRAIN CHOICES | DRIVE EXPERIENCE | CARGO SPACE | REAR SEATS | TECHNOLOGY | ACTIVE SAFETY | RELIABILITY | VALUE UNDER $35,000 | TOTAL (out of 50) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Tucson | 5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 3 | 8 | 42.5 |
| Kia Sportage | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 10 | 39 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 38 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 9 | 38 |
| Honda CR-V | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 36.5 |
| Chevy Equinox | 3.5 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 2 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 9 | 36.5 |
| Nissan Rogue | 4.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 7 | 36.5 |
| Mazda CX-5/CX-50 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3.5 | 8 | 35 |
| GMC Terrain | 4.5 | 1.5 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 6 | 34 |
| Subaru Forester | 4 | 2 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 2.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 6 | 33.5 |
| Ford Escape | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 5 | 30 |
| Ford Bronco Sport | 1 | 2.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2.5 | 2 | 18.5 |
Close Calls for a Highly Competitive segment!
As you can see, the point values over these categories create many close calls, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. As far as our personal picks, Drew leans towards the enthusiast and luxury Mazda CX-50 or CX-5, while Mason prefers the true value and overall luxury from the Hyundai Tucson. However, Josh would take the refinement and style of the new Honda CR-V. Every competitor in this segment truly puts their best foot forward!
Thank you for checking out our expert picks for the Best 10 Compact SUVs of 2025! Let us know in the comments which one you would choose and be sure to check out the associated video, as well as our individual reviews for each vehicle. We hope this helps in your journey to purchase a new vehicle!
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