- Best Cars and Trucks
- SUV
- for the Value
Best SUVs for the Value
We sifted through the data to select the best cars and trucks in every category.
Overview
The Hyundai Venue is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the SEL IVT, which starts at $21,875 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Venue is estimated to deliver 29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carFeature Highlights
See owner reviews for Hyundai Venue. All reviews
Overview
The Nissan Kicks compact crossover has seating for five people with a solid suite of standard safety features and an affordable price. Its biggest drawback is the small engine, which makes accelerating to highway speeds a chore. The Nissan Kicks is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the SV, which starts at $22,525 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Kicks is estimated to deliver 31 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Good standard safety features
- Excellent fuel economy
Cons
- Unimpressive acceleration
- Front-wheel drive only
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Nissan Kicks. All reviews
Pros
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Good standard safety features
- Excellent fuel economy
Cons
- Unimpressive acceleration
- Front-wheel drive only
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Mazda CX-30 is easily a top offering among small crossovers, with its superlative cabin finishes and driving experience. Pricing for the top trims, however, also exceeds the segment norms. The Mazda CX-30 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 7 trim levels. The most popular style is the Premium AWD, which starts at $31,275 and comes with a 2.5L I4 engine and All Wheel Drive. This CX-30 is estimated to deliver 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Upscale interior approaches near-luxury grade
- Punchy available turbo engine
- Engaging driving demeanor
Cons
- Several rivals are more practical cargo carriers
- Rear-seat space is tight
- Turbo version gets pricey at the high end
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Mazda CX-30. All reviews
Pros
- Upscale interior approaches near-luxury grade
- Punchy available turbo engine
- Engaging driving demeanor
Cons
- Several rivals are more practical cargo carriers
- Rear-seat space is tight
- Turbo version gets pricey at the high end
Overall Assessment
Overview
With its sporty handling and premium style, the Mazda CX-3 delivers an enjoyable driving experience in a small and fuel-efficient package. It comes nicely equipped for $21,000 with active safety tech, automatic LED headlights, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The elegant cabin gives pricier SUVs a run for their money while remaining user-friendly. Top rivals have more rear-seat space and optional amenities, but few can match this Mazda’s appeal. The Mazda CX-3 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 1 trim levels. The most popular style is the Sport AWD, which starts at $23,365 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and All Wheel Drive. This CX-3 is estimated to deliver 27 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Handsome style inside and out
- Nimble and enjoyable to drive
- Excellent fuel economy
- Standard safety technology
Cons
- Limited cabin and cargo space
- Engine could have more power
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Mazda CX-3. All reviews
Pros
- Handsome style inside and out
- Nimble and enjoyable to drive
- Excellent fuel economy
- Standard safety technology
Cons
- Limited cabin and cargo space
- Engine could have more power
Overall Assessment
Overview
Slick, modern styling and affordable pricing make the Kia Seltos a top choice in the crowded compact-crossover segment. Its well-sized cargo and passenger room offers plenty of versatility for city dwellers. The Kia Seltos is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 5 trim levels. The most popular style is the S 2.0 FWD, which starts at $23,865 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Seltos is estimated to deliver 29 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Low starting price
- Spacious cargo area
- Standard safety features
Cons
- Lackluster base engine
- Middling fuel economy
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Kia Seltos. All reviews
Pros
- Low starting price
- Spacious cargo area
- Standard safety features
Cons
- Lackluster base engine
- Middling fuel economy
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Chevrolet Trailblazer has several good qualities, including its interior space, its high-tech features, and its attractive design. Although its starting price is low, moving up to the more compelling Trailblazer variants causes the sticker price to balloon and quickly erodes the value proposition. The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the LT FWD, which starts at $24,995 and comes with a 1.2L I3 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Trailblazer is estimated to deliver 29 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Low base price
- All-wheel drive is available
- Standard active-safety features
Cons
- Neither available engine is very powerful
- Fuel economy is no better than larger, more powerful SUVs
- Upper models are pricey
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Chevrolet Trailblazer. All reviews
Pros
- Low base price
- All-wheel drive is available
- Standard active-safety features
Cons
- Neither available engine is very powerful
- Fuel economy is no better than larger, more powerful SUVs
- Upper models are pricey
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Hyundai Kona has a lively personality with its sporty styling, responsive handling, and available turbo engines. It's a great compact SUV for active singles. The Hyundai Kona is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the SEL FWD Automatic, which starts at $24,175 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Kona is estimated to deliver 30 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Zippy turbo engines available
- Eye-catching design
- Lots of tech features
Cons
- Rear-seat space is tight
- Small cargo hold
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Hyundai Kona. All reviews
Pros
- Zippy turbo engines available
- Eye-catching design
- Lots of tech features
Cons
- Rear-seat space is tight
- Small cargo hold
Overall Assessment
Overview
The 2021 Ford EcoSport is an inexpensive SUV best suited for urban environs, but its fuel economy is unimpressive and rivals are better equipped. The Ford EcoSport is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the SE FWD, which starts at $25,205 and comes with a 1.0L I3 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. This EcoSport is estimated to deliver 27 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Ultra-small size makes it easy to park
- Easy-to-use infotainment system
- All-wheel drive is available
Cons
- Missing some common driver-assist features
- Disappointing fuel economy given its size
- Base model lacks power
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Ford EcoSport. All reviews
Pros
- Ultra-small size makes it easy to park
- Easy-to-use infotainment system
- All-wheel drive is available
Cons
- Missing some common driver-assist features
- Disappointing fuel economy given its size
- Base model lacks power
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Hyundai Tucson is the brand's best-selling vehicle, and we expect its popularity to continue with an all-new 2022 version of the capable compact crossover. New styling plus a variety of features combine with a lengthy warranty to appeal to a wide range of buyers. The Hyundai Tucson is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 7 trim levels. The most popular style is the SEL AWD, which starts at $29,225 and comes with a 2.5L I4 engine and All Wheel Drive. This Tucson is estimated to deliver 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models available
- Big-screen displays
- Upscale styling
Cons
- Limited towing capacity
- No off-road trim
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Hyundai Tucson. All reviews
Pros
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models available
- Big-screen displays
- Upscale styling
Cons
- Limited towing capacity
- No off-road trim
Overall Assessment
Overview
A bold exterior design makes the Toyota C-HR stand out from the sea of today's unremarkable compact crossovers. It also has a wide range of standard safety and infotainment features. But ultimately, it's let down by an engine that doesn't have enough power to make it fun to drive. The Toyota C-HR is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the LE FWD, which starts at $22,910 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This C-HR is estimated to deliver 27 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Striking exterior design
- Smooth ride
- Ample standard safety
Cons
- Tight rear seats
- Underpowered engine
- Average fuel economy
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Toyota C-HR. All reviews
Pros
- Striking exterior design
- Smooth ride
- Ample standard safety
Cons
- Tight rear seats
- Underpowered engine
- Average fuel economy
Overall Assessment
Overview
Compact SUVs are the most popular vehicle category today, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross seeks to differentiate itself with sleek style, low pricing, and excellent warranty coverage. The crossover takes its name and sporty appeal from the automaker's long-running Eclipse sports car, imbuing that spirit into a versatile five-passenger family vehicle. Its turbocharged engine is smooth and efficient, and many driver safety aids are available. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the SE S-AWC, which starts at $28,940 and comes with a 1.5L I4 Turbo engine and Four Wheel Drive. This Eclipse Cross is estimated to deliver 25 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Chic style for a low starting price
- User-friendly controls
- Excellent warranty coverage
Cons
- Underpowered engine
- Limited rear-seat and cargo space
- Low-grade cabin plastics
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. All reviews
Pros
- Chic style for a low starting price
- User-friendly controls
- Excellent warranty coverage
Cons
- Underpowered engine
- Limited rear-seat and cargo space
- Low-grade cabin plastics
Overall Assessment
Overview
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is an all-new subcompact crossover in the German brand's lineup. Its long list of available features and low initial price are attractive, but it doesn't match some of its competitors when it comes to standard safety technology. The Volkswagen Taos is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the SEL FWD, which starts at $32,685 and comes with a 1.5L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Taos is estimated to deliver 28 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Nice road manners
- Roomy interior
- Upscale equipment available
Cons
- Active safety systems are largely optional
- Single engine option
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Volkswagen Taos. All reviews
Pros
- Nice road manners
- Roomy interior
- Upscale equipment available
Cons
- Active safety systems are largely optional
- Single engine option
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Mitsubishi Outlander compact crossover's interior is comfortable and well equipped with seating for up to seven people. It has a long list of standard safety features and a modern infotainment system, but the standard engine delivers only average performance. The Mitsubishi Outlander is a 7-seater vehicle that comes in 8 trim levels. The most popular style is the SE S-AWC, which starts at $31,840 and comes with a 2.5L I4 engine and Four Wheel Drive. This Outlander is estimated to deliver 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Affordably priced
- Extensive standard safety
- Responsive handling
Cons
- Slow acceleration
- Tight third row
- Average fuel economy
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Mitsubishi Outlander. All reviews
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Extensive standard safety
- Responsive handling
Cons
- Slow acceleration
- Tight third row
- Average fuel economy
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Ford Escape is a compact crossover with an affordable starting price, seating for five people, and a wide range of engines. It gets excellent crash-test ratings and has a large suite of standard safety features, making it a great choice for families with their most precious cargo on board. The Ford Escape is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 10 trim levels. The most popular style is the SE FWD, which starts at $28,280 and comes with a 1.5L I3 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Escape is estimated to deliver 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Good fuel economy
- Comfortable ride
- Long list of standard safety equipment
Cons
- Interior feels cheap
- Limited cargo capacity
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Ford Escape. All reviews
Pros
- Good fuel economy
- Comfortable ride
- Long list of standard safety equipment
Cons
- Interior feels cheap
- Limited cargo capacity
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Nissan Rogue is freshly redesigned for 2021. The new model ups its game with sleeker styling, an extra dose of tech, and a nicer interior. However, it lacks the breadth of choice of some rivals. The Nissan Rogue is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the SV AWD, which starts at $30,315 and comes with a 2.5L I4 engine and All Wheel Drive. This Rogue is estimated to deliver 25 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Plenty of space for people and cargo
- Standard active-safety features
- Upscale interior, especially in the luxurious Platinum trim
Cons
- The 2
- 5-liter engine is short on power
- No hybrid option
- Tows only 1,350 pounds
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Nissan Rogue. All reviews
Pros
- Plenty of space for people and cargo
- Standard active-safety features
- Upscale interior, especially in the luxurious Platinum trim
Cons
- The 2
- 5-liter engine is short on power
- No hybrid option
- Tows only 1,350 pounds
Overall Assessment
Overview
Subaru's Forester is a sensible choice among compact SUVs. Standard all-wheel drive and good ground clearance make it capable off-pavement, and the boxy shape houses a spacious interior and generous cargo hold. The Subaru Forester is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 5 trim levels. The most popular style is the 2.5i Premium, which starts at $28,845 and comes with a 2.5L H4 engine and All Wheel Drive. This Forester is estimated to deliver 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Roomy, practical interior
- Great outward visibility
Cons
- Sole engine offering is not so quick
- Some driver assists cost extra
- Limited towing at 1,500 pounds
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Subaru Forester. All reviews
Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Roomy, practical interior
- Great outward visibility
Cons
- Sole engine offering is not so quick
- Some driver assists cost extra
- Limited towing at 1,500 pounds
Overall Assessment
Overview
Subaru's smallest model, the Crosstrek is a high-riding hatchback that competes against small crossovers. It's an attractive package thanks to a rugged persona and standard all-wheel drive, two traits that aren't very common in its class. The Subaru Crosstrek is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 5 trim levels. The most popular style is the 2.5i Limited CVT, which starts at $29,045 and comes with a 2.5L H4 engine and All Wheel Drive. This Crosstrek is estimated to deliver 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Gutsy optional engine
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Less cargo space than many competitors
- Some driver-assist features cost extra
- Weak base engine
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Subaru Crosstrek. All reviews
Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Gutsy optional engine
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Less cargo space than many competitors
- Some driver-assist features cost extra
- Weak base engine
Overall Assessment
Overview
With sharp handling, precise steering, and powerful brakes, the Mazda CX-5 is one of the most enjoyable compact SUVs. It is priced higher than most of its competitors, so the CX-5 is not the best overall value in the class. The Mazda CX-5 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 6 trim levels. The most popular style is the Grand Touring AWD, which starts at $33,135 and comes with a 2.5L I4 engine and All Wheel Drive. This CX-5 is estimated to deliver 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Exceptionally fun to drive
- Optional high-horsepower turbo
- Upscale interior
Cons
- Premium price
- Less cargo space than competitors
- Nonintuitive entertainment system
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Mazda CX-5. All reviews
Pros
- Exceptionally fun to drive
- Optional high-horsepower turbo
- Upscale interior
Cons
- Premium price
- Less cargo space than competitors
- Nonintuitive entertainment system
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Buick Encore GX is a compact SUV that offers both a manageable size and a premium look and feel. Its comfortable, feature-laden cabin is certainly accommodating, but its lack of punch under the hood leaves it feeling a little less premium than some of its more athletic competitors. The Buick Encore GX is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the Select FWD, which starts at $26,795 and comes with a 1.2L I3 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Encore GX is estimated to deliver 29 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Comfortable, quiet ride
- Maneuverable size
- Upscale interior
Cons
- Best of safety tech available only in top trims
- Single engine option
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Buick Encore GX. All reviews
Pros
- Comfortable, quiet ride
- Maneuverable size
- Upscale interior
Cons
- Best of safety tech available only in top trims
- Single engine option
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Kia Niro is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 5 trim levels. The most popular style is the Hybrid EX Premium, which starts at $33,165 and comes with a Hybrid 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Niro is estimated to deliver 51 MPG in the city and 46 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carSee owner reviews for Kia Niro. All reviews


