12 Best Compact SUV Reviews: Photos And Details

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By John Kelly
Last updated Mar 31, 2021
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Compact SUVs are hot sellers these days. They present an affordable entry point into the booming class of vehicles. If you wish to buy a car that fits your family’s needs and is able to handle rough terrain, a Compact SUV could be just the right pick. The best compact SUVs are brawny enough to endure all types of terrains and conditions, yet trendy and shiny when appearances matter.

The sales of SUVs have twirled up in the last few years and 2018 pledges to be no different. Several new compact SUVs by car manufacturers are set to drizzle down on Indian buyers so that they are spoilt for choice. Without wasting much time, let’s get down to business and take a look at the best compact SUV list that deserves our pockets.

12 Best Compact SUV Reviews

1. 2018 Chevy Traverse

Overview:

If you are looking for a best compact SUV, the 2018 Chevy Traverse will be a perfect choice for you. The car is a SUV with good towing capabilities, a lot of cargo space and it comes with the support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 2018 Traverse is totally a new design of Chevrolet and you have seen the car in the “Real people, not actors” commercials with a big family coming out of the back of this car. The 2018 Chevy Traverse, even a base model at the price of $29,930, is equipped with lots of standard technology and it is very nicely for driver to handle. The car has a very roomy interior space with convenient seats and it can seat up to 8 passengers in total. But the only downside is that the 3th row is not big enough for adult passengers on anything more than a very short trip. A wifi hotspot and 6 USB ports are equipped for the car, so everyone can charge up their phones and uses wifi during the road trips.

Chevrolet gave to the 2018 Traverse a 3.6 liter V6 engine offering better fuel economy, more power and the car has the ability to tow 680 kgs. 6 trim levels are available for the 2018 Traverse in Front-Wheel-Drive and in All-Wheel-Drive models. The price for the 2018 Traverse begins at $29,930 for L trim and up to $53,595 for the High Country trim level which consists of all the whistles and bells.

Watch the video below to see more information about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse:

Pros:

  • Good ride and handling
  • Roomy cargo space
  • Smart technologies including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Convenient and roomy front & middle row

Cons:

  • There is nearly no legroom for third row
  • Convenience and safety features only available on High trim level

2. 2018 Dodge Durango

Overview

Another best SUV for the money is the 2018 Dodge Durango. The car is a strong competitor of the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and Chevrolet. It is equipped with 2 or 3 rows of seats and has a V6 or V8 power and is available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. It also features with a new gear selector with manual-shift mode, a sport steering wheel with shift paddles, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a backup camera and front parking sensors.

You want to see more information of the 2018 Dodge Durango? Check out the video below:

Pros:

  • Convenient ride
  • Powerful engines
  • Spacious interior with usable 3th-row

Cons:

  • Not very effectual
  • Get costly with options
  • Active safety features not standard

3. 2018 Ford Flex

Overview

2018 Ford Flex is a worthy name in the best compact SUV list. The car is one of the three SUVs manufactured by Ford that offers 3 seat rows, along with the Expedition and the Explorer. Ford also gave to the it a special boxy shape which combines elements of a minivan, station wagon and a SUV making the car very versatile and functional. Depending on the configuration, it can seat from 6 to 7 people. Its main competitors are Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse.

The 2018 Ford Flex are available in Front-wheel-drive and All-wheel-drive models. A 287 HP, 3.5-liter V6 is offered as standard and a 365 HP, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 is available in All-wheel-drive Limited Trim level.  The price for base model begins at $30,995 and that for a loaded Flex Limited begins at just $38,790.

Watch the video below to see the review of the 2018 Ford Flex 3-row 7 passenger SUV:

Pros:

  • Three row seatings
  • Spacious cargo space
  • Ability to quick accelerate

Cons:

  • No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
  • No automatic emergency braking

4. 2018 Honda CR-V

Overview

The next car in our best compact SUV reviews is the 2018 Honda CR-V. With many improved refinements over 5 generations, the car is a full-grown vehicle with safety, interior comfort, superior build quality and has a good reputation for reliability and durability. The price for a new 2018 Honda CR-V starts at $24,250 which is a very competitive price. As a tribute to its quality reputation, the CR-V cars deliver best in class residual value after 3 years and 5 years. No one can predict the resale value of an SUV precisely, but solid residual projections make the CR-V lease prices more affordable and it still has a high value when you trade in. For that reason, many people rated the 2018 CR-V is the best SUV for money to buy.

2018 Honda CR-V: The best Japanese SUV that desevers your money

Pros:

  • High safety scores
  • Good handling and quick acceleration
  • Spacious space for passengers and cargo

Cons:

  • Excessive tire and wind noise
  • Infotainment system is not latter day

5. 2018 Jeep Renegade

Overview

The number of Jeep cars sold is increasing incredibly in recent years, thanks to a new lineup with extensive capability. And the 2018 Renegade is one of the hottest cars for value in that new lineup. Beginning at the price of $18,445, the 2018 Jeep Renegade is the least costly and smallest current  Jeep model. If you want to buy a 4×4 Sport model with a 6-speed manual transmission, you will have to pay about $20,100. According to auto experts, it is a pretty affordable price for an off-road-capable SUV at present. 8.0 inches is the minimum ground clearance of the 4×4 models, while the figure for Trailhawk model is 8.7 inches. The car is an entry-level way to get into the Jeep community and lifestyle, and it’s a cool SUV for you to drive everyday.

         SEE MORE:

Pros:

  • Luxury interior
  • Excellent off-road capabilities
  • Nimble and smooth handling

Cons:

  • Has less standards features than its rivals
  • Poor projected reliability rating

6. 2019 Kia Sorento

Overview

If the best mini SUV is what you are looking for, you should take a look at a 2019 Kia Sorento. The car is designed to compete with many rivals like Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. In terms of size, the 2019 Sorento is smaller than its rivals. In terms of price, the car is sold at the price under $27,000, which is also cheaper than its competitors. The 2019 Sorento has a lot of standard features, including a powertrain warranty good for 100,000 miles/10 years and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration,… It has 3 row seatings which is enough space for 7 passengers. Other updates which consist of premium Kardon/harman audio system, a new transmission and additional driver-assist features make the Sorento is a worth choice among mini 3-row SUVs.

2019 Kia Sorento: Reviews and Road Test

Pros:

  • Natural, responsive steering
  • Quiet, solid feel
  • Upmarket interior and exterior
  • High value
  • Terrific ride quality

Cons:

  • Turbo-four engine bites the dust
  • The 2nd-row is too low

7. 2018 Mazda CX-5

Overview

The next car we want to review is the best compact SUV of Mazda Motor Corporation, the 2018 Mazda CX-5. The Japanese SUV begins at the price of $24,150 and quickly becomes one of the most favourite Mazda models by a long stretch as it gives driving joys in just a mid-size SUV with styling, exceptional value and quality.

Standard Torque Vectoring Control is equipped in the 2018 CX-5. Using computer controls and sophisticated sensor, the 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine of the car manages to utilize torque to initiate weight transfer to the front-wheel in a turn, enhancing handling and grip in a subtle yet efficient fashion. The outcome is better handling in both dry and wet conditions.

2018 Mazda CX-5: A best Japanese SUV fun to drive and affordable:

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Pros:

  • Supportive and comfortable seats
  • Upmarket interior
  • Exceptional handling

Cons:

  • Infotainment system is bulky

8. 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander

Overview

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is the next car in our best compact SUV reviews. This car is a cool car sold at a lower price compared to other rivals in the 3-row segment. Mitsubishi gives to it a good design with 3 row seatings which is very convenient for families. It does not win any competitions for interior ergonomics, fuel efficiency or power. It is well-known for its capability and cheap price.

The price for a 2018 Outlander with front-wheel drive is $23,945 and the price for the one with all-wheel drive is $25,445. Each Outlander is equipped with continuously variable automatic transmission, a 2.4L 4-CL engine, a 7-inch touchscreen audio system with bluetooth and a rearview camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, and many other features. The loaded Outlander GT receives all-wheel drive with a 3.0L V6 engine, a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate surround-sound system, LED headlamps and much more. Mitsubishi also gives to the Outlander a 100,000 mile/ 10 year powertrain warranty, that’s why it has a high position in the list of the best SUV for the money.

Pros:

  • High safety scores
  • Low beginning price
  • Upgraded base infotainment system
  • Solid base features

Cons:

  • Simple and conservative interior
  • The V6 has a shorted driving range and requires premium fuel

If you are interested in a Mitsubishi Outlander but can not afford to buy a new one, don’t worry as we have a lot of used Mitsubishi Outlander cars with high quality in our stocklist. Let’s check them out here. 

9. 2018 Subaru Forester

Overview

2018 Subaru Forester is another candidate in the best compact SUV list. This car is a solid compact SUV ranking top third of its class. It has a huge cargo space and a functional cabin. All-wheel drive is offered as standard and turbo-4 engine with plenty of power is offered as option. The base 2.5i model (beginning at $22,795) has a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission (a CVT automatic is available as option) and a 2.5L horizontally opposed Boxer engine. This great transmission + engine combination makes the 2018 Subaru Forester become a fun SUV to drive and efficient over any terrain.

Watch the review of the 2018 Subaru here:

Pros:

  • Convenient rear seats
  • Roomy cargo space
  • A lot of standard safety features
  • Good MPG ratings (even with standard all-wheel-drive)

Cons:

  • Build quality and interior design trail some competitors
  • Fewer tech features than competitors

10. 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Overview

The 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a 3-row crossover SUV and has 8-passenger capacity. Buyers may consider the Highlander based on the badge on its nose, but its impressive safety record, versalite interior and strong V6 engine are reasons enough for you to stick with this car.

Pros:

  • A lot of standard driver assistance features
  • Strong acceleration
  • Fuel efficiency

Cons:

  • Lackluster handling

11. 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Overview

Talking about the best compact SUV of Volkswagen, we have to mention the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The car is a good family car with a solid predicted reliability score, roomy first- and second row seatings and a huge cargo space. The car is also a fuel-efficient car with Android Auto and Standard Apply CarPlay smartphone integration.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan – Review and Road Test:

Pros:

  • Spacious interior space and cargo space
  • Revised tech interface is intuitive, sharp and quick to respond
  • Many comprehensive driver safety features
  • Smooth ride

Cons:

  • Subpar fuel economy
  • Unimpressive engine

12. Hyundai Creta

Overview

The Creta is one of the top-selling cars in India since its launch. The 2018 model of this car will come with add-ons like stability control, cornering lights, TPMS, and more. The engine will stay the same. 1.6-litre and 1.4-litre engine options with both petrol and diesel will be available with the new model.

Pros:

  • New sunroof giving premium feeling
  • Potent and refined engine options
  • The six-speed automatic transmission option is available in diesel and 1.6L petrol

Cons:

  • No All-wheel-drive available

So, these are some best compact SUVs for the money to buy in 2018. These cars tend to offer phenomenal features to their customers. Don’t miss out your chance to buy them now.