10. Jeep Compass Sport: $22,090
The compact Jeep Compass was redesigned for 2017, and is much improved over its predecessor. It packs a peppy 2.4-liter 180 horsepower four-cylinder engine and either a six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic (4x2 models), or a nine-speed automatic (4x4 models). The Compass delivers easygoing road manners, and a choice of two 4x4 systems that includes a “trail ready” version on the Trailhawk trim for off-road use. It’s sufficiently roomy inside, and comes standard with all the basics; a choice of infotainment systems includes Bluetooth wireless connectivity and both the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone interfaces.
9. Chevrolet Trax LS: $21,945
The subcompact Chevrolet Trax is built in South Korea and was updated for 2017 with freshened exterior styling, an updated interior, and newly available features, though it stays close to the basics. It’s essentially a less-plush version of the Buick Encore, and it’s not as well-finished on the inside. A 1.4-liter 138-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine is sufficiently peppy and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. it handles well enough, though the ride can get stiff over uneven pavement. Front-seat room is generous, though back seat room and cargo space isn’t especially generous.
8. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Base: $21,235
Updated for 2018 with fresh styling and added features, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a step above basic transportation. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a just-sufficient 148-horsepower and a dated five-speed manual transmission comes standard, with a 2.4-liter 168-horsepower four-cylinder and a gearless CVT automatic transmission included on higher trim levels. The vehicle’s ride is acceptable, but the handling tends to feel numb and less responsive than with the top models among small SUVs. It also sticks close to the basics in terms of features.
7. Nissan Juke S: $21,225 (2017)
The bulbously styled subcompact Nissan Juke crossover is decidedly sporty, but sacrifices utility for the sake of performance. Its 1.6-liter 188-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine accelerates briskly, though it’s mated to a gearless CVT that operates harshly under moderate-to-full throttle acceleration. Its sport-tuned suspension contributes crisp handling abilities, but the Juke suffers a decidedly harsh ride over broken pavement; it’s not particularly roomy nor well-finished inside. Top NISMO and NISMO RS models handle better and accelerate quicker, but they ride rougher and are far costlier.
6. Mazda CX-3 Sport: $21,050
The subcompact Mazda CX-3 is the quickest-handling SUV for the money, even in the base Sport FWD version presented here. A 2.0-liter 146-hp four-cylinder engine is quick enough, but needs to be pushed hard to reach its full potential; a six-speed automatic transmission is standard. A richly finished interior gives the CX-3 a more upscale look and feel, though it’s short on back seat and cargo room, even by small-car standards.
5. Ford EcoSport S: $20,990
New for 2018, the Ford EcoSport is based on the subcompact Fiesta and shares that model’s powertrains, which means there’s a choice between a standard 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that comes with AWD; a six-speed automatic transmission is standard either way. As befits its youthful target audience, the EcoSport offers lots of entertainment and connectivity features, including a large tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system with tactile swipe and pinch-to-zoom operation, both the Apple Car Play and Android Auto interfaces, and a premium B&O PLAY audio system.
5. Ford EcoSport S $20,990
New for 2018, the Ford EcoSport is based on the subcompact Fiesta and shares that model’s powertrains, which means there’s a choice between a standard 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that comes with AWD; a six-speed automatic transmission is standard either way. As befits its youthful target audience, the EcoSport offers lots of entertainment and connectivity features, including a large tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system with tactile swipe and pinch-to-zoom operation, both the Apple Car Play and Android Auto interfaces, and a premium B&O PLAY audio system.
4. Fiat 500X Pop: $20,990
The subcompact Fiat 500X crossover is essentially a more stylish urban version of the Jeep Renegade with somewhat sportier handling, though it lacks that model’s off-road potential. As in the Jeep, a 1.4-liter 160-horsepower turbo-four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission come standard with the base Pop version featured here, but you’ll find most models fitted with a 2.4-liter turbo four with a peppier 180 horsepower and a nine-speed automatic transmission. It performs well enough, but is a bit cramped inside, especially in the rear, and rides rougher than some buyers might prefer.
3. Honda HR-V LX: $20,510
Not only is the subcompact Honda HR-V crossover SUV eminently affordable, it that affords generous passenger and cargo space, good overall performance, exceptional fuel economy, and an impressive list of features for the money. Second-row “Magic Seats” can not only fold forward on a 60/40 split basis, but they can tumble forward to create a large and flat load floor for carrying bulkier and taller objects. All versions come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, with the base LX and EX front-drive models coming standard with a six-speed manual transmission; optional there and standard on the top EX-L Navi model is a gearless CVT automatic.
3. Honda HR-V LX $20,510
Not only is the subcompact Honda HR-V crossover SUV eminently affordable, it that affords generous passenger and cargo space, good overall performance, exceptional fuel economy, and an impressive list of features for the money. Second-row “Magic Seats” can not only fold forward on a 60/40 split basis, but they can tumble forward to create a large and flat load floor for carrying bulkier and taller objects. All versions come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, with the base LX and EX front-drive models coming standard with a six-speed manual transmission; optional there and standard on the top EX-L Navi model is a gearless CVT automatic.
2. Jeep Renegade Sport: $19,540
While this price is for the base front-drive Sport model, the Jeep Renegade is the only subcompact crossover SUV that be equipped for modest off-roading, though the most capable model in this regard is the pricey Trailhawk model at the top of the range. Still, even the base model looks rugged and feels sturdier than the typical tiny SUV. A 1.4-liter turbo-four engine and six-speed manual come standard, though you’ll have to trade up to a livelier 2.4-liter version to obtain an automatic transmission, in this case a nine-speed version that tends to shift busily. You’ll also have to move into a higher trim level to obtain most available amenities.
1. Kia Soul Base: $16,995
Though some may consider the Kia Soul a small wagon, the only difference between it and any of the other undisputed crossover SUVs on our list is a lack of available AWD (which is only necessary for those living deep within the Snow Belt). It’s one of the roomiest models highlighted here, with more back seat legroom than in many larger vehicles, and it can be loaded up with luxury features at the top end of the model range. This price is for the Base model, equipped with a slowish 1.6-liter 130-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission; other versions come with either a 161-horsepower four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic transmission or a turbo-four with 201 horsepower and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.
1. Kia Soul Base: $16,995
Though some may consider the Kia Soul a small wagon, the only difference between it and any of the other undisputed crossover SUVs on our list is a lack of available AWD (which is only necessary for those living deep within the Snow Belt). It’s one of the roomiest models highlighted here, with more back seat legroom than in many larger vehicles, and it can be loaded up with luxury features at the top end of the model range. This price is for the Base model, equipped with a slowish 1.6-liter 130-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission; other versions come with either a 161-horsepower four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic transmission or a turbo-four with 201 horsepower and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.
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