Forbes Wheels independently tests and reviews cars and automotive accessories. We may earn an affiliate commission from links on our site. The analysis and opinions are our own.
Over the past five years, American’s thirst for larger, high-riding, cargo-wielding vehicles has transformed the fundamentals of the auto industry. Automakers have shifted their focus away from sedans and stuffed their lineups with small crossovers and SUVs of all shapes and sizes to tackle every consumer need—both in the mainstream and luxury segments. Crossovers were once somewhat of a dirty word among purists, representing the industry’s adoption of a quirky sedan and utility vehicle mashup that teetered between a marketing gimmick and true necessity. Now the compact segment, no matter what acronym it takes on—CUV, SUV, SAV—is the fastest-growing category in the industry. Our top picks, considered for their lengths of 190 inches or less, offer consumers an array of problem-solving characteristics, from unexpectedly spacious interiors to impressive ground clearance and off-roading tech, all the way to superior handling and show-stopping style.
Read Less Read More
Methodology
The nominees and winners were selected by the Forbes Wheels Car of the Year panel, comprising four staff editors and seven contributors. Our criteria included performance, safety, technology, comfort and convenience, fuel economy, design and functionality. Because each category spans the full spectrum of pricing, we selected vehicles that stand out among their peers. Vehicles eligible for nomination include any car or truck for sale or in production during 2020; some debuted prior to 2020.Forbes Wheels Car of the Year Panelists.
Forbes Wheels Car of the Year Panelists
Sam Abuelsamid [contributor] is principal research analyst at consulting firm Guidehouse Insights [formerly Navigant Research] and is a frequent contributor to Forbes.com, covering innovation in the transportation sector.
Brian Armstead [contributor] is president emeritus of the Washington Automotive Press Association and a North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year [NACTOY] Juror.
Bill Howard [Forbes Wheels Staff] is editor of Forbes Wheels. He is the past president of the International Motor Press Association and was previously executive editor and contributing editor for Ziff-Davis’ PC Magazine and ExtremeTech.
Alex Kalogiannis [contributor] has been an automotive writer for over 10 years and in addition to bylines at outlets such as Gear Patrol, Trucks.com and SlashGear, he was previously Car section editor at Digital Trends.
Alex Kwanten [Forbes Wheels Staff] has worked in automotive, marine and aviation for over a decade and reported on buying, selling and servicing cars for multiple industry publications, including Automotive News.
Carly Schaffner [Forbes Wheels Staff] has worked in the automotive industry for over a decade in both editorial and communication roles. Before joining Forbes Wheels, she was managing editor of Trucks.com.
Chris Teague [contributor] is a freelance automotive writer focused on new vehicle reviews, industry trends and breaking news, and has an MBA with a focus on data analysis that gives him insight into some of the auto industry’s biggest companies.
Lawrence Ulrich [contributor] is an award-winning auto writer, and former chief auto critic for The New York Times, Detroit Free Press and The Drive.
John Voelcker [contributor] was editor of Green Car Reports for nine years. He now is a reporter and analyst covering advanced auto technologies and energy policy, and a North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year [NACTOY] Juror.
Andrew Wendler [Forbes Staff] grew up immersed in automotive, marine and aviation culture and spent a decade at Car and Driver as a writer and editor before joining Forbes Wheels.
$37,485 as shown
Feature Highlights
Blind Spot Camera
Hill Descent Assist
Pedestrian Detection
Wireless Charging
Parallel and Perpendicular [Back-In] Automatic Parking
Around View Camera
Front Cooled Seats
Panoramic Moonroof
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
10 yr / 100k mi Hybrid/EV Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Kia Sportage. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Rear Wheel Steering
Blind Spot Camera
Hill Descent Assist
Pedestrian Detection
Wireless Charging
Parallel and Perpendicular [Back-In] Automatic Parking
Around View Camera
Front Cooled Seats
Panoramic Moonroof
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Hyundai Tucson. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Pedestrian Detection
Start/Stop System
Front Cooled Seats
Heads-up Display [HUD]
Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control
In-Car WiFi
4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty
8 yr / 100k mi Hybrid/EV Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Lexus NX. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Pedestrian Detection
Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control w/Stop and Go
In-Car WiFi
Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
8 yr / 100k mi Hybrid/EV Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Ford Escape. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control
In-Car WiFi
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Lane Keep Assist
Front Heated Seats
Moonroof
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
8 yr / 100k mi Hybrid/EV Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Toyota RAV4 Prime. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Pedestrian Detection
Wireless Charging
Start/Stop System
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control
Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Front and Rear Parking Sensors
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Honda CR-V. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Pedestrian Detection
Wireless Charging
Around View Camera
Panoramic Moonroof
Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control w/Stop and Go
In-Car WiFi
Forward Collision Warning
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Nissan Rogue. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Pedestrian Detection
Start/Stop System
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control
In-Car WiFi
Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
8 yr / 100k mi Hybrid/EV Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Toyota RAV4. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Blind Spot Camera
Pedestrian Detection
Around View Camera
Front Cooled Seats
Heads-up Display [HUD]
Curve Adaptive Headlamps
Panoramic Moonroof
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Mazda CX-50. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Pedestrian Detection
Around View Camera
Panoramic Moonroof
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control w/Stop and Go
In-Car WiFi
Forward Collision Warning
Remote Engine Start
4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty
8 yr / 120k mi Hybrid/EV Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Tesla Model Y. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Blind Spot Camera
Pedestrian Detection
Wireless Charging
Remote Automatic Parking
Around View Camera
Front Cooled Seats
Heads-up Display [HUD]
Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
10 yr / 100k mi Hybrid/EV Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Kia EV6. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Pedestrian Detection
Wireless Charging
Heads-up Display [HUD]
Panoramic Moonroof
Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control w/Stop and Go
In-Car WiFi
Forward Collision Warning
8 yr / 100k mi Hybrid/EV Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Audi Q4 e-tron. All reviews
Feature Highlights
3rd Row
Around View Camera
Panoramic Moonroof
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control
Rear Parking Sensors
Lane Keep Assist
Front and Rear Heated Seats
Blind Spot System
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
See full specsSee owner reviews for Mitsubishi Outlander. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Pedestrian Detection
Start/Stop System
Power Trunk/Liftgate
In-Car WiFi
Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Remote Engine Start
Rear Parking Sensors
4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Lincoln Corsair. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Pedestrian Detection
Around View Camera
Front Cooled Seats
Heads-up Display [HUD]
Curve Adaptive Headlamps
Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control w/Stop and Go
In-Car WiFi
4 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for INFINITI QX55. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Hill Descent Assist
Wireless Charging
Start/Stop System
Around View Camera
Front Cooled Seats
Heads-up Display [HUD]
Panoramic Moonroof
Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate
Power Trunk/Liftgate
4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Audi Q5. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Pedestrian Detection
Start/Stop System
In-Car WiFi
Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Remote Engine Start
Rear Parking Sensors
Lane Keep Assist
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Ford Bronco Sport. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Blind Spot Camera
Wireless Charging
Parallel and Perpendicular [Back-In] Automatic Parking
Around View Camera
Front Cooled Seats
Heads-up Display [HUD]
Panoramic Moonroof
Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate
Power Trunk/Liftgate
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Genesis GV60. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Parallel and Perpendicular [Back-In] Automatic Parking
Start/Stop System
Around View Camera
Front and Rear Cooled Seats
Heads-up Display [HUD]
Panoramic Moonroof
Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control
4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Buick Envision. All reviews
Feature Highlights
Pedestrian Detection
Wireless Charging
3rd Row
Start/Stop System
Panoramic Moonroof
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Adaptive Cruise Control w/Stop and Go
In-Car WiFi
Forward Collision Warning
4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty
See full specsSee owner reviews for Volkswagen Tiguan. All reviews
Related Vehicle Rankings
FAQ
New compact SUVs have an MSRP range from $27,285 to $67,190. The top 3 rated models, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Lexus NX, have starting MSRPs of $27,285, $27,745, and $39,500, respectively.
When deciding the best compact SUVs, TrueCar considers factors such as comfort, amenities, price, efficiency, performance, utility, and tech features.
Popular Used Cars
- Used Dodge Challenger
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Ford Escape
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Ford F-150
- Used Honda Accord
- Used Honda Civic
- Used Honda CR-V
- Used Honda Pilot
- Used Hyundai Elantra
- Used Hyundai Kona
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Used Jeep Cherokee
- Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Used Jeep Renegade
- Used Jeep Wrangler
- Used Kia Sorento
- Used Kia Stinger
- Used Mazda CX-5
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Subaru Ascent
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Forester
- Used Subaru Outback
- Used Toyota 4Runner
Popular New Cars
- New Dodge Challenger
- New Ford Edge
- New Ford Escape
- New Ford Explorer
- New Ford F-150
- New Honda Accord
- New Honda Civic
- New Honda CR-V
- New Honda Pilot
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Kona
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- New Jeep Cherokee
- New Jeep Grand Cherokee
- New Jeep Renegade
- New Jeep Wrangler
- New Kia Sorento
- New Kia Stinger
- New Mazda CX-5
- New Nissan Rogue
- New Subaru Ascent
- New Subaru Crosstrek
- New Subaru Forester
- New Subaru Outback
- New Toyota 4Runner
Research Cars
- 2022 Dodge Challenger
- 2023 Ford Edge
- 2022 Ford Escape
- 2022 Ford Explorer
- 2022 Ford F-150
- 2022 Honda Accord
- 2022 Honda Civic
- 2022 Honda CR-V
- 2022 Honda Pilot
- 2023 Hyundai Elantra
- 2023 Hyundai Kona
- 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2022 Jeep Cherokee
- 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2022 Jeep Renegade
- 2022 Jeep Wrangler
- 2023 Kia Sorento
- 2023 Kia Stinger
- 2023 Mazda CX-5
- 2023 Nissan Rogue
- 2022 Subaru Ascent
- 2023 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2022 Subaru Forester
- 2023 Subaru Outback
- 2023 Toyota 4Runner
Browse Inventory
- California Inventory
- Texas Inventory
- Florida Inventory
- New York Inventory
- Pennsylvania Inventory
- Illinois Inventory
- Ohio Inventory
- Georgia Inventory
- North Carolina Inventory
- Michigan Inventory
- New Jersey Inventory
- Virginia Inventory
- Washington Inventory
- Arizona Inventory
- Massachusetts Inventory
- Tennessee Inventory
- Indiana Inventory
- Missouri Inventory
- Maryland Inventory
- Wisconsin Inventory
- Colorado Inventory
- Minnesota Inventory
- South Carolina Inventory
- Alabama Inventory
- Louisiana Inventory
- Kentucky Inventory
- Oregon Inventory
- Oklahoma Inventory
- Connecticut Inventory
- Utah Inventory
- Iowa Inventory
- Nevada Inventory
- Arkansas Inventory
- Mississippi Inventory
- Kansas Inventory
- New Mexico Inventory
- Nebraska Inventory
- West Virginia Inventory
- Idaho Inventory
- Hawaii Inventory
- New Hampshire Inventory
- Maine Inventory
- Montana Inventory
- Rhode Island Inventory
- Delaware Inventory
- South Dakota Inventory
- North Dakota Inventory
- Alaska Inventory
- District of Columbia Inventory
- Vermont Inventory
- Wyoming Inventory
What 2022 small SUV should I buy?
What is the most reliable compact SUV in 2022?
What is the best SUV for 2022?
What small SUV has the highest rating?
Forbes Wheels kiểm tra độc lập và đánh giá xe hơi và phụ kiện ô tô. Chúng tôi có thể kiếm được một khoản hoa hồng liên kết từ các liên kết trên trang web của chúng tôi. Các phân tích và ý kiến là của riêng chúng tôi.
Trong năm năm qua, American American Thirst đối với các phương tiện lớn hơn, lái xe cao, đã chuyển đổi các nguyên tắc cơ bản của ngành công nghiệp ô tô. Các nhà sản xuất ô tô đã chuyển sự tập trung của họ ra khỏi những chiếc xe và nhét đội hình của họ với những chiếc crossover nhỏ và SUV với mọi hình dạng và kích cỡ để giải quyết mọi nhu cầu của người tiêu dùng cả hai trong các phân đoạn chính thống và xa xỉ. Việc công nghiệp áp dụng một chiếc xe mui trần và phương tiện tiện ích kỳ quặc đã xuất hiện giữa một mánh lới quảng cáo tiếp thị và sự cần thiết thực sự. Bây giờ, phân khúc nhỏ gọn, bất kể nó viết tắt nào trên CUV, SUV, SUV, SAV, là danh mục phát triển nhanh nhất trong ngành. Lựa chọn hàng đầu của chúng tôi, được xem xét cho chiều dài từ 190 inch trở xuống, cung cấp cho người tiêu dùng một loạt các đặc điểm giải quyết vấn đề, từ nội thất rộng rãi bất ngờ đến giải phóng mặt bằng ấn tượng và công nghệ ngoài đường, cho đến cách xử lý vượt trội và thể hiện phong cách.
Đọc Lessread thêm Read More
Phương pháp
Các ứng cử viên và người chiến thắng đã được lựa chọn bởi Hội đồng Forbes Wheels of the Year, bao gồm bốn biên tập viên nhân viên và bảy người đóng góp. Các tiêu chí của chúng tôi bao gồm hiệu suất, an toàn, công nghệ, sự thoải mái và tiện lợi, tiết kiệm nhiên liệu, thiết kế và chức năng. Bởi vì mỗi danh mục trải rộng toàn bộ giá cả, chúng tôi đã chọn các phương tiện nổi bật giữa các đồng nghiệp của họ. Xe đủ điều kiện được đề cử bao gồm bất kỳ xe hơi hoặc xe tải nào để bán hoặc sản xuất trong năm 2020; Một số đã ra mắt trước năm 2020.
Forbes Wheels Car tham gia các thành viên tham gia hội thảo
Sam Abuelsamid & NBSP; [Người đóng góp] là nhà phân tích nghiên cứu chính tại công ty tư vấn Hướng dẫn hiểu biết [trước đây là nghiên cứu điều hướng] và là người đóng góp thường xuyên cho forbes.com, bao gồm sự đổi mới trong lĩnh vực giao thông.[contributor] is principal research analyst at consulting firm Guidehouse Insights [formerly Navigant Research] and is a frequent contributor to Forbes.com, covering innovation in the transportation sector.
Brian Armstead & NBSP;[contributor] is president emeritus of the Washington Automotive Press Association and a North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year [NACTOY] Juror.
Bill Howard & NBSP; [Nhân viên Forbes Wheels] là biên tập viên của Forbes Wheels. Ông là cựu chủ tịch của Hiệp hội báo chí xe máy quốc tế và trước đây là biên tập viên điều hành và biên tập viên đóng góp cho tạp chí Ziff-Davis, PC và Extremetech.[Forbes Wheels Staff] is editor of Forbes Wheels. He is the past president of the International Motor Press Association and was previously executive editor and contributing editor for Ziff-Davis’ PC Magazine and ExtremeTech.
Alex Kalogiannis & NBSP; [contributor] has been an automotive writer for over 10 years and in addition to bylines at outlets such as Gear Patrol, Trucks.com and SlashGear, he was previously Car section editor at Digital Trends.
Alex Kwanten & NBSP; [Nhân viên Forbes Wheels] đã làm việc trong ô tô, hàng hải và hàng không trong hơn một thập kỷ và báo cáo về việc mua, bán và phục vụ xe hơi cho nhiều ấn phẩm của ngành, bao gồm cả tin tức ô tô.[Forbes Wheels Staff] has worked in automotive, marine and aviation for over a decade and reported on buying, selling and servicing cars for multiple industry publications, including Automotive News.
Carly Schaffner & NBSP; [Nhân viên Forbes Wheels] đã làm việc trong ngành công nghiệp ô tô trong hơn một thập kỷ trong cả vai trò biên tập và truyền thông. Trước khi gia nhập Forbes Wheels, cô đã quản lý biên tập viên của Trucks.com.[Forbes Wheels Staff] has worked in the automotive industry for over a decade in both editorial and communication roles. Before joining Forbes Wheels, she was managing editor of Trucks.com.
Chris Teague & NBSP;[contributor] is a freelance automotive writer focused on new vehicle reviews, industry trends and breaking news, and has an MBA with a focus on data analysis that gives him insight into some of the auto industry’s biggest companies.
Lawrence Ulrich & NBSP; [contributor] is an award-winning auto writer, and former chief auto critic for The New York Times, Detroit Free Press and The Drive.
John Voelcker [người đóng góp] là biên tập viên của Green Car Report trong chín năm. Bây giờ ông là một phóng viên và nhà phân tích bao gồm các công nghệ tự động tiên tiến và chính sách năng lượng, và một chiếc xe hơi, xe tải và tiện ích của năm [NACTOY].[contributor] was editor of Green Car Reports for nine years. He now is a reporter and analyst covering advanced auto technologies and energy policy, and a North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year [NACTOY] Juror.
Andrew Wendler & NBSP; [Nhân viên của Forbes] lớn lên đắm chìm trong văn hóa ô tô, biển và hàng không và dành một thập kỷ cho xe hơi và lái xe với tư cách là một nhà văn và biên tập viên trước khi tham gia Forbes Wheels. [Forbes Staff] grew up immersed in automotive, marine and aviation culture and spent a decade at Car and Driver as a writer and editor before joining Forbes Wheels.