20) 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
$23,295 | 26/29 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 6.9/10
The all-new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross only offers a 152-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an adequate continuously variable automatic transmission. The combination delivers decent power and acceleration in comparison to other small SUVs.
However, the Eclipse Cross struggles to compete against rivals due to its uninspiring driving dynamics, average predicted reliability rating, and frustrating infotainment controls. It does have a nice cabin and good ground clearance.
19) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
$34,595 | 74 MPGe | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.1/10
The Mitsubishi Outlander comes as a plug-in hybrid variant that delivers sufficient acceleration. Its four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and single-speed transmission outmatch the standard Outlander’s base four-cylinder. The combination delivers 197 horsepower.
The Outlander PHEV comes standard with all-wheel drive and provides 22 miles of all-electric range. If your tax situation allows it, you could be eligible for a $5,836 federal tax credit if you purchase an Outlander PHEV.
The Outlander doesn’t stand up to rivals when it comes to comfort, ride quality, and predicted reliability. It does have some redeeming qualities, however. It features a long warranty, respectable crash test ratings, good fuel economy, and a user-friendly touch-screen infotainment system.
18) 2018 Fiat 500X
$19,995 | 25/33 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.4/10
Fiat’s 500X comes with the same base powertrain as the Jeep Renegade: a 160-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder with a six-speed manual transmission (price and fuel economy listed above). It’s a better option than the upgraded 180-horsepower turbo-four that’s mated to a lackluster nine-speed automatic transmission. However, you can only get the smaller engine in the base trim, which doesn’t allow for all-wheel drive or an upgrade to an automatic transmission.
The 500X suffers from a lack of cargo space and bumpy ride quality, which push it into the bottom third of our subcompact SUV rankings. Still, it has an attractive, high-quality cabin and an intuitive 7-inch touch-screen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
17) 2018 Jeep Wrangler
$31,945 | 23/25 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10
For years, a V6 has been standard in the Jeep Wrangler. While that’s still the case, the vehicle was completely redesigned for the 2018 model year, and now a 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder with a mild hybrid assist is available as a $1,000 option (price and fuel economy listed above). It feels more eager than the V6, despite having a bit less horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, though an eight-speed automatic is available.
The Wrangler has a nice cabin that’s built with high-quality materials. It’s one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market and offers loads of cargo space if you choose the four-door model. However, its poor fuel economy and low predicted reliability rating keep it from faring well in our compact SUV rankings.
16) 2019 Jeep Cherokee
$28,740 | 23/31 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10
The Jeep Cherokee comes with a 180-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission that struggle to move the heavy SUV. The Jeep’s new, fuel-efficient, 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder is a much better option (price and fuel economy listed above). To get it, choose the Latitude Plus trim ($26,495) and add the optional engine for an extra $2,245.
The Cherokee is a top-notch off-roader and offers a comfortable, stylish cabin. However, it fails to place highly in our compact SUV rankings due to its limited cargo capacity, mediocre fuel economy, and low predicted reliability rating.
14) 2018 Jeep Renegade (tie)
$18,750 | 24/31 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
Two turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain options are available in the Jeep Renegade. In its base setup, you get a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter with a six-speed manual transmission (price and fuel economy listed above). Upper trims come standard with a 180 horsepower 2.4-liter engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The base engine nearly matches the upgraded powertrain in acceleration, while the larger engine feels less refined when you accelerate hard, due to its subpar transmission. Keep in mind that there is no available automatic transmission with the base engine.
The Renegade provides a nice balance between off-road prowess and daily drivability. Additionally, it has ample space for five passengers and a reasonable amount of cargo volume. However, predicted reliability is low and fuel economy is poor.
14) 2018 Toyota RAV4 (tie)
$24,660 | 23/30 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
Toyota’s RAV4 gets its power from a 176-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It’s not especially quick, but it gets the job done. In addition, it can pull up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
The RAV4 comes equipped with an entire suite of active safety features, like automatic high beams, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It earns a high predicted reliability rating and respectable crash test scores.
13) 2019 Mini Cooper S Countryman
$30,900 | 23/32 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
The base Mini Cooper Countryman comes with an underpowered turbocharged three-cylinder engine that’s only good for 134 horsepower. However, the S Countryman (price and fuel economy listed above) features a 189-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Countryman handles well and gets high marks for safety. It also offers a luxurious cabin with two rows of roomy, supportive seats.
11) 2019 Chevrolet Equinox (tie)
23,800 | 26/32 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
The Chevrolet Equinox comes equipped with a 170-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder base engine and a six-speed automatic transmission that are adequate for daily driving (their price and fuel economy are listed above). If you choose the LT trim, you can upgrade to a fuel-efficient 137-horsepower turbodiesel engine for $2,400 or a strong 252-horsepower turbo-four for $2,500. The upgraded engines are also available at similar prices in the top Premier trim.
The Equinox comes standard with a healthy list of desirable features, including Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, GM’s Teen Driver safety system, and a user-friendly 7-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It provides comfortable seating for five passengers and returns good gas mileage.
11) 2018 Kia Niro (tie)
$23,340 | 51/46 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
The Kia Niro’s hybrid configuration consists of a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine to produce 139 horsepower. The combo provides peppy performance, especially with the Niro’s Sport mode engaged. A dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission comes standard. A plug-in hybrid variant is also available, and an all-electric Niro will arrive in 2019.
The Niro’s hybrid setup means it returns outstanding fuel economy. It features a classy cabin with sizable accommodations and receives a high rating for predicted reliability.
9) 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (tie)
$27,235 | 34/30 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s lone powertrain is a four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combine to produce 194 horsepower. Though it won’t win many races, the RAV4 is peppy for a hybrid SUV. It delivers almost 20 more horsepower and is a bit quicker than the non-hybrid RAV4, though the hybrid’s engine can get loud when taxed. A continuously variable automatic transmission comes standard.
Outstanding gas mileage, plenty of cargo capacity, and comfortable, spacious seats make the RAV4 Hybrid a worthy choice. Additionally, it earns a high predicted reliability rating and comes packed with a long list of advanced driver assistance technologies.
9) 2018 Mazda CX-3 (tie)
$20,110 | 29/34 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The Mazda CX-3’s only powertrain is a 146-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with an automatic transmission. It provides quick acceleration and its transmission delivers smooth, timely shifts. The only downside: Test drivers mentioned the engine can be loud when pushed.
The CX-3 secures a spot near the top of our subcompact SUV rankings due to its agile handling, upscale cabin, and superb fuel economy. It gets excellent crash test scores and comes standard with low-speed automatic emergency braking.
8) 2018 Hyundai Tucson
$26,550 | 25/30 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
All but the top two Hyundai Tucson trims comes with a meager, 164-horsepower four-cylinder engine. If you pick the Value or Limited trim, you get a spirited 175-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a first-rate seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (price and fuel economy listed above).
Outstanding crash test scores, an industry-leading warranty, and high predicted reliability make the Tucson a good compact SUV. It also has one of the lowest starting prices in its class. While the Tucson is light on standard features, moving up to the Value trim gets you a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free liftgate.
5) 2018 Subaru Forester (tie)
$22,795 | 26/33 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Subaru Forester comes with a 170-horsepower four-cylinder base engine (price and fuel economy listed above). It should suffice for most drivers. However, a 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder is available. While the upgraded engine is a solid option for those that drive in hilly areas, it’s only available in upper trims and will cost you a few thousand more. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, though a continuously variable automatic transmission is available.
The Forester is well-priced, comes standard with all-wheel drive, and returns good fuel economy. It’s also a solid choice if you prioritize cargo capacity and rear-seat space. To top it off, it gets high safety scores.
5) 2018 Hyundai Kona Limited (tie)
$24,700 | 28/32 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10
The brand-new Hyundai Kona comes with a 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. We don’t recommend this unenthusiastic powertrain. Stepping up to the Kona Limited trim (price and fuel economy listed above) gets you a 175-horsepower turbo-four mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission that is significantly more energetic and provides good acceleration.
The Kona leads our subcompact SUV rankings since it’s competitively priced, returns excellent fuel economy, and earns an above-average predicted reliability rating. It also offers agile handling and adult-sized seats in both rows, plus more cargo room behind the rear seats than most competing models. Still, it trails rivals when it comes to overall cargo volume.
5) 2018 GMC Terrain (tie)
$29,645 | 22/28 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10
While the fully redesigned GMC Terrain’s base turbo-four engine feels strained (170 horsepower), a punchy 252-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder is available (price and fuel economy listed above). You’ll have to choose the Terrain SLE, with its starting price of $27,900, and then upgrade to the optional engine ($1,745). The Terrain also offers a turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that makes only 137 horsepower but churns out 240 pound-feet of torque.
The gas engines come with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel gets a six-speed automatic. Both transmissions perform well.
The Terrain earns a high predicted reliability rating, has an upmarket cabin, and is fuel-efficient. Two roomy rows of supportive seats, a long list of attractive standard features, and an engaging ride round out its most notable strengths.
4) 2019 Kia Sportage
$23,750 | 23/30 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
The Kia Sportage comes standard with a 181-horsepower four-cylinder engine (price and fuel economy listed above). It should be just fine for most compact SUV shoppers. A 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder comes in the SX Turbo trim. It delivers stronger acceleration, but it’s not significantly more powerful. You’ll have to decide if a $6,500 price increase is really worth the money. Both engines come standard with an automatic transmission.
The 2019 Sportage is part of a generation of Sportage models that earn stellar ratings for safety and predicted reliability. It features nimble handling, a smooth ride, and an attractive interior with two rows of spacious seats.
2) 2018 Mazda CX-5 (tie)
$24,150 | 25/31 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
The Mazda CX-5’s only available engine is a 187-horsepower four-cylinder. It delivers sufficient power for city and highway driving. A six-speed automatic transmission comes standard.
The CX-5 boasts a handsome cabin, athletic handling, and a smooth ride. In addition, it earns high safety scores and has comfortable, supportive seating for five passengers.
2) 2018 Ford Escape (tie)
$25,700 | 23/30 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
The Ford Escape offers three four-cylinder engine options. The 168-horsepower base engine provides reasonable power and acceleration for most driving situations, though fuel economy is unimpressive. Buying either of the next two trims above the base gets you a 179-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder (price and fuel economy listed above). A 245-horsepower turbo-four only comes in the top-tier Titanium trim. All configurations come standard with an automatic transmission.
Near-perfect predicted reliability, a premium cabin, and lots of cargo space drive the Escape to the No. 2 position in our compact SUV rankings. Moreover, it receives good safety scores and delivers sporty handling.
1) 2018 Honda CR-V
$24,250 | 26/32 mpg city/hwy | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10
The base Honda CR-V features a 184-horsepower four-cylinder engine (price and fuel economy listed above). It provides ample power for most driving situations. All trims above the base are powered by a more energetic, turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 190 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The CR-V is the winner of U.S. News’ 2018 Best Compact SUV for the Money and Best Compact SUV for Families awards. It is also our highest-ranking compact SUV. It excels in crash tests, has expansive cargo volume, and features two rows of spacious seats.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Did you find a four-cylinder SUV that suits your priorities? Visit our subcompact and compact SUV rankings to do more research and see how other models compare. Also, check out our new car financing deals and lease deals pages to view manufacturers’ current incentives.
When you’re ready to buy, use our U.S. News Best Price Program to track down the dealer in your area with the lowest pre-negotiated prices. Shoppers who have purchased or leased a car using the program have seen average savings of over $3,000 off MSRP.
20 Best Four-Cylinder SUVs in 2018
- 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross - $23,295 | 26/29 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - $34,595 | 74 MPGe
- 2018 Fiat 500X - $19,995 | 25/33 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Jeep Wrangler - $23,995 | 23/25 mpg city/hwy
- 2019 Jeep Cherokee - $28,740 | 23/31 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Jeep Renegade - $18,750 | 24/31 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Toyota RAV4 - $24,660 | 23/30 mpg city/hwy
- 2019 Mini Cooper S Countryman - $30,900 | 23/32 mpg city/hwy
- 2019 Chevrolet Equinox - 23,800 | 26/32 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Kia Niro - $23,340 | 51/46 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - $27,235 | 34/30 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Mazda CX-3 - $20,110 | 29/34 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Hyundai Tucson Value - $26,550 | 25/30 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Subaru Forester - $22,795 | 26/33 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Hyundai Kona Limited - $24,700 | 28/32 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 GMC Terrain SLE - $29,645 | 22/28 mpg city/hwy
- 2019 Kia Sportage - $23,750 | 23/30 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Mazda CX-5 - $24,150 | 25/31 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Ford Escape - $23,940 | 23/30 mpg city/hwy
- 2018 Honda CR-V - $24,250 | 26/32 mpg city/hwy
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These SUVs Offer Little Engines With Ample Power
Most compact and subcompact SUVs aren’t built for speed. In fact, many of these vehicles are criticized for their lackluster powertrains. However, there are some that stand out from the pack for either having a capable base four-cylinder engine or offering an upgraded four-cylinder that provides ample power, like the 2018 Honda CR-V (pictured above).
While few (if any) of these vehicles are going to wow you with their acceleration, our list is comprised of compact and subcompact SUVs with four-cylinder engines that have received positive reviews from the automotive press. Some are merely satisfactory for most daily driving, and others are considerably peppy. We’ve ranked them all by their U.S. News overall score, which takes into account expert reviews, crash data, and reliability data.
Most of these vehicles come standard with a four-cylinder engine, so we list their base price. Vehicles that have an optional four-cylinder are noted.
Keep in mind that our scores and rankings are updated on a regular basis as new data and expert research become available. For this reason, the scores mentioned in this article may not match those listed in our new car reviews.
Continue reading to learn about the best four-cylinder SUVs in 2018.