16) 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander
$24,695 | U.S. News Overall Score: 6.2/10
For 2019, the Mitsubishi Outlander gets refreshed styling and an updated suspension system. However, you should keep in mind that the Outlander lands at the bottom of our class rankings – and it’s not even the most affordable vehicle on our list. It has one of the weakest base engines in the segment, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated for 166 horsepower, as well as below-average reliability. Still, fuel economy is decent, and it’s rare to see a compact crossover that offers a third row.
16) 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander
U.S. News Interior Score: 5.8/10
As we mentioned, the Outlander gets updated exterior styling this year, but it’s a shame the treatment didn’t extend to the cabin. It was redesigned in 2014, refreshed in 2016, and fitted with new features for 2017, yet it still feels clumsy and outdated. Still, you’ll get most of the features that buyers in this class expect, such as a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera. Step up one trim level for just $1,000, and you’ll get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, proximity key entry, and heated front seats, among other features.
15) 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
$23,595 | U.S. News Overall Score: 6.4/10
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is much newer than the aforementioned Outlander, as it was introduced just last year, but it suffers from many of the same shortcomings. It’s not especially pleasant to drive, with dull steering and handling. The Eclipse Cross’ predicted reliability ratings are just average. Furthermore, it’s powered by a rather weak turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s rated for 152 horsepower, and it struggles to keep up with traffic in some driving situations. Overall, the Eclipse Cross is a step up from its stablemate the Outlander, but there are many better options in the class.
15) 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
U.S. News Interior Score: 6/10
The Eclipse Cross has a decent cabin with a pleasant design and reasonably comfortable seating. A 7-inch touch screen comes standard, though it can be cumbersome to use due to a lack of physical controls. HD Radio and Bluetooth also come standard. If you’re set on buying an Eclipse Cross, you may want to consider paying an extra $1,500 or so to step up from the base model. That money gets you a touchpad controller for the infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and all-wheel drive.
14) 2019 Jeep Wrangler
$28,045 | U.S. News Overall Score: 6.9/10
With an eye-opening base price, mediocre on-road manners, below-average reliability, and thirsty engines, the Jeep Wrangler lands low in our compact SUV rankings. Yet, many people love them. Why? Well, the Wrangler is rare in that it can rightfully be called an SUV as opposed to a crossover: it’s awesome on a variety of terrain and it has an adventurous spirit that just can’t be matched – at least in this segment. The choice of peppy six-cylinder or turbocharged four-cylinder engines leaves little to complain about in terms of power. In short, the Wrangler is a niche vehicle, and isn’t a good fit for everyone – even though it will make many off-roading fans smile.
14) 2019 Jeep Wrangler
U.S. News Interior Score: 7.1/10
The Wrangler is available in two- or four-door body styles, and can seat four or five passengers, depending on configuration. Though interior build quality is solid, it’s also very rugged in design, which is fine as long as you know that’s what you’re getting into. Standard features include a 5-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, and a soft top. Options include upgraded infotainment displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a removable hard top, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
13) 2019 Jeep Compass
$22,095 | U.S. News Overall Score: 6.9/10
The Jeep Compass is one of the most affordable ways to get your hands on a new Jeep, but it might leave you with the conclusion that “Jeep life” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Though the Compass is more well-rounded and has better mainstream appeal than the Wrangler, it lands low in our compact SUV rankings due to a below-average predicted reliability, and because its sole engine is an underwhelming 180-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Still, the Compass shines off road, and its cabin is nicer than you might expect.
13) 2019 Jeep Compass
U.S. News Interior Score: 7.1/10
Inside, the Compass seats five passengers. Cloth upholstery comes standard (not uncommon for base models in this segment), and other base-model features include an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. Rear passengers get their own USB port, which is a nice touch. For options, there’s an upgraded 8.4-inch touch screen, navigation, and premium upholstery, among other niceties. If you can get past the disappointing road performance, you might find the Compass actually suits your needs for a cheap Jeep.
12) 2019 Jeep Cherokee
$25,045 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.4/10
The Jeep Cherokee has a slightly higher price, implying better quality than its aforementioned family members. It also has better name recognition, but otherwise suffers from some of the same pitfalls as its siblings. Reliability is just average, and it also comes standard with a 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that’s both underpowered and surprisingly inefficient. Still, it’s got a stylish and comfortable cabin and impressive off-road ability, which will provide significant appeal for some.
12) 2019 Jeep Cherokee
U.S. News Interior Score: 7.2/10
One of the nice things about the Cherokee is that you can swap out that dull base engine and end up with something that is reasonably pleasant to drive. These options are a new-for-2019, 270-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, and a 271-horsepower 3.2-liter V6. As a bonus, the V6 provides decent towing capacity for the class. Base features include a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera. Options include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, upgraded cloth and vinyl upholstery or leather upholstery, and navigation.
11) 2019 Nissan Rogue
$25,020 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10
The Nissan Rogue’s base trim level is a little on the expensive side, but that’s not to say it’s not a good value. Nissan loads the Rogue with tons of standard features. Combine that with a pleasant and spacious interior, it lands in the middle of our compact SUV rankings. On the downside, the Rogue comes with only one engine – a 170-horsepower four-cylinder – that’s loud and sluggish, but efficient. Nissan bets on the Rogue’s target customer not prioritizing performance. The company sells a ton of them – over 400,000 units in the U.S. in 2017 – so it seems to be working.
11) 2019 Nissan Rogue
U.S. News Interior Score: 7.6/10
The Rogue provides some of the most comfortable seats in the category, which alone is decent motivation for putting this model on your test-drive list. You’ll also find room for five passengers, plenty of cargo space, an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a rearview camera. More impressive still is the list of standard advanced safety features, with highlights such as intelligent lane intervention, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and high-beam assist.
10) 2019 GMC Terrain
$25,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10
The GMC Terrain is another model that lands near the middle of our rankings. This is primarily because it isn’t as well-rounded as its higher-ranking rivals, despite having a higher-than-average starting price. Still, there’s plenty to like: the Terrain looks and feels great, with a comfortable interior and a smooth ride. There’s a choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains, rated at 170 and 252 horsepower each, and a turbodiesel four-cylinder good for 137 horsepower. In any case, you’ll get good fuel economy for the class.
10) 2019 GMC Terrain
U.S. News Interior Score: 7.4/10
The Terrain accommodates five passengers, with standard features that include premium cloth upholstery, a proximity key, and push-button start. Standard technology features include a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a rearview camera, and the Teen Driver safety settings system. There are three trim levels above the base model, as well as a handful of options packages. You’ll pay extra for features such as heated front seats, remote start, an upgraded touch screen display, and more active safety technology.
9) 2019 Hyundai Tucson
$23,350 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
The Hyundai Tucson has one of the most affordable starting prices in the class, but it would be a mistake to assume that this is the only good thing about the small ute. Somehow, Hyundai manages to undercut most of the competition on price, while still loading up on the features. True, the 161-horsepower four-cylinder engine is on the modest side, but it doesn’t cost much to step up to the 181-horsepower model. The driving experience is comfortable, the ride is smooth, and predicted reliability is great.
9) 2019 Hyundai Tucson
U.S. News Interior Score: 6.9/10
The base Tucson comes equipped with plenty of user-friendly features. The infotainment system features a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. There are also plenty of standard active safety features included, such as a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Many potential buyers will be satisfied with these features alone, though it’s hard to ignore the plethora of available options on the Tucson. These include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an upgraded infotainment display, and even more active safety features.
8) 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,295 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a practical and charming compact crossover that offers a lot of positive attributes, though it’s not quite as fun to drive as VW would have you believe. Otherwise, the Tiguan would have the potential to rank higher. This compact SUV has only one engine option – a turbocharged four-cylinder good for 184 horsepower – which is both underwhelming and thirsty for fuel. That aside, the Tiguan handles well, offers a calm ride, and earns good safety and reliability scores.
8) 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
U.S. News Interior Score: 7.9/10
The Tiguan is a good choice for those who need, or want, seven-passenger seating, as a third row is available in certain configurations. The base Tiguan gets a 6.5-inch touch screen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A rearview camera is the only standard safety feature, but an additional $450 is a reasonable asking price for a package that features forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
7) 2019 Ford Escape
$24,105 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
Though the Ford Escape is one of the most fun-to-drive vehicles in the class, thanks to a peppy engine lineup and well-tuned handling. However, there are a couple of drawbacks that keep it from achieving a higher spot in our rankings. A 168-horsepower four-cylinder engine comes standard, though you can also choose from a 179-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated for 245 horsepower. The latter of these engines will cost you more at the fuel pump, however, and the Escape also gets relatively low safety scores for the class.
7) 2019 Ford Escape
U.S. News Interior Score: 7.6/10
The Escape seats five on standard cloth upholstery, and though the cabin looks and feels nice, many buyers may want to budget for some upgrades. The only notable standard features are a 4.2-inch display and a voice-activated infotainment system. Features like a touch screen, power-adjustable seating, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay all cost extra. Standard safety features are similarly slim, with only a rearview camera and the MyKey customizable settings system included on the base model. You can add a handful of more options by moving up a trim level and adding a features package.
6) 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
$23,800 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
Chevy’s candidate for our list of the best affordable compact SUVs is the Equinox, which has a pretty fair mix of advantages and drawbacks. On one hand, the Equinox has a low base price for the class, good predicted reliability, good fuel economy, comfortable seating, and a well-thought-out infotainment interface. On the downside, the cabin is kind of dull for the class, cargo space is scant, and it’s not as easy to drive as some competitors due to compromised maneuverability. On the plus side, there is a good lineup of engines, consisting of a 170-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, a 252-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 137-horsepower turbodiesel.
6) 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
U.S. News Interior Score: 7.2/10
Though the Equinox’s cabin design leaves something to be desired, it’s comfortable and reasonably well-equipped. Standard features include a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a rearview camera, and the Teen Driver safety system. You’ll have to move up to higher trim levels to add more features. Options include an 8-inch touch screen, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and additional safety features.
5) 2020 Kia Sportage
$23,990 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
The Kia Sportage is another great choice for a compact SUV, and gets a number of valuable improvements for the 2020 model year, such as new infotainment and safety tech features. The Sportage has spacious seating for five, upscale design features, quality interior materials, and good reliability scores.
A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated for 181 horsepower comes standard, and a 240-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder is available by moving up to the top trim level. Drawbacks include below-average fuel economy ratings and a relative lack of cargo space.
5) 2020 Kia Sportage
U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
Kia outfits the Sportage with one of the nicest interiors in the class, in terms of design, quality, and overall comfort. This year, the Sportage’s standard infotainment system gets upgraded with an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, which goes a long way toward making it more competitive in its class.
Other standard features include Bluetooth, a rearview camera, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Lots of options are available, including a sunroof, leather upholstery, and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, which can elevate the Sportage to near-luxury levels.
4) 2019 Toyota RAV4
$25,650 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The Toyota RAV4 has been fully redesigned for 2019, and brings a lot to the table – though there are some minor drawbacks that keep it out of our top podium positions. The RAV4 has a good predicted reliability rating, a comfortable ride quality, more cargo space than many competitors, and good fuel economy ratings.
The sole engine is a 2.5 liter four-cylinder rated for 203 horsepower, which sounds good, but it’s loud and doesn’t accelerate as well as some shoppers might expect. A hybrid version is also available, which you can read about here.
4) 2019 Toyota RAV4
U.S. News Interior Score: 8/10
The RAV4 seats five passengers with plenty of space in both rows. Most people will find it pretty comfortable, and there’s a noticeable improvement in cabin design and material quality over the previous generation. There are five trim levels, but the base model is pretty well equipped, with a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Apple CarPlay is a new and welcome addition, but you won’t find Android Auto in the RAV4 – regardless of trim level.
The base model also includes a rearview camera, as well as advanced safety features that include forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
3) 2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The Subaru Forester is fully redesigned for 2019, skyrocketing to a position near the top of our rankings. The seminal compact ute is as practical as ever, with strong safety scores and fuel economy estimates. It has standard all-wheel drive, and is comfortable to drive with a smooth ride. The materials are high-end, and the build quality is strong throughout.
There is one drawback with the Forester: the only engine option, a 182-horsepower, four-cylinder engine, is on the dull side. The previous generation had a turbo engine option, leaving the Forester with the underpowered four-cylinder and leaving some drivers wishing for something a bit more powerful.
3) 2019 Subaru Forester
U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
Previous versions of the Forester earned a reputation for being on the bland and utilitarian side, but Subaru’s managed to shake that off, for the most part. It’s more stylish inside than in previous years, and it’s well equipped even in base trim. Standard features include a 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment display, satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
For safety features, you also get a rearview camera and the EyeSight suite, which includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. There are options and upgrades, of course, but Subaru offers up a high-value suite of features in the base-trim Forester.
2) 2019 Honda CR-V
$24,450 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
We’re at the second-to-last vehicle on our list of the best affordable compact SUVs – though this vehicle and the next are both tied in our compact SUV rankings, the next one is just slightly more affordable. The venerable Honda CR-V shares the title of top position thanks to its well-rounded approach.
Put simply, it’s one of the most appealing vehicles in the segment, with good safety and reliability scores, tons of passenger and cargo space, and a couple of efficient engine choices. The main drawback is that some competitors have more standard safety features.
2) 2019 Honda CR-V
U.S. News Interior Score: 8.7/10
You have two engine options for the Honda CR-V: a 184-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. The latter powertrain is worth the upgrade; while the actual difference in power is modest, it accelerates much more smoothly and is more efficient.
As for other features, the base model gets little more than a 5-inch display, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera, but the next trim up offers much more. Benefits include a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated front seats, and active safety features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
1) 2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
Though the Mazda CX-5 ties with the Honda CR-V in our list of the best affordable compact SUVs, it comes in just $100 cheaper in base trim – just enough to boost it to the top of our list. The CX-5 is known for being a blast to drive (at least by the standards of this segment), thanks mostly to its deft, athletic handling rather than its powertrain lineup.
However, you’ll probably be happy whether you opt for the base 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or the new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The latter is rated for 227 horsepower with regular gas, though using premium fuel ups that to 250 horsepower. A 2.2-liter turbodiesel is now available as well.
1) 2019 Mazda CX-5
U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
In addition to being one of the most fun vehicles in its class, the Mazda CX-5 is stylish both inside and out. The infotainment system has somewhat awkward controls, which is the CX-5’s main drawback. The base model includes a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, HD Radio, voice recognition, a rearview camera, and safety features such as rear cross traffic alert and low-speed automatic emergency braking.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are newly available this year, but you’ll have to step up a trim level and add an equipment package to get them. Other options include heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a head-up display.
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Best Affordable Compact SUVs for 2019: Photos and Details
- 2019 Mazda CX-5
- 2019 Honda CR-V
- 2019 Subaru Forester
- 2019 Toyota RAV4
- 2020 Kia Sportage
- 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2019 Ford Escape
- 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2019 Hyundai Tucson
- 2019 GMC Terrain
- 2019 Nissan Rogue
- 2019 Jeep Cherokee
- 2019 Jeep Compass
- 2019 Jeep Wrangler
- 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander
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Choices Abound in the Compact Crossover Class
It’s hard to resist the lure of an entry-level crossover. They’re convenient and comfortable, providing a good view of the road and often have more space inside than a comparable subcompact or compact car. Better yet, they’re safer than ever, with advanced safety systems offered on most base models – and sometimes even included as standard equipment. This year’s offering of small crossovers and SUVs have all of these attributes, and more. In fact, some of them are even fun to drive.
In the case of a tie (and there are several), the vehicle with the lowest base price has the advantage.
That said, keep in mind that our scores and rankings are always changing, due to additional data becoming available. This means scores on this list may differ from those displayed on our website.
Now, let’s take a look at the best affordable compact crossovers and SUVs currently on the market.