11) 2020 GMC Terrain
$25,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10
Value: The GMC Terrain features one of the highest base prices in the compact SUV segment, which isn’t an inspiring start on the value front. Data shows that the Terrain also has one of the highest total costs of ownership of the vehicles featured on this list. This is due to a combination of factors, including depreciation, maintenance, and repairs.
11) 2020 GMC Terrain
Quality: In last year’s Best Compact SUVs for the Money ranking, the Terrain beat out just a couple of its rivals – all of which were cut from this year’s list of contenders – and the Terrain barely made the cut this year. Its overall score suffers from its small cargo area, underwhelming base powertrain, and just-above-average predicted reliability. On the upside, the Terrain gets good fuel economy in base configuration, provides a spacious and upscale cabin, and comes fitted with a bunch of new standard safety features for 2020.
10) 2020 Jeep Cherokee
$25,740 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.4/10
Value: Though the Jeep Cherokee is one of the brand’s most affordable offerings in terms of up-front cost, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good value. In fact, the Cherokee has one of the highest total costs of ownership out of all the small SUVs in this slideshow. When equipped with the base engine, the Cherokee suffers from mediocre performance as well as below-average fuel economy. Buyers should also be prepared for high depreciation and expensive repairs.
10) 2020 Jeep Cherokee
Quality: With average reliability, so-so cabin design and materials, and performance designed to appeal primarily to off-roaders, it’s hard to view the Jeep Cherokee as a strong, well-rounded competitor in this segment. That said, the Cherokee does offer comfortable seating and user-friendly technology. If you’re the type to take advantage of its all-terrain prowess, you might be willing to overlook its shortcomings. Still, for the aforementioned reasons, the Cherokee has the lowest overall score of the models in this slideshow.
9) 2020 Chevrolet Equinox
$23,800 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
Value: The Chevrolet Equinox has a reasonable base price, but data shows that most buyers spend considerably more than the base MSRP when buying this vehicle. The Equinox also suffers from high depreciation costs and high maintenance costs, resulting in a high overall total cost of ownership. That’s primarily why this Chevy lands so low on our list.
9) 2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Quality: The Equinox’s overall score and quality evaluation paint a much more positive picture of this crossover. It has a good predicted reliability rating, a high safety score, plenty of safety features, and easy-to-use infotainment and technology offerings.
It should be noted that the Chevrolet Equinox is closely related to the aforementioned GMC Terrain. While it suffers from most of the same issues, the value equation and overall score are both shifted slightly in the Equinox’s favor. If you’re considering either of these General Motors crossovers, the Equinox is probably the better choice.
8) 2020 Nissan Rogue
$25,300 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10
Value: The Nissan Rogue’s base price is slightly above average for a compact SUV, but its average up-front transaction cost isn’t too much higher – a good foundation for overall value. Furthermore, the Rogue’s total cost of ownership is lower than we’ve seen in these rankings so far. Overall, while the Rogue is a decent value, there are still better options out there.
8) 2020 Nissan Rogue
Quality: The Rogue’s overall score indicates that its quality is just okay. Of the previous three vehicles on this list, the SUV edges out two and falls short of one. In terms of specific issues buyers should be aware of, the Rogue’s main drawbacks are its mediocre performance and lack of options for upgrades. These factors are enough to put a serious dent in the Rogue’s score. On the upside, this Nissan enjoys good fuel economy ratings, and features a surprisingly nice interior.
7) 2020 Ford Escape
$24,885 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
Value: The Ford Escape is fully redesigned for 2020, and lands in the middle of our compact SUV ranking. The compact ute’s base price is slightly above average, though not outrageous. However, the Escape’s total cost of ownership is on the high side for this group of award contenders, which puts it at a net disadvantage in terms of value.
7) 2020 Ford Escape
Quality: There’s a lot to like about the redesigned Escape, including an impressive powertrain lineup and athletic handling – both of which lead to a fun driving experience. This crossover also comfortably seats adults in both rows, which is not always the case for this class of vehicles. As for downsides: The interior materials used are a mixed bag, and the base trim’s infotainment system is a bit bare-bones for most consumers’ tastes. This can be remedied – although expensively – by stepping up a trim level.
6) 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8/10
Value: The Volkswagen Tiguan has the third-highest total cost of ownership in the class, which is a big reason why it ranks in the middle of our Best Compact SUV for the Money award contenders. The Tiguan’s base price is in line with segment standards, but sales data shows that most buyers spend several thousand more on a new Tiguan. It also has below-average fuel economy ratings, so it’ll cost more to own and drive over time.
6) 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Quality: The Tiguan’s quality score helps balance out the cost factor somewhat. This VW has good predicted reliability, strong safety scores, and a comfortable ride. The Tiguan is also one of the few vehicles in its class to offer a third row of seating. Strictly speaking, this doesn’t figure into its score here, but it’s good to know regardless. However, just one powertrain is available, and unfortunately, it’s slow and inefficient. This definitely holds the Tiguan back from putting up a solid fight in this competitive segment.
5) 2020 Hyundai Tucson
$23,350 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
Value: The Hyundai Tucson has one of the lowest starting prices in the class, as well as a relatively low average transaction price. These two factors help set up the Tucson as a good value. The Tucson also has one of the lowest costs of ownership of the models in this slideshow. Overall, this compact SUV is a pretty good value.
5) 2020 Hyundai Tucson
Quality: The Tucson gets good scores for reliability and safety, mixed reviews in terms of interior design and features, and mediocre feedback for performance – particularly due to its sluggish and inefficient powertrain options. If you’re looking for a practical and generally well-rounded crossover – and don’t particularly care about an exciting driving experience – the Tucson provides a good combination of value and quality.
4) 2020 Toyota RAV4
$25,950 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
Value: The Toyota RAV4 has an above-average starting price for a compact SUV, yet it fares well in terms of value. This is because it has one of the lowest overall costs of ownership of the models in this slideshow. The RAV4 generally has favorable depreciation, as well, and its fuel economy ratings are well above average – both of which help long-term costs stay reasonable.
4) 2020 Toyota RAV4
Quality: In exchange for that slightly expensive starting price, buyers get a safe, reliable, well-designed vehicle with a comfortable cabin and plenty of features. Performance is just okay rather than truly impressive, but acceleration and handling are good enough to satisfy most consumers. The RAV4 is offered in a number of trim levels with some compelling options, such as the TRD Off-Road model, but the base RAV4 trim level provides most must-have features.
3) 2020 Subaru Forester
Finalist | $24,495 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
Value: As we enter the top three contenders for our Best Compact SUV for the Money award, shoppers have some tough choices ahead. The Subaru Forester has an attainable base price, as well as the lowest overall cost of ownership of the models on this slideshow. That’s due to a combination of factors, such as excellent fuel economy and historically strong resale value.
3) 2020 Subaru Forester
Quality: Driving the Forester isn’t going to blow anyone’s socks off, but again, those great fuel economy ratings are a worthwhile trade-off. Like most Subarus, the Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive – an uncommon perk in this market segment – so it provides sure-footed handling in a variety of conditions. The interior is spacious and comfortable, and while its designed more for practicality than elegance, it is well-suited for a variety of tasks. This Subaru also boasts above-average reliability and safety scores. Overall, the Subaru Forester is a great choice, and deserving of its spot on the podium for our Best Compact SUV for the Money countdown.
2) 2020 Kia Sportage
Finalist | $23,990 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
Value: With a below-average base price for the compact SUV category and low cost of ownership, the Kia Sportage is well-positioned as a good value. Shoppers who prioritize value should ensure the Sportage is among their top candidates – and they’re unlikely to be disappointed.
2) 2020 Kia Sportage
Quality: The Sportage offers up great quality, as well. Reliability is among the highest in the class, and most of the other factors that go into its overall score – such as safety and interior design and quality – are also impressive. This Kia’s main drawback is its below-average cargo capacity for the class, and while it’s comfortable and composed on the road, it’s not as fun to drive as some competitors. Kia also provides plenty of standard equipment, including must-have infotainment features. Overall, it’s easy to see why the Sportage is a top contender when it comes to getting the most for your money.
1) 2020 Honda CR-V
Winner | $25,050 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
Value: The Honda CR-V was the winner of our 2019 Best Compact SUV for the Money award, and it retains the crown for this year, too. The CR-V has a base price that’s a little higher than many of its rivals, but it’s worth the expenditure: The CR-V will have lower fuel costs than many competitors and hold more of its value over time.
1) 2020 Honda CR-V
Quality: As of this writing, the Honda CR-V is the top model in our compact SUV ranking, owing to its strong overall score. This well-rounded crossover offers reassuring reliability and safety ratings, plenty of space for passengers and cargo, and – new for this year – a bunch of new standard safety features. There is one considerable downside, and it’s that Honda is a little stingy with the tech features in the base model. This means most buyers will need to budget a little extra to get what they want. Still, that does little to diminish the CR-V’s status as our Best Compact SUV for the Money for 2020.
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Though this countdown gives a solid overview of the current contenders in the hot compact SUV and crossover segment, you should learn more about your options before heading out to the dealership. For more information about these compact crossovers, check out our full rankings and reviews pages.
Check out our new car financing and lease deals pages for the latest manufacturer incentives, which are constantly updated on our site.
If you’re ready for your next new vehicle, use our Best Price Program to save the most money on your new car. We partner with local dealers to get you guaranteed, pre-negotiated savings. Shoppers who use the program save an average of more than $3,000 off their new vehicle.
The 11 Best Compact SUVs for the Money in 2020
- 11) 2020 GMC Terrain: $25,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10
- 10) 2020 Jeep Cherokee: $25,740 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.4/10
- 9) 2020 Chevrolet Equinox: $23,800 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
- 8) 2020 Nissan Rogue: $25,300 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10
- 7) 2020 Ford Escape: $24,885 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
- 6) 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan: $24,945 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8/10
- 5) 2020 Hyundai Tucson: $23,350 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
- 4) 2020 Toyota RAV4: $25,950 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
- 3) 2020 Subaru Forester: Finalist | $24,495 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
- 2) 2020 Kia Sportage: Finalist | $23,990 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
- 1) 2020 Honda CR-V: Winner | $25,050 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
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Check Out the Contenders For the U.S. News Best Compact SUV for the Money Award
If you’re planning to shop for a new SUV or crossover this year, it’s never too early to get started. Small SUVs are great alternatives for families who want more room than what sedans can give. Thorough research can help ensure you’re as satisfied as possible when it comes time to buy or lease – and if you’re a discerning shopper, it might not be as simple as getting a good deal on the best-looking or best-driving vehicle. Value is a key component of savvy car shopping, and it’s a little more complicated than you might think.
Fortunately, the annual U.S. News Best Car for the Money awards can help simplify this process. These awards highlight vehicles that offer the best combination of quality and value, with findings that are backed up by actual data. Quality is measured using overall scores from our reviews, with a methodology that combines safety and reliability data with expert opinions from the automotive press. As for value, we use TrueCar average transaction prices and Vincentric five-year total cost of ownership data.
The following slides will help you learn about each model and its ranking, all based on the scoring for our 2020 Best Compact SUV for the Money award. Please keep in mind that the scores on our site are updated constantly as new expert reviews and data become available. Therefore, the scores mentioned in this slideshow may not match the scores in our reviews.
Now, read on to save yourself some stress – and potentially a good chunk of change – when you’re ready to pick up your new small SUV.