2019 Nissan Rogue Sport
Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7/10 | $22,340
The Nissan Rogue Sport has many that virtues subcompact SUV buyers are looking for, along with a slightly better-than-average predicted reliability score. It offers generous cargo space, a comfortable ride, and a long list of standard features. These include a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free text messaging, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
The Rogue Sport loses points primarily due to its sluggish engine, uninspired steering feel, and overall lackluster performance. While it’s not necessarily a bad choice, there are better alternatives among subcompact SUVs.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek
Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10 | $22,145
An impressive interior with a more upscale look and feel than some of its rivals helps make the Subaru Crosstrek stand out. This subcompact SUV comes standard with a user-friendly 6.5-inch touch-screen infotainment system, which includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Its rear-seat room and cargo space are good for its size, too.
While the Crosstrek handles and rides well, it’s less agile than some competitors. On the plus side, its high ground clearance will allow you to tackle snow and light off-roading, and the Crosstrek has very good safety scores to go with its above-average predicted reliability rating.
2020 Nissan Kicks
Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10 | $18,870
One of the most affordable choices among subcompact SUVs, the Nissan Kicks comes well-equipped for the price. Standard safety and convenience features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a 7-inch touch screen, and Siri Eyes Free.
The Kicks rides and handles well, has decent interior space, and offers very good cargo capacity for the class. Its predicted reliability score is above average, and the Nissan has very good safety scores, to boot. While not as quick as some competitors, the Kicks’ fuel economy is among the best in its class. A slew of driver-assistance aids now come standard in 2020 models.
2020 Hyundai Kona
Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10 | $20,100
One of our top-ranked subcompact SUVs, the Hyundai Kona looks and feels like a more expensive vehicle. The interior is stylish and well-equipped for the class, with a lengthy list of standard features including a standard 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Some of the Kona’s options include an upgraded infotainment system and a peppy turbocharged engine. Fuel economy is good regardless of engine choice, and the Kona strikes a good balance between sporty handling and a comfortable ride. Unlike most SUVs, the Kona is not available with all-wheel drive. This crossover's predicted reliability rating is above average, and the Kona has an excellent safety score, too.
2020 GMC Terrain
Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10 | $25,000
The GMC Terrain offers lots of advanced safety features as standard equipment, as well as an upscale, quiet, and comfortable cabin. This solid compact SUV also has an above-average predicted reliability rating and a good safety score.
Base models come with a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, keyless entry, and push-button start. The Terrain's rear-seat room is particularly generous, but its cargo capacity behind the second row is limited. Fuel economy is good with the base engine, but acceleration is sluggish. The optional engine has better performance, at the expense of higher costs at the pump.
2020 Nissan Rogue
Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10 | $25,200
Spacious and comfortable, the Nissan Rogue compact SUV has plenty of room for passengers and cargo in an upscale and well-equipped cabin. Standard features include a user-friendly infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and several advanced safety aids also come standard, including lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.
The Rogue's uel economy is above average, but its engine feels sluggish. The Rogue’s predicted reliability score is above average, and the small SUV also enjoys very good safety scores.
2020 Ford Escape
Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10 | $24,885
Redesigned for 2020, the Ford Escape combines a comfortable ride with agile handling and performance. Passenger room is impressive for the compact SUV class, but you’ll have to pay extra to get the superior SYNC 3 infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Escape's interior material quality lags behind some rivals', as well.
Standard driver assistance features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, driver drowsiness monitoring, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Fuel economy is very good with the base engine, and the Escape’s predicted reliability rating is above average.
2020 Subaru Forester
Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10 | $24,495
A spacious cabin, excellent fuel economy, standard all-wheel drive, and a robust suite of safety features help make the Subaru Forester one of our higher-ranked compact SUVs. Standard features include a 6-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, and a rear seat reminder.
The Forester is not the quickest or sportiest in the class, but it offers an above-average predicted reliability rating, and this Subaru’s high ground clearance pairs well with the standard all-wheel drive. Suffice it to say, the Forester will come in handy during inclement weather, or if you find yourself in a light off-roading situation.
2020 Honda CR-V
Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10 | $25,050
One of the best all-around choices among compact SUVs, the Honda CR-V has a capable and fuel-efficient engine, a comfortable ride, and a handsome cabin with passenger and cargo room that eclipse most rivals.
The list of standard features includes a 5-inch touch-screen infotainment rig, but you’ll have to pay extra for a larger screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Even then, a lack of physical controls can make the system frustrating to use. The list of advanced safety features is extensive, and the CR-V earns an excellent safety score to go along with its above-average predicted reliability rating.
2020 Toyota C-HR
Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 6.6/10 | $21,295
Distinctive styling helps the Toyota C-HR stand out in a sea of small SUVs, and its excellent predicted reliability score is a big plus. It also offers a comfortable ride and composed handling, and this crossover's standard tech features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and an easy-to-use 8-inch touch screen along with a host of electronic safety aids.
On the downside, the rear row is cramped, and the C-HR’s cargo room is limited – even for a subcompact. The engine lacks sufficient power for easy highway merging and passing, and fuel economy is subpar. It’s also worth noting that all-wheel drive is not available.
2020 Mini Cooper Countryman
Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10 | $28,400
Solid handling and a roomy, upscale interior help make the stylish Mini Cooper Countryman one of our higher-ranking subcompact SUVs. The Countryman also has an excellent predicted reliability score for the class, as well as very good safety ratings. This little ute should definitely be on your short list if sporty handling and driving enjoyment are priorities, but know that fuel economy falls short of some rivals.
Extensive standard features include a panoramic sunroof, and the interior quality is stellar for the segment. However, you’ll have to opt for the upgraded infotainment system to get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
2020 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10 | $23,350
A comfortable ride, a low sticker price, a great predicted reliability score, and a long list of standard equipment are among the reasons to consider the Hyundai Tucson. Standard tech features in this crossover include an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, which is augmented by convenient physical controls. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also included as standard, along with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist.
The Tucson's engine power is adequate, if not impressive, and its fuel economy is slightly below average for the category. Cargo space is also lacking compared to many rivals.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10 | $23,800
With better fuel economy than most competitors, a decent list of features, and a reasonable starting price, the Equinox holds strong appeal for buyers on a budget. Add to that a better predicted reliability rating than most class rivals, and it may earn a spot on your shopping list.
A user-friendly infotainment system is standard, along with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a generous suite of high-tech safety features. You’ll also get decent – if not sporty – handling, as well as a smooth ride. The Equinox may lack the cargo room and upscale look and feel of other vehicles in the segment, but this compact SUV has other virtues – including a very good safety score.
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10 | $24,945
The Tiguan sets itself apart from other compact SUVs with its large cargo area and its optional third row of seating. In addition, its predicted reliability rating is excellent for the class. The Tiguan rides well, but the engine can feel underpowered when merging and passing on the highway. Its fuel economy estimates also fall short of class leaders.
A lengthy list of standard features includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 6.5-inch touch screen, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
2020 Kia Sportage
Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10 | $23,990
There’s a lot to like about the Kia Sportage, from its coddling ride and confident handling to its upscale interior and better-than-average predicted reliability rating. The standard engine provides adequate power, although its fuel economy is below average for the class.
The Sportage is also long on value, and its list of standard features includes an infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision warning and braking system with pedestrian detection.
2020 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10 | $25,950
There are good reasons why the RAV4 sits near the top of our compact SUV ranking. Its better-than-average predicted reliability score plays a part, along with secure handling, a comfortable ride, and a roomy and upscale interior. The engine provides plenty of power, and delivers some of the best fuel economy estimates in the class.
The RAV4 also comes packed with standard features, including an easy-to-use infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You’ll also get the extensive Toyota Safety Sense suite of electronic safety aids – even in lower trims. Among the few downsides of the RAV4 is its higher-than-average base price for the segment, and an engine that can get loud when throttled hard.
2020 Buick Encore
Reliability: 5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10 | $23,200
With its perfect predicted reliability rating, the Buick Encore stands out among small SUVs. The Encore has a lot more going for it, however, including a surprisingly smooth and absorbent ride for a subcompact crossover, along with a comfortable, upscale interior and a rear row that’s actually suitable for adults.
The long list of standard features includes a power driver’s seat and an easy-to-use infotainment system with Android Auto and CarPlay. Look elsewhere if you’re looking for punchy performance, and expect to pay extra if you want the electronic driver assistance aids found standard in many competitors.
More Car Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Didn’t see your ideal small SUV on this list? The team at U.S. News & World Report has the resources to help you find the right car at a great price.
Our new car rankings and reviews are designed to answer the questions shoppers ask when they're in the market for a new ride. They're based on the consensus opinion of the country's top automotive journalist, plus quantitative data about safety, predicted reliability, and several other factors.
When cars aren’t meeting their sales goals, automakers frequently offer money-saving incentives to pick up the sales pace. Our new car deals page tracks the best low-interest financing and cash back offers in the marketplace. Our lease deals page shows offers with low monthly payments or little due at signing.
Negotiating the price of a new car can be intimidating for some shoppers. The U.S. News Best Price Program saves you from the stress by providing both lease and purchase customers with pre-negotiated pricing at local dealerships. Buyers save an average of more than $3,000 when they use the program.
Before you venture into the snow, it’s critical that you have the proper auto insurance on your vehicle. Our car insurance hub walks you through the decisions you’ll want to make about coverage, insurance companies, and car insurance discounts.
17 Most Reliable Small SUVs for 2020
- 2019 Nissan Rogue Sport: Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7/10 | $22,340
- 2020 Subaru Crosstrek: Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10 | $22,145
- 2020 Nissan Kicks: Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10 | $18,870
- 2020 Hyundai Kona: Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10 | $20,100
- 2020 GMC Terrain: Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10 | $25,000
- 2020 Nissan Rogue: Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10 | $25,200
- 2020 Ford Escape: Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10 | $24,885
- 2020 Subaru Forester: Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10 | $24,495
- 2020 Honda CR-V: Reliability: 3.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10 | $25,050
- 2020 Toyota C-HR: Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 6.6/10 | $21,295
- 2020 Mini Cooper Countryman: Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10 | $28,400
- 2020 Hyundai Tucson: Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10 | $23,350
- 2020 Chevrolet Equinox: Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10 | $23,800
- 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan: Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10 | $24,945
- 2020 Kia Sportage: Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10 | $23,990
- 2020 Toyota RAV4: Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10 | $25,950
- 2020 Buick Encore: Reliability: 5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10 | $23,200
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These Crossovers Score Well for Reliability
SUVs continue to be a popular choice with auto buyers, thanks to their combination of practicality and comfort. With room to spread out in a feature-packed interior, combined with a ton of cargo room, SUVs have a lot going for them. Most also offer the added security of available all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Small SUVs remain some of the most popular models, combining affordable price points and a size that appeals to singles, couples, and families alike. Easier to park and handle than larger models, small SUVs also offer better fuel economy than their bigger counterparts, as well as generous cargo capacities.
The good news for consumers: There’s fierce competition in the SUV market, meaning there are plenty of good choices available. The key is to choose a small SUV that both fits your needs now, but will remain reliable down the road. That’s where we can help. By using reliability data from J.D. Power – combined with our own U.S. News rankings and expertise – we’ve identified the 17 best small SUVs for the long haul. You’ll find our picks on the following slides.
Remember that our scores and rankings are constantly updated due to new safety and reliability information, as well as new model specs and updated data coming in. Because of this, some of the scores in this slideshow may not match what you see on our site.