25) 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
U.S. News Performance Score: 7.2/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.2/10 | $24,595
The Volkswagen Tiguan has been completely redesigned for 2018, and while it provides plenty of space for cargo and passengers, it’s lost some of its enthusiast drivability in the process.
There is only one engine option for 2018: a 184-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination has been described as woefully “flaccid.” The tepid acceleration is fine for getting around town, but reveals its true form while you wait for it to get up to highway speeds.
If you’d prefer the more-powerful 2017 Tiguan, VW is selling it as the 2018 Tiguan Limited.
24) 2019 Infiniti QX50
U.S. News Performance Score: 7.3/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10 | $36,550
Like the Tiguan, the QX50 is redesigned this year and focuses more on comfort than speed. The previous generation featured a powerful V6 and agile handling, while the all-new model features a turbocharged four-cylinder making 268 horsepower. The power is routed through a continuously variable transmission, and the combination lacks the spirit of its predecessor. On the bright side, the four-cylinder engine features a new variable compression system, a cutting-edge technology designed to optimize fuel economy.
23) 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
U.S. News Performance Score: 7.5/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10 | $23,580
The Equinox has a choice of four-cylinder engines, including a turbocharged 170-horsepower base engine, a 137-horsepower diesel engine, and a turbocharged 252-horsepower performance engine. Unfortunately the transmission that manages power is sluggish, hurting acceleration and drivability.
Handling can be described as stable, which isn’t the same as athletic, but the Equinox does have precise steering. Most surprisingly, it has less body roll than you might expect for an SUV.
22) 2019 Jeep Cherokee
U.S. News Performance Score: 7.6/10 | USN Overall Score: 7.5/10 | $23,995
The Jeep Cherokee’s base four-cylinder engine is underpowered, but if you opt for the V6 that makes 271 horsepower, you’re rewarded with more respectable acceleration. Its cornering is composed, but short of sporty.
Where the Cherokee really shines is off-road. Few compact SUVs have the dirt-and-gravel driving capabilities of the Cherokee – especially in the Trailhawk trim, which has an active locking differential and a Rock drive mode.
21) 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport
U.S. News Performance Score: 7.6/10 | USN Overall Score: 7.4/10 | $37,795
Though the Discovery Sport has a smooth, quiet ride, it isn’t very taught in on-road cornering. It may not be the fastest on the road, but it makes up for this with impressive off-road handling. It has a terrain response system with pre-set modes for different road and trail surfaces.
Unfortunately, the Discovery Sport’s transmission has poorly timed shifts, and the vehicle returns poor fuel economy. Another knock against the Discovery Sport is its somewhat sluggish infotainment system.
20) 2018 Buick Envision
U.S. News Performance Score: 7.6/10 | USN Overall Score: 7.9/10 | $33,995
The Buick Envision has similar engine options to the Chevy Equinox – a forgettable base four-cylinder engine and an upgraded turbocharged engine putting out 252 horsepower. It provides decent acceleration, and the six-speed automatic manages the power well.
The Envision might be a relatively new SUV, but its ride lives up to its Buick heritage. It is comfortable and hushed, but lacks any responsiveness in cornering.
19) 2019 Lincoln MKC
U.S. News Performance Score: 7.7/10 | USN Overall Score: 7.9/10 | $33,995
The Lincoln MKC has a sharp new front-end design for 2019, but much of the car remains the same. That means you get two potent turbocharged engines (making 240 and 285 horsepower), but uninspiring handling.
The upside of the lack of cornering agility is a rather smooth, even buttery suspension feel. This should be good for long trips, or if you live in areas with poor road quality.
18) 2018 Hyundai Tucson
U.S. News Performance Score: 7.8/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.4/10 | $22,550
The Hyundai Tucson provides a long warranty and great predicted reliability. But peace-of-mind doesn’t get your heart racing, and the base engine in the Tucson is pretty underwhelming. The uprated engine makes 175 horsepower, which is better, but still nothing to write home about.
The Tucson feels sure-footed in daily driving and will be fine in many driving situations, but rest assured, sporty is not a way to describe it.
17) 2018 GMC Terrain
U.S. News Performance Score: 7.8/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.5/10 | $24,995
The GMC Terrain has been completely redesigned for 2018 and features two rows of spacious seats and an upscale interior. The Terrain also boasts a smooth ride, though one that is short of being athletic.
The base engine in the Terrain is a somewhat underwhelming turbo four-cylinder with 170 horsepower. You can upgrade to the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which makes 252 horsepower and provides more lively acceleration.
16) 2018 Jeep Wrangler
U.S. News Performance Score: 7.9/10 | USN Overall Score: 7.5/10 | $23,995
The Jeep Wrangler might have less-refined on-road manners than just about every other vehicle on this list, but it provides off-road performance like no other vehicle. It dominates the trail, with four-wheel drive and low range gearing.
Even on the road, a two-door Wrangler with the 285-horsepower V6 engine provides brisk acceleration. And no other vehicle has a removable top and doors and a windshield that folds down.
15) 2018 Lexus NX
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.0/10 | USN Overall Score: 7.9/10 | $35,985
The Lexus NX features bold, angular styling, but the 235-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder power plant doesn’t live up to that image. It provides decent acceleration but will not blow your hair back.
The NX redeems itself on ride quality, where it strikes a blend of comfort over bumps and responsiveness in turns. It’s no corner-carver, but it’s far from boring.
14) 2018 Kia Sportage
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.0/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10 | $23,600
The Kia Sportage has “sport” in the name, so it better live up to its billing. Thankfully, Kia’s compact crossover SUV features agile handling and a smooth ride, complementing a spacious cabin with a high-quality interior.
Unfortunately, the Sportage’s engine lineup is unimpressive. It’s no surprise the base 181-horsepower engine is underwhelming, but the optional turbocharged engine, with 240 horsepower, doesn’t deliver either. At least this SUV handles well.
13) 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.1/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.8/10 | $40,050
In the spectrum of handling-to-comfort, Mercedes-Benz vehicles err on the comfort side, and the GLC is no different. The GLC’s ride is smooth and supple, quietly soaking up bumps in the road, but the GLC lacks serious athleticism in its handling.
The base 241-horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged engine provides decent acceleration, but you can also get the Mercedes-AMG GLC43, with a twin-turbo V6 making 362 horsepower. Of course, if you want even more performance, the GLC63 and GLC63 S have V8 engines that make 469 and 503 horsepower, respectively, with an Autobahn-level top speed resulting (U.S. News does not condone driving above the speed limit). AMG models also have stiffer suspensions that silence cornering criticisms of the base GLC.
12) 2018 Subaru Forester
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.2/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.5/10 | $22,795
Subaru might position the Forester as a frugal, sensible compact SUV, but its standard all-wheel drive ensures it can handle well in inclement weather. The base 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine is OK for day-to-day driving, but you can get a turbocharged engine making 250 horsepower.
The Forester has soft, car-like handling over most road surfaces, though some rivals have a sportier feel. The standard all-wheel drive ensures the Forester can hold its own on dirt roads as well.
11) 2018 Honda CR-V
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.2/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.8/10 | $24,250
The Honda CR-V isn’t designed with serious driving in mind but manages to feel smooth and refined. Skip the base engine and go for the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine making 190-horsepower. The two engines have similar stats, but in real-world applications, the turbo provides more grunt.
The CR-V won’t provide any thrills while driving, but it is hushed and composed around town and on the highway.
10) 2018 Volvo XC60
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.3/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | $41,500
If you are into unique powertrains, the Volvo XC60 has something for you. The base engine is simply a turbocharged four-cylinder making a potent 250 horsepower, but the uprated four-cylinder engine employs both turbocharging and supercharging to achieve an impressive 316 horsepower. Then there’s the T8 plug-in hybrid, which adds an electric motor to make 400 horsepower.
The XC60 has a comfortable ride, especially if you opt for the available air suspension. Body roll is minimal and steering is responsive. It’s no sports car, but it strikes a solid balance between performance and comfort.
9) 2018 Acura RDX
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.3/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10 | $36,000
The RDX comes standard with a V6 engine making 279 horsepower. The V6 is both refined and competent. Power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth acceleration for highway overtaking.
While the RDX doesn’t offer any performance upgrades the way that Mercedes and BMW offer up-rated engines, it maintains a solid baseline.
It should be noted that its dual-screen infotainment system is confusing enough to distract the driver from any pleasant backroad cruises.
8) 2018 BMW X3
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.4/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10 | $42,650
The BMW X3 blends SUV practicality with a premium interior and a strong engine lineup. The base engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder making a respectable 248 horsepower. But you’ll want the X3 M40i, featuring a turbocharged inline six-cylinder making 355 horsepower.
In addition to the more powerful engine, the M40i features a sport-tuned suspension and more powerful brakes. This combination makes the X3 M40i a well-rounded performer that can also play family-hauler.
7) 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.5/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | $41,995
Alfa Romeo is a brand with a rich performance heritage. So when it announced it would produce an SUV, it also had to deliver spirited driving characteristics – and it did not disappoint. The Stelvio features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 280 horsepower.
Of course, performance enthusiasts will want the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, boasting a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 making an outstanding 505 horsepower. Both models come standard with all-wheel drive, and while the ride is quite firm, the payoff is sports-car-level handling.
6) 2018 Ford Escape
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.5/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | $23,940
Most of the other top-10 performance-minded compact SUVs on this list are from luxury bands. The Ford Escape is one of the few exceptions.
The base engine is a bit underwhelming, but the range-topping turbocharged four-cylinder makes 245 horsepower.
The Escape has sharp, responsive steering and will satisfy any driving enthusiast that needs a compact SUV. The suspension combines agile handling with plenty of cushion over harsh road surfaces.
5) 2018 BMW X4
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.8/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10 | $47,600
The BMW X4 shares a platform with the X3, though the X4 has a sportier fastback layout. The X4 loses some cargo space and versatility compared to the X3, but it is sporty and athletic. The base engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 240 horsepower.
The range-topping X4 M40i, while a mouthful, is the sportiest in the lineup. It features a turbocharged six-cylinder making 355 horsepower. It is complemented by sharp steering and a responsive suspension setup.
4) 2018 Audi Q5
U.S. News Performance Score: 8.9/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10 | $41,500
The Audi Q5 might be the 2018 U.S. News Best Luxury Compact SUV for Families, but of its five occupants, it’s the driver that will most appreciate its lively acceleration and selection of spirited engines.
The base engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder making 252 horsepower and providing brisk acceleration. But the real performance is from the available 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 making 354 horsepower. Both versions are paired with Quattro all-wheel drive and a fine-tuned suspension.
3) 2018 Jaguar F-Pace
U.S. News Performance Score: 9.0/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | $42,065
Jaguar bakes all of the performance of its sports car and sedan lineup into the F-Pace SUV. It boasts sports-car-like handling, backed by a selection of potent engines.
The base turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes a respectable 247 horsepower, but the engine to go for is the up-rated supercharged V6, which now makes 380 horsepower. Additionally, the F-Pace S adds sport seats, performance brake calipers, and an adaptive suspension system.
2) 2018 Mazda CX-5
U.S. News Performance Score: 9.0/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | $24,150
Like the Escape, the Mazda CX-5 is one of the only non-luxury compact SUVs in the top 10. It doesn’t offer any engine other than the standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder, but more than makes up for it with superb handling.
The CX-5 has precise steering and is incredibly agile. It accomplishes all this without sacrificing ride comfort and daily usability. If you want a compact SUV that’s enjoyable to drive without breaking the bank, go for the CX-5.
1) 2018 Porsche Macan
U.S. News Performance Score: 9.2/10 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10 | $47,800
Anything less than thrilling performance from a Porsche luxury SUV would be a serious disappointment. Vehicles like the Macan prove you can capture a brand’s purist performance identity and employ it on a more practical vehicle.
There are four different engines on the Macan, ranging from the base 252-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder all the way up to the 400-horsepower V6 in the Macan Turbo, which can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, according to Porsche. No matter which engine you choose, the Macan has dialed-in steering and handling and will impress any performance enthusiast.
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25 Sportiest Compact SUVs
- 25) 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan - USN Performance Score: 7.2/10 | $24,595
- 24) 2019 Infiniti QX50 - USN Performance Score: 7.3/10 | $36,550
- 23) 2018 Chevrolet Equinox - USN Performance Score: 7.5/10 | $23,580
- 22) 2019 Jeep Cherokee - USN Performance Score: 7.6/10 | $23,995
- 21) 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport - USN Performance Score: 7.6/10 | $37,795
- 20) 2018 Buick Envision - USN Performance Score: 7.6/10 | $33,995
- 19) 2019 Lincoln MKC - USN Performance Score: 7.7/10 | $33,995
- 18) 2018 Hyundai Tucson - USN Performance Score: 7.8/10 | $22,550
- 17) 2018 GMC Terrain - USN Performance Score: 7.8/10 | $24,995
- 16) 2018 Jeep Wrangler - USN Performance Score: 7.9/10 | $23,995
- 15) 2018 Lexus NX - USN Performance Score: 8.0/10 | $35,985
- 14) 2018 Kia Sportage - USN Performance Score: 8.0/10 | $23,600
- 13) 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC - USN Performance Score: 8.1/10 | $40,050
- 12) 2018 Subaru Forester - USN Performance Score: 8.2/10 | $22,795
- 11) 2018 Honda CR-V - USN Performance Score: 8.2/10 | $24,250
- 10) 2018 Volvo XC60 - USN Performance Score: 8.3/10 | $41,500
- 9) 2018 Acura RDX - USN Performance Score: 8.3/10 | $36,000
- 8) 2018 BMW X3 - USN Performance Score: 8.4/10 | $42,650
- 7) 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio - USN Performance Score: 8.5/10 | $41,995
- 6) 2018 Ford Escape - USN Performance Score: 8.5/10 | $23,940
- 5) 2018 BMW X4 - USN Performance Score: 8.8/10 | $47,600
- 4) 2018 Audi Q5 - USN Performance Score: 8.9/10 | $41,500
- 3) 2018 Jaguar F-Pace - USN Performance Score: 9.0/10 | $42,065
- 2) 2018 Mazda CX-5 - USN Performance Score: 9.0/10 | $24,150
- 1) 2018 Porsche Macan - USN Performance Score: 9.2/10 | $47,800
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Practicality and Performance in One Package
Compact SUVs offer shoppers the best of many worlds, pairing expanded cargo space and utility with the ride and handling of a car. Of course, some cars perform better than others, and thanks to their shared DNA, some compact SUVs have quicker acceleration and sharper handling than others.
Being sporty and fun-to-drive isn’t necessarily a requisite of a daily-driven compact SUV. But if you care about that driving feel, some of the following vehicles should make it easier to transition from sports car to sport utility vehicles.
We've ranked 25 compact SUVs based on performance and overall scores from U.S. News & World Report, starting with the worst performers and ending with the best. Some scores may fluctuate after the publishing of this article, but you’ll get a good idea of which compact SUVs will be fun to drive, and which might let down your inner enthusiast.