Which Compact Top-Rated SUVs Should I Consider Buying?
The market for compact SUVs has climbed as gas prices have climbed. Many people prefer the higher ride an SUV provides, but want to avoid navigating city streets and tight parking spaces with the larger models.
Fuel economy and plenty of safety features make small SUVs smart buys. Here are our third-place, second-place, and winning pick to whet your appetite.
2017 Top-Rated, Compact SUVs You Should Consider Buying
If you're looking for a small SUV that will fit the entirely family and let you do a bit of exploring in the wilderness, you can't go wrong with one of these three vehicles.
3. Honda CR-V
Long a staple of award lists, the Honda CR-V is showing its age, but is still a reliable, functional SUV. The 2017 offers nothing dramatically new from predecessors. It is solid, with rational, sensible functionality. Some like its instrument package, but many people find it overly complex and baffling. An example: two information screens, doubling the confusion and offering a risky distraction while driving.On its plus side, it is a simple, straightforward and economical solution to the compact SUV challenge. Expect to pay around $24,645 as a base price.
2. Ford Escape
Coming in slightly less expensive than the Honda CR-V (starting MSRP is $24,495), the mid-cycle 2017 Ford Escape is bigger and brawnier than previous incarnations. The Escape is available across trim lines with three different engine configurations. Expect mileage estimates of 20 to 23 mpg city, and 27 to 30 mpg in highway driving.
1. Chevy Equinox
The market favorite is the 2017 Chevy Equinox. Coming in well under the MSRPs of either the CR-V or Escape, the budget-friendly Equinox—the base model starts at $23,995—is quiet, roomy and visually more appealing than the CR-V, Escape, or many more compact SUVs.Opt for the 4-cylinder engine, or step up to a V-6, which is a rare find in this vehicle category. The 4-cylinder yields 32 MPG highway and 22 MPG in city driving, making it competitive or better than the other two offerings. Combined with its larger 18.8-gallon gas tank, you can drive farther in an Equinox than in either the Escape or CR-V.