Best Compact and Sub-Compact SUVs for 2024
Best Compact and Sub-Compact SUVs for 2024
Posted on March 7, 2024
Our top 5 for Best Compact SUVs and Best Subcompact SUVs includes the vehicles from these categories that stand out the most on the Canadian and Quebecer markets. Read on below to make an informed decision.
Best 2024 Compact SUVs: Our Top 5
Increasingly numerous on the roads, compact SUVs have become more and more competitive throughout the years. Given the abundance of available models, making a decision can become challenging. Sometimes the only way to figure out which 2024 Compact SUVs offer the best value and qualities, is by looking at the details.
2024 Subaru Forester
Perfect for off-road adventures, the 2024 Subaru Forester ‒sold at a base price of $ 34,511- is, without a doubt, the most complete compact SUV in this category.
It is solidly built and very safe, has an excellent all-wheel drive system (the best in the compact SUV category), offers very good visibility and great off-road capabilities (which is especially true for the Wilderness trim), on top of being very versatile. No wonder it is the number 1 choice!
With the 2.5 L 4- cylinder engine, the Subaru Forester offers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft. of maximum torque. In the Wilderness trim, it can tow up to 3,000 pounds (otherwise towing capacity is 1,500 pounds) and cargo space can reach up to 2,101 L (seats down).
In short, this Subaru compact SUV is sure to take you exactly where you want to go, come rain or shine!
2024 Toyota RAV4
Although the 2024 Toyota RAV4 is often considered to be an agile and versatile compact SUV with good value for your money, it is still more expensive than the Subaru Forester. In fact, the base model sells at $ 36,101.
With the 2.5 L 4- cylinder combustion engine, the RAV4 provides you with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. maximum torque. Some might think, for example, that with this engine, it could tow more than the Forester; the entry-level fuel trim of the RAV4 can tow up to 1,500 pounds and cargo space is inferior to that of its rival (1,977 L seats down).
2024 Mazda CX-5
The Japanese SUV, the 2024 Mazda CX-5, sold at a base price of $ 32,250, is less expensive than other SUVs of its category, but it is also smaller than its rivals. In fact, the maximum amount of cargo space only reaches 1,680 L (seats down) compared to 2,101 L for the Forester, for example.
Towing capacity reaches 2,000 pounds. When it comes to the powertrain, it is similar to the one offered on the Subaru Forester. In fact, under the hood of the 2024 CX-5, you will find a 2.5 L 4- cylinder engine that provides you with 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft. maximum torque.
All in all, the Mazda CX-5 still remains a good SUV with innovative features, but in many ways, it cannot compare to the Subaru Forester or even the RAV4 in a way.
2024 Kia Sportage
The 2024 Sportage SUV is a large vehicle that comes highly recommended. Like the Mazda CX-5, it is offered at a competitive base price of $ 33,012. Towing capacity can reach 2,000 pounds and cargo space is just a little under what the Subaru Forester offers (2,098 L compared to 2,101 L, seats down).
With the 2.5 L 4- cylinder engine it will provide you with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. maximum torque. It is similar to the Forester in this aspect, although there is often talk that the driving experience aboard the 2024 Sportage is not very dynamic. Far from being timeless, its style will also probably age much faster than other vehicles of its category.
2024 Ford Escape
While the 2024 Ford Escape sells at a base price of $ 33,744, its plug-in hybrid trim is more expensive than other similar models ($ 47,694).
Under the hood of the 2024 Ford Escape, you will find a 1.5 L 3- cylinder turbo engine with 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft. maximum torque. With this powertrain, you will be able to tow up to 2,000 pounds and have access to 1,852 L of cargo space (seats down).
All in all, the 2024 Ford Escape is a skilled SUV, though it is quite expensive, especially if you opt for higher-end trims. Moreover, even though the 3- cylinder engine will give you access to a certain amount of power, it is not the one that will provide you with the best performance.
Comparison Table
The following comparison table summarizes the best compact SUVs:
| Vehicle | Performance | Towing Capacity | Cargo Space | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Forester | 2.5 L 4- cyl. 182 HP/176 lb-ft. | 3,000 lbs (Wilderness) | Up to 2,101 L | $34,511 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2.5 L 4- cyl. 203 HP/184 lb-ft. | 1,500 lbs | Up to 1,977 L | $36,101 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2.5 L 4- cyl. 187 HP/185 lb-ft. | 2,000 lbs | Up to 1,680 L | $32,250 |
| Kia Sportage | 2.5 L 4- cyl. 187 HP/178 lb-ft. | 2,000 lbs | Up to 2,098 L | $33,012 |
| Ford Escape | 1.5 L 3- cyl. turbo 180 HP/199 lb-ft. | 2,000 lbs | Up to 1,852 L | $33,744 |
Other Models Worth Mentioning
In this list of best models, we have presented the models that stand out the most and those that offer the most impressive features; but you should know that there are other compact SUVs on the market:
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Honda CR-V
- Mazda CX-50
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Nissan Rogue
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Etc.
Best 2024 Subcompact SUVs: Our Top 5
Similarly to our Best Compact SUV list, here are now the Best Subcompact SUVs for 2024, so that you can make the right choice.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
In the 2024 edition of The Car Guide, experts are unanimous: they agree that the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, sold at a base price of $ 31,511, is at the top of this category.
With the remarkable all-wheel drive system, the suspensions that are properly adapted to Canadian and Quebecer road conditions, the levels of comfort and sound proofing, and the off-road capabilities it offers, the Subaru Crosstrek not only excels, it is the number 1 choice!
Under the hood, you will either find a 2.0 L 4- cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft. maximum torque, or a 2.5 L 4- cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and a generous 176 lb-ft. maximum torque.
The Subaru Crosstrek can tow up to 3,500 pounds (Wilderness trim) and cargo space ranges between 564 L and 1,549 L.
Finally, this subcompact SUV is so agile and versatile that it will be your best ally both in urban settings and on the highway.
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
Although the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross is a good and recent SUV that is offered at a base price of $ 30,201, you will have to wait a long time before you can get your hands on one, given that there are very few available copies on the market.
This Japanese subcompact SUV can be equipped with an efficient 2.0 L 4- cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. maximum torque, which is significantly less than the second engine offered on the Crosstrek.
Towing capacity reaches 1,500 pounds and cargo space ranges between 750 L and 1,891 L. Although it can only tow lighter equipment than its rival, the Subaru Crosstrek, it offers a more generous amount of cargo space.
2024 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30, sold at a base price of $ 28,150, is an affordable subcompact SUV. But this entry-level trim is definitely the one that offers the least amount of equipment, when compared to all of the other entry-level SUV models on this list.
Under the hood, you will find a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft. maximum torque. In the GT Turbo trim, it is equipped with a 2.5 L 4- cylinder engine with 227 horsepower and an extremely generous 310 lb-ft. maximum torque.
However, although it might seem that these powertrains would allow the CX-30 to tow at least some equipment, it is disappointing to find that towing is not recommended at all with the Mazda CX-30. Cargo space is also less generous than what we would expect from an SUV of this size (572 L to 1,280 L).
2024 Buick Encore GX
The 2024 Buick Encore GX, sold at a base price of $ 32,975, offers a refined interior with good quality assembly.
The 1.3 L 3- cylinder turbocharged engine provides you with 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft. maximum torque, which is inferior to the more powerful engine on the 2024 Crosstrek.
The towing capacity is limited to 1,000 pounds and cargo space ranges from 665 L to 1,422 L.
All in all, with this powertrain, the Buick Encore GX offers rather disappointing levels of performance and, contrary to other SUVs of its category, fuel consumption numbers are higher as well.
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
This subcompact SUV is well built, and the interior offers good levels of comfort.
On the one hand, the 2024 Trailblazer is offered at a base price of $ 29,525, which is quite affordable for a subcompact SUV.
On the other hand, the powertrain is a little disappointing, mostly if you plan on driving over long distances. You will have the choice between a 1.2 L 3- cylinder turbo or a 1.3 L turbocharged engine. The first provides you with 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. maximum torque, while the second offers 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft. maximum torque.
The towing capacity is limited to 1,000 pounds and cargo space ranges from 715 L to 1,540 L.
Finally, although it is an SUV that is very agile in urban settings, fuel consumption remains quite high, especially if you opt for the 4-wheel drive system.
Comparison Table
Here is a summary table for the best subcompact SUVs:
| Vehicle | Performance | Towing Capacity | Cargo Space | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Crosstrek | 2.0 L H4 152 HP/145 lb-ft.2.5 L H4182 HP/176 lb-ft. | 3,500 lbs (Wilderness) | Up to 1,549 L | $31,511 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | 2.0 L 4- cyl. 169 HP/151 lb-ft. | 1,500 lbs | Up to 1,891 L | $30,201 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 2.5 L 4- cyl. 191 HP/185 lb-ft.2.5 L 4- cyl. turbo 227 HP/310 lb-ft. | Not recommended | Up to 1,280 L | $28,150 |
| Buick Encore GX | 1.3 L 3- cyl. turbo155 HP/174 lb-ft. | 1,000 lbs | Up to 1,422 L | $32,975 |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | 1.2 L 3- cyl. turbo 137 HP/162 lb-ft.1.3 L 3- cyl. turbo155 HP/174 lb-ft. | 1,000 lbs | Up to 1,540 L | $29,525 |
Other Subcompact SUV Models
In this comparison, we only included the models that we felt stood out the most, and offered the best features. There are other vehicles from this category that are still worth mentioning:
- Buick Envista
- Honda HR-V
- Kia Niro
- Kia Seltos
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- Volkswagen Taos
- Hyundai Kona
- Etc.
After reading this top 5 list, all there is left to do is for you to come and take a closer look at Subaru Forester and Crosstrek models at your Subaru dealership, Subaru Montreal, where you can also profit from advantageous Subaru financing solutions. A team of professionals is waiting for your visit!
