15 Best Compact SUVs of September 2021

The 2021 VW ID.4 is a competent electric crossover that easily matches most gas-powered rivals’ performance, comfort and convenience. Its electric architecture and low-mounted battery pack improves the center-of-gravity over conventional SUVs and greatly enhances the ID.4’s driving dynamics. Unlike most current VW products, the ID.4 is rear-wheel drive, although an all-wheel-drive

The 2021 VW ID.4 is a competent electric crossover that easily matches most gas-powered rivals’ performance, comfort and convenience. Its electric architecture and low-mounted battery pack improves the center-of-gravity over conventional SUVs and greatly enhances the ID.4’s driving dynamics. Unlike most current VW products, the ID.4 is rear-wheel drive, although an all-wheel-drive variant is on the horizon. The AWD version is expected to offer more battery power, which will have 295 horsepower and longer range. For now the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 offers 201 horsepower and can travel an estimated 260 miles on a single charge. While this isn’t the vehicle to take on unpaved backroads, it is ideal for urban adventurers and families who can charge from their home or have a nearby charging station. The ID.4 excels in its ability to blend modern influences with VW’s traditional styling cues, which appeals to faithful devotees of the brand. As a bonus, ID.4 owners in the U.S. will receive three years of unlimited charging at Electrify America’s charging stations at no additional cost.

The Volvo XC40’s endlessly appealing Scandanavian style, comprehensive safety systems and spunky character make it a top choice among small luxury crossover SUVs. It’s surprisingly practical as well, with ingenious storage solutions and generous cargo space considering its tidy footprint. Mediocre fuel economy is the XC40’s biggest demerit, along with a balky electronic console shifter.

The Volvo XC40’s endlessly appealing Scandanavian style, comprehensive safety systems and spunky character make it a top choice among small luxury crossover SUVs. It’s surprisingly practical as well, with ingenious storage solutions and generous cargo space considering its tidy footprint. Mediocre fuel economy is the XC40’s biggest demerit, along with a balky electronic console shifter.

Mazda consistently delivers cars that stand out from the mainstream herd with expressive styling, near-luxury interior design and sophisticated driving dynamics. The CX-30 crossover continues that winning streak; it’s essentially a lifted version of the award-hogging Mazda3 hatchback with available AWD. One brand question remains: Will people who reflexively buy Toyotas or Hondas put Mazda on their shopping list?

Mazda consistently delivers cars that stand out from the mainstream herd with expressive styling, near-luxury interior design and sophisticated driving dynamics. The CX-30 crossover continues that winning streak; it’s essentially a lifted version of the award-hogging Mazda3 hatchback with available AWD. One brand question remains: Will people who reflexively buy Toyotas or Hondas put Mazda on their shopping list?

The Mazda CX-5 is a standout in its segment. Value packed, it drives and looks like a much more expensive machine, proving that quality and attention to detail don’t have to break the bank. It’s a high-style vehicle inside and out, and its driving dynamics are every bit as good as the wrapper, despite not having the most powerful base engine. Top-notch safety scores and a long

The Mazda CX-5 is a standout in its segment. Value packed, it drives and looks like a much more expensive machine, proving that quality and attention to detail don’t have to break the bank. It’s a high-style vehicle inside and out, and its driving dynamics are every bit as good as the wrapper, despite not having the most powerful base engine. Top-notch safety scores and a long list of standard features should put it at the top of most shoppers’ lists. It only truly falls short on cargo space, lagging most of its rivals.

The 2021 Lexus UX has plenty of virtues, but it’s best sampled as the UX 250h, the only hybrid in its class and easily the most fuel-efficient small premium crossover on the market. Its small footprint does mean some limitations, however. Rear seat room and cargo space are a bit restricted, but for those who want a city-friendly footprint, excellent fuel economy and a premium

The 2021 Lexus UX has plenty of virtues, but it’s best sampled as the UX 250h, the only hybrid in its class and easily the most fuel-efficient small premium crossover on the market. Its small footprint does mean some limitations, however. Rear seat room and cargo space are a bit restricted, but for those who want a city-friendly footprint, excellent fuel economy and a premium experience, this stylish and feature-packed little SUV delivers.

The X3 is a fun and stylish compact SUV. The rear seat room is acceptable for adults but not stellar, and the infotainment system still requires some concentration to master. Still, it’s overall a sophisticated and capable ride, both off-road and on.

The X3 is a fun and stylish compact SUV. The rear seat room is acceptable for adults but not stellar, and the infotainment system still requires some concentration to master. Still, it’s overall a sophisticated and capable ride, both off-road and on.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek sees the rare mid-model refresh that feels, well, refreshing. The 2.5-liter boxer engine now available in Limited and an all-new Sport trim works well with its CVT transmission at speed, greatly improving acceleration. The Sport model offers even greater off-road ability for outdoor enthusiasts looking for that next trail or campsite. An even better do-it-all car for people who want a car to do it all.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek sees the rare mid-model refresh that feels, well, refreshing. The 2.5-liter boxer engine now available in Limited and an all-new Sport trim works well with its CVT transmission at speed, greatly improving acceleration. The Sport model offers even greater off-road ability for outdoor enthusiasts looking for that next trail or campsite. An even better do-it-all car for people who want a car to do it all.

The Honda CR-V isn’t the most exciting vehicle on the road and gets no changes for 2021, but in 2020 it welcomed a hybrid powertrain to the lineup, which helps make the compact crossover a compelling choice for fuel-conscious buyers, especially since its gas engine already delivers competitive fuel economy. It also offers a spacious cabin and cargo bay, a conservative design that

The Honda CR-V isn’t the most exciting vehicle on the road and gets no changes for 2021, but in 2020 it welcomed a hybrid powertrain to the lineup, which helps make the compact crossover a compelling choice for fuel-conscious buyers, especially since its gas engine already delivers competitive fuel economy. It also offers a spacious cabin and cargo bay, a conservative design that will appeal to a wide range of demographics and a generous list of features.

The Escape can be expensive, topping $40,000 in some configurations, but Ford gives a lot for the money. The small crossover is ideal for small and growing families, especially with its variety of fuel-efficient powertrains, including a new plug-in hybrid variant, standard suite of safety technology, superiors crash ratings and surprisingly spacious cabin. All models come with Ford’s

The Escape can be expensive, topping $40,000 in some configurations, but Ford gives a lot for the money. The small crossover is ideal for small and growing families, especially with its variety of fuel-efficient powertrains, including a new plug-in hybrid variant, standard suite of safety technology, superiors crash ratings and surprisingly spacious cabin. All models come with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 along with up to 38.8 inches of rear legroom and up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo-space. It’s also worth considering for sedan drivers considering an upgrade to the crossover segment. One downside is its use of low-rent materials in the interior on most trims. 

The RAV4 Prime is the quickest, best and costliest RAV4. The first 40 miles are on battery. Both rows have adequate space and cargo space is good. Driver safety assists are all standard through Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and included blind-spot warning. On interstates, the car provides rudimentary self-driving. Handling is just fair. Loaded, the price nears $50K before a $7,500 tax credit. 

The RAV4 Prime is the quickest, best and costliest RAV4. The first 40 miles are on battery. Both rows have adequate space and cargo space is good. Driver safety assists are all standard through Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and included blind-spot warning. On interstates, the car provides rudimentary self-driving. Handling is just fair. Loaded, the price nears $50K before a $7,500 tax credit. 

The aging GLC competes in a crowded class that is full of solid, compelling vehicles. Even so, it’s still got the style, luxury and features to stand out. The interior is as stylish and distinctive as the exterior, and even the GLC’s base engine moves it with plenty of pep. The regular is a relaxed and luxurious cruiser, but for adrenaline junkies, the much faster and pricier

The aging GLC competes in a crowded class that is full of solid, compelling vehicles. Even so, it’s still got the style, luxury and features to stand out. The interior is as stylish and distinctive as the exterior, and even the GLC’s base engine moves it with plenty of pep. The regular is a relaxed and luxurious cruiser, but for adrenaline junkies, the much faster and pricier AMG models beckon. The GLC does many things well but has a little less cargo space than some newer rivals and it also makes some active safety features extra-cost options. Even so, it’s still near the top of the class in its segment.

The Tiguan may not be the quickest compact crossover or the most glamorous, but it excels on practicality. Its decent fuel economy, roomy interior, solid tech features and available third row make it a great pick for those seeking seven-seater versatility in a compact package that doesn’t break the bank.   

The Tiguan may not be the quickest compact crossover or the most glamorous, but it excels on practicality. Its decent fuel economy, roomy interior, solid tech features and available third row make it a great pick for those seeking seven-seater versatility in a compact package that doesn’t break the bank.   

Nissan’s new Rogue is proof that thoughtful packaging and desirable tech can push any vehicle to the next level.  It’s powertrain doesn’t offer an overwhelming amount of power, but it gets high marks for efficiency, especially when configured with front-wheel drive. It comes with a host of advanced driver-assistance safety tech, including automatic emergency braking

Nissan’s new Rogue is proof that thoughtful packaging and desirable tech can push any vehicle to the next level.  It’s powertrain doesn’t offer an overwhelming amount of power, but it gets high marks for efficiency, especially when configured with front-wheel drive. It comes with a host of advanced driver-assistance safety tech, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection as well as alerts for lane departure, blind spots and more. It offers a spacious interior and updated tech such as an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The compact NX translates and condenses many of the highlights of its larger RX sibling into a smaller and nimbler package. It also offers a 194-horsepower hybrid powertrain that’s slower than gas models but offers fuel economy to put most other compact crossovers to shame, up to 31 mpg. Despite being near the end of its model cycle, the 2021 Lexus NX is still a compelling

The compact NX translates and condenses many of the highlights of its larger RX sibling into a smaller and nimbler package. It also offers a 194-horsepower hybrid powertrain that’s slower than gas models but offers fuel economy to put most other compact crossovers to shame, up to 31 mpg. Despite being near the end of its model cycle, the 2021 Lexus NX is still a compelling choice that earns high marks for comfort, refinement and safety. In that last department it excels, with top-notch safety scores and a big suite of standard active-safety features. The NX is a handsome design with a high-quality interior, but there’s less cargo space and headroom compared with newer alternatives, and its infotainment system is dated and clunky.

With a redesigned exterior and interior, the 2021 GLA finally ships with an interior and the technology of a modern-day Mercedes. That said, the standard vinyl seats do take the shine off the latest generation compact SUV from the German automaker. From the entry-level luxuriance of the GLA 250 to the powerful thrills the AMG-tuned GLA45, the latest compact Mercedes SUV delivers. 

With a redesigned exterior and interior, the 2021 GLA finally ships with an interior and the technology of a modern-day Mercedes. That said, the standard vinyl seats do take the shine off the latest generation compact SUV from the German automaker. From the entry-level luxuriance of the GLA 250 to the powerful thrills the AMG-tuned GLA45, the latest compact Mercedes SUV delivers.