The compact crossover SUV segment is undeniably one of the most sought-after in the automotive market today. Their popularity stems from a blend of practicality and versatility that appeals to a wide range of drivers. These vehicles typically boast a similar footprint to compact cars, yet offer enhanced passenger and cargo space thanks to their taller, more upright design. Furthermore, the elevated driving position and available all-wheel drive systems provide improved confidence in various weather conditions and even some light off-road capability, surpassing the limitations of many traditional cars and minivans.
While compact SUVs may not offer the same seating capacity or towing prowess as their midsize counterparts, they excel in maneuverability and fuel efficiency, making them ideal for daily driving and urban environments.
Let’s delve into some of the Best Compact Crossovers that stand out in this competitive class:
Ford Escape
2014 Ford Escape front exterior
The Ford Escape, redesigned in 2013 with minor updates for 2014, continues to impress with its balanced ride and handling. It offers a suite of advanced infotainment and safety technologies, all housed within a stylish and modern cabin. For those seeking extra power, the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine available on SE and Titanium trims provides a significant horsepower boost without drastically impacting fuel economy.
A standout feature of the Escape, particularly on the Titanium model, is the hands-free power liftgate. This convenient system allows for automatic opening and closing of the tailgate with a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper – incredibly useful when your hands are occupied. However, it’s worth noting that the Escape can become somewhat expensive in higher trims, and the MyFord Touch infotainment system has received mixed reviews regarding its responsiveness. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Ford Escape remains a strong contender in the compact crossover segment.
Ford Escape interior front seats
Honda CR-V
2014 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD exterior front
The Honda CR-V, a pioneer in the modern compact SUV era since 1995, remains a top choice in 2014. The current generation, introduced in 2012, emphasizes practicality and spaciousness. Its key strengths include generous rear-seat legroom and easily foldable rear seats that create a nearly flat cargo floor. While the CR-V’s interior design might be considered less exciting compared to some rivals, the overall build quality is undeniably excellent.
The CR-V offers fewer customization options than some competitors, with only one engine choice and feature availability tied to trim levels. Some tech features, like the navigation system, might feel slightly dated. However, the Honda CR-V’s exceptional versatility and comfortable driving experience make it a consistently appealing option for those seeking a reliable and practical compact crossover.
2014 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD exterior rear
Hyundai Tucson
2014 Hyundai Tucson exterior front
The Hyundai Tucson, updated for 2014, presents a compelling value proposition within the compact crossover class. Enhancements for this model year include direct injection for both engine options, subtle exterior styling tweaks, revised trim levels, and newly standard features like Bluetooth connectivity, a tilt-telescopic steering column, and reclining rear seats. Its competitive pricing across the range translates to excellent features for the money. The Tucson’s straightforward control layout is praised for its ease of use, and its handling is notably sportier than many competitors, though this comes at the cost of a slightly firmer ride.
The Tucson’s styling is more expressive and dynamic than some in the segment, but the sloping roofline can make the interior feel less airy, and rear visibility is somewhat compromised. Rear-seat and cargo space are also slightly less generous than some rivals. However, for buyers prioritizing a compact SUV with a dash of sporty flair and strong value, the Hyundai Tucson is a worthwhile consideration.
2014 Hyundai Tucson exterior rear
Jeep Cherokee
2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited exterior front
The Jeep Cherokee, revived for 2014 on a new platform, makes a bold statement with its distinctive and aggressive front-end styling. While the base 4-cylinder engine offers adequate performance, the available V6 delivers robust power. The Cherokee provides a remarkably smooth on-road ride for its class, although it might not feel as agile in corners as some sportier competitors.
True to Jeep’s heritage, the Cherokee offers exceptional off-road capability, especially when equipped with the Active Drive II 4-wheel-drive system and the Trailhawk trim, which includes features like tow hooks, skid plates, and increased ground clearance. The interior is also well-finished and can be equipped with advanced technologies such as automated parking assist and various safety warning systems. While optioned-up Cherokees can become expensive and passenger/cargo space is somewhat limited, its unique blend of features and off-road prowess makes it a compelling choice for adventurous buyers.
2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited exterior rear
Kia Sportage
2014 Kia Sportage exterior front
The Kia Sportage, refreshed for 2014, shares many similarities with its Hyundai Tucson sibling. Updates include exterior styling enhancements, a direct-injected base engine, retuned suspension, and upgraded interior features, such as a new touchscreen infotainment system. The Sportage stands out with its sharp handling and the SX model’s powerful 260-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering brisk acceleration. Its styling is distinctive both inside and out, and Kia’s user-friendly controls and infotainment systems are highly regarded.
However, the Sportage is not as spacious as some compact SUV competitors, particularly in terms of cargo and rear-seat passenger room. Rear visibility is also somewhat hampered by the sloping rear window and thick roof pillars. Fuel economy is also just average for the class. Despite these drawbacks, Kia’s strong warranty and competitive pricing, combined with its appealing design and performance, make the Sportage a compelling option in the compact crossover segment.
2014 Kia Sportage exterior rear
Mazda CX-5
2014 Mazda CX-5 exterior front
The Mazda CX-5, introduced in 2013 and further refined for 2014, has quickly become a favorite for its exceptional blend of fuel efficiency, sporty driving dynamics, and practicality. Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology emphasizes lightweight construction and efficient design, resulting in impressive fuel economy without sacrificing driving enjoyment. For 2014, the CX-5 gains a more powerful engine option, updated infotainment, and new safety features.
The CX-5 has consistently earned accolades for its fuel economy, nimble handling, and responsive steering, setting a benchmark in the compact SUV class. While the cabin is slightly smaller than some rivals, it is comfortable and well-appointed. The base 2.0-liter engine might feel slightly underpowered for some, but the new 2.5-liter engine offers a significant power increase while maintaining respectable fuel economy. The Mazda CX-5 is a must-consider for anyone in the market for a compact crossover.
Mazda CX-5 exterior rear
Mitsubishi Outlander
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT exterior front
The Mitsubishi Outlander, redesigned for 2014, distinguishes itself in the compact SUV segment with its larger size, bridging the gap between compact and midsize SUVs. Notably, it’s the only compact crossover to offer both a V6 engine and an optional third-row seat, providing added versatility. The Outlander also offers advanced safety features rarely found in this class, such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, available in the Touring Package.
The base 4-cylinder engine provides adequate power for city driving, but the V6 delivers stronger acceleration, especially for highway driving, while still achieving respectable fuel economy. The Outlander’s dimensions translate to generous cargo and passenger space in the first two rows. While the third row is best suited for children, the sliding second-row seats improve access. Despite some quirks with the infotainment and lane-departure warning systems, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a compelling choice for buyers needing extra space and power in a compact SUV.
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander exterior rear
Nissan Rogue
2014 Nissan Rogue exterior front
The Nissan Rogue, also redesigned for 2014, introduces a host of new features, including an optional third-row seat, making it one of only two compact SUVs in this list to offer this feature. The new design incorporates many contemporary comfort and safety features as standard or optional equipment, especially on the SV and SL trims, which can include blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, and Nissan’s Moving Object Detection. The available navigation system features an Around-View Monitor and a suite of infotainment apps.
A standout feature of the Rogue is its configurable rear cargo area with adjustable panels for two-tier storage or increased cargo height. The sliding second-row seat further enhances versatility, allowing for adjustments between passenger and cargo space. While the third-row seat is quite compact and best suited for children, the Rogue offers excellent value with competitive pricing and high-quality interior materials. The main drawback is its average acceleration from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which can feel strained when carrying a full load. Nevertheless, the Nissan Rogue represents a significant step forward in the compact crossover segment.
2014 Nissan Rogue exterior side
Subaru Forester
2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i exterior front
The Subaru Forester, redesigned for 2014, emphasizes practicality and functionality with its new styling, slightly increased dimensions, standard all-wheel drive, and improved fuel economy thanks to new continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). While the Forester’s cabin design might not be as visually striking as some competitors, it prioritizes a simple, user-friendly control layout, a hallmark of Subaru vehicles. Interior materials are durable, and build quality is commendable. The high roofline provides an exceptionally airy cabin with excellent headroom and visibility.
Acceleration from the base 2.5-liter engine is adequate, but the CVT transmission’s behavior under acceleration may not appeal to all drivers due to engine noise at higher RPMs. For those seeking more performance, Subaru offers sportier XT models with a 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The Forester’s standard all-wheel drive and practical design make it a strong choice for buyers prioritizing all-weather capability and functionality in a compact crossover.
2014 Subaru Forester Limited exterior rear
Toyota RAV4
2014 Toyota RAV4 exterior front
The Toyota RAV4, redesigned in 2013 with minor updates for 2014, is known for its reliability, quiet cabin, and generous cargo space, ranking among the best in the compact crossover class for storage capacity. Driving dynamics are pleasant, with responsive brakes and steering contributing to excellent maneuverability in tight spaces. However, the ride can become firmer with the Limited model’s larger 18-inch wheels.
While base prices are slightly higher than some competitors, the RAV4 offers good fuel economy and a reputation for dependability. Cabin materials are adequate but not exceptional. Rear-seat space is decent, although the seat itself is somewhat firm and upright. The 2013 redesign eliminated the previously available third-row seat and V6 engine option, but for buyers who don’t require those features, the 2014 Toyota RAV4 remains a solid and sensible choice in the compact crossover segment.
2014 Toyota RAV4 exterior rear
Conclusion
The compact crossover segment offers a diverse range of vehicles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. From the sporty Mazda CX-5 to the off-road-ready Jeep Cherokee and the spacious Nissan Rogue, there’s a compact crossover to suit a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, cargo space, driving dynamics, or all-weather capability, this list of top compact crossovers provides a solid starting point for your research and helps navigate the choices available in this popular vehicle class.
