It is not surprising that small SUVs are very popular among American consumers: they combine the versatility of a utility vehicle with the handling of a car.
We tested dozens of the latest models for performance, fuel efficiency and everyday usability. First-time SUV buyers may be surprised to learn that many models cost less than the average sedan.
We used A step by step method To compare small SUVs in the market, considering factors like value for money, safety and performance. Below are our top five picks and how each might appeal to drivers looking for more space without sacrificing handling or gas money. We’ve listed the specs along with the pros and cons of each option.
(If you’re interested in a comprehensive look at the new vehicle marketplace, check out our full list. The best cars of 2025.)
The best small SUVs of 2025
Best Overall: Hyundai Tucson
Best for luxury: Cadillac XT4
Best for safety: Kia Sportage
Best for affordability: Nissan Kicks
Best to buy used: Honda HR-V
Reviews of the best small SUVs
Best Overall: Hyundai Tucson
- price: $28,605
- Mileage: 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway
- Plenty of cargo space
- Also available as a hybrid
Starting at $28,605, the Hyundai Tucson for 2025 comes loaded with top-of-the-line upgrades, including sportier styling, a standard 12.3-inch touch screen and a baby mode that dampens throttle response so younger passengers don’t get jolted by quick acceleration. took
The five-passenger Korean compact SUV features the same engine, fuel economy and interior as the Sportage, as well as an industry-leading five-year / 60,000-mile limited warranty and 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The powertrain produces a quiet ride that is described as smoother than sporty.
Also, like the Kia, the Tucson is available in a hybrid version. Starting at $33,365, this dual-power SUV is about $5,000 more expensive than the base model, but delivers an estimated 38 mpg in both city and highway driving.
Best for luxury: Cadillac XT4
- price: $41,990
- Mileage: 24 mpg city/29 mpg highway
- Large, impressive touch screen
- Affordable starting price for a luxury SUV
Yes, it is possible to step into a luxury SUV for around the $40,000 mark. The 2025 Cadillac XT4 is cute and compact, yet refined. The 2025 version of this five-passenger crossover – that is, the car-like SUV – comes with other standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, side bicyclist alert and a 360-degree camera system.
The ride can be noisy, but the XT4’s 235-horsepower engine provides plenty of muscle for highway driving and average fuel economy.
The Cadillac’s cabin feels reasonably luxurious for the price, with available perforated leather upholstery and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The showpiece is a curved, futuristic 33-inch LED touch screen that dominates the dashboard.
Best for safety: Kia Sportage
- price: $27,190
- Mileage: 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway
- Plenty of cargo space
- Also available as a hybrid
Starting at $27,190, the 2025 Kia Sportage is well-stocked with safety features and has a nice cabin with an 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with comfortable seating for five.
The SUV’s engine is sufficient for most driving conditions. The Sportage drives smoothly over pavement and brakes responsively to produce a balanced ride. However, like many vehicles at this price point, it can feel underpowered when passing cars on the highway.
Even the base model comes with an impressive package of safety features including pedestrian and cyclist detection, a lane-keep assist and forward collision warning with rear parking sensors.
The Sportage also stands out with class-leading cargo space: nearly 40 cubic feet of room behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the back row folded down—enough to haul an IKEA.
The Sportage shares a lot in common with the Kia Sportage, including a roomy cabin, ample cargo space, excellent fuel economy and a generous warranty. The five-year / 60,000-mile limited warranty and 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for both vehicles are the most comprehensive of any model on this list.
Like the Tucson, the Kia is also available in a hybrid version. Starting at $29,965, the Kia Hybrid is less expensive than its cousin and has better fuel economy: 44 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
Best for affordability: Nissan Kicks
- price: $21,830
- Mileage: 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway
- Well appointed cabin
- affordable
Redesigned for 2025, the new Nissan Kicks represents one of the best deals for the money. Its previously bare-bones cabin now sports a major upgrade with comfortable, supportive seats, plenty of head and leg room and high-end materials.
The base model starts at $21,830 and comes with a long list of safety features, including a 7-inch touch screen and blind-spot monitoring. However, we recommend the $23,680 SV model for its 12.3-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
The SUV’s main drawback is that its engine can lack oomph when merging or changing lanes on the highway. But the Kick is more than adequate for around-town driving and, at an estimated 28/35 city/highway mpg, a fuel-efficient commuter car as well.
Best to buy used: Honda HR-V
- price: $25,400
- Mileage: 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway
- Affordable price
- Good fuel economy
The Honda HR-V stands out for its budget-friendly perks. Starting at $25,400, the brand’s smallest SUV is a workhorse with a comfortable cabin, a powertrain adequate for city driving, and the requisite design flair — like the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob — that make it bare-bones. To keep from feeling
Its engine is underpowered but provides enough power to get around town. The HR-V’s average fuel economy makes it particularly wallet-friendly, as does the brand’s reputation for value and long-term reliability, which will save you money over time.
Save even more by buying used through the HondaTrue Certified+ program, which is great for almost-new vehicles. To qualify, HR-Vs must be less than a year old with less than 12,000 miles on the odometer passing a 182-point inspection.
