Best 5 Compact SUVs for 2023

Compact SUVs remain a hot segment, combining a family-friendly size with elevated riding height and available all-wheel drive. For 2023, several models stand out as excellent choices in this category based on factors like design, performance, tech features and value.

2023 Hyundai Tucson

Fully redesigned last year, the Hyundai Tucson makes a style statement with its aggressive exterior looks and immersive interior ambience. Two hybrid powertrains provide punchy performance and high fuel economy. The cabin brims with tech like a 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital gauge cluster. Wireless phone charging and multi-Bluetooth connectivity are convenient perks.

The Tucson received a complete redesign for 2022, giving it a bold and futuristic look both inside and out. The exterior styling is very attention-grabbing, with concealed daytime running lights in the front grille and angular wheel arches.

Under the hood, there are two engine options. The base engine is a naturally-aspirated 2.5L 4-cylinder making 187 horsepower. But the real highlight is the available hybrid powertrain options. The Tucson Hybrid uses a turbocharged 1.6L engine and electric motor to produce 226 horsepower, while the plug-in Tucson PHEV generates 261 hp.

Inside, Hyundai aimed to create a high-tech ambience. The dashboard is angled towards the driver and dominated by a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Lower trims get digital gauges and upper ones have a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster. The cabin uses premium materials with interesting textures and details.

• Striking new design – The Tucson has very bold, angular exterior styling that helps it stand out in the compact SUV crowd. Details like the hidden daytime running lights in the grille give it a high-tech look.
• Two hybrid options – A regular hybrid powertrain makes 226 hp while the plug-in hybrid version generates 261 hp. Both provide excellent fuel economy and sprightly performance.
• Tech-focused interior – The cabin features ambient lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and a large 10.25-inch touchscreen on higher trims. There’s also wireless charging and multi-Bluetooth connectivity.
• Generous passenger space – Hyundai optimized interior packaging to maximize rear legroom. Front row space is ample as well. Cargo room behind the rear seats is among the best-in-class.
• Safety innovations – Available driver aids include Highway Driving Assist, Surround View parking camera, Blind View Monitor and Safe Exit Warning to alert occupants before exiting.
• Value pricing – Even base Tucson models are well-equipped. The starting MSRP is around $25,000, making the Tucson very affordable for the segment.

With its eye-grabbing new look, efficient hybrid options, tech-savvy interior and strong value, the 2023 Tucson is one of the most compelling compact SUV choices on the market.

Overall, the new 2023 Tucson combines head-turning styling, fuel-efficient hybrid options, an immersive interior, and great passenger/cargo versatility for a very compelling compact SUV package.

2023 Honda CR-V

The CR-V delivers on practicality, efficiency, and reliability. The turbocharged 190-horsepower engine pairs with a smooth CVT transmission for confident acceleration. Fuel economy reaches up to 34 mpg combined. An roomy cabin provides plenty of rear legroom and up to 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The CR-V also gets excellent crash test ratings.

• Powertrain: The CR-V has a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, with available all-wheel drive.
• Fuel economy: EPA estimates for the 2023 CR-V put it at 28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined for FWD models. The AWD CR-V is rated at 27/32/29 mpg.
• Technology: All CR-Vs now come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features. This includes collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims add amenities like a panoramic moonroof, wireless charging, and a 9-inch touchscreen display.
• Interior space: One of the CR-V’s strong suits is its roomy and versatile interior. It provides excellent rear seat legroom of 40.4 inches. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity expands to 75.8 cubic feet.
• Trim levels: The CR-V is available in LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims. Pricing ranges from around $27,000 for a base front-wheel drive LX to about $35,700 for a top-of-the-line Touring AWD.
• Reliability: The CR-V has a reputation for solid long-term reliability and low ownership costs, making it appealing for value-focused shoppers.

Overall, the 2023 Honda CR-V impresses with its balance of efficiency, passenger/cargo room, safety technology, and practicality. It’s a great choice in the compact crossover segment.

2023 Toyota RAV4

Toyota’s RAV4 continues as a sales leader with its balance of quality, value and versatility. The RAV4 Hybrid version stands out, getting a manufacturer estimated 40 mpg combined. All RAV4s come standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes driver assists like pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control.

• Powertrains: The RAV4 offers two engine choices. The base engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder making 203 horsepower. There is also a RAV4 Hybrid model that uses a 2.5L 4-cylinder paired with electric motors to produce 219 total system horsepower.
• Fuel economy: The RAV4 gets up to 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Estimates for the RAV4 Hybrid are 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined.
• Capability: Along with impressive fuel efficiency, the RAV4 stands out for its off-road prowess. It has 8.6 inches of ground clearance and can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
• Safety tech: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard, including pre-collision braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more.
• Infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen and six-speaker sound system are standard. Options include an upgraded audio system, larger touchscreen, wireless charging and WiFi hotspot.
• Trim levels: The RAV4 is offered in LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and Prime trims, priced from around $27,300 to $41,000.

With strong performance, great fuel efficiency from the Hybrid, excellent value, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, the 2023 RAV4 remains very appealing for compact SUV buyers.

2023 Nissan Rogue

Nissan kept what worked on the previous Rogue and meaningfully upgraded the rest. The result is an attractive, comfortable and capable compact SUV. The Rogue has a satisfying 181-horsepower engine, smooth ride quality and an upscale interior with padded surfaces and ambient lighting. ProPilot Assist offers semi-autonomous highway driving.

• Powertrain: The Rogue has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, with available all-wheel drive.
• Fuel economy: FWD Rogues get up to 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. Estimates drop slightly to 25/32/28 mpg for AWD models.
• Interior: The Rogue’s cabin has padded surfaces on the dash, doors and center console for a more premium feel. Available amenities include ambient lighting, heated front seats, panoramic moonroof, and a heated steering wheel.
• Cargo space: With rear seats folded down, maximum cargo capacity is 74.1 cubic feet. The available Divide-N-Hide partition system allows for dual-level loading.
• Safety tech: Nissan Safety Shield 360 comes standard, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert.
• Trim levels: The Rogue is offered in S, SV, SL and Platinum trims, priced from around $27,000 up to around $37,000.
• Ride and handling: Improvements for 2022 make the Rogue more comfortable, smooth and quiet on the road. The suspension soaks up bumps nicely while providing secure handling.

With its upscale interior, generous cargo area, smooth ride and strong suite of driver assistance features, the 2023 Rogue remains very competitive in the popular compact SUV segment.

2023 Subaru Forester

What sets the Forester apart is standard all-wheel drive on all trim levels, giving it secure traction on slippery surfaces. That plus generous ground clearance make the Forester adept at handling snow or trails. Driver assists like lane centering and reverse automatic braking boost safety. The cabin provides first-rate visibility and a rear seat roomy enough for three adults.

• Symmetrical AWD: The Forester comes standard with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. This provides great traction and stability in inclement weather and light off-roading.
• Ground clearance: With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Forester has more than most rivals. This allows it to clear rocks, snowdrifts and other obstacles.
• Boxer engine: A 2.5L Subaru boxer 4-cylinder engine provides 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This flat engine design contributes to the Forester’s low center of gravity.
• Passenger space: The cabin offers excellent outward visibility and space for five adults to ride comfortably. Rear seat legroom measures 39.4 inches.
• Cargo capacity: Rear seats folded, the Forester provides up to 70.9 cubic feet for hauling gear and other cargo.
• Driver assists: EyeSight driver assist technology is standard. It includes pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, lane centering and other safety features.
• Trims: The Forester lineup starts at $26,320 for the Base trim and goes up to $36,070 for the Touring trim. Options include a moonroof, leather seats, navigation and Harman Kardon audio.

With its large cargo area, roomy interior, standard all-wheel drive and advanced safety tech, the 2023 Forester is a very practical compact SUV choice for shoppers wanting off-road readiness.

For a winning blend of style, efficiency, safety tech, and all-conditions capability, these 2023 compact SUVs stand out from the crowd. Shoppers would be wise to put them at or near the top of their test drive list.