Compact SUV Comparison

Sport Utility Vehicle, often referred to as an SUV, is one of those cars that has perhaps been the most popular contender when it comes to choosing between a sedan and an SUV. Why, you ask? This is why... While a compact SUV is more spacious than a sedan, it most certainly is more fuel efficient too (as opposed to the former full-size SUV). Also, along with good visibility while driving, most SUVs have a larger towing capacity too. Now, even though you could get the best sedan at roughly the same price of a base SUV, an SUV just states its presence way more due to its size and power. Plain and simple, it commands more respect! You know you want to nod in agreement, 'coz you've caught your head turn in admiration too!

A'rite... I know, enough of the small talk. Time to get down to business. Since full-size SUVs are rather passé, we'll mostly go through the best small SUVs in this article. Let us now do a compact SUV comparison.

Compact SUV Models

If you think there is a shortage of good compact luxury SUVs to choose from, you might want to reconsider that thought. Believe me, there is absolutely no dearth to choose from. Surely, most of you know that practically every SUV is available with an all-wheel drive, but make sure you do not put your car to test too much, because while your SUV will work through dirt roads or gravel, do not expect it to work the rugged roads. These cars are definitely not made for off-road driving. Even so, if you do want a car to perform well on such surfaces, there are a couple 4WDs that you might want to look at. The top 5 SUVs that you should check out are, 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, 2011 GMC Terrain, 2011Volkswagen Tiguan, 2011 Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V.

2011 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox which is essentially a four-wheel drive, ranks as number 1 amongst compact SUVs. An economical car when it comes to both fuel efficiency and price, this SUV in particular allows you the option of an AWD as well. The engine which includes a direct-injection 2.4 liter four-cylinder, produces 182 horsepower, while the optional 3.0 liter V6 (which comes at extra cost) allows 264 horsepower. The handling and breaking of this car is about average. A good looking car on the exterior, this Chevy has nice interiors too. The car offers you safety features like dual-stage frontal air bags, thorax side-impact air bags, seat-mounted driver and front passenger air bags, head curtain air bags for outboard seating positions, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes amongst other features. As for reliability, the Chevrolet Equinox offers a basic warranty of three-year/36,000 mile. Another option for you is the transferable five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and roadside assistance.
Price Range: $20,000 - 30,000

2011 GMC Terrain
On par with the above mentioned Chevrolet Equinox, the GMC Terrain is worth every dime you pay for it. Excellent features, teamed with great fuel economy, this sport utility vehicle deserves the equality with the Chevy. The performance of the Terrain is about 182 horsepower thanks to the 2.4 liter inline four-cylinder engine, and 264 horsepower if you work with the optional 3.0 liter V6. Along with its fuel economy, it also has an "Eco" mode button which further permits better mileage. Dual-stage frontal airbags, thorax side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger airbags, head curtain side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes, one year of Onstar service and a StabiliTrak stability control system with traction control are the safety features you're provided with when buying a GMC Terrain. From the appearance aspect of it, the exterior doesn't particularly count as pretty due to its truck like appearance. But its spacious and stylish interiors are definitely pleasing enough. With 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space, this SUV gives you roughly 10 cubic feet less than the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. Warranty offered is a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Price Range: $20,000 - 32,000

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
The third best compact SUV among the top five is the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. An expensive car in its class, the Tiguan justifies the price you pay for it. In any case, it is a Volkswagen, so that is reason enough to empty your pockets! An appealing car on the exterior, although it resembles Volkswagen's Touareg or even the GTI to a certain extent, the interiors of this one won't disappoint you either. While the seating is definitely comfortable, an added advantage is that the rear seats are also adjustable, which could allow you more cargo space, a feature that this car loses out on when compared to its competitors. As for the technical aspects, the Tiguan from VW makes 200 horsepower owing to its 2.0 liter turbocharged engine. Also, while the base model comes with manual transmission, upgrading to automatic is possible, provided you're willing to pay another 1,100 dollars. Reviews also say that the handling and braking has been well received since the system functions like that of a car, making it much easier to manage. Scoring full points in the safety department, the Tiguan comes with eight airbags, including front, side thorax and Side Curtain Protection for the front seat passenger and driver. Other safety features include, Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution, Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization Control, Electronic Differential Lock, Engine Braking Control, and Anti-Slip Regulation. At extra cost you can also get rear side Thorax airbags and rear view camera. Reliability offered is, a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. VW also provides a Carefree Maintenance Program which comes free of cost.
Price Range: $23,000 - 37,000

2011 Toyota RAV4
Next in line is a Toyota. Considered a very good car in terms of performance, the RAV4 makes 179 horsepower, making it a better driving experience for those who considered it an underpowered car in the past. For those of you who don't consider this good enough, at added cost, the 3.5 liter V6 will give you 269 horsepower. With the 2011 four-cylinder 2WD model you can expect 22/28 mpg city/highway while the AWD four-cylinder will leave you at 21/27 mpg city/highway. Handling and breaking too are appreciated by most, thanks to its comfort level. Doing a good job where safety features come in question, the features you'll find in this SUV are, standard airbags, Toyota's Star Safety System which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. About the looks, while former models were referred to as cute, the 2011 model is all about sleek, mature and refined. Equipped with the standard interior features, the RAV4 can absolutely boast of great cargo space, since it truly is aplenty in this model of SUVs. Seats are also considered comfortable enough, and the added feature is an optional third row. Opting for a Toyota RAV4 will allow you the usual three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Price Range: $20,000 - 30,000

2011 Honda CR-V
A popular choice among SUVs, the Honda CR-V makes an appearance in the list of good compact SUVs yet again. The flattering looks of this Honda haven't received a makeover since the 2010 model, but who's complaining? The CR-V has always been a good looking car anyway. Quite a winner when discussing the interiors, this car comes with great leather seating, and ample cargo space. The features however, are rather simple. Unfortunately though, the Honda CR-V cannot boast of being a very powerful car. With its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower and 161 pound feet of torque, it is a popular car nonetheless. It doesn't exactly match up to other cars in its class when it comes to fuel efficiency either. The averages for this one are 21/28 mpg city/highway with two-wheel drive and 21/27 mpg city/highway with four-wheel drive. Handling and breaking are well appreciated too. With regards to safety, the CR-V receives five-stars in all federal government front and side crash tests, as well as a four-star rollover score. Sadly though, the roof strength of the CR-V isn't really brilliant. Apart from that, other safety features are, dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, Anti-lock Brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control and Brake Assist. Reliability offered is yet again the three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. You are also provided with a corrosion limited warranty that lasts for five years, and unlimited mileage, as well as, an accessory limited warranty which has a duration of three years or 36,000 miles.
Price Range: $21,000 - 28,000

(Note: The mentioned prices are approximate, and may vary depending on model and location of purchase)

These were the top five suggestions while doing a best compact SUV comparison. Other good SUVs are, 2011 Hyundai Tucson, 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2011 Ford Escape, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara, and 2011 Dodge Nitro. Truth be told, the list is endless, so feel free to pick from what works best for you.

Like many others, my favorite SUVs are the Honda CR-V and the Chevrolet Equinox. Unfortunately though, neither of them are coming my way anytime soon. How about you? Is yours on its way yet?