Best Small SUVs Reviewed
If you don't need to haul a heavy load and you don't require hardcore off-road capabilities then vehicles on the list of best small SUVs should be pretty appealing to you. These are vehicles that typically have a smaller engine, so they offer great fuel-economy. They are as practical for a small family as they are for the single person who hauls camping gear or friends from time-to-time.
Starting the list of best small SUVs is the 2013 Subaru Forester. It comes with standard all-wh... (full review continues below)
Best Small SUVs
If you don't need to haul a heavy load and you don't require hardcore off-road capabilities then vehicles on the list of best small SUVs should be pretty appealing to you. These are vehicles that typically have a smaller engine, so they offer great fuel-economy. They are as practical for a small family as they are for the single person who hauls camping gear or friends from time-to-time.
Starting the list of best small SUVs is the 2013 Subaru Forester . It comes with standard all-wheel drive, so it is always prepared for changing road and weather conditions, and it is surprisingly useful to tackle the great outdoors, as it provides 2 inches more ground clearance than most competitors. Seating for five is quite roomy and behind the front seat, you get 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler has been considered an American icon for a long time, earning it a spot on the list of best small SUVs. With its unparalleled off-road capabilities, this is the one more outdoor and adventure enthusiasts turn to over the rest. It is available in two and four-door varieties and it can even be a convertible. Its strong 285 horsepower V6 engine offers fast acceleration and impressive towing capabilities.
Next on the list of best small SUVs is the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. With its charming exterior, sophisticated cabin and amazingly smooth ride, it is hard to believe it is one of the more budget-friendly options starting at only $23,755. For 2013, Equinox gets a new 3.6-liter V6 engine and now offers innovative available features, such as smartphone app integration, remote garage door opener, rear seat entertainment system and a revised touchscreen interface.
Premium cabin materials, composed handling, a smooth ride and lively turbocharged engine earn the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguana a spot on the list of best small SUVs. It is available in three trims and offers optional all-wheel drive, which manages to return an average of 23 mpg.
No one can deny that the 2013 Ford Escape is one of the best looking vehicles on this list, but there is more to it than just a modern and sporty exterior. Its outside appearance may lure you in, but it will be the comfortable seating, fantastic fuel economy, abundance of high tech features, strong performance and composed handling that will close the deal.
Next is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson. Sharp styling on the outside is complemented by good fuel economy, sporty handling and exceptional crash test ratings. When you slip behind the wheel, you immediately notice that the cabin is much more upscale than many of its competitors, which is surprising at a base MSRP of only $19,245.
Making a lot of "best" lists for many reasons is the 2013 Honda CR-V . It has one of the roomiest cabins you will find in a small SUV , packed with a nice balance of family friendly and high-tech features. Top crash scores make it a preferred choice as a family hauler, and its exceptionally smooth ride quality and commendably steady handling make it a pleasure to drive.
The 2012 Jeep Liberty is another one of the best small SUVs. Useful towing capacity and considerable off-road capabilities beg you to put it to work and get a little muddy. It also offers not one but two different four-wheel drive systems.
Finishing off the list of best small SUVs is the 2012 Nissan Xterra . Innovative cargo features, tons of ground clearance, a body-on-frame construction and an available four-wheel drive system that features low-range gearing will catch the eye of anyone who enjoys taking the path less traveled. If the 66 cubic feet of cargo space is not enough for you, then the standard gear basket and roof rack should help you out. There are even designated storage spaces to hold your water jug and first aid kit.
Although the 2013 models of the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport did not make the list of best small SUVs, they certainly deserve a glance as well.
