Top 10 Compact SUVs 2019 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

Looking back, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 earned Best Overall among compact SUVs of 2019. Its ground-up redesign delivered a sharper look, a far nicer cabin, standard Toyota Safety Sense active-safety gear, and a thrifty hybrid that paired 219 combined horsepower with roughly 39 mpg — all wrapped in Toyota's bankable reliability.

It launched at a 2019 MSRP of $25,500 for the LE, with the hybrid opening near $27,700.

The 2019 Honda CR-V took Best Value. It was the rare rival that asked you to pay nothing extra for its strongest virtues: a cavernous 75.8 cubic foot cargo hold, a thrifty 190-horsepower turbo on EX and up, and one of the segment's longest reliability track records. It opened at a 2019 MSRP of $24,350 for the LX, and used examples have held value as well as anything in the class. 2019 was a landmark model year for the segment, bringing both the all-new fifth-generation RAV4 and the redesigned fifth-generation Subaru Forester to market at once.

How We Ranked the Top 10

This retrospective scores each 2019 compact SUV the way a careful buyer would weigh them then — and the way a used shopper should weigh them now. The weighting:

• Reliability and ownership cost — 25%. Long-term dependability and repair bills, drawing on J.D. Power dependability data and owner reports.
• Safety — 20%. IIHS crashworthiness and Top Safety Pick status, plus standard driver-assist content.
• Efficiency and powertrain — 20%. EPA city/highway/combined mpg, horsepower, and how livable the engine felt day to day.
• Cargo and comfort — 15%. Cargo cubic feet, rear-seat room, and ride quality.
• Value in period — 10%. What the 2019 MSRP bought versus rivals when the cars were new.
• Used value now — 10%. How well each model has held resale value as a used buy today.

Sources include period reviews from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Edmunds; J.D. Power dependability and quality data; IIHS crash ratings; EPA fuel-economy figures; Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds used valuations; and manufacturer specifications.

1. Toyota RAV4 🏆 BEST OVERALL

2019 MSRP: $25,500 | Best for: Buyers who wanted one car to do everything and keep for a decade.

The fifth-generation RAV4 arrived for 2019 as a comprehensive redesign, and it shot to the top of the class. The base 2.5-liter four made 203 horsepower, while the standout hybrid combined gas and electric for 219 combined horsepower and an EPA rating around 41/37/39 mpg city/highway/combined — exceptional thrift for an AWD-capable crossover.

Cargo measured a useful 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet folded, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 came standard across the line. Combine that with Toyota's reputation for durability and you have a vehicle that has held its used value as strongly as anything here.

Pros:

• Class-leading hybrid efficiency near 39 mpg combined with available AWD.
• Standard active-safety suite on every trim, an unusual win in 2019.
• Rock-solid reliability that keeps resale values high today.
• Genuinely improved cabin over the dull outgoing model.

Cons:

• Gas models' CVT-free automatic could feel coarse under hard acceleration.
• Hybrids were in such demand that buyers paid near sticker when new.

Verdict: The most complete compact SUV of 2019 then, and the safest used bet now.

2. Honda CR-V 💎 BEST VALUE

2019 MSRP: $24,350 | Best for: Families who prioritized space, frugality, and resale.

The CR-V was the segment's practicality champion and the smartest money in 2019. Step up from the 184-horsepower base engine to the 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter, and you got both the strongest performance and the best economy — an EPA-rated 28/34 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive.

Its 75.8 cubic foot maximum cargo hold was among the largest in the class, outward visibility was excellent, and Honda Sensing safety tech was widely available. Strong crash scores and legendary Honda reliability mean clean used examples still command premium money today.

Pros:

• Biggest usable cargo hold in the segment at 75.8 cubic feet.
• Efficient, punchy turbo delivering 28/34 mpg.
• Excellent outward visibility from a low cowl and thin pillars.
• Outstanding resale value as a used buy now.

Cons:

• Some early turbo engines drew complaints about oil dilution in cold climates.
• Cabin styling played it conservative.

Verdict: The value benchmark of 2019 — and still a used-lot gem if you find a well-kept turbo.

3. Mazda CX-5

2019 MSRP: $24,350 | Best for: Drivers who refused to give up on fun.

No compact SUV of 2019 drove better than the CX-5. The standard 2.5-liter four made 187 horsepower, but the news that year was the available 227-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter (on regular fuel), paired with torque-vectoring AWD. EPA figures ran 25/31 mpg for the front-drive non-turbo and 22/27 mpg for the turbo AWD.

Cargo was the trade-off at roughly 31 cubic feet behind the rear seats and about 60 cubic feet folded — tighter than the RAV4 or CR-V. The payoff was a premium-feeling cabin and genuinely engaging handling.

Pros:

• Best-in-class driving dynamics and steering feel.
• Available 227-horsepower turbo for real muscle.
• Upscale interior that shamed pricier rivals.

Cons:

• Smallest cargo area among the mainstream leaders.
• Infotainment lagged the segment's best.

Verdict: The enthusiast's pick of 2019, and still a satisfying, classy used buy.

4. Subaru Forester

2019 MSRP: $25,270 | Best for: Foul-weather buyers who wanted standard AWD and big glass.

The Forester was also fully redesigned for 2019, and it leaned into its strengths: a roomy, airy cabin, standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, and tons of safety tech. Every trim used a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four with a CVT, returning an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 mpg — impressive for standard AWD.

Cargo was generous at 35.4 cubic feet behind the seats and 76.1 cubic feet folded, among the most in the class. EyeSight driver assistance was standard on most trims, and Subaru's all-weather reputation keeps used demand high.

Pros:

• Standard AWD on every single model.
• Huge greenhouse and cargo room at up to 76.1 cubic feet.
• Strong safety credentials with standard EyeSight.

Cons:

• The 182-horsepower flat-four felt leisurely when loaded.
• No turbo option after the prior generation's XT departed.

Verdict: The all-weather value of 2019 and a dependable used choice for snow-belt buyers.

5. Nissan Rogue

2019 MSRP: $25,020 | Best for: Comfort-first commuters on a budget.

The Rogue was a sales juggernaut for good reason: it was comfortable, roomy, and easy to live with. A 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four paired with a CVT to deliver an EPA-rated 26/33/29 mpg with front-wheel drive and 25/32/27 mpg with AWD. Cargo was competitive at 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70 cubic feet folded, and the available ProPILOT Assist brought semi-autonomous highway driving to the mainstream.

It was never the sharpest tool, but it nailed everyday comfort.

Pros:

• Comfortable, quiet ride tuned for commuting.
• Available ProPILOT Assist highway driver aid.
• Roomy, flexible cargo area with Divide-N-Hide flooring.

Cons:

• The 170-horsepower engine and CVT felt sluggish under load.
• Reliability and resale trailed the Toyota and Honda leaders.

Verdict: A pleasant, affordable used buy — just shop the maintenance history closely.

6. Hyundai Tucson

2019 MSRP: $23,200 | Best for: Value hunters who wanted a long warranty.

The Tucson countered the segment leaders with sharp pricing and Hyundai's industry-leading warranty. A 164-horsepower 2.0-liter four was standard, with a stronger 181-horsepower 2.4-liter on upper trims, returning roughly 22/28/25 mpg front-drive with the bigger engine.

Cargo and rear-seat space trailed the class best, but a refresh for 2019 added more standard safety content and a cleaner cabin. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty remained a powerful draw.

Pros:

• Aggressive pricing undercut most rivals.
• Long powertrain warranty for peace of mind.
• Added standard safety tech in the 2019 refresh.

Cons:

• Engines felt merely adequate, not strong.
• Tighter rear seat and cargo than segment leaders.

Verdict: A budget-smart used pick, especially with warranty coverage remaining.

7. Kia Sportage

2019 MSRP: $23,750 | Best for: Buyers wanting nicer materials at a fair price.

The Sportage shared mechanicals with its Tucson cousin but added a more polished cabin and a sharper available engine lineup. A 181-horsepower 2.4-liter four anchored most trims, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter offering 240 horsepower on the top SX. Cargo measured a modest 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and combined fuel economy landed in the 23 to 25 mpg range.

The LX was a solid value, but the EX trim was the sweet spot for content.

Pros:

• Upscale interior materials for the price.
• Available 240-horsepower turbo on the SX.
• Generous warranty matching Hyundai's.

Cons:

• Smaller cargo hold than the leaders.
• Turbo's fuel economy disappointed.

Verdict: A handsome, well-built used value with strong remaining warranty coverage.

8. Chevrolet Equinox

2019 MSRP: $24,795 | Best for: Highway commuters chasing efficiency or available diesel.

The Equinox countered with a practical cabin and a wide engine spread. Most used a 170-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four with strong highway economy, while a 252-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo answered the call for power in LT and Premier trims. A turbodiesel was also offered for efficiency-focused buyers.

Two roomy rows and user-friendly tech made it an easy daily driver, though interior materials and resale value lagged the Japanese leaders.

Pros:

• Strong base-engine efficiency for commuters.
• Available 252-horsepower turbo for genuine punch.
• Practical, spacious two-row layout.

Cons:

• Cabin materials felt cost-conscious.
• Resale value trailed the segment leaders.

Verdict: A roomy, affordable used choice — best bought at a discount to the Toyota and Honda.

9. Volkswagen Tiguan

2019 MSRP: $24,295 | Best for: Buyers who wanted available third-row seating and German feel.

The Tiguan stood out by offering a small available third row on front-drive models, rare in this class. A 184-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four paired with an eight-speed automatic, returning a combined 24 to 25 mpg. It felt solid and grown-up on the road, and VW backed it with a strong warranty.

The trade-offs were merely adequate acceleration from the larger body and resale value that trailed the leaders.

Pros:

• Available third-row seat for occasional extra passengers.
• Solid, planted highway manners.
• Long warranty for added reassurance.

Cons:

• The 184-horsepower turbo felt strained in the heavier body.
• Fuel economy lagged the efficiency leaders.

Verdict: A roomy, comfortable used option for buyers who valued the extra seats.

10. Subaru Crosstrek

2019 MSRP: $21,895 | Best for: Budget adventurers who wanted standard AWD and ground clearance.

Smaller and more affordable than the rest, the Crosstrek earned its spot on rugged versatility. A 152-horsepower 2.0-liter flat-four paired with standard symmetrical AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, returning an EPA-rated 23/29 mpg city/highway with the CVT. It was the slowest car here, but its standard all-wheel drive, low price, and outdoorsy capability made it a cult favorite.

Strong resale keeps used prices firm today.

Pros:

• Standard AWD at the lowest price in this group.
• Excellent ground clearance for light trails and snow.
• Strong resale value that holds firm used.

Cons:

• The 152-horsepower engine was genuinely slow.
• Smaller cabin and cargo than the true compacts.

Verdict: The budget all-weather pick of 2019, and a resale-proof used buy for adventurers.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One Was Right for You?

What to Look For in a 2019 Compact SUV (Then and as a Used Buy Now)

Shopping one of these today, weigh the things that age the car, not just the spec sheet:

• Service records over trim level. A maintained base model beats a neglected loaded one every time.
• The turbo engines. On the CR-V, check for the cold-climate oil-dilution service campaign; on the Mazda and Chevy turbos, confirm timely oil changes.
• CVT health on the Forester, Rogue, and Crosstrek — listen for shudder and confirm fluid service.
• Standard versus optional safety. The RAV4 and Forester came with active safety standard; on others, confirm the car you want actually has it.
• AWD condition if you bought it for AWD — check for service on transfer cases and differentials.
• Tires and brakes, since these wear items are often deferred on used crossovers.

One honest note: the difference between a few tenths of a second to 60 mph or one or two mpg matters less than nostalgia implies. Reliability, maintenance history, and how the cabin has held up will shape your ownership far more than the bench-racing numbers that dominated the original reviews.

FAQ

Which 2019 compact SUV was the best overall? The redesigned 2019 Toyota RAV4 took the top spot, combining standard active safety, class-leading hybrid efficiency near 39 mpg combined, useful cargo room, and Toyota's bankable reliability and resale.

Which 2019 compact SUV was the best value? The Honda CR-V. It opened around $24,350, offered the biggest cargo hold at 75.8 cubic feet, paired an efficient 190-horsepower turbo on EX and up, and has held resale value as well as anything in the class.

What major redesigns landed for 2019? Both the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester were fully redesigned for 2019, making it a pivotal model year for the segment.

Which 2019 compact SUV is most reliable as a used buy now? The RAV4 and CR-V have the strongest long-term dependability reputations, supported by J.D. Power data and owner reports, which is why both still command premium used prices.

Which 2019 compact SUV had the best fuel economy? The RAV4 Hybrid led the class at an EPA-estimated 41/37/39 mpg city/highway/combined, well ahead of the gas-only field.

Which 2019 compact SUV was the most fun to drive? The Mazda CX-5, especially with its available 227-horsepower turbo and torque-vectoring AWD, set the segment benchmark for handling and cabin quality.

Bottom Line

The 2019 compact SUV class was deep, but the order at the top was clear. The redesigned Toyota RAV4 was the best overall — safe, efficient, durable, and broadly capable — and it remains the smartest used bet in the group. The Honda CR-V was the best value then and now, pairing huge cargo space and a thrifty turbo with resale that refuses to drop.

From there, the Mazda CX-5 rewarded drivers, the redesigned Subaru Forester and budget Crosstrek owned all-weather duty, and the value brands and domestics rounded out a strong field. As a used buy today, let maintenance history and condition lead — the badges at the top of this list earned their reputations honestly.

Sources

• Car and Driver, 2019 compact SUV reviews and specifications (caranddriver.com)
• MotorTrend, 2019 RAV4, CR-V, CX-5, and Forester first drives (motortrend.com)
• Edmunds, 2019 compact SUV reviews and used MPG data (edmunds.com)
• Kelley Blue Book, 2019 model pricing, depreciation, and used values (kbb.com)
• J.D. Power, 2019 vehicle dependability and quality ratings (jdpower.com)
• IIHS, 2019 crashworthiness and Top Safety Pick ratings (iihs.org)
• EPA / FuelEconomy.gov, 2019 fuel-economy ratings (fueleconomy.gov)
• Cars.com, 2019 compact SUV specs and pricing (cars.com)
• The Car Connection, 2019 model overviews and ratings (thecarconnection.com)
• U.S. News Best Cars, 2019 compact SUV rankings and interior data (cars.usnews.com)

*Compact SUV review — 2019 compact SUV reviews, rating, best compact SUV 2019, and a retrospective review of the top used crossover picks for buyers.*