Top 10 Compact SUVs 2024 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For the 2024 model year, the Toyota RAV4 is our Best Overall compact SUV — it pairs Toyota's reliability reputation with broad powertrain choice (gas, hybrid, and plug-in Prime), strong safety scores, and class-leading resale value, starting from a $28,675 MSRP. Our Best Value pick is the Kia Sportage, which undercuts most rivals on price, packs a class-best 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and offers a thrifty hybrid variant, starting from a $27,490 MSRP.

Both are easy to recommend, but the right answer depends on whether you prioritize long-term ownership cost, fuel economy, cargo room, or sticker price. The full top 10 below ranks every major 2024 compact crossover on the metrics that actually matter to buyers.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each 2024 compact SUV across six categories, drawing on published specs and testing from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), U.S. News, Consumer Reports, the IIHS, the NHTSA, and the EPA:

• Reliability and ownership cost — 25%: projected dependability, resale value, and total cost to own.
• Safety — 20%: IIHS Top Safety Pick status and NHTSA star ratings plus standard driver-assist content.
• Efficiency and powertrain — 20%: EPA combined MPG, hybrid and plug-in (PHEV) availability, and electric range.
• Cargo and comfort — 15%: cargo cubic feet, rear-seat room, and ride quality.
• Tech and value — 10%: infotainment, standard features, and warranty coverage.
• Price-to-performance — 10%: what each MSRP actually buys in horsepower, content, and refinement.

Pricing reflects 2024 model-year base MSRP before destination unless noted, and is kept specific to 2024 so this guide stays distinct from later-year picks.

1. Toyota RAV4 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $28,675 | Best for: buyers who want the safest long-term bet across gas, hybrid, and plug-in

The 2024 RAV4 is the rare compact SUV that lets you choose your powertrain without changing nameplates. The base 2.5-liter four makes 203 hp and returns about 30 MPG combined with front-wheel drive; the RAV4 Hybrid pairs that engine with two electric motors for 219 hp, standard all-wheel drive, and an EPA-rated 39–40 MPG combined; and the plug-in RAV4 Prime adds roughly 42 miles of electric range.

Cargo room is generous at up to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 is standard. The standard RAV4 earned IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition for 2024, and Toyota's reliability and resale reputation underpin a low cost to own. Warranty coverage is a standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain.

Pros:

• Three powertrains — gas, hybrid, and plug-in Prime — under one roof.
• Class-leading resale value and projected reliability.
• Standard advanced driver-assist suite and Top Safety Pick status.
• Up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Cons:

• Base gas engine is noisy and merely adequate under hard acceleration.
• Hybrid and Prime demand carries real dealer markups in many markets.

Verdict: The most well-rounded compact SUV of 2024 and the safest all-around buy for most shoppers.

2. Honda CR-V

Starting MSRP: $29,500 | Best for: families wanting a roomy, refined daily driver

The 2024 CR-V is the comfort-and-space benchmark of the segment. The gas model uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four making 190 hp, while the CR-V Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter engine with electric drive for 204 hp and an EPA rating up to 43 MPG city with front-wheel drive. Interior packaging is excellent, with adult-friendly rear seats and a low, wide cargo floor.

The 2024 CR-V earned a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating and comes with the Honda Sensing suite standard. Warranty is the segment-typical 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain.

Pros:

• Spacious, upscale cabin with class-leading rear-seat room.
• Hybrid returns up to 43 MPG city.
• 5-star NHTSA overall rating and standard Honda Sensing.
• Strong resale and proven reliability.

Cons:

• Pricier to start than several rivals once you reach for the hybrid.
• Base infotainment screen feels small on lower trims.

Verdict: The roomiest, most refined choice in the class — and a close runner-up for Best Overall.

3. Mazda CX-5

Starting MSRP: $29,300 | Best for: drivers who want a premium feel and standard AWD on a budget

The 2024 CX-5 is the enthusiast's compact SUV, with sharp steering and a cabin that punches well above its price. The 2.5-liter four makes 187 hp and earns an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, while the available 2.5 Turbo lifts output to 256 hp on premium fuel. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup — unusual at this price.

Cargo space is the trade-off at 17.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, smaller than rivals. The CX-5 is a perennial IIHS Top Safety Pick contender and includes i-Activsense driver aids. Warranty matches the class at 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain.

Pros:

• Best-in-class driving dynamics and steering feel.
• Standard all-wheel drive across every trim.
• Premium interior materials for the money.
• Strong IIHS crash-test results.

Cons:

• Smallest cargo hold in this top 10.
• No hybrid option, so efficiency trails the leaders.

Verdict: The pick for drivers who want near-luxury polish and sporty handling without a luxury price.

4. Subaru Forester

Starting MSRP: $26,895 | Best for: outdoorsy buyers who want standard AWD and big visibility

The 2024 Forester leads the segment on cargo, visibility, and standard all-wheel drive. Its 2.5-liter boxer four makes 182 hp and returns up to 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway, with the rugged Wilderness trim trading some efficiency for off-road hardware. Cargo capacity tops out at 74.2 cubic feet — among the most in the class — and the tall greenhouse gives outstanding outward views.

EyeSight driver assist is standard, and the closely related Forester has long been an IIHS Top Safety Pick performer. Warranty is 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain.

Pros:

• Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive on every trim.
• Up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
• Excellent outward visibility and easy parking.
• Standard EyeSight safety suite.

Cons:

• Modest 182 hp makes highway merges leisurely.
• No hybrid for 2024 in the mainstream lineup.

Verdict: The do-everything outdoor SUV with the most cargo room and standard AWD value.

5. Hyundai Tucson

Starting MSRP: $27,250 | Best for: shoppers who want hybrid and plug-in choices plus a long warranty

The 2024 Tucson offers one of the widest powertrain menus in the class. The base 2.5-liter four makes 187 hp at about 28 MPG combined, and Hyundai also sells a Tucson Hybrid and a Tucson Plug-in Hybrid with meaningful electric-only range. The styling is bold, the cabin is roomy, and the warranty is a standout — 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain.

Standard SmartSense driver aids and strong crash scores round out the package. Cargo room is competitive for daily family use.

Pros:

• Gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants available.
• Class-best 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
• Distinctive styling and roomy, tech-forward cabin.
• Standard SmartSense driver-assist suite.

Cons:

• Touch-capacitive controls frustrate some drivers.
• Base engine is unremarkable in everyday driving.

Verdict: A feature-rich, long-warranty pick that rivals the leaders on value and powertrain breadth.

6. Kia Sportage 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $27,490 | Best for: value hunters who want maximum content and warranty per dollar

The 2024 Sportage shares its excellent bones with the Tucson but adds even sharper value. The 2.5-liter four makes 187 hp and earns up to 25 MPG city and 32 MPG highway with front-wheel drive, while the Sportage Hybrid delivers a 227-hp total system output and up to 43 MPG combined.

Cargo space is a generous 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats — among the best here — and the cabin design feels a class above the price. Like Hyundai, Kia backs it with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Standard driver aids and strong crash results make it a low-risk buy.

Pros:

• Lowest effective cost of ownership for the content offered.
• Class-best 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
• Roomy 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
• Available 227-hp hybrid rated up to 43 MPG combined.

Cons:

• Base FWD efficiency trails the hybrid leaders.
• Some interior plastics betray the budget price.

Verdict: The most car for the money in 2024 — our clear Best Value pick.

7. Mazda CX-50

Starting MSRP: $30,300 | Best for: buyers who want CX-5 polish with more rugged, outdoorsy capability

The 2024 CX-50 is Mazda's more adventure-ready compact crossover, riding lower and wider than the CX-5 with off-road drive modes. The base 2.5-liter four makes 187 hp and returns an EPA-estimated 24 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, while the 256-hp 2.5 Turbo adds real punch. All-wheel drive is standard on every trim.

Cargo space measures 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.3 with them folded. Like the rest of the Mazda lineup, it carries strong IIHS crash performance and a standard i-Activsense suite, with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive and genuine light-trail capability.
• Premium, driver-focused interior.
• Available 256-hp turbo engine.
• Strong IIHS crash-test results.

Cons:

• Lower roofline trims rear headroom versus boxier rivals.
• No hybrid, so efficiency lags the leaders.

Verdict: The choice for buyers who want Mazda refinement with an outdoorsy edge.

8. Nissan Rogue

Starting MSRP: $28,720 | Best for: commuters who want strong efficiency from a small turbo engine

The 2024 Rogue gets its character from an unusual 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder making 201 hp, paired with a CVT for a strong 33 MPG combined — impressive for a non-hybrid. The cabin is quiet and well-finished, with a flexible Divide-N-Hide cargo system and 31.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, bundling automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. Warranty is the class-standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain.

Pros:

• 33 MPG combined without a hybrid system.
• Quiet, comfortable cabin and supportive seats.
• Standard Safety Shield 360 driver aids.
• Flexible Divide-N-Hide cargo organizer.

Cons:

• Three-cylinder thrum is audible under load.
• Resale value trails the Toyota and Honda leaders.

Verdict: A comfortable, efficient commuter that quietly outperforms its modest reputation.

9. Chevrolet Equinox

Starting MSRP: $27,995 | Best for: budget shoppers who want a simple, affordable family crossover

The 2024 Equinox keeps things straightforward and affordable. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged four makes 175 hp and earns about 28 MPG combined, and front-wheel drive is standard with AWD optional. The cabin is roomy and practical with 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and Chevy Safety Assist is standard, bundling automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.

It earned solid NHTSA crash scores. Warranty is 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain.

Pros:

• One of the lowest starting prices in the segment.
• Standard Chevy Safety Assist driver aids.
• Roomy, practical family-friendly cabin.
• Simple, easy-to-use controls.

Cons:

• 175 hp is the weakest powertrain in this top 10.
• Interior materials feel budget-grade in spots.

Verdict: A no-frills value play for buyers who prioritize a low price over power and polish.

10. Volkswagen Tiguan

Starting MSRP: $28,880 | Best for: buyers who want available three-row seating and German road manners

The 2024 Tiguan stands out for its composed, European ride and an available third row that few rivals offer. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four makes 184 hp and earns an EPA rating of about 24 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, with VW's 4Motion AWD available. Cargo space is strong at up to 73.4 cubic feet behind the first row in the two-row layout.

IQ.DRIVE driver assistance is available, and the cabin feels solid and grown-up. Warranty is 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage, longer than the segment norm.

Pros:

• Available third-row seating for occasional extra passengers.
• Composed, planted highway ride.
• Up to 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
• 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Cons:

• Modest 184 hp feels strained when fully loaded.
• Fuel economy trails the efficiency leaders.

Verdict: A roomy, refined choice for buyers who value ride quality and an available third row.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Compact SUV

• Total cost of ownership, not just sticker price: factor in fuel, insurance, maintenance, and projected resale. A cheaper SUV that depreciates fast can cost more over five years.
• Powertrain match to your driving: a hybrid pays off for high-mileage commuters; a plug-in makes sense only if you can charge at home; a base gas engine is fine for low-mileage drivers.
• Real cargo numbers: compare both behind-the-seat and seats-folded figures, because marketing often quotes only the larger number.
• Safety content as standard, not optional: confirm automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist are included, then check IIHS and NHTSA results.
• Warranty term: Hyundai and Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage is a genuine, measurable advantage.
• Test the infotainment yourself: screen size and wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto vary widely between trims.

One thing that matters less than marketing implies: raw horsepower. Most buyers will rarely use the difference between 175 and 256 hp in daily driving, and chasing peak output often means trading away efficiency, ride comfort, or budget that would be better spent on safety and warranty.

FAQ

What is the best overall compact SUV for 2024? The Toyota RAV4 takes our Best Overall title for its blend of reliability, resale value, safety, and a full range of gas, hybrid, and plug-in Prime powertrains starting at $28,675.

Which 2024 compact SUV is the best value? The Kia Sportage, starting at $27,490, offers the most content per dollar, a class-best 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an efficient hybrid option.

Which compact SUV gets the best gas mileage in 2024? Hybrids lead the pack. The Honda CR-V Hybrid reaches up to 43 MPG city, while the RAV4 Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid post combined ratings near 39 to 43 MPG.

Do any 2024 compact SUVs come with all-wheel drive standard? Yes. The Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, and Mazda CX-50 all include all-wheel drive on every trim, while most rivals make AWD optional.

Which 2024 compact SUV has the most cargo space? The Subaru Forester leads at up to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, with the VW Tiguan and Toyota RAV4 close behind.

Are compact SUVs safe? Most are. Look for IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition and NHTSA 5-star overall ratings; the RAV4, CR-V, and Mazda models consistently post strong crash-test results with standard driver-assist systems.

Bottom Line

The 2024 compact SUV class is deep, and there is no single wrong answer among these ten. If you want the safest, most well-rounded long-term bet with the widest powertrain choice, the Toyota RAV4 is our Best Overall. If you want the most content, warranty, and efficiency per dollar, the Kia Sportage is our Best Value.

From there, the Honda CR-V wins on space and refinement, the Subaru Forester on cargo and standard AWD, the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 on driving feel, and the Chevrolet Equinox on rock-bottom price. Match the powertrain to your mileage, confirm the safety content is standard, and weigh the warranty — and any of these will serve you well.

Sources

• Car and Driver — compact SUV rankings and reviews
• MotorTrend — 2024 SUV reviews and comparisons
• Edmunds — 2024 compact SUV pricing and specs
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — 2024 model pricing and cost-to-own
• U.S. News Best Cars — 2024 SUV rankings
• IIHS — Top Safety Pick award winners and crash-test ratings
• NHTSA — 5-Star Safety Ratings
• EPA — fuel economy ratings, fueleconomy.gov
• Cars.com — 2024 compact SUV specs and prices
• Consumer Reports — 2024 SUV reliability and road-test scores

*Compact SUV review — compact SUV reviews, rating, best compact SUV 2024, and a review of the top crossover picks for buyers.*