Best & Worst Small SUVs
May 15, 2014
As the saying goes, sometimes the best things come in small packages. And with increased roominess, lower price and improved fuel economy, small SUVs certainly help make that adage true.
Consumer Reports recently came up with their list of the best and worst small SUVs available today. When it comes to best overall, the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 all share top honors thanks to excellent handling, impressive fuel economies, and affordable prices.
On the other side of the coin are the ones Consumer Reports advises steering clear of. Those include three Jeep models -- Compass, Patriot, and Cherokee -- and the Mitsubishi Outlander.
If you're considering purchasing a small SUV, make sure to use TrueCar and RydeShopper to get the lowest price possible.
Best Small SUVs
| Vehicle | Categories | Price As Tested | Overall MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | Best Overall; Most Kid-Friendly | $26,455 | 23 |
| Subaru Forester | Best Overall; Most Fuel Efficient | $26,814 | 26 |
| Mazda CX-5 | Best Overall; Most Fuel Efficient | $28,090 | 25 |
| Kia Sportage | Most Kid-Friendly | $21,600-$28,400 | N/A |
| Subaru XV Crosstrek | Most Fuel-Efficient | $21,995-$29,295 | 26 |
| Ford Escape | Most Kid-Friendly | $23,100-$30,850 | N/A |
Worst Small SUVs
| Vehicle |
|---|
| Jeep Compass |
| Jeep Patriot |
| Mitsubishi Outlander |
| Jeep Cherokee (2.4L Engine) |
My Recommendation for Car Shoppers
TrueCar, RydeShopper, and CarsDirect are the best way to see the lowest car prices in your area. These sites show you no-haggle prices from dealers closest to you - and the deals are usually really good. This should be the first step you take when negotiating your car price. Follow this up with my checklist to make sure you squeeze out every last bit of savings.- Gregg Fidan
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About: Gregg Fidan
Gregg Fidan is the founder of RealCarTips. After being ripped off on his first car purchase, he devoted several years to figuring out the best ways to avoid scams and negotiate the best car deals. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject of car buying and taught thousands of car shoppers how to get the best deals.
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