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Popular Small SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead Advises Consumer Reports

Here’s a recent list of small SUV winning models as well as those models you should stay away from, say Consumer Reports analysts. Plus, a recent Car and Driver comparison you don’t want to miss.
Consumer Reports Recommended Good and Bad Smaller SUVsd

It’s only natural to choose a vehicle that appears to be popular in your neighborhood, and compact SUVs are no exception according to CR analysts who note that, “…compact SUVS are the fastest-growing type of vehicle,” on the market.

But rather than focusing on keeping up with the Jones’s or becoming a lemming-esque shopper because you do not have the time to do the research on which cars truly are the best when it comes to safety, reliability, fuel-efficiency and satisfaction, the good folks at Consumer Reports have done the work for you.

Popular Does Not Always Translate as “Best”

Choosing a model that appears to be “popular” has its caveats. For example, is it popular because you’ve actually talked to a few owners who sang glowing praises for their new car and the price they got? Is it popular because marketing has saturated the media with slick ads and catchy commercials that offer pool-reflecting promises? Or, is it popular because it has proven itself to have earned the designation?

In other words, views of what is “popular” are often subjective and/or just a scheme to bring buyers in. And this is where Consumer Reports shines as your best friend to guide you toward discovering which car models have proven popularity when it comes to reliability and smart shopping rather than sale-pricing and glitz.

Popular Small SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy

Summarized below are CR’s recommendations of one small and one subcompact SUV that begins with the model you want to avoid, the model you will want to buy instead, and an “under-the-radar” alternative.

1. Popular Subcompact SUV to Avoid

Volkswagen Taos 2023

Price Range:  $24,155 - $34,535

CR MPG:  Overall 26 / City 17 / Hwy 39 mpg

#11 of 15 Subcompact SUVs

Two reasons to skip this one:

  • The need to accelerate onto a busy road is hampered by a significant delay in building speed.
  • CR notes that “…it’s among both the least reliable and the least satisfying vehicles in our Annual Auto Surveys.”

The Better Choice

Toyota Corolla Cross 2023

Price Range:  $23,610 - $31,065

CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 21 / Hwy 35 mpg

#3 of 15 Subcompact SUVs

Two reasons to choose this one:

  • The Cross’s reliability is 3/5 as opposed to the Taos 1/5
  • Owner satisfaction is 2/5 versus the Taos’s 1/5

The Under-the-Radar Alternative

Chevrolet Trailblazer 2023

Price Range:  $22,100 - $27,700

CR MPG:  Overall 27 / City 19 / Hwy 37 mpg

#5 of 15 Subcompact SUVs

Two reasons to consider this one:

  • Engine is more responsive, and interior is roomy
  • Reliability is rated at 4/5 and owner satisfaction at 2/5

 

2. Popular Small SUV to Avoid

Ford Escape 2023

Price Range:  $28,000 - $40,500

CR MPG:  Overall 26 / City 17 / Hwy 37 mpg

#20 of 24 Compact SUVs

Two reasons to skip this one:

  • Performance is subpar at 3/5 with noticeable engine/powertrain vibration and “bumping” gear change
  • Reliability and satisfaction both only 2/5

The Better Small Choice

Kia Sportage Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $27,490 - $43,190

CR MPG:  Overall 36 / City 31 / Hwy 39 mpg

#7 of 24 Compact SUVs

Two reasons to choose this one:

  • The new Sportage Hybrid costs less than the escape and gets better mileage
  • Reliability and owner satisfaction are both 3/5

The Under-the-Radar Alternative

Mitsubishi Outlander 2023

Price Range:  $27,895 - $49,995

CR MPG:  Overall 25 / City 17 / Hwy 34 mpg

#13 of 24 Compact SUVs

Two reasons to consider this one:

  • FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard
  • Reliability is 4/5 and owner satisfaction is 3/5

Not a Fan of Consumer Reports?

Just in case you would like another opinion on recommended compact SUVs, here is an interesting video from the Auto Exclusive YouTube channel that compares what Car and Driver has to say about their selections versus Consumer Reports. And be sure to read the comments after the video for some spot-on reasons why the two differ.

For additional CR-related articles, here are three informative car shopping ones for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

COMING UP NEXT: Best Used Cars for $15,000 to $20,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports

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