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The 10 Best Small SUVs You Can Buy Now - Subaru And Jeep Dominate

What are the best small and compact SUVs you can buy now? The 2022 Subaru Outback, 2022 Subaru Forester, and two Jeep models dominate the list. Check out the top ten models here.

Which small and compact SUVs are the best for shoppers this year? Based on a new data-driven analysis by iSeeCars of each vehicle's reliability, resale value, and safety, two Subaru models and two Jeep vehicles dominate the list in 2022.

iSeeCars says the top four models you can buy now are the 2022 Jeep Wrangler, followed by the 2022 Subaru Outback, 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, and 2022 Subaru Forester.

2022 Subaru Outback, 2022 Subaru Forester Vs Jeep Wrangler
photo credit: Alison Subaru

The Subaru models and Jeep vehicles are the most rugged models on the list. They are followed by the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Kia Sportage to round out the top ten best models.

While all four of the top models rank high in their overall iSeeCars score, reliability, and value retention, the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited do not get the top safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both models are unranked. Check out the test results here.

2022 Subaru Outback, 2022 Subaru Forester Vs Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler gets an overall iSeeCars score of 9.2/10, reliability 9.8/10, value retention 9.8/10, and safety Not Available. The Wrangler new vehicle price is $29,725 - $40,500 and used price; $31,999 - $49,890, Cargo volume is 31.7 cubic ft. Fuel mileage is unavailable.

The Subaru Outback gets an overall iSeeCars score of 8.8/10, reliability 8.4/10, value retention 8.0/10 and safety 10.0/10. The Outback new vehicle price is $26,945 - $39,945 and used price; $23,298 - $39,683, Cargo volume is 32.5 cubic ft. Fuel mileage is 24-29 mpg.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited gets an overall iSeeCars score of 8.8/10, reliability 7.8/10, value retention 9.8/10, and safety Not Available. The Wrangler Unlimited new vehicle price is $33,225 - $74,800 and used price;$36,334 - $59,989, Cargo volume is 27.7 - 31.7 cubic ft . Fuel mileage is unavailable.

The Subaru Forester gets an overall iSeeCars score of 8.7/10, reliability 8.1/10, value retention 8.1/10, and safety 10.0/10. The Forester new vehicle price is $25,195 - $35,295 and used price; $21,250 - $35,998, Cargo volume is 26.9 - 28.9 cubic ft. Fuel mileage is 26-29 mpg.

Outback and Forester excel in safety

The 2022 Subaru Outback midsize SUV/crossover and 2022 Subaru Forester compact SUV are both IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners, the highest scores available. The Outback and Forester come with the brand's EyeSight driver-assist safety technology as standard equipment.

The safety system includes eleven safety functions: advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering function, emergency lane keep assist, speed sign recognition with intelligent speed limiter, lane departure warning with steering wheel vibration, lane departure prevention (also recognizing dividing lines such as grass and road edge) and pre-collision braking system with expanded support for collision avoidance at intersections.

The two model's EyeSight also includes reverse automatic braking, rear vehicle detection, rear seat reminder, and multi-view monitors: front, rear, and side view monitor that reduces vehicle blind spots.

The Outback and Forester feature Subaru's new driver monitoring system, DriverFocus, with face recognition technology that alerts the driver when feeling tired or distracted while driving.

The new iSeeCars report says the 2022 Subaru Outback and 2022 Subaru Forester excel in affordability, safety, value retention, and reliability.

You Might Also Like: Subaru Shuts Down New Model Production in February - Forester And Crosstrek Affected

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru