Top 10 Compact SUVs 2027
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the best compact SUV worth buying, with the 2027 Honda CR-V second and the 2027 Kia Sportage third. The ranking is based on overall value for the everyday buyer: efficiency, standard features, and starting price, with mainstream reliability picks above niche and off-road trims.
At a glance
| # | Pick | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | $31,900 (Hybrid FWD LE) | Buyers who want the safest, most proven all-around pick |
| 2 | 2027 Honda CR-V | $31,520 (LX 2WD) | Families who want a refined cabin and strong resale value |
| 3 | 2027 Kia Sportage | $28,990 | Shoppers who want the most features per dollar, including a hybrid |
| 4 | 2027 Subaru Forester | $29,995 | Snow-belt and rural drivers who want standard AWD and ground clearance |
| 5 | 2027 Hyundai Tucson | 184 hp gas / 233 hp hybrid / 292 ps PHEV | Buyers who want the newest redesign and the most tech on board |
| 6 | 2026 Mazda CX-5 | $29,990 | Drivers who want the most upscale interior and driving feel for the price |
| 7 | 2027 Nissan Rogue | $29,690 (S FWD) | Buyers who want a comfortable commuter with a new hybrid option arriving |
| 8 | 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander | $29,995 | Buyers who occasionally need a 3rd row in a compact-SUV footprint |
| 9 | 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan | $30,805 | Buyers who want the biggest cargo hold and European road manners |
| 10 | 2026 Jeep Compass | $30,990 (Latitude, incl. destination) | Jeep-brand loyalists who want badge off-road cred in a compact size |
Pick by what you want
The ranking
2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 Hybrid starts at $31,900 for the Hybrid FWD LE and makes 226 hp in FWD or 236 hp in AWD. It returns up to 43 MPG combined in Hybrid FWD. It is hybrid-only and stands as the class benchmark.
2027 Honda CR-V
The CR-V starts at $31,520 for the LX 2WD, and the Sport Hybrid 2WD returns 40 MPG combined with 43 city and 36 highway. The top Sport Touring Hybrid AWD runs $42,950. It suits families who want a refined cabin and strong resale value.
2027 Kia Sportage
The Sportage starts at $28,990, with the hybrid at $30,590 and the PHEV at $40,590. Rear seat legroom measures 41.3 inches, which Kia calls class-leading. It gives shoppers the most features per dollar, including a hybrid.
2027 Subaru Forester
The Forester starts at $29,995, with the Premium Hybrid at $34,730. It makes 180 hp on gas or 194 hp combined as a hybrid, and the hybrid goes up to 597 miles on a tank. Standard AWD and ground clearance suit snow-belt and rural drivers.
2027 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson makes 184 hp on gas, 233 hp as a hybrid, and 292 ps as a PHEV. The hybrid returns up to 42 MPG combined on 2WD with 17-inch wheels, and cargo volume is 41.7 cu ft. It is all-new for 2027 with the most tech on board.
2026 Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 starts at $29,990, makes 186 lb-ft of torque, and is EPA-estimated at 30 HWY MPG. It gives drivers the most upscale interior and driving feel for the price. A hybrid is coming for 2027 but is not yet priced.
2027 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue starts at $29,690 for the S FWD and makes 201 hp, which Nissan calls class-leading standard. It returns 30 MPG combined in S and SV FWD, and the hybrid starts at $35,490 in the SV grade. It is a comfortable commuter with a new hybrid option arriving.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander starts at $29,995 and returns 28 MPG combined in 2WD. It seats up to 7 passengers and tows up to 2,000 lbs with the factory hitch. It is the pick for buyers who occasionally need a third row in a compact-SUV footprint.
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan starts at $30,805 and offers up to 268 hp in the SEL R-Line Turbo. Cargo volume reaches 69.8 cu ft with the rear seats folded, and it returns 29 HWY MPG. It gives buyers the biggest cargo hold and European road manners.
2026 Jeep Compass
The Compass starts at $30,990 for the Latitude including destination, with 200 hp standard on every trim and 221 lb-ft of torque. It carries Jeep styling and capability in a compact size. It ranks last as the weakest value here.
How we ranked these
Questions people ask
Which 2027 compact SUV is the best overall?
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, starting at $31,900, with a hybrid-only lineup rated up to 43 MPG combined.
Which 2027 compact SUV is the best value?
The Kia Sportage has the lowest starting price in the class at $28,990, with a hybrid available from $30,590.
Which 2027 compact SUV gets the best hybrid fuel economy?
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid targets up to 42 MPG combined on 2WD models with 17-inch wheels.
Starting price (USD) at a glance
Official sites
- 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid · toyota.com
- 2027 Honda CR-V · automobiles.honda.com
- 2027 Kia Sportage · kia.com
- 2027 Subaru Forester · subaru.com
- 2027 Hyundai Tucson · hyundaiusa.com
- 2026 Mazda CX-5 · mazdausa.com
- 2027 Nissan Rogue · nissanusa.com
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander · mitsubishicars.com
- 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan · vw.com
- 2026 Jeep Compass · jeep.com
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com
- hondanews.com
- media.subaru.com
- hyundai.com
- usa.nissannews.com
- media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.