Today’s car buyers find small SUVs to be the ideal choice. In 2025, they provide an ideal combination of space, fuel efficiency, comfort, and everyday practicality. Whether you are commuting, travelling with kids, or just want extra room without stepping into a large vehicle, a compact SUV is likely the best choice.
This guide highlights the best small SUVs of 2025 based on performance, interior space, technology, safety, and real-world value. These models deliver smart design, comfortable driving, and features that make life easier — all while staying within budget and fuel goals.
Why Small SUVs Are So Popular in 2025
More drivers are choosing small SUVs because they fit modern needs. Compact crossovers are easier to park and manoeuvre than midsize or full-size models, but they still give you the raised seating position, cargo flexibility, and optional all-wheel drive that families and active individuals want.
What makes a fantastic small SUV in 2025?
- Good fuel economy or hybrid efficiency
- Enough rear seat space for passengers or car seats
- Fold-flat rear seats for flexible storage
- Standard advanced safety systems
- User-friendly infotainment and smart features
- Comfortable ride and solid reliability
Let us look closer at the top contenders.
Best Overall Small SUVs of 2025
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V continues to lead the compact SUV class in 2025. With a spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, and a hybrid option that delivers up to 40 miles per gallon, it is one of the most balanced choices on the road.
- Seating: Five
- MPG: Up to 40 with hybrid
- Cargo space: Over 39 cubic feet with seats up
- Safety: Honda Sensing Standard.
- Starting price: Around 31000
The CR-V drives smoothly, has excellent resale value, and offers a comfortable ride whether you are in traffic or on a weekend trip.
Best for families who want the most practical and worry-free compact SUV.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 brings a premium feel to the small SUV class without a premium price. The Mazda CX-5 boasts a stylish exterior, provides confident handling, and maintains a quiet and refined feel at every speed.
- Seating: Five
- MPG: Up to 31
- Power: 187 or 256 horsepower (turbo)
- Interior: leather trim is available; upscale layout
- Starting price: Around 31000
If you care about how your SUV drives and looks, the CX-5 is a standout.
Best for drivers who want a touch of luxury and a sporty feel in a compact form.
Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross is one of the newest small SUVs in Toyota’s lineup, and it is already a favourite for urban drivers and budget-conscious shoppers. It combines Toyota reliability with smart packaging and available hybrid power.
- Seating: Five
- MPG: Up to 42 with hybrid
- Drive: Front or all-wheel
- Cargo space: Up to 66 cubic feet
- Starting price: Around 27000
It is not flashy, but it is roomy, efficient, and easy to live with.
Best for buyers who want simple, fuel-efficient, and dependable transportation.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson offers futuristic styling, loads of tech, and one of the best warranties in the industry. For 2025, it continues to impress with space, safety, and hybrid options.
- Seating: Five
- MPG: Up to 38 with hybrid
- Tech: Dual screen layout, wireless Apple CarPlay
- Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Starting price: Around 30,000
It is great for tech-focused drivers who also want value and comfort.
This product is best for families who want bold design and a long list of features.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek combines compact size with rugged personality. It is one of the few small SUVs with standard all-wheel drive and enough ground clearance for mild off-roading or winter driving.
- Seating: Five
- MPG: Up to 34
- Ground clearance: 8.7 inches
- Power: 152 or 182 horsepower
- Starting price: Around 28000
It is perfect for outdoor activities and unpredictable weather conditions.
Best for buyers who want all-season capability in a manageable size.
Best Hybrid Small SUVs
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 Hybrid builds on the strong foundation of the gas model with excellent fuel economy and electric assist that does not sacrifice cargo or power. It remains one of the most reliable hybrids available.
- MPG: Up to 41
- Power: 219 horsepower
- Drive: All-wheel drive standard
- Cargo: Over 37 cubic feet
- Starting price: Around 34000
You get excellent mileage and a trusted name.
This product is best for drivers who want long range and minimal fuel stops.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
This hybrid version of the Tucson brings quick acceleration, strong MPG, and all the features of the standard model. It feels peppy and smooth in daily use.
- MPG: Up to 38
- Power: 226 horsepower
- Drive: All-wheel drive standard
- Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Starting price: Around 34000
It is one of the best-value hybrid crossovers you can buy.
Best for tech lovers who want extra power and long-term warranty coverage.
Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Sportage Hybrid shares a platform with the Tucson but features different styling and interior layout. It delivers similar efficiency, excellent ride quality, and loads of safety tech.
- MPG: Up to 43
- Power: 227 horsepower
- Tech: Dual display cockpit
- Drive: All-wheel drive optional
- Starting price: Around 32000
It is practical, modern, and ideal for small families.
Best for buyers who want hybrid savings in a roomy, tech-rich SUV.
The best small SUVs for city drivers
Chevrolet Trax
The Trax returned in 2024 with a total redesign, and it is a hit with drivers who want an affordable small SUV with strong space and new tech. It remains a fantastic choice in 2025.
- MPG: Up to 32
- Seating: Five
- Cargo: Up to 54 cubic feet
- Price: Starts around 24000
It is easy to park, cheap to fuel, and surprisingly roomy.
Best for city drivers or first-time buyers who want SUV space on a sedan budget.
Nissan Kicks
The Kicks is a compact, nimble crossover with strong fuel efficiency and a low price. It does not offer all-wheel drive, but it is one of the easiest small SUVs to drive and maintain.
- MPG: Up to 36
- Tech: Apple CarPlay, automatic braking
- Starting price: Around 23000
It is ideal for light urban use and weekend errands.
Best for budget buyers who live in the city and do not need all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen Taos
The Taos combines sharp European style with a refined ride and plenty of cargo space. It is a small SUV that feels like a much larger vehicle inside.
- MPG: Up to 36
- Power: 158 horsepower
- Drive: Front or all-wheel
- Cargo: Over 65 cubic feet
- Starting price: Around 29000
It is one of the best highway cruisers in the compact class.
This vehicle is best for commuters who want comfort, cargo room, and efficient performance.
Final Thoughts: Which Small SUV Should You Buy in 2025?
Here is a quick guide based on what matters most to you:
- Best all-around choice: Honda CR-V
- Best style and quality: Mazda CX-5
- Best for fuel economy: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Best warranty coverage: Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage
- Best small SUV for snow or outdoors: Subaru Crosstrek
- Best budget pick: Chevrolet Trax or Nissan Kicks
- Best tech and cabin design: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
There has never been a better time to buy a small SUV. These models offer real versatility, excellent gas mileage, and modern features that make them feel more expensive than they are. Whether you are driving solo, hauling groceries, or packing up for a weekend away, these compact crossovers are ready for the road ahead.
