Compact crossover SUVs — like Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V — have grown into one of the most popular segments of the auto market. As the fuel economy and safety features in sport utility vehicles have improved in recent years, more and more car buyers have been opting for small SUVs over sedans and compact cars.
What is a compact crossover SUV, exactly?
A compact crossover SUV is a small sport utility vehicle that combines SUV features (like higher clearance and all-wheel or four-wheel drive) with sedan features (like a more compact size, smaller engine, easy handling, and fuel efficiency).
Most newer compact crossovers are small, safe, and fuel-efficient enough to serve as daily drivers in the city and suburbs, but they also boast decent clearance and AWD or 4WD, so they can double as capable weekenders for dirt-road camping, light snow driving, and general outdoor recreation.
Additionally, many compact crossover models now offer buyers a choice between a traditional and hybrid engine, and while the hybrid versions tend to be significantly more expensive, they can save drivers money on gas, especially during highway driving. And since most weekend getaways to remote areas begin with a long drive on a highway, this can be a big plus for those who plan to use their compact SUV for outdoor adventure.
Related: The 10 most reliable car brands in 2025 according to Consumer Reports
The 10 most popular compact crossover SUVs in the U.S. (2025)
In early June 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked the best-selling SUVs in the United States based on new cars sold by that point in 2025. The list below includes only the top 10 compact crossover SUVs from that list by units sold.
Toyota RAV4: 115,402Honda CR-V: 103,325Chevy Equinox: 81,331Tesla Model Y: 71,000Nissan Rogue: 62,102Chevrolet Trax: 59,021Hyundai Tucson: 54,973Subaru Forester: 49,865Subaru Crosstrek: 43,612 Kia Sportage: 41,301
Just because something is the most popular in its category, however, does not mean it’s the best (although the Toyota RAV4 is broadly considered to be an excellent compact SUV and has been extremely well regarded since it debuted in the 90s).
But where can car buyers look for unbiased information about performance and reliability? One great resource is Consumer Reports, a nonprofit agency that has been testing and reviewing products for almost a century.
What is Consumer Reports & how does it evaluate cars?
Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports is a nonprofit firm that advocates for shoppers buy buying and testing products — including cars. The agency buys cars anonymously and at full price to prevent any sort of tampering or preferential treatment from the brands it reviews, and its auto experts put them to the test at a private driving course and automotive evaluation facility in Connecticut.
Related: Consumer Reports: The product-testing nonprofit explained
Additionally, CR surveys its millions of members annually about their own cars. Members answer questions about any issues they’ve encountered, as well as any maintenance or repairs they’ve had to pay for as a result. And since CR has been collecting survey data for decades, it’s able to provide invaluable insights about how certain car models and model years tend to perform over time.
Reliability scores based on member survey data are combined with real-world testing results to provide a holistic picture of each vehicle’s reliability and performance.
What are the best new compact SUVs according to Consumer Reports?
Here are the top 10 highest-scoring compact crossover SUVs of 2025 based on Consumer Reports’ testing results and reliability data.
Subaru’s Forester, consistently earns high marks from Consumer Reports, and the 2025 model is no exception.
Subaru
Subaru Forester
2025 starting price: $29,995Overall MPG: 29
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 can be purchased with an all-gas engine or as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
2025 starting price: $44,265Overall MPG: 34
Honda’s CR-V can be purchased with an all-gas or hybrid engine.
Honda
Honda CR-V Hybrid
2025 starting price: $34,650Overall MPG: 35
The Lexus NX can be purchased with an all-gas engine or as a plug-in or traditional hybrid.
Lexus NX Hybrid
2025 starting price: $41,955Overall MPG: 38
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Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid
2025 starting price: $61,140Overall MPG: 35
The Hyundai Tucson is available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-gas models.
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
2025 starting price: $39,730Overall MPG: 31
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
2025 starting price: $39,730Overall MPG: 31
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2025 starting price: $28,850Overall MPG: 37
The rugged 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is known for its performance and value.
Subaru
Subaru Crosstrek
2025 starting price: $26,560Overall MPG: 29
The Kia Sportage also offers all-gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models.
Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid
2025 starting price: $39,890Overall MPG: 31
Related: Top 10 electric cars that aren’t Tesla, based on Consumer Reports data
