Don't automatically assume that compact SUVs are too entry level or too small for your wants and needs. The latest entries in this booming segment offer surprisingly spacious interiors with many of the same amenities found in the mid-size segment. Pricing for compact SUVs ranges from the low $20,000 level to more than $40K. If that exceeds your budget, it's worth considering subcompact crossovers , which are slightly smaller and more affordable. For all-around utility, however, compact crossovers have a great blend of size, capability, comfort, and utility, not to mention carlike refinement that makes them easy to drive every day.

The sheer number of choices in this category can feel overwhelming, so we've made it easy by ranking every compact SUV in the class from worst to first. Each entry includes the vehicle's starting price along with fuel-economy information to help guide your search. To see how each vehicle fared, just click through.