10 Compact SUVs With Roomy Interiors And Low Running Costs

The cost of owning an SUV goes well beyond the price of entry. After driving the vehicle off the lot and parking it in your garage, you have to think about the ownership costs like any potential repairs or maintenance along the way. Additionally, you have to think of how that SUV will serve you in the long run.

That means ensuring that it has all the interior room and cargo space you need to fit your family in comfortably, along with all their baggage, sports equipment, and other cargo. Finding this information out is important before you sign the contracts or drive the car off the lot. As such, we have gathered 10 of the roomiest compact SUVs that have the lowest running costs, so you don't have buyer's remorse after pulling the car into your driveway.

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In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information for vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please note that we have ranked the following models based on the least expensive running cost, to the most.

2025 Honda CR-V

Average Annual Repair Cost: $407

The Honda CR-V is a front-runner in the compact SUV category due to its versatility, affordability, and reputation for being reliable. The CR-V comes value-packed with all the amenities that most families need, including a well-appointed interior with plenty of technology and a fuel-efficient gas engine. A hybrid model is available as well for those who want to really go the distance.

Ownership Costs and Interior Space

The Honda CR-V has a relatively low projected cost of ownership with an annual average repair cost of $407. Additionally, there are only two reported recalls, which is a testament to its reliability. As for interior space, the CR-V has a little more interior space than others in its class, making it a great option for small families.

Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $407 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,367 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 2
Worst CR-V Year To Buy Used: 2011

Interior Dimensions

Front	Rear
Headroom	40 in	38.2 in
Shoulder Room	57.9 in	55.9 in
Hip Room	55.6 in	52.6 in
Legroom	41.3 in	41 in
Cargo Space	76.5 cu. ft.

2025 Toyota RAV4

Average Annual Repair Cost: $429

Toyota

The Toyota RAV4 has been a staple in the compact SUV market for decades, and we're sure it won't be going away any time soon. Buyers love the RAV4's versatility and off-road capability, which is backed up by its renowned reliability. As an added plus, the RAV4 has plenty of room for five despite its small proportions.

Ownership Costs and Interior Space

The Toyota RAV4 is cheap to own, costing an average of $429 per year to maintain. It also has zero recorded recalls, which shows that it is reliable as well. As for its interior dimensions, the RAV4 is a little smaller than rivals like the CR-V, but it's still spacious enough for small families and daily commuters.

Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $429 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,819 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 0
Worst RAV4 Year To Buy Used: 2019

Interior Dimensions

Front	Rear
Headroom	37.7 in	39.5 in
Shoulder Room	57.8 in	56.4 in
Hip Room	54.3 in	47.7 in
Legroom	41 in	37.8 in
Cargo Space	69.8 cubic feet

2025 Kia Sportage

Average Annual Repair Cost: $462

Link Image

The 2025 Kia Sportage does a great job of combining versatility and space with a modicum of style and performance. With only 187 horsepower on tap, the Sportage won't win any races, but it's an excellent little SUV to tote around a family and their stuff. Additionally, the Sportage can tow up to 2,500 pounds, which is enough power for more off-road toys.

Ownership Costs and Interior Space

The Kia Sportage has low projected annual repair costs and should cost less than $10,000 to maintain over the course of 10 years. Also, its interior dimensions are similar to rivals like the Toyota RAV4, which means it's compact, but spacious enough for most families.

Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $462 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,109 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 0
Worst ES Year To Buy Used: 2012

Interior Dimensions

Front	Rear
Headroom	37.8 in	38 in
Shoulder Room	57.5 in	55.6 in
Hip Room	54.8 in	53.4 in
Legroom	41.4 in	41.3 in
Cargo Space	74.1 cubic feet

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2025 Nissan Rogue

Average Annual Repair Cost: $467

Nissan USA

The Nissan Rogue sets itself apart from others in the class with its upscale interior and premium amenities that make it feel like it's from a class above. In addition to these features, the Rogue's boxy proportions make it feel a little larger than its rivals, making it ideal for small families. There are also plenty of storage cubbies and small places to store smaller items.

Ownership Costs and Interior Space

The Nissan Rogue has some pretty low ownership costs, only costing an average of $467 per year to maintain and around $7,712 for the first 10 years. Additionally, there is ample room for up to five passengers, or four full-size adults, since the middle rear seat is a little cramped.

Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $467 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,712 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 1
Worst Rogue Year To Buy Used: 2013

Interior Dimensions

Front	Rear
Headroom	41.1 in	39.2 in
Shoulder Room	57.1 in	55.9 in
Hip Room	54.1 in	53.4 in
Legroom	41.5 in	38.5 in
Cargo Space	74.1 cubic feet

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

Annual Average Repair Cost: $519

Mitsubishi

Compared with other SUVs in the class, the Mitsubishi Outlander isn't the first pick on everyone's minds, but it deserves some consideration. The Outlander provides a comfortable ride and superb seats, giving its occupants a complete package when it comes to being a spacious and enjoyable ride. It's also one of the smallest SUVs with the option for a third row.

Ownership Costs and Interior Space

The Outlander's interior space is a little smaller than its rivals, but the option for a third row is a saving grace. Additionally, it's relatively inexpensive to own, given its low annual maintenance repair costs. One thing to note is its high number of recalls, but fortunately, they can be repaired at no cost to the consumer.

Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $519 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,519 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 33
Worst Outlander Year To Buy Used: 2018

Interior Dimensions

Front	Rear
Headroom	39.1 in	37.4 in
Shoulder Room	57.9 in	55.9 in
Hip Room	54 in	53.3 in
Legroom	41.7 in	39.9 in
Cargo Room	64.3 cubic feet

2025 Lexus NX

Average Annual Repair Cost: $551

Lexus

A comfortable ride, plush seats, and a cabin filled with technology is what the Lexus NX is known for. That said, there's not much to complain about with the NX. However, while it is comfortable, the NX's interior isn't as spacious as some of its rivals, but it's roomy enough to fit four adults comfortably. It may be able to fit five if one person doesn't mind getting close to the other two in the rear seat.

Ownership Costs and Interior Space

The Lexus NX is affordable to repair for a luxury SUV, only costing an average of $551 on an annual basis. As for its interior space, although it's a little cramped compared with other luxury SUVs, the NX does have an impressive cargo area given its size.

Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $551 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,475 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 0
Worst NX Year To Buy Used: 2021

Interior Dimensions

Front	Rear
Headroom	37.1 in	38.1 in
Shoulder Room	56.3 in	54 in
Hip Room	56.3 in	52.5 in
Legroom	41 in	36.1 in
Cargo Space	46.9 cubic feet

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2025 GMC Terrain

Annual Average Repair Cost: $558

GMC

The GMC Terrain offers buyers a brawny option that outclasses other SUVs with its handsome and spacious interior. Its cabin has ample seating for five and all their stuff, thanks to a large cargo hold, and there are plenty of tech gadgets to keep the whole family informed and entertained.

Ownership Costs and Interior Space

Maintaining the GMC Terrain is affordable, given its near-luxury status. It can cost an average of $558 on an annual basis, which beats out other SUVs in the class. Additionally, the Terrain's boxy architecture makes it feel more spacious inside.

Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $558 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,904 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 0
Worst Terrain Year To Buy Used: 2011

Interior Dimensions

Front	Rear
Headroom	40 in	39.2 in
Shoulder Room	57.7 in	55.7 in
Hip Room	55.2 in	50.8
Legroom	40.6 in	39.2 in
Cargo Space	63.5 cubic feet

2025 Buick Envista

Average Annual Repair Cost: $608

Lyndon Conrad Bell - photo

The Buick Envista is a sleek and sporty-looking SUV with a plush and spacious interior. Inside, you'll find a cabin that's roomy enough for four and full of tech gadgetry and convenience features. The interior itself has a handsome and thoughtful layout that's easy to get used to.

Ownership Costs and Interior Space

The Buick Envista is a relatively new vehicle, so there aren't many recalls for it. Also, its projected annual repair cost is low compared with other luxury SUVs in its class. As for its interior space, while the Envista has enough room for four adults, its cargo area is rather small.

Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $608 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,814 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 1

Interior Dimensions

Front	Rear
Headroom	39.4 in	37.3 in
Shoulder Room	56 in	54.5 in
Hip Room	52.3 in	45.8 in
Legroom	41.9 in	38.7 in
Cargo Room	42 cubic feet

2025 Subaru Forester

Annual Average Repair Cost: $632

Subaru

The Subaru Forester was redesigned for the 2025 model, which includes a new look inside and out. However, it's still just as roomy as ever with its large front and rear seat areas that provide ample headroom for its occupants. Additionally, the Forester has an impressive amount of cargo space, given its relatively compact size.

Ownership Costs and Interior Space

The Forester is one of the most expensive SUVs on this list to maintain, but it's still affordable compared with other vehicles in its class. Additionally, its interior space and overall versatility make every penny worth it.

Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $632 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,337 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 0
Worst ES Year To Buy Used: 2014

Interior Dimensions

Front	Rear
Headroom	41.2 in	39.6 in
Shoulder Room	57.7 in	56.7 in
Hip Room	Unpublished	Unpublished
Leg Room	43.3 in	39.4 in
Cargo Room	74.4 cubic feet

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2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

Annual Average Repair Cost: $730

Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Tiguan offers buyers a more buttoned-down experience compared to its rivals. Inside the Tiguan is a well-appointed cabin filled with premium materials and an impeccable fit and finish. It even has an exciting turbocharged engine that gives drivers an engaging experience.

Ownership Costs and Interior Space

The Volkswagen Tiguan costs the most to repair on an annual basis, but that could be partially due to its more expensive parts. Additionally, dealerships typically charge more for labor, so that's something to account for. In terms of cargo space, the Tiguan is among the best in its class and it's also one of the few SUVs in the segment to offer a third row.