Best Small SUVs | 2026 Compact Crossovers Rated | CarBuzzIf the 2020s are going to be defined by one body style, it's the humble small SUV. Automakers are locked into a battle for the high-riding hatchback, and almost every volume manufacturer is offering at least one. The blend of a high-riding SUV body and smaller urban-friendly dimensions have made them some of the most popular vehicles on the road today. Of course, their low price doesn't hurt either.There hasn't ever been more choice for consumers for which one they prefer, with each model offering something different. Now, in 2026, there are multiple electric cars occupying spaces on our mini-SUVs list with the high body being great for stuffing batteries underneath the passengers. To help you figure out which is best, we've put the top-rated small SUVs in this handy list.Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.Only mainstream subcompact and compact crossovers and SUVs have been considered for this list. Nissan Leaf The Nissan Leaf is one of the best small SUVs released in a while, and it shows that cheaper electric cars are possible. Before any offers or subsidies, this best-rated small SUV slips in at under $30k, and its blend of features and value made it our Car of the Year for 2026. While the previous generation Leaf felt more like a proof of concept, this is a complete product with a range of over 300 miles and features like a Bose stereo system. "Nissan didn't make this car particularly sporty, but the low center of gravity contributes to decent road holding, and smooth but relaxed power delivery makes the Leaf feel eager to gain speed. It's a pleasant commuter that can be fun-ish when you want, and it's not too loud on the highway if you want to take a road trip."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz Chevrolet Blazer The current 2026 Chevy Blazer is a handsome small SUV lots of space and features. The max cargo volume is rated at 64.2 cubic feet, more than you'd expect from a car like this, and there are lots of standard safety features for peace of mind. The base 2.0L four-cylinder is perfectly balanced, but those who want a bit more oomph can choose the 3.6L V6 with 308 horsepower. The interior also feels premium with a large screen that features buttons and dials for the HVAC controls. Small SUVs aren't always this handsome. Hyundai Ioniq 5 Hyundai has been killing it recently with their range of electric vehicles, and the Ioniq 5 has become a fan favorite. Its shape and design makes it look smaller than it really is, and the small pixelated elements mean it has more personality than other electric vehicles. Starting at just $35k, this small SUV gets up to 318 miles of range, and if you're into off-roading, the optional XRT package is a great choice. That ups the ground clearance and gives you all-terrain tires. Kia Seltos The Kia Seltos is one of the cheapest small SUVs on sale, and it's the definition of everything you need, nothing you don't. The base 147-hp engine might not sound like much, but it's enough if you're going through the city to work, and those who want to go a bit quicker can choose the 190-hp option. Even on the base $24k trim, you find wireless CarPlay, a rear A/C vent and even remote keyless entry. AWD is available, too. This is the best small SUV for value for money. Nissan Kicks The Nissan Kicks is one of the smallest SUV models on our list, and we love its exterior design that's quirky without being in your face. The only option for power is a 141-hp 2.0L four-cylinder, but you won't mind that when the car is small enough to squeeze through the city. Performance also comes smoothly through a CVT system that promises quick torque. The cheapest S FWD trim might not be very well-equipped, but spend a little more and you get features like optional Bose speakers, a 360-degree camera and even 19-inch wheels. Mazda CX-50 Slipping in at just under $30k, the Mazda CX-50 stands out on small SUV rankings thanks to standard AWD and lots of adventure-ready features. Towing capacity sits at a great 3,500 lbs, and the accessories are aplenty, like crossbars or even pop-up tents. There's even a hybrid powertrain option which promises a 551-mile range and comes standard with a panoramic roof. The hybrid powertrain also gets you 38 miles per gallon, meaning it'll save you money in the long term. Toyota Corolla Cross Toyota are great at making mass-volume cars that can appeal to many customers. The Corolla Cross is one of the smallest SUVs the company makes, and it can be had in either gas-only or hybrid form. While the hybrid may cost $4k extra at purchase, it'll pay for itself over time with fuel savings and an MPG rating of over 40. Like other small SUVs at this price point, the back seat may be snug, and the interior might be bland at the base level, but this is a comfortable and reliable commuter. Subaru Forester You know what a Subaru SUV is all about. This brand prioritizes ruggedness and a mountain goat-like capability through raised ground clearance and legendary AWD. At the base Forester level, you get a massive 74.34 cubic feet of space in the back, a 180-hp engine and lots of features that keep you going on the trail. The interior might not be anything to shout about, but it's strong and can put up with dogs and children. In a small SUV comparison, this car may come out on top for off-road capability. Kia Niro The Kia Niro puts efficiency above all else, and that's why the base trim comes standard with a hybrid powertrain. If you want more electrical assistance, there's also a PHEV systema and an all-electric version that has a range of 253 miles. This car's a great option if you need something comfortable to get to the office but want to carry passengers semi-regularly. That's because even the base hybrid gets over 50 mpg in the city, and there's almost 40 inches of legroom in the back. Honda HR-V A slightly forgotten-about choice in this competitive segment is the Honda HR-V. It's a stylish choice inside and out, and with wireless CarPlay, wireless charging, and adaptive cruise, it's pretty well-equipped from the base trim too. Unfortunately, it doesn't feature a hybrid powertrain like some competitors, but the 158-hp 2.0L engine gets almost 30 MPG combined and has a slice of Honda's legendary reliability. Characteristics Of Subcompact And Compact SUVs There is definitely no shortage of brands and nameplates within the segment, but while variety may be the spice of life, there are still many similarities binding all the models together. These are the qualities that set subcompact and compact SUVs apart from other classifications: Size: Smaller SUVs are as easy to drive as many sedans and hatchbacks, but typically offer more interior space. Practicality: Due to their vertical construction, crossover SUVs have more space for passengers and cargo on the inside. They also offer easier ingress and egress and quicker loading thanks to their raised height. Folding seats and smart internal storage solutions are common, too. Safety: Automotive safety standards have never been higher, and small SUVs are no exception. Even the cheapest models come standard with several driver-assistance features. Price: Naturally, there are some pricier luxury brands in this segment, but the majority of small crossovers are remarkably affordable. Subcompacts are even cheaper, but many see compact SUVs as the entry point to family-oriented transportation, so they need to be accessible to a large portion of the market. What To Consider Before Buying A Small SUV While small SUV models may be relatively affordable in the larger context of the automotive industry, any new car is still a big purchase decision. This is why it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons, as no vehicle is perfect. Pros The fundamental nature of their construction makes crossovers highly practical vehicles, even in their smaller configurations. Their small dimensions also make compact SUVs highly maneuverable and easy to manage around busy city streets. Smaller crossovers generally have pleasing on-road manners as they're not designed for harsh off-roading conditions. Smaller cars are naturally more affordable than their larger ilk, but compact crossovers are often specifically targeted towards first-time buyers or small families on a tight budget. Cons Even small SUVs don’t have the best gas mileage when compared to a sedan or hatchback, so expect slightly higher ownership costs. Less trunk and rear-seat space than larger SUVs. Smaller cars can’t really venture off-road like their larger, more capable siblings, and their towing capacity is usually quite low, too. What is the cheapest small SUV? There are plenty of top-rated small SUVs that come in under the $30k mark, and many of them cost less than $20k when used. Some of the cheapest when bought new include the Chevrolet Blazer, Honda HR-V, and Nissan Kicks. Each comes in at around $25,000, yet score highly in our compact SUV ratings. What is the best compact SUV? The Nissan Leaf currently ranks as the best small SUVs we've tested. Are crossovers better than SUVs? The distinction between these two types of vehicles has become blurred these days, with many people using the two terms interchangeably. SUVs are traditionally body-on-frame vehicles, whereas crossovers are unibody. This means that the latter is more comfortable on the road. However, SUVs are more capable off-road and more rugged in general. Crossovers are also generally smaller and more city-friendly. To say one is better than the other would largely depend on your needs.Sources: Mazda, Honda, Toyota, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru