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2025’s Top Compact SUVs Ranked: Best Picks for Every Driver

2025 Compact SUV Comparison: 7 Top Models Tested Head-to-Head | MotorVero

2025 Compact SUV Showdown: 7 Top Models Tested Head-to-Head

best compact SUV 2025

🏆 Overall Winner: 2025 Nissan Rogue Platinum

Scoring 738/975 points, the Rogue claimed its third consecutive victory with premium comfort, cutting-edge tech, and best-in-class interior quality.

Nissan Note 1.2E Image
Nissan Note 1.2E

$15650

electric

73215 mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)

Tesla Model X 75D AWD Image
Tesla Model X 75D AWD

$48000

electric

18036 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)

2022 Lexus ES 350 Image
2022 Lexus ES 350

$36888

Gas

25516 mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)

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Testing Methodology

Our expert panel evaluated these 7 compact SUVs across 12 key categories:

Driving Performance: Powertrain, braking, handling
Comfort: Front/rear seating, ride quality, quietness
Utility: Cargo space, in-cabin storage
Technology: UI, infotainment, driver assists
Value: Features vs price
Efficiency: Real-world MPG testing

The Contenders

#1 - 738 Points

2025 Nissan Rogue Platinum AWD


Price: $48,330
MPG: 30.8 (5th)
Powertrain: 201HP 1.5L Turbo-3
CVT
Cargo: 18.5 cu ft (4th)
Car Seat: 30/30

Strengths

  • Best interior quality in class
  • Most comfortable seats (front & rear)
  • ProPilot Assist 2.1 hands-free driving
  • Premium quilted leather appointments
  • --TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Weaknesses

  • Highest as-tested price
  • Unintuitive gear selector
  • Google OS infotainment quirks
#2 - 716 Points

2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD


Price: $42,495
MPG: 36.5 (2nd)
Powertrain: 204HP Hybrid
e-CVT
Cargo: 20.2 cu ft (2nd)
Car Seat: 18/30

Strengths

  • Excellent ride/handling balance
  • Spacious, comfortable cabin
  • Intuitive button-heavy interface
  • Near-class-leading 36.5 MPG

Weaknesses

  • Dated-looking tech displays
  • Mediocre hybrid brake feel
  • Dim instrument panel

Key Category Winners

Category Winner Notable Performance
Fuel Economy RAV4 Hybrid (37.9 MPG) Proves Toyota's hybrid mastery
Cargo Space Tucson Hybrid (21.8 cu ft) 1.6 cu ft > CR-V
Handling CX-5 Turbo (26/30) Mazda's sports car DNA shines
Interior Quality Rogue (27/30) Quilted leather feels luxury-grade
Value Tucson Hybrid (102/120) Premium features at mid-range price

2019 Acura ILX FWD Image
2019 Acura ILX FWD

$21000

Gas

53000 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)

2023 Acura MDX Image
2023 Acura MDX

$48995

Gas

19096 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)

Mercedes Benz EQE Image
Mercedes Benz EQE

$102310

electric

12 mi mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)

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Surprising Findings

Hybrid Dominance: Top 3 fuel economy spots went to hybrids, with gas models averaging 29.2 MPG vs hybrids' 36.0 MPG
Price Spread: $10,400 gap between cheapest (Forester $37,930) and most expensive (Rogue $48,330)
Cargo Variability: Tucson's 21.8 cu ft beats Forester's 16.5 cu ft by 32% - significant for class

Who Should Buy What?

Family Focused

CR-V Hybrid: Spacious, efficient, and comfortable for daily kid-hauling

Tech Enthusiasts

Rogue Platinum: ProPilot Assist 2.1 and premium infotainment

Budget Conscious

Forester Sport: Lowest price with standard AWD and great visibility

Driving Enthusiasts

CX-5 Turbo: Most engaging dynamics despite aging platform

The Bottom Line

The 2025 compact SUV segment offers something for every buyer, but our testing revealed clear standouts:

  • Overall Best: Nissan Rogue Platinum - if you can stomach the price
  • Hybrid Value: Honda CR-V Sport Touring - nearly as good for $5,835 less
  • Efficiency King: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - but suffers in refinement
  • Budget Pick: Subaru Forester - basic but competent

With most models offering strong safety tech and AWD availability, your decision should hinge on priorities: premium comfort (Rogue), efficiency (CR-V Hybrid), driving fun (CX-5), or value (Forester).

--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

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Motorveroben

Last Updated On May, 29-2025

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