Top 10 Compact SUVs 2022 — Best Overall + Best Value

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For the 2022 model year, the Toyota RAV4 is our Best Overall compact SUV — it pairs class-leading resale value, a strong hybrid option, standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, and the deepest dealer network in America, all starting around $26,975. Our Best Value pick is the redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson, which undercuts most rivals on price while adding a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and standard hybrid and plug-in hybrid choices, starting at $25,350.

The ten vehicles below each win on a specific need — maximum cargo, lowest fuel cost, plug-in range, or trail capability.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted six categories using published 2022 model-year data from Edmunds, Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Kelley Blue Book, U.S. News, the IIHS, and the EPA:

• Reliability and ownership cost — 25%: projected dependability, warranty terms, and resale value.
• Safety — 20%: IIHS Top Safety Pick / Top Safety Pick+ status and NHTSA crash scores.
• Efficiency and powertrain — 20%: EPA combined MPG, hybrid and PHEV availability, electric range, and horsepower.
• Cargo and comfort — 15%: cubic feet behind the rear seats and with seats folded, plus rear-seat room.
• Tech and value — 10%: standard driver aids, infotainment, and feature content for the money.
• Price-to-performance — 10%: starting MSRP measured against what the vehicle delivers.

Prices are 2022 starting MSRP and exclude destination unless noted; all specs are for the 2022 model year only.

1. Toyota RAV4 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $26,975 | Best for: Buyers who want the safest long-term bet

The 2022 RAV4 runs a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired to an 8-speed automatic, with front- or all-wheel drive; gas AWD models are EPA-rated up to 27 city / 34 highway / 30 combined MPG. The RAV4 Hybrid lifts that to roughly 41/38/40 MPG with standard AWD and 219 combined horsepower, and there is 37.6 cu ft of cargo behind the rear seats (20.7 cu ft on the hybrid behind its seat) expanding to about 69.8 cu ft folded.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 is standard, and the RAV4 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick when fitted with the upgraded headlights. Resale value is among the best in the entire segment.

Pros:

• Outstanding resale value and proven reliability
• Efficient, widely available hybrid powertrain
• Standard advanced safety suite (TSS 2.5)
• Largest dealer and service network of any rival

Cons:

• Cabin materials trail Mazda and Volkswagen on plushness.
• Base four-cylinder is noisy under hard acceleration.

Verdict: The RAV4 does nothing poorly and most things very well, which is exactly why it is the default smart buy in 2022.

2. Honda CR-V 💎 BEST VALUE runner-up

Starting MSRP: $26,400 | Best for: Families who prioritize interior and cargo room

The 2022 CR-V uses a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo-four with a CVT and FWD or AWD, returning about 28 city / 34 highway MPG in front-drive form. It is a packaging champion: 39.3 cu ft of cargo behind the rear seats opens to roughly 75.8 cu ft with them folded, and the back seat is among the roomiest in the class.

The Honda Sensing driver-aid bundle is standard, and the CR-V was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2022. A CR-V Hybrid is also offered for buyers chasing better fuel economy.

Pros:

• Class-leading cargo and rear-seat space
• Refined ride and easy-to-use controls
• Standard Honda Sensing safety suite

Cons:

• Turbo engine feels strained when fully loaded.
• Touchscreen graphics look dated next to newer rivals.

Verdict: If interior space tops your list, the CR-V is the most practical compact SUV you can buy in 2022.

3. Hyundai Tucson 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $25,350 | Best for: Shoppers who want the most equipment for the least money

The fully redesigned fourth-generation 2022 Tucson is the standout value play. Its standard 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder pairs with an 8-speed automatic; a Tucson Hybrid delivers 226 combined hp at about 37 MPG combined, and the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid makes an estimated 261 hp with 33 miles of electric range.

Cargo space is generous for the class at roughly 38.7 cu ft behind the rear seats. Hyundai backs it with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty plus free scheduled maintenance, and the Tucson earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick with the right headlights.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price with hybrid and PHEV options
• Best-in-class warranty plus free maintenance
• Striking design and roomy, tech-rich cabin
• Strong standard driver-assistance content

Cons:

• Touch-capacitive climate controls take time to learn.
• Base engine and transmission are merely adequate.

Verdict: No 2022 compact SUV gives you more car, coverage, and choice for the dollar than the Tucson.

4. Mazda CX-5

Starting MSRP: $26,700 | Best for: Drivers who care most about how it drives

The 2022 CX-5 is the enthusiast's pick. Its standard 187-hp 2.5-liter four returns about 24 city / 30 highway MPG, while the available 256-hp turbo (on premium fuel) makes it one of the quickest entries here, and i-Activ AWD is standard on every trim for 2022. Cargo room is the trade-off at 29.1 cu ft behind the rear seats and 59.3 cu ft folded.

The interior punches well above its price on materials, and the CX-5 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ — the highest award — for 2022.

Pros:

• Sharpest handling and steering in the class
• Genuinely premium-feeling cabin
• Standard all-wheel drive and Top Safety Pick+

Cons:

• Smallest cargo hold among the top contenders.
• No hybrid option, so fuel economy lags leaders.

Verdict: Pick the CX-5 if driving enjoyment and cabin quality outrank outright space.

5. Subaru Forester

Starting MSRP: $25,195 | Best for: All-weather drivers and outdoor buyers

The 2022 Forester pairs a 182-hp 2.5-liter boxer four with a CVT and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, returning up to 26 city / 33 highway MPG and offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Practicality is a strength: about 28.9 cu ft behind the rear seats and up to 74.4 cu ft folded, plus excellent outward visibility.

EyeSight driver assistance is standard, and the Forester earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2022.

Pros:

• Standard AWD and high ground clearance
• Excellent visibility and easy cabin access
• Top Safety Pick+ with standard EyeSight

Cons:

• Modest acceleration from the base boxer engine.
• Interior styling is plain compared with rivals.

Verdict: For snow, gravel, and weekend adventures, the all-wheel-drive Forester is hard to beat at this price.

6. Toyota RAV4 Prime

Starting MSRP: $40,300 | Best for: Plug-in buyers who want range and speed

The 2022 RAV4 Prime is the performance and efficiency halo of the lineup. Its plug-in hybrid system makes a combined 302 horsepower with standard AWD, hits 60 mph in well under 6 seconds, and delivers an EPA-rated 42 miles of all-electric range plus 94 MPGe; run dry, it still averages about 38 MPG as a hybrid.

It keeps the RAV4's practicality and safety credentials, and federal and state incentives could meaningfully cut the effective price in 2022.

Pros:

• Quickest RAV4 ever, with 302 combined hp
• 42 miles of usable electric range
• Strong efficiency plus tax-incentive eligibility

Cons:

• Highest starting price in this group.
• Limited availability made it hard to find at MSRP.

Verdict: If you can plug in, the Prime is the most compelling compact SUV here for daily electric driving and weekend power.

7. Nissan Rogue

Starting MSRP: $27,150 | Best for: Buyers wanting efficiency and a roomy cabin

Refreshed with an all-new 201-hp 1.5-liter VC-Turbo three-cylinder for 2022, the Rogue pairs that engine with a CVT and returns up to 30 city / 37 highway MPG in front-drive form — among the best for a non-hybrid here. Cargo runs about 36.5 cu ft behind the rear seats and 74.1 cu ft folded, and the rear doors open nearly 90 degrees for easy loading.

ProPILOT Assist is available, and the Rogue earned strong crash scores for 2022.

Pros:

• Class-leading non-hybrid fuel economy
• Flexible cargo area and wide-opening doors
• Upscale interior on higher trims

Cons:

• Three-cylinder engine can sound coarse.
• Top trims climb quickly in price.

Verdict: A smart all-around choice when you want frugal running costs without committing to a hybrid.

8. Ford Bronco Sport

Starting MSRP: $28,310 | Best for: Off-road and outdoor weekend drivers

The 2022 Bronco Sport brings genuine trail capability with standard all-wheel drive across the lineup. The base 181-hp 1.5-liter turbo-three returns about 25 city / 28 highway MPG, while the Badlands trim's 250-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four adds serious capability at roughly 21/26 MPG.

Its boxy shape yields a useful 32.5 to 65.2 cu ft of cargo and excellent headroom, and the Bronco Sport earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2022.

Pros:

• Standard AWD with real off-road hardware
• Boxy, versatile cargo and roof design
• Top Safety Pick+ safety rating

Cons:

• Firmer ride than car-based rivals.
• Fuel economy trails the class on the turbo-four.

Verdict: The most adventure-ready pick here, ideal for buyers who actually leave the pavement.

9. Kia Sportage

Starting MSRP: $24,090 | Best for: Bargain hunters wanting strong warranty coverage

The 2022 Sportage is the outgoing pre-redesign model, which makes it one of the cheapest ways into a well-equipped compact SUV. It runs a 181-hp 2.4-liter four (a 240-hp turbo is offered on the SX) with FWD or AWD and returns about 23 city / 30 highway MPG. Cargo measures roughly 30.7 cu ft behind the rear seats and 60.1 cu ft folded.

Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and generous standard features remain key draws.

Pros:

• Lowest starting price in this guide
• 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Simple, user-friendly controls

Cons:

• Older platform feels dated next to redesigned rivals.
• No hybrid option for the 2022 model year.

Verdict: A value-first choice for buyers who want long warranty coverage and a low price over the latest tech.

10. Chevrolet Equinox

Starting MSRP: $25,800 | Best for: Domestic-brand shoppers wanting a quiet commuter

The 2022 Equinox keeps things simple with a 170-hp 1.5-liter turbo-four, a 6-speed automatic, and FWD or AWD, returning about 26 city / 31 highway MPG. Cargo space is competitive at roughly 29.9 cu ft behind the rear seats and 63.9 cu ft folded, and the ride is quiet and composed.

Chevy Safety Assist became standard for 2022, adding automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist across the lineup.

Pros:

• Quiet, comfortable highway ride
• Standard Chevy Safety Assist driver aids
• Approachable pricing and easy controls

Cons:

• Least powerful engine in this group.
• Dated 6-speed automatic versus rivals' newer gearboxes.

Verdict: A no-drama, value-priced commuter that rounds out the top 10 for domestic-brand loyalists.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Compact SUV

• Total cost of ownership, not just MSRP: factor in projected resale value, insurance, and warranty length — a cheaper sticker can cost more over five years.
• Hybrid math: a hybrid premium of a few thousand dollars often pays back within ownership if you drive a lot; if you mostly take short trips, the gas model may be the smarter buy.
• Real cargo numbers: compare both "behind the rear seats" and "seats folded" figures, since marketing often quotes only the larger number.
• Safety verification: confirm the specific trim and headlight package earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick, since awards often apply only to certain configurations.
• AWD reality: standard AWD (Forester, Bronco Sport, every CX-5 for 2022) helps in snow but adds weight and cuts fuel economy; many mild-climate buyers do fine with FWD.
• What matters less than marketing implies: raw horsepower and giant touchscreens dominate ads, but for most compact-SUV owners, reliability, real-world MPG, and rear-seat and cargo space drive day-to-day satisfaction far more than peak power figures.

FAQ

What is the best overall compact SUV for 2022? The Toyota RAV4 takes the top spot for its blend of resale value, available efficient hybrid, standard safety tech, and unmatched service network, making it the lowest-risk choice for most buyers.

Which 2022 compact SUV is the best value? The redesigned Hyundai Tucson, starting near $25,350 with available hybrid and plug-in powertrains and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, delivers the most content and coverage per dollar.

Which 2022 compact SUV has the most cargo space? The Honda CR-V leads the mainstream pack with about 39.3 cu ft behind the rear seats and roughly 75.8 cu ft with them folded, and the Subaru Forester is close behind at up to 74.4 cu ft.

Which 2022 compact SUV is most fuel efficient? For pure electric running, the RAV4 Prime offers 42 miles of electric range and 94 MPGe; among gas hybrids the RAV4 Hybrid leads near 40 MPG combined, and the Nissan Rogue tops the non-hybrids around 30 combined.

Do I really need all-wheel drive on a compact SUV? Only if you regularly face snow, ice, or unpaved roads — AWD adds traction but reduces fuel economy and raises price, and front-wheel drive with good tires is sufficient for most mild-climate drivers.

Which 2022 compact SUVs earned the top IIHS safety award? The Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and Ford Bronco Sport earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2022, while the RAV4, CR-V, and Tucson earned Top Safety Pick with the proper headlight packages.

Bottom Line

The 2022 compact SUV class is deep enough that almost every shopper can find a strong match. The Toyota RAV4 earns Best Overall for its low-risk mix of resale value, efficient hybrid, and safety, while the Hyundai Tucson wins Best Value with its low price, hybrid and PHEV options, and class-leading warranty.

Want maximum space? The Honda CR-V. Driving enjoyment?

The Mazda CX-5. All-weather and trail use? The Subaru Forester or Ford Bronco Sport.

Plug-in performance? The RAV4 Prime. Match the vehicle to how you actually drive, verify the exact trim's safety rating, and weigh five-year ownership cost over the sticker price, and any pick on this list will serve you well.

Sources

• Edmunds — 2022 Toyota RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, and RAV4 Prime specs and MPG data
• Car and Driver — 2022 Hyundai Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Plug-in Hybrid reviews and horsepower figures
• Kelley Blue Book — 2022 Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Bronco Sport pricing and specifications
• MotorTrend — 2022 compact SUV powertrain and performance comparisons
• U.S. News & World Report — 2022 Nissan Rogue and Chevrolet Equinox reviews and rankings
• IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) — 2022 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ award listings
• EPA / fueleconomy.gov — 2022 EPA combined MPG, MPGe, and electric-range ratings
• Cars.com — 2022 Subaru Forester and Kia Sportage specs, cargo, and pricing
• Consumer Reports — 2022 Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson reliability overviews
• Nissan USA media — 2022 Rogue 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine specifications

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