The world of compact SUVs has grown to include nearly every automaker in the world. If they make vehicles, an SUV in this class is part of the mix. When you’re looking for a vehicle that meets your driving needs while giving you more than you might find in other models, you’re narrowing your search.
For some, you’ll want to head to the highest trims for more power, others for more tech, and still others for improved comfort. No matter which one of these SUVs you drive, you’ll know you’ve found a vehicle that gives you more of what you desire.
2022 Kia Sportage
The SX Turbo is the top model of the Kia Sportage, giving you more power and class than the other trim levels. As the name suggests, the Sportage is sportier than most other models in this class, giving you a better feeling when you drive. You’ll enjoy the performance and power offered when on the road.
The SX Turbo model reaches $35,250, but that gives you the benefits of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Very few SUVs in this class can reach that level.
2022 Chevy Equinox
If you’re looking for one of the compact SUVs that provide more comfort than others, the Chevy Equinox is a fantastic choice. At the Premier trim, you’ll find tow-tone leather upholstery, an impressive array of electronics, and a smooth rode. This SUV can bring you the pleasure cruise you want to enjoy.
Pricing for the Premier trim begins at $32,195 and can increase depending on what you add to this SUV. Unfortunately, selecting the top trim doesn’t bring you a more powerful engine in the Chevy Equinox.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
This is the SUV you want to drive when you’re looking for sporty dynamics and impressive technology at a reasonable price. The top trim level for the Mitsubishi Outlander is the GT trim, which adds more sporty dynamics to the build of this SUV. You can easily have fun and performance on the road when you drive this SUV.
The GT model of the Outlander reaches $35,345 with all the added features, including AWD.
2022 Ford Escape
There are more powertrain options in the Ford Escape than in most compact SUVs in the market. This vehicle gives you three impressive choices for what you put under the hood, including a hybrid system. The Titanium trim is the top model, which brings a fancier interior area and upgraded electronics. The Escape has a sliding second-row seat, providing versatile cargo and passenger space.
If you want to drive the Titanium version of the Escape, you will pay as much as $35,890 to do so.
2022 Hyundai Tucson
For years, the Hyundai Tucson has been one of the most approachable, straightforward, and quality-built SUVs in the market. When you get behind the wheel of this vehicle, you know what you’re getting. Packed with a slew of standard features, you might not need to go to the top model, but if you do, the Limited trim is what you’ll be driving. This trim offers items you won’t see in other models, for example, a rear liftgate that opens without the need to wave your foot under the bumper.
To enjoy all that the Limited trim can offer, you’ll pay up to $36,500 for your Tucson.
2022 Toyota RAV4
Not many of the compact SUVs on this list or in the market as a whole offer a trim that focuses on off-road driving. The Toyota RAV4 does give you a TRD Off-Road model that can do just that. While that trim is impressive, the XLE trim is the top model you can find. With the XLE model, you’ll have more comfort and convenience features than at any other trim of this Toyota.
Buying the XLE trim of the RAV4 could cost as much as $36,465, but you’ll have an excellent, rugged, comfortable SUV to drive.
2022 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is the sportiest, highest-quality SUV in this class. You can’t argue with the premium materials in the cabin or the dynamic performance found during a drive. The exterior style blows you away and makes you want to get in and drive. If you’re heading to the top trim level of this Mazda, that will be the Turbo Signature trim.
The Turbo Signature trim starts at $37,505 and goes up from there, making this one of the most expensive SUVs on this list.
2022 Nissan Rogue
For the 2022 model year, Nissan added a ton of style and quality to the Rogue to give us more of what we love about this SUV. The interior is packed with features and gives you two-tone leather at the top, Platinum trim. You’ll love the Nissan Safety Shield 360 package and the increased autonomy of the ProPilot Assist system.
The Platinum model of the Nissan Rogue starts at $36,480, giving you a ton of equipment you’ll want during every drive.
2022 Subaru Forester
If you don’t want to check options boxes for AWD and desire an SUV that can take you out in the wilderness, the Subaru Forester is vehicle you should drive. This is the only one of the compact SUVs with standard AWD and a flat boxer engine to offer a lower center of gravity. You’ll feel the difference when you’re behind the wheel of the top Touring model of the Forester.
There’s a lot to love in the Touring trim, but you’ll pay $36,420 to start with when you select this version of the Forester.
2022 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V tops nearly every list when it comes to compact SUVs. This vehicle is the right size, it’s comfortable to ride in, and it gives you the efficiency needed to make it affordable. If you want everything the CR-V offers, the Touring trim with the Black Edition package is what you want. This model gives you a full package of amazing features and a dynamic exterior style.
The Touring trim starts at $36,200 and increases when you add the Black Edition package to the Honda CR-V.
When you want to drive a top-level compact SUV and want it to be the most affordable in the class, the Chevy Equinox is the vehicle you’ll want to take home. Head over to your local Chevrolet dealer and see what it has to offer.
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