Are you on the lookout for the compact SUV? Well, first thing to take note of would be what exactly falls under the compact Suv category. The SUVs available in the market basically come in three different categories, primarily compact, midsize and then, full size. Each of them may further be classified under other numerous features like engine type, interiors, and price brackets.
Compact SUV’s are basically the smallest of the lot. They make very ideal vehicles for family transport and such related matters. While the market consists of a pretty large number of compact Suv’s, picking the right one among the lot can be a rather daunting task. Then there are many other things to look into before you can buy the vehicle of your choice. However, a list of the 10 best compact Suv’s can actually be a very good idea considering that it narrows down the search segment for an interested buyer. Choosing the right SUV thus becomes a little easier. So a list of the best compact Suv’s for 2017 is detailed below.
Top 10 Rated Small SUVs Comparison List
- Honda CR-V
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Kia Sportage
- Subaru Forester
- Nissan Dualis
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Subaru XV
- Suzuki Grand Vitara 2017
- Holden Captiva
- Nissan X-Trail
- Honda CR-V 2017
The Honda CR-V is an excellent choice for many buyers. In fact, the past 20 years has seen roughly about 5.5 million units or so of this compact Suvs on the roads. The latest make of this car comes with two options for buyers, a two wheel drive or a four wheel drive. The two wheel drive version is obviously priced a fair bit lower in this case. Similarly, the power supply of the two different versions of this vehicle also varies greatly. This stands at 2.0-litre, 114kW four cylinders for the two wheel drive, and a 2.4-litre, 140kW for the 4 wheel version. This line of cars has maintained a rather orthodox approach, and hasn’t really changed much. Instead, they have chosen to improve on the existing features that make it a popular pick. However, it does lose out to many of its competitors with respect to fuel efficiency and carbon footprint ratings.
- Mitsubishi Outlander 2017
Very unlike the previously mentioned Honda CV-R, the Outlander has undergone serious changes in its line since 2012. People’s opinions on this vehicle is definitely on the mixed part of things, but it still does manage to feature among the 10 best compact Suv’s in the list. There are certain drawbacks, which if taken care of could lead to this car becoming a top notch product in the Australian markets. One the basic problems are reports of poor driving experience that this car offers. There is also an all wheel drive model, which comes with a turbo diesel V6 engine and gives great fuel efficiency. However, it is priced over $50,000 and that can be a massive drawback for many.
- Kia Sportage 2017
The Kia Sportage comes under $27,000 for a 2 liter 181hp engine. This is also a good option to consider for many buyers. One must note that the handling of this car is pretty loose and hence, may not really appeal to some. You can also improve on this by splashing some extra cash for punchy 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine ($35,490) or else, the more refined, flexible and direct injection 2.4 petrol engine ($32,490).
- Subaru Forester
The Forester has actually been a successful venture for Subaru. It does not offer a two wheel drive option, so buyers need to pay attention to this. It is believed that this car is a little less compact compared to the other cars in the category. However, it makes up with great fuel efficiency and also its compatibility for off road travel. Then there are additional features too. Overall, this car can be the perfect choice for family experience.
- Nissan Dualis
The Nissan Dualis is a five seater car, and offers great value starting at $24,990. There is also the option to go for seven seats for just about less than $30,000. This car is basically a top deal. Although this car is unlikely to catch eyes as far as performance is concerned, the Dualis +2 is stylish in ways, very practical, and easy to like carrier, along with tidy handling features. It boasts of A grade quality, a fuel economy rating that is reasonable and also plenty of storage area, including a chilled glove box. The CVT is a lot smoother, and offers more efficient transmission when compared to a conventional auto.
- Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is probably one car that offers the smoothest, punchiest, and most enjoyable drive in Australian roads, along with great fuel economy ratings. Also being a Volkswagen product, it is largely comfortable, solid, highly safe and thus, a bankable option in the present market. The base model of the Tiguan offers front wheel drive or a six speed manual. It is roughly priced at around $28,490, and probably has one of the world’s best engines, which is the supercharged and turbocharged 1.4-litre Wunderdonk (also used in the Golf). However, servicing costs of this wonder car is something you need to look at.
One can buy the same car, with a 1.2-litre engine for $26,290. Although in this case, it would be the Skoda Yeti.
- Subaru XV
The Subaru XV is more of an off road traveler. If you are among those people that like to get the wheels dirty once in a while, the XV is the perfect pick for you. It offers applaud able all wheel drive grip and with very best handling feature in this class of vehicles. There is ample space for four people in this compact Suv. It also offers comfortable rides on both, bitumen as well as off roads. Subaru’s new Impreza-based XV 20i comes at around $28,490. It offers good fuel efficiency and performance on the whole. There are also features like auto start/stop, Data Dot security, Bluetooth, seven airbags for safety, etc. which make this vehicle a very ideal choice for many.
- Suzuki Grand Vitara 2017
The Grand Vitara is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine which packs 205 hp and 225 pound-feet of torque that offers a very strong capability. In fact, it is capable of even going to places where none of the SUV’s would even think of going. This powerful vehicle has enough of backspace room, and is also bulletproof. There is a reason that this car has been sticking around ever since the 1980s, when soft road SUVs hadn’t even stepped on roads yet. The present model in its line comes at $24,990 for the three door option, and $28,990 for the five door option. This one is also known to offer four wheel drive option, and can be classified as a mini truck from the house of Suzuki.
- Holden Captiva
The Holden Captive comes with a 2.4 liter diesel engine. Although coming from the house of a fairly lesser known brand, the Captiva can boast of power packed features. The Captiva 5 (meaning five seats) offers maximum value for the dollars you will be shelling out, and is priced at around $27,990 with a five speed manual, and $29,990 for one with a six-speed automatic. Besides, it provides electric park brake, parking sensors at ends, hill holder and plenty of storage options. However, the absence of Bluetooth is a letdown for a make of this sort.
- Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail comes with steep discounts from the dealers, and also offers value for money. This is a perfectly compact SUV that is priced at roughly around $28,500. It is powered by the same engine as the Dualis, a 2.0 liter one. The fuel efficiency offered by this car is also highly remarkable and a point worth mentioning. Besides these, other notable features that this car offers are a washable and removable storage drawers and flat holding seats. It also comes with a well designed cargo bay, for all the stuff that you will need to carry.
A number of factors are actually taken into consideration while listing the best compact Suvs. While different people tend to look into different aspects of the vehicle while making a choice, some of the popular factors that are considered are –
Category – All these cars that are mentioned are compact Suvs among the lot of other types. They are generally very good family cars for small families. Most of them offer around 4-5 seats.
Price – The price of vehicles are major considerations for many interested Suv buyers. Most of the cars mentioned above fall in the price of around $30,000 or less. Therefore it suits well for budget minded buyers.
Popularity – All of the cars mentioned are also very popular ones in the present Australian market. Many of them have been in the market for a number of years and they have all been very popular choices among customers.
Maintenance, Vacuuming and Detailing – Apart from making a smart choice, what you get out of your compact vehicle largely depends on cleaning and maintenance, like regular vacuuming of your car and occasional detailing. For a good shine, one should use the best car wax recommend by the car manufacturer. For regular vacuuming you can go with portable car vacuums that plug into the 12V outlet in the car itself. The best of these can handle anything from spills (especially important if you are a parent to larger debris. If you are looking for convenience, you might choose some of the top cordless car vacuums, these offer power without having to deal with cables that get in the way. The downside is that they are battery-powered and you’d have to recharge them after every use. Finally, you can go with a car detailing vacuums, these are the vacuums you see the car washes use, only you can go with one that’s more budget friendly. For more information on the different types of car vacs, we recommend that you take a look at the complete list of best car vacuum cleaners on Vaccumtest.com.
Although the final decision in choosing a car rests in the sole hands of the buyer, this list of the best compact Suvs will make things a lot easier when one is basically doing all the searching among plenty of available options in the Australian market. You now possibly know what exactly to look for and expect when you go car shopping!
Check out the other articles on 7 passenger suv’s with their comparison chart to understand better on the features.
