Best Small SUVs to Buy Right Now

A small SUV is a great pick for almost any lifestyle — especially if you're looking for a brand new family car that can haul sports equipment, tow boats, and do all the extra things a great family car should do. To a point, it's easy to see why small SUVs in the compact and subcompact ranges are now taking over the car market.

If you're looking for a new all-purpose car, then an SUV might be just what the doctor ordered. According to experts in the car industry, these are the best small SUVs to buy right now, and why you will want to drive them this year.

2017 Honda HR-V

Edmundsrated the Honda HR-V as a 4 out of 5 stars, world-class SUV for its price range, and US News actually agreed. The Honda HR-V is known for having a great gas mileage for its size (31 MPG, if you're interested), ample seating, great amenities, and for its 5-star crash ratings.

Hondas are also known for being very durable, reliable cars for the money. So, if you're looking for reliability, amenities and a bargain price, then the Honda HR-V ranks highly among the best small SUVs to buy right now.

2017 Mazda CX-3

Mazda is a brand most commonly associated with quality sports cars, but make no mistake about it — these guys know how to make a nice SUV, too. The CX-3 is one of the most elegant and attractive compact SUVs on the market, and that beauty is backed up with awesome amenities.

Comfortable seating, quality infotainment systems, and a very respectable gas mileage make the Mazda CX-3 one of the best small SUVs to buy right now. Meanwhile, its speedy engine and decent horsepower also makes it a fun ride for teenagers. Safety, fun, and amenities — it's all a win-win.

2017 Subaru Crosstrek

Most people already know that Subaru is a great muscle car brand thanks to the WR-X, but there's more to Subaru than just a couple of race-ready cars. The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the best small SUVs to buy right now in the compact category, and while its great steering is part of the package, it's not all that the car's known for.

This 5-seater car comes with four different trims, plenty of safety features, and a very nice interior. It's great for the whole family, and a wonderful car for more rugged excursions, too.

2017 Honda CR-V

Honda is known as one of the most reliable car brands for SUVs, and few have as solid a rep as the Honda CR-V. It's one of the most well-rounded cars in the industry, and it comes with a superb selection of safety features, infotainment upgrades, and seating upgrades to choose from.

The CR-V's rugged-yet-fun design made it a favorite among families from all walks of life, and that's why it's one of the best small SUVs to buy right now. That being said, it's a "me too" car, so expect to see plenty of these on the road in upcoming years.

2017 Ford Escape

Looking for a small SUV from a classic American auto manufacturer? You might want to look into the reliable and roomy Ford Escape. Edmunds rated it as one of the best small SUVs to buy right now for its price point — and it's easy to see why.

Optional turbo engines provide a lot of horsepower, tech upgrades make this an amazing commuter car, and it's also one of the more reliable SUVs on the market right now. If you love Fords, adore reliable American cars, or just enjoy tech-friendly cars, this might be your best bet.

2017 Subaru Forester

Another quality offering from Subaru is the Forester line, and it's been ranked as one of the best small SUVs for many years in a row. This year, the Forester returns with better handling, a zippy engine, and a rugged exterior to create a driving experience worthy of the title of Sports Utility Vehicle.

Fans of Subarus will love its roomy interior and compact exterior, and will also love its offroading capabilities. Families on the go will also enjoy the very reasonable starting price tag of around $22,000. US News rated it as one of the best compact SUVs in recent years not too long ago — especially due to its low price point.

2017 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tuscons have a cult following and car community of their own, and it's understandable why that's the case. US News regularly rates Tuscons in the top five of the best small SUVs, year after year. Owning one is a status symbol and it's so much fun to drive one.

Offroading capabilities, high reliability rates, and world-class safety features make this a great all-purpose vehicle. That's why we're rating it as one of the best small SUVs to buy right now.

2017 Mazda CX-5

Last, but definitely not least, is the Mazda CX-5, a slightly larger and more upgraded version of the CX-3. This compact SUV is known for being able to handle rough roads while keeping passengers in a cushy environment filled with nice amenities.

An ideal commuter car for families who tend to take long trips, the CX-5 is roomy enough to stretch your legs while also being compact enough to be easy to park. It also is one of the most award-winning compact SUVs in its class. Needless to say, it earned the right to be called one of the best small SUVs to buy right now.