Popular Small SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

There’s no need to settle for what’s popular when you can buy a smart, reliable SUV that performs well in CR’s tests

By Jon Linkov
Deputy Content Editor, Autos

Updated December 5, 2024

Ford Escape Hybrid and 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid — If you’re shopping for a small SUV and are considering the Ford Escape Hybrid, check out the Kia Sportage Hybrid.

Sports utility vehicles are by far the most popular vehicle type in the U.S., with compact SUVs the fastest-growing segment. Many buyers are drawn to their elevated ride height, all-wheel drive, interior versatility, and/or image compared with their car counterparts.In this article

In this article

To help you buy one that’s safe, reliable, fuel-efficient, and satisfying, we’ve compiled a list of winning models and ones to stay away from.

More on SUVs

CR’s SUV Ratings & Buying Guide

10 Most Reliable Cars & SUVs

10 Least Reliable Cars & SUVs

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

Most and Least Loved Car Brands

We focus on popular models in their category (though they may not be the top sellers) and present two recommended alternatives.

• A better choice: Another vehicle that sells well but has a higher Overall Score.
• An “under the radar” alternative: a better-scoring model that doesn’t sell as well, in case you aren’t concerned with following the crowd.

All key active safety systems, including automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that works at highway speeds, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are standard unless otherwise noted.

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.