What Is a Compact SUV?

The compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) is a smaller, more economical version of the full-size SUV, and became the vehicle choice for car buyers in the late 1990s as an alternative to the minivan. While there is no uniform standard for what qualifies as a compact SUV, there are several common characteristics that distinguish them from their full-size counterparts. There are many popular compact SUV models that offer families the safety features, comfort and transport capabilities of the full-size models.

Introduction

The modern sports utility vehicle originated in the early 1980s and combined the cargo room and horsepower of a pickup with the passenger capabilities of minivans and station wagons. As gas prices rose and family sizes shrank, car makers responded by making smaller SUVs that could satisfy the needs of an active lifestyle without the high prices commanded by full-size SUVs. The Suzuki Samurai and the Ford Bronco II, introduced in the mid-1980s, popularized the compact SUV.

Characteristics

Compact SUVs are often built upon frames designed for cars, while larger SUVs are built on frames designed for pickup trucks. Car-based SUVs are more fuel-efficient but are not as powerful and have less cargo space as their truck-based counterparts.

Unlike the full-size SUVs that often feature third-row seating for up to eight people, compact SUVs usually offer two rows of seats that seat no more than five. Compact SUVs often are available in three-door and five-door models; the cargo door in the back counts as a door. Cargo space is often very limited, but most models, especially those with off-road capabilities, have roof racks for large items.

Compact SUVs, especially the budget-priced entry models, use four-cylinder engines, although six-cylinder engines are also available. Full-size SUVs often feature eight-cylinder engines. Four-cylinder engines in very small SUVs are often very fuel efficient, but there is a tradeoff on power. Most SUV models, regardless of size, offer four-wheel drive.

SUV Categories

Consumer Reports rates SUVs in four categories: full-size, mid-size, compact and small. It differentiates compact SUVs from small SUVs as offering more passenger room, cargo room, horsepower and amenities.

Popular Models

In 2009, the highest-rated compact SUV models were the Subaru Forester XT, the Toyota RAV4, the Volkswagon Tiguam and the BMW X3. Several hybrid models are also available, including the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Prices range from $20,000 (for a basic 2009 Forester) to over $40,000 (for a fully loaded 2009 BMW X3).

Purchasing

Features and quality vary widely between manufacturers and models. Prospective buyers should not commit to any model until they identify what features are most important to them (such as towing, passenger transport, cargo space and safety), and find a reputable third-party review to find the best match.