Top 10 Best Value Compact SUVs You Can Buy in 2025

Compact SUVs have become the go-to choice for drivers who want versatility, efficiency, and comfort in one practical package. But with so many options on the market, finding one that truly delivers strong value can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 10 compact SUVs that give you the most for your money in 2025.

These models stand out by offering generous standard features, smart packaging, strong safety ratings, and fuel-efficient powertrains, all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a commuter, a growing family, or just looking to upgrade your daily driver, these SUVs strike the perfect balance between price and performance.

If you’re shopping with your budget in mind but don’t want to compromise on quality, comfort, or capability, these are the models worth a closer look. Here’s our list of the top ten compact SUVs that deliver maximum value in today’s competitive market.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA. Models are ranked based on their starting MSRP, from most affordable to least affordable.

10

2025 Hyundai Tucson

MSRP: $28,705 – $47,440

The Tucson is a well-rounded compact SUV. It may not be at the top of its segment in any individual area, but it checks all the right boxes. It looks great, features a ton of tech, and has one of the most spacious cabins of any option in its class. As well as the gas-only base model, Hyundai also offers a hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

Performance Specifications

There are three powertrains to choose from in the 2025 Hyundai Tucson. If you need more grunt than the gas-only model can offer, then both hybrids are good options. Regardless of which powertrain you opt for, the Tucson is impressively smooth and features a more comfortable ride than you’d expect.

9

2026 Kia Sportage

MSRP: $28,690 – $44,390

Following the Tucson closely is its Korean cousin from Kia, the Sportage. It also manages to be a jack-of-all-trades, delivering a comfortable interior and a slew of standard features. It does also rely on more striking exterior styling to stand out. While not explicitly exciting, it’ll satisfy anyone aiming for comfort and affordability.

Performance Specifications

While the Tucson and the Sportage offer similar powertrain setups, there are some slight differences in performance. Overall, the Sportage is a little slower getting up to 60 miles per hour, but not by a huge margin. It may not be super engaging, but it delivers a plush driving experience. The X-Pro trims also tack on some genuine off-roading equiment.

8

2025 Mazda CX-5

MSRP: $28,770 – $40,800

When Mazda introduced the slightly larger and more expensive CX-50, the expectation was that the aging CX-5 would start to be phased out. However, no matter where you are in the world, the CX-5 remains Mazda’s most popular vehicle. Looking at how comfortable, stylish, and fun it is, this isn’t a huge surprise.

Performance Specifications

While not the quickest, a CX-5 with its base engine still feels reasonably perky. If you’re a driving enthusiast, though, you’ll want to upgrade to a turbocharged model. The CX-5 is one of the most perfectly balanced crossovers out there, with a ride quality better than most of the options in this segment and sporty driving dynamics that are hard to find anywhere else.

7

2025 Toyota RAV4

MSRP: $29,550 – $48,435

If you’re looking for a crossover with proven reliability, great after-sales support, and a great list of standard kit, it’s hard to argue against the RAV4. While it may not be as adventurous as it once was, this Japanese crossover remains the most popular crossover in the U.S. market, a position it has held for a number of years.

Performance Specifications

You can choose a gas-only, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid powertrain in the RAV4. Toyota’s biggest downfall in their compact crossover is that it isn’t all that engaging, with floaty steering and dull handling dynamics. It is, however, fairly comfortable, and the plug-in hybrid model can’t be accused of being slow.

6

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

MSRP: $29,995 – $46,090

Chevrolet has redesigned their Equinox for the 2025 model year, giving it a much more rugged-looking exterior and a more tech-laden cabin. It now feels like it has the chops to better compete with other options in this segment. If the gas model doesn’t appeal to you, Chevy also offers an electric model, being one of the most affordable new electric SUVs on the market.

Performance Specifications

Gas-powered Equinoxs feature a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Front-wheel models get a CVT while all-wheel models get a traditional automatic. Electric models are much quicker and come with either a single motor on the front axle or two motors and all-wheel drive.

5

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

MSRP: $29,995 – $50,445

Mitsubishi isn’t quite what it used to be, particularly in the United States. However, the Outlander remains a stand-out option that offers pretty exceptional value for money. Like many of the other compact SUVs on this list, it puts interior comfort and space over enthusiastic driving dynamics. What is unique about the Outlander is that it can be had with a third row of seats.

Performance Specifications

Whether you get the gas-only or the plug-in hybrid Outlander, you’ll find its driving dynamics fairly dull. This is because it puts comfort first, delivering good body control and a compliant ride. The PHEV is perkier off the line and also delivers pretty decent all-electric driving range.

4

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

MSRP: $30,245 – $40,505

While not always the most popular choice, the Tiguan has consistently been a good-value option in the compact SUV segment. It has now entered its third generation for the 2025 model year, with a more refined interior, sleeker exterior styling, and a more powerful engine. Though, they have gotten rid of the option of a third row.

Performance Specifications

With power being bumper, up from 184 in last year’s model, the Tiguan is now even quicker off the line. Volkswagen has also managed to find some weight to shed, which adds to the perkiness of the crossover. It is smooth and comfortable, but its most impressive trait is its engaging handling.

3

2025 Mazda CX-50

MSRP: $30,500 – $43,500

The Mazda CX-50 is one of the best value-for-money compact SUVs you can buy. It checks every box for just about every buyer. Not only does it look fantastic, both on the outside and the inside, but it is packed with high-quality materials and delivers driving dynamics that are essentially unmatched in this segment.

Performance Specifications

There are three setups to choose from when picking your CX-50. There are two gas-only options, one turbocharged and the other not, and a hybrid. We’d recommend sticking with the gas-only CX-50 unless you really need the additional efficiency. The hybrid borrows its powertrain and transmission from the Toyota RAV4 hybrid and it doesn’t live up to the Mazda’s lively chassis.

2

2026 Honda CR-V

MSRP: $30,920 – $42,250

The CR-V is one of the most popular vehicles on the road, coming close to the sales numbers of the Toyota RAV4. In our opinion, it does everything that the RAV4 does but better. If you’re looking for something simple, affordable, and spacious that will get you around without any complaints, the CR-V is one of your best options. Honda is also including a new off-roading Trailsport model for 2026.

Performance Specifications

The CR-V may not be the quickest nor the most agile, but it features a solid engine, regardless of whether you opt for the gas-only model or the hybrid. It may not be as exciting to drive as some of its rivals, but it does have enough character to keep you entertained during your daily commutes.

1

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

Starting MSRP: $30,995 – $40,115

It isn’t as large or as capable as its mid-size sibling, the Bronco, but the Bronco Sport is a unique option that is better equipped to conquer uneven terrain than most of the options in the compact SUV segment. Alongside its unique styling and capabilities, it is also impressively practical and reliable.

Performance Specifications

Base Bronco Sports come with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, but top trims can get a turbocharged four-cylinder instead. The latter also comes with wheel-mounted paddle-shifters. The most capable models also come with a plethora of off-road equipment, including a twin-clutch rear-drive unit and a differential lock.