Best used compact SUVs, ranked by owner data

We ranked 29 used compact SUVs sold in the US and Canada in the last five years against each other on three measured things: problems reported by owners, the used asking price, and EPA combined fuel economy.

Data from October 2026. Sources: owner reports, Auto.dev US listings, EPA ratings. How we rank · Best compact SUVs

Honda CR-V

Photo: User3204 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

#1 of 29

Honda CR-V

Score 88 out of 100

  • Owner reliability (44 of 45 points): 3 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent: fewer than about 98% of this list
  • Price (23 of 30 points): median used asking price $18,898 (43 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 77% of the cars still sold new
  • Fuel economy (21 of 25 points): 30 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 82% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
Used price
$16k–$26k (median $18,898)
Fuel economy
30 mpg
Owner reports
3 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent
Main owner complaint
Narrow front seats with pronounced bolsters causing initial discomfort (breaks in over time)
Years to avoid
2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023

Best for

  • Most reliable by owners

    Honda CR-V

    3 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent. Ranked #1.

  • Lowest used price, still sold new

    Jeep Cherokee

    Median used asking price $14,699. Ranked #12.

  • Best fuel economy

    Toyota RAV4

    41 mpg combined (EPA). Ranked #4.

The full ranking

  1. #1

    Honda CR-V

    Score 88
    Used price
    $16k–$26k (median $18,898)
    Fuel economy
    30 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent
    Main owner complaint
    Narrow front seats with pronounced bolsters causing initial discomfort (breaks in over time)
    Years to avoid
    2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023
    Why #1
    • Owner reliability (44 of 45 points): 3 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent: fewer than about 98% of this list
    • Price (23 of 30 points): median used asking price $18,898 (43 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 77% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (21 of 25 points): 30 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 82% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  2. #2

    Nissan Rogue

    Score 86
    Used price
    $12k–$20k (median $16,990)
    Fuel economy
    31 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 1 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    CVT Transmission Failure (Pre-2022 Generations)
    Years to avoid
    2023
    Why #2
    • Owner reliability (38 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 1 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 84% of this list
    • Price (26 of 30 points): median used asking price $16,990 (40 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 86% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (22 of 25 points): 31 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 89% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  3. #3

    Toyota Corolla Cross

    Score 70
    Used price
    $24k–$28k (median $25,999)
    Fuel economy
    31 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Underpowered gasoline engine (2.0L)
    Why #3
    • Owner reliability (44 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 98% of this list
    • Price (4 of 30 points): median used asking price $25,999 (48 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 14% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (22 of 25 points): 31 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 89% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  4. #4

    Toyota RAV4

    Score 70
    Used price
    $15k–$29k (median $23,199)
    Fuel economy
    41 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    High-voltage cable corrosion ("Cablegate") on 2019-2021 Hybrid models
    Best recent year
    2016
    Years to avoid
    2019, 2021
    Why #4
    • Owner reliability (38 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 84% of this list
    • Price (7 of 30 points): median used asking price $23,199 (47 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 23% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (25 of 25 points): 41 mpg combined (EPA): the best gas or hybrid on this list
  5. #5

    Subaru Forester

    Score 69
    Used price
    $15k–$24k (median $20,021)
    Fuel economy
    28 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    CVT transmission longevity concerns
    Best recent year
    2023
    Years to avoid
    2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
    Why #5
    • Owner reliability (32 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 71% of this list
    • Price (20 of 30 points): median used asking price $20,021 (46 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 68% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (17 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 68% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  6. #6

    Mini Countryman

    Score 69
    Used price
    $13k–$23k (median $16,295)
    Fuel economy
    27 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Unreliable older generations (pre-2020)
    Best recent year
    2023
    Years to avoid
    2016
    Why #6
    • Owner reliability (28 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 63% of this list
    • Price (29 of 30 points): median used asking price $16,295 (49 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 95% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 48% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  7. #7

    Hyundai Tucson

    Score 66
    Used price
    $14k–$22k (median $19,216)
    Fuel economy
    27 mpg
    Owner reports
    6 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent
    Main owner complaint
    Dashboard/Infotainment Blackouts
    Best recent year
    2021
    Years to avoid
    2016, 2017, 2022
    Why #7
    • Owner reliability (32 of 45 points): 6 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent: fewer than about 71% of this list
    • Price (22 of 30 points): median used asking price $19,216 (48 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 73% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 48% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  8. #8

    Chevrolet Equinox

    Score 65
    Used price
    $12k–$21k (median $18,699)
    Fuel economy
    27 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Severe engine problems (oil consumption
    Best recent year
    2021
    Why #8
    • Owner reliability (28 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 63% of this list
    • Price (25 of 30 points): median used asking price $18,699 (38 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 82% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 48% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  9. #9

    Nissan Rogue Sport

    Score 65
    Used price
    $13k–$18k (median $15,070)
    Fuel economy
    28 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    CVT transmission failure
    Best recent year
    2022
    Why #9
    • Owner reliability (18 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 41% of this list
    • Price (30 of 30 points): median used asking price $15,070 (44 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): the lowest of the cars no longer sold new (this one until 2025)
    • Fuel economy (17 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 68% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  10. #10

    Kia Sportage

    Score 60
    Used price
    $18k–$25k (median $21,496)
    Fuel economy
    26 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Dealership service and warranty claim disputes
    Best recent year
    2019
    Years to avoid
    2017, 2023
    Why #10
    • Owner reliability (38 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 84% of this list
    • Price (15 of 30 points): median used asking price $21,496 (45 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 50% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (7 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 27% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  11. #11

    Volkswagen ID.4

    Score 58
    Used price
    No data yet
    Fuel economy
    108 MPGe
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Software and infotainment system failures
    Years to avoid
    2023
    Why #11
    • Owner reliability (38 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 84% of this list
    • Price (0 of 30 points): No data yet (no used listing prices)
    • Fuel economy (20 of 25 points): 108 MPGe combined (EPA): better than about 80% of the EVs on this list
  12. #12

    Jeep Cherokee

    Score 56
    Used price
    $11k–$18k (median $14,699)
    Fuel economy
    37 mpg
    Owner reports
    4 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Severe 9-speed automatic transmission problems
    Best recent year
    2022
    Years to avoid
    2019
    Why #12
    • Owner reliability (2 of 45 points): 4 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 5% of this list
    • Price (30 of 30 points): median used asking price $14,699 (41 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): the lowest of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (24 of 25 points): 37 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 95% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  13. #13

    Subaru Crosstrek

    Score 54
    Used price
    $15k–$24k (median $20,089)
    Fuel economy
    28 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Underpowered base 2.0L engine
    Best recent year
    2022
    Years to avoid
    2016, 2018, 2019, 2021
    Why #13
    • Owner reliability (18 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 41% of this list
    • Price (19 of 30 points): median used asking price $20,089 (45 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 64% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (17 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 68% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  14. #14

    Kia Seltos

    Score 52
    Used price
    $19k–$24k (median $20,990)
    Fuel economy
    28 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Transmission reliability concerns (DCT/IMT)
    Years to avoid
    2021
    Why #14
    • Owner reliability (18 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 41% of this list
    • Price (17 of 30 points): median used asking price $20,990 (48 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 55% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (17 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 68% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  15. #15

    Ford Escape

    Score 49
    Used price
    $10k–$20k (median $16,495)
    Fuel economy
    28 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 8 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    12V battery failures causing app connectivity issues, slow system shutdown, and starting problems
    Best recent year
    2023
    Years to avoid
    2020
    Why #15
    • Owner reliability (5 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 8 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 11% of this list
    • Price (27 of 30 points): median used asking price $16,495 (38 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 91% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (17 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 68% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  16. #16

    Mazda CX-5

    Score 47
    Used price
    $17k–$25k (median $22,787)
    Fuel economy
    26 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Infotainment interface dissatisfaction
    Years to avoid
    2016, 2019
    Why #16
    • Owner reliability (32 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 71% of this list
    • Price (8 of 30 points): median used asking price $22,787 (46 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 27% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (7 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 27% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  17. #17

    Ford Mustang Mach-E

    Score 44
    Used price
    $24k–$30k (median $27,459)
    Fuel economy
    102 MPGe
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Software and infotainment system shortcomings
    Best recent year
    2022
    Why #17
    • Owner reliability (42 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 93% of this list
    • Price (2 of 30 points): median used asking price $27,459 (49 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 5% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (0 of 25 points): 102 MPGe combined (EPA): better than about 0% of the EVs on this list
  18. #18

    Subaru Solterra

    Score 44
    Used price
    $21k–$24k (median $22,510)
    Fuel economy
    119 MPGe
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Slow DC Fast Charging (pre-2026 models)
    Why #18
    • Owner reliability (8 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 18% of this list
    • Price (11 of 30 points): median used asking price $22,510 (49 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 36% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (25 of 25 points): 119 MPGe combined (EPA): the best EV on this list
  19. #19

    Volkswagen Tiguan

    Score 40
    Used price
    $17k–$28k (median $22,776)
    Fuel economy
    27 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Engine reliability concerns
    Best recent year
    2016
    Years to avoid
    2018, 2019, 2022
    Why #19
    • Owner reliability (18 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 41% of this list
    • Price (10 of 30 points): median used asking price $22,776 (47 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 32% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 48% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  20. #20

    GMC Terrain

    Score 36
    Used price
    $15k–$26k (median $21,687)
    Fuel economy
    25 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Severe engine problems
    Best recent year
    2021
    Why #20
    • Owner reliability (18 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 41% of this list
    • Price (14 of 30 points): median used asking price $21,687 (43 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 45% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (4 of 25 points): 25 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 14% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  21. #21

    Jeep Compass

    Score 33
    Used price
    $16k–$24k (median $20,619)
    Fuel economy
    26 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Poor reliability and build quality
    Best recent year
    2021
    Years to avoid
    2018, 2019, 2022
    Why #21
    • Owner reliability (8 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 18% of this list
    • Price (18 of 30 points): median used asking price $20,619 (44 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 59% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (7 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 27% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  22. #22

    Hyundai IONIQ 5

    Score 31
    Used price
    No data yet
    Fuel economy
    106 MPGe
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure
    Why #22
    • Owner reliability (18 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 41% of this list
    • Price (0 of 30 points): No data yet (no used listing prices)
    • Fuel economy (13 of 25 points): 106 MPGe combined (EPA): better than about 50% of the EVs on this list
  23. #23

    Kia EV6

    Score 31
    Used price
    No data yet
    Fuel economy
    106 MPGe
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure
    Why #23
    • Owner reliability (18 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 41% of this list
    • Price (0 of 30 points): No data yet (no used listing prices)
    • Fuel economy (13 of 25 points): 106 MPGe combined (EPA): better than about 50% of the EVs on this list
  24. #24

    Mazda CX-50

    Score 28
    Used price
    $25k–$30k (median $27,202)
    Fuel economy
    26 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Build quality and reliability concerns (Alabama plant)
    Why #24
    • Owner reliability (18 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 41% of this list
    • Price (3 of 30 points): median used asking price $27,202 (50 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 9% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (7 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 27% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  25. #25

    Mitsubishi Outlander

    Score 27
    Used price
    $20k–$24k (median $22,037)
    Fuel economy
    26 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    CVT transmission reliability concerns
    Best recent year
    2021
    Years to avoid
    2016, 2022
    Why #25
    • Owner reliability (8 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 18% of this list
    • Price (12 of 30 points): median used asking price $22,037 (44 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 41% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (7 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 27% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  26. #26

    Toyota bZ4X

    Score 23
    Used price
    $23k–$25k (median $24,370)
    Fuel economy
    104 MPGe
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Poor real-world range
    Why #26
    • Owner reliability (18 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 41% of this list
    • Price (0 of 30 points): median used asking price $24,370 (50 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 0% of the cars no longer sold new (this one until 2025)
    • Fuel economy (5 of 25 points): 104 MPGe combined (EPA): better than about 20% of the EVs on this list
  27. #27

    Jeep Wrangler

    Score 18
    Used price
    $23k–$37k (median $29,898)
    Fuel economy
    19 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Poor on-road handling and ride quality
    Best recent year
    2016
    Years to avoid
    2018, 2020, 2021, 2022
    Why #27
    • Owner reliability (18 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 41% of this list
    • Price (0 of 30 points): median used asking price $29,898 (48 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 0% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (0 of 25 points): 19 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 0% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  28. #28

    Dodge Hornet

    Score 17
    Used price
    $20k–$24k (median $22,649)
    Fuel economy
    24 mpg
    Owner reports
    4 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Severe electrical/system failures causing a no-start condition
    Why #28
    • Owner reliability (0 of 45 points): 4 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 0% of this list
    • Price (15 of 30 points): median used asking price $22,649 (46 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 50% of the cars no longer sold new (this one until 2025)
    • Fuel economy (2 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 7% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  29. #29

    Ford Bronco Sport

    Score 9
    Used price
    $20k–$29k (median $23,693)
    Fuel economy
    24 mpg
    Owner reports
    4 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Water pump failure
    Best recent year
    2023
    Why #29
    • Owner reliability (2 of 45 points): 4 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 5% of this list
    • Price (5 of 30 points): median used asking price $23,693 (44 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 18% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (2 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 7% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list

Not enough data to rank yet

These compact SUVs are sold here, but we won't rank a car on guesses.

  • Chevrolet Equinox EV: too new to judge (on sale since 2024)
  • Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: not enough owner reports yet

How we rank

  • Owner reliability, 45 points. Problems that owners report again and again, from our owner reports. A very frequent problem counts twice. Fewer problems than the other cars on this page earns more points.
  • Used price, 30 points. The median asking price in US listings (Auto.dev), all model years together. Cheaper than the others earns more.
  • Fuel economy, 25 points. EPA combined rating. Electric cars are compared only with other electric cars, in MPGe.
  • No guesses. A car needs enough owner reports and three years on sale to be ranked. A number we don't have earns 0 points and says "No data yet". We never compare NHTSA complaint counts between models, because they grow with the number of cars sold.

Questions

What is the best used compact SUV?
The Honda CR-V ranks #1 of 29 with a score of 88 out of 100. 3 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent, and its used price is $18,898 at the median.
Which compact SUV has the fewest owner-reported problems?
The Honda CR-V: 3 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent.
Which compact SUV still sold new is the cheapest to buy used?
The Jeep Cherokee, with a median used asking price $14,699, based on US listings.
How does CarWizz rank compact SUVs?
Each car is compared only with the other cars on this page. Owner reliability is worth 45 points, used price 30 points and EPA combined fuel economy 25 points. A car without enough owner reports is not ranked, and a missing number earns no points.

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