The Honda CR-V sits near the top of the compact-crossover class for good reasons. Roomy cabin, sensible tech, and steady resale. But if you want something that feels different…sportier, tougher, cheaper, fancier, or more off-road ready…you definitely have options.

Below are compact crossovers you can easily find, new or used, with a quick note about how each contrasts with the CR-V.

10 Same-Class Alternatives to the Honda CR-V

Chevrolet Equinox: Solid mainstream choice with a fresh face

Chevrolet redesigned the Equinox recently, and sales are booming. It keeps simple strengths: a roomy cabin, straightforward controls, and conservative pricing. It won’t wow you with refinement, but it will get the job done and often cost less to buy than a similarly equipped CR-V.

Mazda CX-5: Sportier feel and nicer interior

Want sharper handling and an interior that feels grown up? The CX-5 delivers. It rewards drivers with taut steering and a cabin that punches above its price class. If you like driving and you still need a five-seat SUV, the CX-5 feels more driver-focused than the CR-V.

Volvo XC40: Premium feel in a smaller footprint

The Volvo XC40 gives you compact-crossover practicality with a clear luxury lean, trading some of the CR-V’s cargo space and family-size comfort for upscale materials, sharper cabin styling, and a more refined ride. It sits closer to the subcompact luxury class, but it still competes for buyers who want safety tech and premium touches over raw space and value. If you’re okay spending more for a quieter, more polished driving experience and you don’t need every inch of the CR-V’s room, the XC40 makes a smart, high-end alternative.

Subaru Forester: Standard AWD and real capability

Subaru gives you all-wheel drive as standard and a reputation for confidence in bad weather. The Forester doesn’t chase luxury. It trades polish for practicality: big glass, good ground clearance, and predictable traction. Choose it if winter roads or weekend dirt trails matter more than sporty handling. I haven’t meant an owner that doesn’t love theirs.

Volkswagen Tiguan: Upscale European feel

The Tiguan leans more European in ride and interior styling. It can feel quieter and more refined at highway speeds. If you prefer a tamer steering feel and trimmed-leather patterns that mimic premium brands, the Tiguan is a thoughtful luxury alternative.

Toyota RAV4: Obvious, but decidedly more rugged and trail-ready

If you want a crossover that leans into adventure, the RAV4 brings sturdier styling and off-road variants that ask less from the driver. Toyota keeps hybrid and plug-in power in the lineup and recently updated software and safety features, pushing the RAV4 toward a more tech-forward, adventure-ready package than the CR-V.

Nissan Rogue: Roomy, techy, and value-packed

Nissan’s Rogue stretches space and tech. It offers roomy rear seats and a modern infotainment suite, plus options that push it toward family-friendly practicality. The Rogue tends to prioritize interior space and comfort over driving flair, so it’s a good swap if you want more passenger real estate than the CR-V.

Kia Sportage: Style and features for less

If you want bold looks and lots of standard kit for the money, check the Sportage. Kia loads trims with tech and creature comforts while keeping prices competitive. The tradeoff? Some drivers prefer the CR-V’s quieter ride; others love the Sportage’s value and design.

Ford Escape: A practical American alternative

The Escape offers a variety of powertrains and a generally comfortable ride. I’ll also note that while Ford as a brand ranks lower than average in J.D. Power’s Dependability Study, the Escape itself has “Great” individual scores. It tends to aim for broad appeal: decent fuel economy, simple tech, and familiar cabin ergonomics. If you like choices in engines and trims, the Escape gives you that in a way the CR-V covers more sparingly.

Hyundai Tucson: Efficient hybrids and long warranty

Hyundai bundles long warranties and hybrid choices into the Tucson. It’s a good pick if you want aggressive value on warranty (Hyundai still offers its 10 year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage), tech, and fuel efficiency without stepping up to luxury. The Tucson feels contemporary and well equipped compared with the CR-V’s conservative persona.

Try before you decide

These crossovers all sit in the same compact class as the CR-V, but they bring different strengths. Some trade cargo or fuel economy for sportier handling. Others swap driver excitement for interior space or standard AWD.

Your perfect pick depends on what you want more of: grip, refinement, tech, or savings. Go test a few. Drive the ones that sound wrong on paper…you might like them best.