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The SUV vehicle class is competitive. Some SUVs dominate rankings while others lag behind. Here are three of the most disappointing new compact SUVs of the year.

The 2021 Honda HR-V is the black sheep of its family

The 2021 Honda HR-V starts at $21,220. It uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to make 141 horsepower. It gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Honda HR-V is problematic for several reasons. Its biggest issue is its lack of safety. According to CNN Business, a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety concluded that the Honda-HR-V was one of the two least safe subcompact SUV models on the market.

The Honda HR-V’s design causes it to be susceptible to severe side-impact crashes that could cause bodily harm to vehicle occupants. The 2021 Honda HR-V’s lack of power, impressive tech, and advanced standard safety features make it one of the most disappointing compact SUV models of the year.

The 2022 Chevy Trailblazer doesn’t offer enough value

An olive Chevy Trailblazer is driving off-road.
An olive Chevy Trailblazer is driving off-road | Chevrolet

The 2022 Chevy Trailblazer is the first Trailblazer to get rid of the base model trim. The new Trailblazer starts at around $21,600. The last model year was over $2,000 cheaper because it was offered in a lower trim level.

The 2022 Trailblazer uses a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that makes 137 horsepower. The compact SUV gets 29 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Trailblazer lacks power and refinement. It is one of the most disappointing SUVs of the year because its price increased, yet it has few new features to offer.

The 2022 Mistubishi Eclipse Cross is too basic for its price

A black Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is driving down the road.
A black Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is driving down the road | Mitsubishi

The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts at $23,695. It uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 152 horsepower. The compact SUV gets 26 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Eclipse Cross is one of the two compact SUV models to get a “poor” rating by the IIHs during its compact SUV safety tests. The Eclipse Cross is more expensive than many of its rivals, yet it lacks the tech and safety that models like the Mazda CX-3 provide.

The most disappointing compact SUVs don’t provide enough value

A silver Honda HR-V is on display.
A silver Honda HR-V is on display | Robert Hradil via Getty Images

The most disappointing compact SUVs of the year don’t provide enough value for their prices. The compact SUV space is competitive, and the best compact SUVs offer plenty of standard safety features, refined cabins, and peppy powertrains that make their prices reasonable.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded compact SUV model, the Mazda CX-3 is one of the best on the market. It starts at just $20,70 and is incredibly safe. It also offers plenty of standard tech.

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What Does the Honda HR-V Have to Offer?