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Not every compact SUV on the market provides incredible value for its price. Some models may not be worth their price tags compared to rivals that offer more value. Here are the worst compact SUVs for the money in 2022.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offers little value for its price

A blue 2022 Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV is parked.
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox | Chevrolet

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox has a high starting price compared to other compact SUVs that offer more standard features. It starts at $25,800. The Mazda CX-5 is one of the best compact SUVs on the market and starts at $25,900. Though the Mazda CX-5 costs just $100 more than the Equinox, the CX-5 has a much more refined cabin, better driving dynamics, and more standard tech and safety features.

The Chevy Equinox uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 170 horsepower. It achieves 26 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The compact SUV offers less cabin space than many of its rivals, as well as fewer engine options.

The 2022 GMC Terrain is the Equinox’s more expensive twin

A red 2022 GMC Terrain is driving on the road.
The 2022 GMC Terrain | General Motors

General Motors owns several automotive brands including Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet. Many Chevrolet and GMC models are nearly identical. The 2022 GMC Terrain shares many of the Chevy Equinox’s flaws, and it comes with a larger price tag.

The GMC Terrain starts at $27,900. It uses the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 170 horsepower. The compact SUV gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. It has a poor cabin quality, and its acceleration leaves much to be desired.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross isn’t what it appears to be

A black 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is driving on the road.
The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Mitsubishi

The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a modern, attractive exterior, but its interior is another story. It uses cheaper cabin materials than many of its rivals. The Eclipse Cross also has a sluggish powertrain, making it boring to drive.

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

The 2022 Jeep Compass is underwhelming

A blue Jeep Compass is on display.
The Jeep Compass | Robert Hradil via Getty Images

The 2022 Jeep Compass starts at $26,390. It is one of the worst compact SUV options because it doesn’t produce enough power to be exciting. The compact SUV also doesn’t provide enough value for its price.

The Jeep Compass uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to make 177 horsepower. It gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. According to Car and Driver, the Compass also has a low towing capacity, which makes it even more undesirable for its price.

The 2022 Hyundai Nexo is unbelievably expensive

A copper metallic 2022 Hyundai Nexo compact SUV is driving on the road.
A copper metallic 2022 Hyundai Nexo compact SUV is driving on the road | Hyundai

The race to find sustainable solutions to the carbon emission problem is on, and that means automakers are developing some interesting alternatives to internal combustion engines. Some new innovations will be exciting and practical, others…not so much.

The 2022 Hyundai Nexo is a compact SUV that runs on hydrogen. It uses a hydrogen fuel cell instead of an internal combustion engine. The Hyundai Nexo is one of the worst compact SUVs on the market because it is incredibly expensive.

The Hyundai Nexo starts at a whopping $59,435. Its powertrain makes 161 horsepower. The compact SUV achieves an astounding 65 miles per gallon equivalent in the city and 58 miles per gallon equivalent on the highway. Still, is it really worth almost $60K?

The worst compact SUVs for the money in 2022 are too pricey for what they offer

A 2022 Dusk Blue Hyundai Nexo compact SUV is driving on the road.
A 2022 Dusk Blue Hyundai Nexo compact SUV is driving on the road | Hyundai

The worst compact SUVs for the money in 2022 all don’t provide enough value for their prices. With rivals like the luxurious Mazda CX-5 and the long-lasting Toyota RAV4, many of the compact SUVs listed don’t stand a chance. If you’re looking for a new compact SUV, start your search with the 2022 Hyundai Tucson and 2022 Mazda CX-5.

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