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The best small SUVs of 2023 have much to offer buyers. This is even though many shoppers overlook this class of vehicles. Luckily, these SUVs not only have relatively low starting prices they also offer more space than sedans. Many of the new small SUVs also tout high ratings from J.D. Power in all the ways that matter to buyers. Additionally, some options offer power that competes with some of their bigger rivals.

Here’s a look into why buying a small SUV in 2023 just makes sense for many buyers.

The Chevrolet Equinox is one of the best small SUVs for 2023

The Chevy Equinox has been on the market for a while, and it serves as a solid option for people who want a small SUV for 2023. The 2024 Equinox has a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine. This small SUV has front and all-wheel drive configurations and uses a six-speed automatic transmission. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about eight seconds.

People also like the 2024 Equinox because it has high ratings from J.D. Power. The small SUV has an overall 85 out of 100, which the vehicle ranking organization considers “great.” The Equinox also excels in quality & reliability, in which it has a 90 out of 100.

Driving experience is also a strength for the Chevy as it has an 81 out of 100. These scores from J.D. Power show that the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox is a solid choice for people looking for one of the best small SUVs in 2023.

The 2024 Honda HR-V is a solid small SUV

Another of the best small SUVs to buy in 2023 is the 2024 Honda HR-V. It uses a 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 158 horsepower and a torque of 138 lb-ft. This is a front-wheel drive SUV that uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It may not be the fastest SUV, as it takes 9.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour, but it’s still far from being weak when it comes to power.

What makes this one of the best small SUVs to buy in 2023 is its rating from J.D. Power. Overall, the Honda SUV has an 83 out of 100. It has an 82 out of 100 for quality & reliability and an 89 for resale value. This means that not only is this a reliable vehicle, but it’s also one that you can trade in or sell for a healthy price when the time comes.

People should consider the 2024 Buick Encore GX

The 2024 Buick Encore GX is another of the best small SUVs to consider for 2023. It has two powertrain options, with the first being a turbocharged 137-HP 1.3-liter inline-three engine. The second is a turbocharged 1.3-liter that makes 155 horsepower. The SUV can be configured with a CVT or a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Of course, the 2024 Buick Encore GX also excels because of its J.D. Power ratings. The small SUV has an overall 85 out of 100, which means this is a vehicle that’s incredibly well made. It has an 87 out of 100 for quality & reliability and an 82 out of 100 for driving experience. Buyers will also have an easy time buying this SUV as it has a 92 out of 100 for dealership experience.

There are many reasons to buy a small SUV in 2023. For one, they typically come at a lower starting price than even some sedans. Additionally, a small SUV will provide more interior space than just about any sedan. This is the perfect section of vehicles for people who need space but not too much.

Related Extra Small SUVs from 2023 That Are Worth Your Time (and 1 That Isn’t) 

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