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The most popular vehicle class is now the compact SUV class. Every automotive brand has at least one model competing in this class; some brands have more than that. With so many variations of the compact SUV to choose from, it might be hard to find the right one. Thankfully, the team at Autoblog.com gives you their choices, making it easy to find the right one of these top-rated compact SUVs to drive.

Red 2023 Honda CR-V compact crossover SUV posed
Red 2023 Honda CR-V | Honda

For years, the Honda CR-V has been one of the most popular and commonly-seen vehicles on the road. Autoblog.com rates this SUV high because it delivers qualities that make it good for many drivers, including a growing family. This SUV brings:

  • Best-in-class interior space
  • An excellent hybrid powertrain
  • Sharp interior styling
  • Reliability expected of the Honda brand

For most consumers searching for an SUV that checks a lot of boxes, the Honda CR-V makes a lot of sense.

Could one of the hybrid Kia Sportage models be right for you?

A gray 2023 Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) parked near patches of greenery as the sun sets
2023 Kia Sportage PHEV | Kia America

The Kia Sportage name dates back to the early days of Kia when this brand was nothing but bargain-basement, poorly-made vehicles. The Kia Sportage makes a huge leap forward to be one of the largest vehicles in the class. The Sportage is one of the top-rated compact SUVs by delivering:

  • An exceptional hybrid powertrain
  • Class-leading infotainment and safety tech
  • Massive cargo area

The cargo area is much larger than most SUVs in this class, and the rear seat offers plenty of room for your family to enjoy a comfortable ride in the Kia Sportage hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUV.

When you want top-rated style among the compact SUVs, the Mazda CX-50 is the right choice

Side view of Ingot Blue Metallic 2023 Mazda CX-50 crossover SUV
Ingot Blue Metallic 2023 Mazda CX-50 | Mazda

The Mazda CX-50 proves that you can take something great, the CX-5, and make it even better. The CX-50 delivers more roominess than its predecessor while offering an engaging driving experience that doesn’t seem fair in this class. This SUV is rated near the top because it offers:

  • An excellent driving experience that rivals some sporty brands
  • A luxurious cabin
  • The powerful turbo engine upgrade

The small cargo and rear seat area might turn some away from the Mazda CX-50, but this impressive SUV delivers an amazing drive.

How many boxes does the Toyota RAV4 check off?

A gray 2023 Toyota RAV4 small SUV is driving on the road.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

If you’re searching for the Swiss Army Knife of the compact SUV world, the Toyota RAV4 could be the right option. This is one of the top-rated compact SUVs in the class for its:

  • Amazing variety of models with two hybrid options
  • Spacious rear seat and cargo area
  • Reliability

When you step inside this compact Toyota SUV, you’ll find upscale materials, controls where you want them, and rugged exterior appearance features that make this Toyota look great. This could be the SUV that checks off the most boxes while you’re shopping for a fantastic compact SUV to drive.

Next, check out this CR-V vs RAV4 comparison, or watch more of the top-rated compact SUVs in this video below:

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Does the 2023 Honda CR-V Bring Anything New?