Do the experts agree on the best compact SUVs of 2024? Which expert advice do you follow and trust? We’ve brought together three expert lists of the best small SUVs to provide some perspective. Using the rankings from Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power, and U.S. News & World Report, we can discover which models appear on all three lists and the highest-rated compact SUVs from each organization.

Kelley Blue Book’s Top Ten Compact SUVs

The top ten models from KBB are:

1. Honda CR-V

2. Kia Sportage

3. Toyota RAV4

4. Toyota RAV4 Prime

5. Mazda CX-5

6. Mazda CX-50

7. Hyundai Tucson

8. Nissan Rogue

9. Subaru Forester

10. Jeep Wrangler

J.D. Power’s Top Ten Compact SUVs

The list from J.D. Power includes luxury models, and all small SUVs are in one grouping, giving us:

1. BMW X4

2. Buick Encore GX

3. Chevrolet Equinox

4. Porsche Macan

5. Buick Envision

6. Chevrolet Trailblazer

7. GMC Terrain

8. Subaru Forester

9. Ford Bronco Sport

10. Honda HR-V

U.S. News & World Report Top Ten Compact SUVs

1. Mazda CX-5

2. Hyundai Tucson

3. Ford Bronco Sport

4. Kia Sportage

5. Mazda CX-50

6. Subaru Forester

7. Ford Bronco

8. Honda CR-V

9. Nissan Rogue

10. Toyota RAV4

What do these three lists tell us?

Although KBB and US News separate vehicles into subcategories, J.D. Power throws a wrench in the mix with one large grouping of small SUVs. Still, reviewing these three lists shows one SUV consistently favored, the 2024 Subaru Forester. This SUV is good enough to gain favor with these organizations.

While the Forester is the only small SUV to show up on these three lists, a few models receive favor from KBB and US News. The compact SUVs on these two lists are:

• Mazda CX-5
• Mazda CX-50
• Honda CR-V
• Toyota RAV4
• Nissan Rogue
• Kia Sportage
• Hyundai Tucson

With seven common models, consumers have several great choices from two trusted experts.

What makes the 2024 Subaru Forester one of the best compact SUVs?

KBB tells us the Subaru Forester is a practical compact SUV with real off-road capabilities and the lowest overall ownership cost in the class. The pros and cons from KBB are:

Pros

• Rugged capabilities
• Class-leading resale value
• Spacious interior

Cons

• Middling engine performance

When we turn to the J.D. Power ratings, the 2024 Subaru Forester reached the “Great” rating in all four categories, which are:

• Quality & Reliability
• Driving Experience
• Resale
• Dealership Experience

Finally, US News tells us the Forester includes a large cabin, user-friendly infotainment system, and a reasonable price, all of which make this compact SUVs a top-rated model. The pros and cons from US News are:

Pros

• Spacious interior
• Gentle ride
• Good fuel economy
• Standard AWD

Cons

• Lackluster acceleration

Check out this video and learn more about the 2024 Subaru Forester:

Sources: Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power, U.S. News & World Report