If you seek the perfect blend of power, comfort, and style, look no further than our “8 Best Small Compact SUV Truck” list. With it, we aim to help you find the ideal compact SUV for your needs.
Choosing the best small compact SUV truck requires careful consideration of several factors, such as styling, performance, seating, and cargo space.
Buyers have many options to choose from, like the stylish Volkswagen Tiguan, practical Subaru Forester, and roomy Ford Escape. From performance to cargo space, the right small compact SUV will depend on your personal needs and lifestyle.
These vehicles are like small cars that use fuel well and are easy to drive, but they’re also versatile and robust like trucks. This article will take a look at some of the best on the market. We’ll also provide some advice on what to look out for when shopping and budgeting for your SUV.
In Canada, there’s been a significant change in the car industry. Compact SUVs, which are smaller, sporty utility vehicles, are now more popular than compact and midsize cars.
These vehicles are better because they’re bigger than standard cars and offer more space. They’re also high off the ground and can drive well in all conditions, just like a bigger SUV.
Let’s take a look at the best small compact SUV truck options in Canada.
The Honda CR-V is Honda’s most popular SUV, and it’s clear to understand why it’s amongst the best small compact SUV truck options.
With a clean and smart design that many people find appealing, it has lots of space. The big back of the car can carry 1,113 litres, and if you fold the back seats, it can hold even more: 2,166 litres of space.
CR-V has a big trunk but still has lots of passenger space, one of its top features. Even if the front seats are far back, grown-ups can easily enter, exit, and sit comfortably in the backseat.
As for what powers the CR-V, it’s got a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine. The basic version drives the front wheels, while other versions drive all wheels to improve grip. CR-V is also packed with safety features, like automatic emergency braking, collision warnings, lane departure warnings, and others.
The car helps you drive better by controlling speed, staying in lane, reading signs, and managing traffic jams.
Mazda is known for making affordable cars and small SUVs with lovely interiors, and the Mazda CX-5 is no different. It offers a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine generating a reliable 87 horsepower.
If you want more strength, the CX-5 has two extra engine choices for you to pick from. Buyers can choose between a 2.5-litre I-4 engine delivering 187 horsepower or a more powerful turbocharged engine with 256 horsepower.
Every version of the CX-5 comes with an all-wheel drive. This means it is suitable for all weather conditions prevailing in Canada.
Aesthetically, the Mazda CX-5 is a standout in its category. Its high-quality paint, tight panel gaps, and an upscale interior. When it comes to comfort and convenience features, the CX-5 doesn’t disappoint.
It has a front wiper de-icer for winter and a warm leather steering wheel that feels luxurious when touched.
The Toyota RAV4 presents a sturdy and functional design, marked by its angular face and distinctive double grille. When it comes to storage, the RAV4 features a large cargo opening that simplifies loading.
However, with 1,059 litres of space behind the back seats, it leans towards the smaller end of its segment. The rear seats can be folded down to create more space, although they don’t lie completely flat.
The RAV4 has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of twisting power. While the engine can become noisy under hard acceleration, it generally operates smoothly, ensuring a comfortable ride.
For infotainment, the RAV4, considered amongst the best small compact SUV truck options, offers a large screen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The car has added features for comfort, like cozy front seats, mats for all weather, a tool to melt windshield ice, and more.
The Volkswagen Tiguan has a classic European style. It looks elegant and professional both inside and out. The Tiguan is unique because it has lots of room.
When you fold the back seats, you get a vast 2,074 litres of space for your things. In fact, it’s one of the few SUVs of its size that provides a third-row seating option.
Regardless of the model, all Tiguans are equipped with the same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission smoothly manages this power.
The base model features an eight-inch digital instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch touch-screen infotainment system. The rest of the lineup upgrades to a 10.25-inch configurable digital instrument cluster and an eight-inch touch-screen.
Safety is not compromised in the Tiguan. The base model comes equipped with an array of airbags, protecting both front and rear passengers.
A system that warns about front collisions, detects pedestrians, and automatically brakes during emergencies is standard. In addition, the Trendline includes a backup camera for added safety and convenience.
Subaru Forester is designed with functionality at its core, showcasing a smart and easily manageable control setup. It is powered by a 2.5-litre boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 HP and 176 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, the Forester features all-wheel drive across all of its models.
Forester offers between 762 and 818 litres of storage when the rear seats are folded up, which isn’t too impressive. The infotainment system in the Forester is user-friendly.
While it comes standard with a 6.5-inch display, upgrading to a larger 8-inch touch-screen is an option. Notably, Subaru has kept physical buttons and knobs for menu selection and controls.
The compact SUV comfortably seats up to five passengers, enjoying excellent visibility due to the SUV’s design. It also has vital safety features such as automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
The Ford Bronco Sport is one of the best small compact SUV truck options, presenting a striking visual impression with its well-balanced build and attractive, boxy style.
It has a white grille embellished with red lettering, body stripes, and sturdy 17-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle provides ample storage space, with 682 litres of room when the rear seats are used. This extends to a spacious 1,616 litres once the rear seats are folded.
Under the hood, the Bronco Sport houses a 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder engine capable of producing 181 horsepower. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Bronco Sport has many comfy and valuable things to make you feel good and make your life easier. These include LED fog lights, automatic climate control, convenient push-button start and an eight-inch touch-screen in the dashboard’s center.
Inside, the vehicle offers generous space. The front area is spacious, while rear passengers can enjoy ample knee room thanks to the thoughtful design of the front seat backrests. In addition, its boxy shape ensures plentiful headroom for all passengers.
The Mazda CX-50 strikes a balance between ruggedness and elegance. It features distinctive elements such as squared-off wheel arches, lower-body cladding, and unique taillights and fascia. Inside, the design is straightforward yet attractive, with high-quality materials.
The CX-50 is one of the best small compact SUV truck options and can carry items like groceries. It has standard space for its kind of small SUV when the seats are up.
However, it offers ease in loading due to its relatively low liftover, and the rear seats can be folded nearly flat. Under the hood, non-turbo models have a 2.5L engine with 187 horsepower.
The seating in the CX-50 is another strong point. The seats are made well for comfort and support, so you feel good during long drives and have a nice time.
However, space in the rear seats can be a bit snug. The compact SUV has handy features, including 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, LED headlights, and wipers that react to rain.
Ford Escape, currently the smallest SUV from Ford, is compact and well-suited for city driving. It can easily navigate through traffic and easily fit into tight parking spaces.
Its turbocharged 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine churns out a solid 180 horsepower. The range of engine sizes and the choice of hybrid options position it as a strong contender among small SUVs.
The vehicle’s interior looks good and offers plenty of space for the driver and passengers in the rear. Base models of Ford Escape come with an 8.0-inch infotainment system.
You can choose the Active or better versions if you want better features. These offer an optional larger 13.2-inch touch-screen display. It has practical features and a well-designed interior, best suited for a comfortable ride.
Choosing from the best small compact SUV truck options and their countless features can be overwhelming. When buying an SUV, consider what you need and pick one with the essential features you want.
Choosing the look of your small compact SUV truck mostly depends on what you personally like. Some SUVs have a rough and ready look with oversized tires. Others look sleek and classy with smooth lines, bright LED lights, and shiny decorations.
Besides, it’s not just about looks. You also have to think about practical things, like how easy it is to get in and out of the car. This is determined by how high the SUV is from the ground. The style and exterior appearance of the SUV can play a good role in your selection, but they should not be the deciding factor.
The engine is like the heart of a car. It’s what makes the car go fast. It decides how strong the car is, which affects how quickly it can speed up. The engine also determines the torque, which impacts the vehicle’s strength for pulling things.
Then there’s the vehicle’s handling, which involves how well the SUV responds to driver inputs such as steering, braking, and acceleration. Good handling means the car can navigate turns smoothly and maintain stability even at high speeds.
While these components are technical, their real-life implications are quite tangible. Therefore, when considering performance, especially among the best small compact SUV truck options, it’s essential to identify what matters most to you.
Seating determines passenger capacity and impacts comfort during short commutes and long journeys. Most compact SUVs offer seating for five, but some models have a third row to accommodate additional passengers.
Consider your family size and regular passenger count to determine the seating capacity that best suits your needs.
Space is another essential aspect of seating, especially when considering the best small compact SUV truck options. Pay attention to the legroom, headroom, and hip room, especially in the rear seats. If you regularly transport adults or tall teenagers, ample rear-seat space will be vital.
Cargo space offered by the best small compact SUV truck options varies widely across different models. Some focus on considerable passenger space at the expense of cargo space, while others strike a balance between the two. The cargo capacity is usually measured in litres.
Another factor to consider is the loading ease. How high the floor is in the trunk can make it either easy or hard to put heavy things inside. A lower liftover height is usually better in this regard, as it requires less effort to load cargo.
Deciding on the perfect small compact SUV involves weighing up factors like design, performance, seating comfort, and storage capacity.
Top contenders like the Volkswagen Tiguan, Subaru Forester, and Mazda CX-50 offer unique selling points. The ultimate choice comes down to which features align best with your lifestyle and preferences.
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Cargo space in a small compact SUV truck is critical. This is where you can store things like bags, groceries, or big items. More space means you can carry more things or larger items. It makes the SUV more useful for family outings or shopping trips. Even though a compact SUV is smaller, it should still have good storage space.
A few safety features are essential when choosing a small compact SUV truck. The first one is automatic emergency brakes. This system can stop your vehicle if it senses that you might crash. Adaptive cruise control is great because it can change your truck's speed to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. You should find a truck with a good safety score from reliable groups, as it has passed several strict safety tests.
Choosing a small compact SUV truck with good fuel economy can help you save on gas. It's beneficial if you drive often. Plus, fuel-efficient trucks can be worth more when you decide to sell them.
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