
You can—and probably will—spend all month test-driving compact crossovers.
The Honda CR-V is the country’s most popular, and it’s easy to see why.
The CR-V delivers a good driving experience with a roomy, flexible interior.
The Ford Escape is greying at its temples but is still a pleasure to drive and is often discounted.
The Mazda CX-5 is the segment’s sports car in every way but acceleration.
It’s roomier this year, too.
Subaru’s popular Forester offers good off-road ability and tremendous flexibility inside, even if it too is showing its age.
And the Nissan Rogue has emerged as one of the segment’s heavy-weights.
Skip its cramped optional third row, though.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has a lot going for it, including a hybrid model, but you’d be wise to cross-shop its rivals as well. |
The 2018 Ford Escape has the road manners of another kind of car—but don't worry, it still works well as a crossover. |
The 2018 Honda CR-V may be light on personality, but this compact crossover checks off every other box. It’s a very smart choice. |
As long as cargo space isn’t your main reason for buying a compact crossover, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is an excellent, fun-to-drive choice. |
The 2018 Subaru Forester continues to offer top safety scores, remarkable space inside, and all-round versatility; it’s still one of the best small SUVs, and a good value for money. |
MSRP From | ||||
$24,660 | $23,940 | $24,250 | $24,150 | $22,795 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
22 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded H-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 4WD |
Style Name | ||||
LE FWD (GS) | S FWD | LX 2WD | Sport FWD | 2.5i Manual |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2018 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2018 Ford Escape | 2018 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2018 Honda CR-V | 2018 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 2018 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2018 Subaru Forester |