Our Top-5 compact SUVs for 2025 // Which would you choose and why?

This is a Motormouth couple car review of the top-5, compact, non-luxury SUVs for 2025. These are some of the best-selling compact SUVs sold in North America that are gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Our list includes some honorable mentions of three compact SUVs that are very good but not good enough to make our list.
Here are the top-5 compact SUVs for 2025 in alphabetical order:
2025 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape has four powertrain options giving consumers plenty of choices. The base engine for the gas model is a 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. There’s a more powerful option, a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
The 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid has a 2.5L 4-cylinder matched to an eCVT with a combined 192 horsepower. The 2025 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid has a 14.4 kWh battery with up to 60 km/37 miles of range and a combined 210 horsepower. The gas and hybrid models are available with FWD and AWD options, the PHEV only FWD.
2025 Honda CR-V
There are two powertrain options, the 2025 Honda CR-V gas model has a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder matched to a CVT, 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. FWD and AWD options are available.
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid has a 2L 4-cylinder with Honda’s new 4th generation hybrid system, it’s matched to an eCVT and has a combined 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, standard AWD in Canada, FWD and AWD options are available in the US.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
There are three powertrain options. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson gas model has a 2.5L 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid gets a small power boost 5 extra horsepower. It has a 1.6L turbocharged powertrain paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a combined 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid also gets a power boost, an extra 7 horsepower, it has a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder with a combined 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It has 51 km/32 miles of range. Both the hybrid and PHEV are standard AWD.
2025 Kia Sportage
There are three powertrain options, the 2025 Kia Sportage gas model has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
The 2025 Kia Sportage hybrid has a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic transmission and gets a combined 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The 2025 Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid with a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder and a 6-speed automatic transmission, a combined 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and 55 km/34 miles of range. FWD and AWD options are available for the gas model, standard AWD for the hybrid and PHEV.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 has three powertrain options, the gas model has a 2.5L 4-cylinder paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, standard AWD and in the US, FWD and AWD options are available.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 has a 2.5L 4-cylinder matched to an eCVT with Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive; it produces a combined 219 horsepower.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine matched to an eCVT, 302 horsepower
and 68 km/42 miles of EV range, standard AWD for both the hybrid and PHEV.

0:00 Intro
0:25 2025 Ford Escape
4:05 2025 Honda CR-V
7:00 2025 Hyundai Tucson
10:19 2025 Kia Sportage
13:32 2025 Toyota RAV4
18:10 Honourable mention
18:14 2025 Mazda CX-5 CX-50
18:45 2025 Nissan Rogue
19:19 2025 Subaru Forester

[davidhypes]

I’m a Subaru guy so I like the Forester, but think the hybrid will be an awesome addition. I must say that you two are my absolute favorite automotive journalists. Even when it is a vehicle that I’m not really interested in, I will watch it just to listen to you guys. The thoroughness of your reviews is just outstanding, and the fact that you are both witty and funny is just icing on the cake! Well done as always. 👏🏻

[MarkMonolithOfficial]

The Toyota Rav4s are so solid. My Trail edition kicks ass, and I prefer the interior AND exteriors of Toyotas compared to other brands. The Trail edition has a little higher ground clearance, better AWD system, all the bells and whistles inside (wireless charging, heated steering wheel/seats/windshield/mirrors), can tow up to 3500lbs. Super well built and comfortable. No wonder it is the top selling vehicle. It's logically and financially the best choice for the money

[johnlobo]

I would have chosen the Escape as my no.1, had it not been for the lack of AWD. So for my no.1 choice, I say the Tucson for it's overall features, the cost and especially the quiet interior.
Looking forward to your reviews on subcompact SUVs when you get to them. Cheers.

[shelleywilk]

I got the Sportage PHEV, mostly due to a review you guys did a year or two ago. I love it. Best bang for the buck and you don’t need to wait for 5 years like the prime.
P.s. I use the volume button on the steering wheel to avoid the toggle situation.

[PaulStephenson-lfdw]

I think your top 5 list is rock solid. I would add the Subaru Forester in exchange for the Ford Escape, otherwise I am in agreement. However, your point is valid about Subaru not having an HEV or PHEV options. It’s incomprehensible that a brand that sells outdoor living doesn’t have a green option.

[springertube]

Great overview as always guys! The thing that strikes me is that Honda is "that" close to perfection with CRV, for want of those missing features Andrea mentions, finishing touches even if they were just on the top trim. That and similarly, but this is a bigger ask, a refinement makeover on the RAV4. Quietness, seats, overall interior materials, etc, etc. This coming from a long-time Toyota fan-owner: 2nd Gen RAV4, 91 Celica GTS, 96 Camry, 99 Solara, 1st and 3rd gen Highlanders, and before all that - having been an original owner of both 1st and 2nd gen Accords and 1st Gen Integra. That'll date me!

[Tbcp]

I would choose the Mazda, I currently drive a 2015 Mazda3
Sport and I love the brand for its looks and quality and for the simple reason that I drive less than 10, 000 km/year.

[tomsviewphotographyadventu]

I bought a Hyundai Ioniq 5 "AWD Long Range Preferred" in mid-July 2024. My daily commute is 150 km round trip. I have a level 2 home charger. Absolutely couldn't be happier with it.

[blissfuljoy]

I love how you laid everything out. It makes it easier to compare. I think we might want to go with a midsize if possible. Maybe you can do a list of those next🤩.

[Mike-bikb]

I bought an Alfa Romeo Tonale Sprint PHEV EAWD 15 months ago, after test driving most of the above. It handles better, looks better, fits in my garage nicely, and does everything just as well as the ones mentioned ( I am getting better electrical range and gas mileage then stated on the MSRP ), and I got it below MSRP ( try that with a Rav 4 Prime, if you can find one ). Even though there is a lot of bias against Alfa Romeo, as far as quality goes, I have not had one problem with my Tonale. And if I had to do it all over again, I would buy the Tonale again.

[notsodelusional]

Great job! R4 Prime owner here. I do think it’s the best option considering the drive train, but I would recommend everyone test drive the cr-v and Tucson hybrids so that they make informed decisions. Tucson NVH is definitely better, but the annoying controls were a deal breaker for us.

Toyota needs to improve NVH in the 2026. They’ve been resting on their laurels in a very competitive category.

[borneo]

Just a side note on turbo engines - make sure you follow the regular oil changes 8, 000 KM (synthetic) or six months. Cheap insurance for the engine to last. Great reviews you two. Cheers from Chilliwack.

[jeffer]

Good to see lots of hybrids being popular as they are a really good option for people to use less fuel. Interesting timing from Honda though, they just announced a recall yesterday on their hybrids for cracked fuel pumps that can cause a fire. Subaru also just released some teaser details on their new hybrid system coming soon for the Crosstrek and Forester (increased power, improved fuel economy and mechanical AWD system still being used). Looks like it will be a very compelling option in the segment once released.

[joebruhin]

Maybe not the most practical and definitely not the most boring, I'll take the CX5 turbo (and purchased it)....saying that I never ever considered a BMW but am now...I know you didn't care much for the X2 but I like it a lot and close to ordering one but I cringe to think about it's tech. If I didn't care about aesthetics I'd go with the Rav 4, which I drove and it is noisy, boring and slow. Also Subaru was a consideration but again aesthetics wins me everytime.

[willoverkill]

Loving our Ford Escape PHEV, such a good value for a nice vehicle! The Tucson and Rav4 PHEVs have both gone up $10, 000 in the past two years, not that either are obtainable.

[tomdrummy]

I would go CRV hybrid or Rav4 hybrid 😎. I like the look of CRV better….and it’s very comfy . Thanks Andrea and Zack 👍

[stuartaaron]

Regarding the steering feel on the Mazda CX50, I just replaced my 2023 CX50 Preferred Plus with a 2024 CX50 Preferred (end of year deal). The steering on the 2024 is definitely lighter than the 2023. While they say the suspension was retuned in 2024 I don't feel much difference in the ride.

[Brdsht]

These screens don't do anything. How big do you need your Google Maps to be? What is the point, we cant play video on them so they might as well stop taking up space.

[hereigoagain]

Wonderful to have so many great choices. We love our 2019 RAV4 Hybrid XSE. Zero issues. The engine is loud but gives me plausible deniability when I don't OBEY wife's commands. I'm outdated, so I match its interior. Wish reviewers would lump Hundai & Kia together on their top xx lists.

[FordEnthusiast]

Great comparison! 3 years ago I would have picked a Subaru Forester. Now my pick is the Hyundai Tucson. I have a 2023 Limited and it is a great small SUV! Very quiet and for all the features it has for it’s price point makes it an excellent value!!