What's the Best Compact SUV for 2017?

With gas still relatively affordable, compact SUVs are booming in sales popularity. These cars combine family-friendly features with a higher seating position and a little extra utility that appeals to many shoppers. We took the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, 2017 Honda CR-V, 2017 Jeep Compass, 2017 Mazda CX-5, 2017.5 Nissan Rogue and 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, and compared them all to the 2017 Ford Escape - the model that won this comparison the last time we did it.

So the question is: Is the Escape still king of the hill, and how did it shake out for everyone else? Watch the video to find out.

[willie]

as the owner of a 17 escape I find the features it has for the money i paid i am happy with it. As far as performance in the crappy weather with snow tires and awd it performs magnificently-zero complaints, room-no issues, comfortable on long and short drives, media center-awesome with nav that is so easy to operate its almost unreal, rough roads-fantastic and performance lets just say I have zero issues getting up to highway speed in a hurray I love my escape cant complain about fuel economy either. As far as advance collision warning, just one more feature that gives people a sense of not needing to not to pay attention while driving however a nice feature

[soiceyboy]

You guys put a Jeep Compass in this test but forgot the RAV4? What about the Mitsubishi Outlander? It's one of the few compact SUVs with a third row seat

[TheGbeecher]

Love ❤️ my '19 volkswagen tiguan sel premium...good gas ⛽️ mileage, decent power, good steering feel and handling, quiet and smooth ride, comfortable and roomy interior 🙂

[DevPack]

The Escape comes with all those features that you said was missing. That is a SE should have gotten a Titanium for the comparison test.

[toner]

when you start looking at the vehicles. You really need to ask what your needs are and will this vehicle do the purpose you intend. I just got the 2018 Equinox LS and it has good standard features. It has what I need. Yes it would be nice to have other bells and whistles. But I have gone this long without them. So what it comes with standard ie: remote keyless entry, heated seats and push button start. Works for me. And the Apple/Android auto. And of course the back up camera. I'm good. I really haven't had any issues with any blind spots either. I find the 1.5 L turbo is just fine.

[tmassey]

Great review! However someone needs to check the sound sourcing, I found myself constantly increasing and decreasing the volume. Throughout the video.

[dustinprenger]

This video is a joke. Where is the RAV4, Sportage, Tucson, and Forester. Instead of mixing up the trim levels (some fully loaded and some more base. They need to either have all of the most popular trims and options or all fully loaded.

[Jordi]

The jeep compass shouldn't be compared in this class. It's too small. The Jeep Cherokee should have been used. The Jeep Compass should be compared to the Chevy Trax or the Nissan Rogue sport.

[deet]

It's a No-brainer, it's the Mazda CX-5 for my money.

[DreadsOfAmbition]

Should compare cars with similar trim levels and or price.

[edwardthayer]

Ford Escape absolutely offers the automatic braking! Mine has it and it works great!

[johndean]

So, you basically said the CX-5 blows all of the competition out of the park. But, then decided to compare it to higher-end luxury brand so placed it in 3rd?

[marinoint]

I would buy the Kia Sportage SX, because its AWD system is second only to Subaru's, and it's better equipped (e.g. ventilated seats) than the dated Forester. Even with a very compact exterior, the Sportage SX has huge legrooms and the rear seats can recline significantly! Also, it has giant sunroof, suprisingly good sound insulation, and great HarmanKardon stereo.

I was really planning on buying the new Equinox, but after a test drive, the Sportage is so much better in handling and feels faster. Although the Equinox has the best exterior & interior styling in its class. If you want to save fuel for the long term, I would recommend the Equinox diesel, it's extremely fuel efficient.

[MrAquinas]

Almost all of the areas criticized in the Escape are addressed for 2019 if you're thinking of one and can hold out. I believe they go on sale in May 2018.

[JoeE.]

Not all brands were included such as the Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, GM and Toyota. 🖓

[ivantjokrowinoto]

Cx5 should be the winner....forester, sportage, tucson, etc

[UliDaNihilist]

"The engine felt a little weak and I wanted a little more, like maybe a 2 liter turbo." How can you be reviewing the VW Tiguan and not know that it already IS a 2 liter turbo?

[leogeee]

I can determine all these factors on my own upon first inspection. I need to know which is the most reliable.

[stangmatt]

What kind of review gives the results winner first? No suspense, no drama.

[Walter-hgnr]

I tried all of those SUV !!! CRV the best of all of them goes faster from the start then Mazda or RAV4. CRV is got the most room and the best design ....