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Compact SUVs are a popular vehicle segment in the United States. A compact SUV can be a great value to own and drive if you choose the right model. Automobile sales fell, and automakers are already adjusting to the changing market. According to recent announcements from major automakers, a number of sedan models will no longer be produced in the coming years.

 SUVs provide comfort, among other benefits, making them a good choice. Would you like to know which compact SUVs MotorTrend recommends? The following are our top three picks for the best compact SUVs.

 1. 2022 Honda CR-V is an excellent SUV to buy

A blue 2023 Honda CR-V, which is the best compact SUVs to buy.
2023 Honda CR-V | American Honda Motor Co., Inc

According to MotorTrend, the CR-V excelled in comparison tests by combining cutting-edge, useful features with smooth driving dynamics. It’s also among the most efficient in its class, thanks to features like cargo-area-accessible levers that fold down the back seats.

Except for the hybrid, all CR-V models use the same powertrain. This means they’re all powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CR-V is a top-selling vehicle because of this combination.

Every CR-V comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of active safety features for driver assistance. The system includes lane departure warning and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

The technology is available on all trim levels except the base model, which has only standard safety features like airbags and traction control. The CR-V has four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring.

2. 2022 Subaru Forester

The Forester is another SUV with excellent fuel economy and a long list of standard features. Because of its spacious interior and quiet, comfortable ride, the Subaru Forester crossover is a serious contender in its class. Its boxy design allows for excellent outside visibility and plenty of headroom. The Forester, like the majority of Subaru vehicles, comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The SUV’s soft engine, on the other hand, can occasionally limit its off-road capabilities.

The Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine that generates 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Moreover, Subaru’s most recent EyeSight safety system is standard on the Forester. As a result of updated camera technology with a wider field of view, it should be able to better distinguish between various traffic situations, which makes it easy to drive.

3. 2023 Mazda CX-5 is a great SUV to buy

Although the CX-5’s rear seat and cargo space are less spacious than those of competitors, it has a stylish exterior and interior design, engaging driving dynamics, and is a very useful vehicle. All 2023 CX models come standard with AWD and a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter inline-four found in base S trim levels produces 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

The CX-5 comes standard with a lane-keeping system, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts, as well as a number of other active driver assistance features for better handling and stress-free driving.

The Mazda CX-5 received a good rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in all categories, with the exception of front crash prevention, where it received an acceptable rating. Needless to say, the CX-5 outperformed many SUVs in it’s segment, which makes it a great option to go for.

 A few years ago, you wouldn’t have found many compact SUVs worth buying. That’s changed, as automakers have really stepped up their game. The CR-V, the Forester, and the CX-5 are among the best in this category if you’re considering buying a compact SUV. These models are fun to drive and offer great fuel economy. They also have better off-road capabilities, and there’s plenty of room for cargo and passengers without them turning into behemoths.