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Best Compact SUVs of 2015

Best Compact SUVs of 2015

Below is our list of the best compact SUVsof 2015. Our KBB editors have ranked the SUVs after test driving and reviewing the vehicle’s driving performance, features, cargo space, technology, build, fuel economy, and more.

How we rate vehicles |
2015 Honda CR-V
#1
Save
$11,286
Starting Price

4.9
rating
Expert Rating

28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Among compact sport utility vehicles, the new 2015 Honda CR-V ranks tops in looks, fuel economy, safety, features, and value for the money.
2015 MAZDA CX-5
#2
Save
$10,500
Starting Price

4.7
rating
Expert Rating

29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 is a fun-to-drive alternative to established compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

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2015 Subaru Forester
#3
Save

4.6
rating
Expert Rating

27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Subaru Forester boasts efficiency, laudable safety features and one thing none of its compact SUV rivals have: standard all-wheel drive.
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2015 Toyota RAV4
#3
Save
$13,388
Starting Price

4.6
rating
Expert Rating

25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 carries on virtually unchanged from last year as a sporty, fun to drive, practical and affordable small SUV.
2015 Nissan Rogue
#5
Save
$8,104
Starting Price

4.4
rating
Expert Rating

28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Fresh off a revamp, the 2015 Nissan Rogue has a premium feel and laudable fuel economy but only modest performance among compact SUVs.
2015 Hyundai Tucson
#6
Save

4.1
rating
Expert Rating

24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Hyundai Tucson adds a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell model to limited markets in what’s likely its last model year before a redesign.
2015 Kia Sportage
#6
Save
$8,030
Starting Price

4.1
rating
Expert Rating

24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
You can’t spell "Sportage" without "sport," and the 2015 Kia Sportage offers up a turbocharged engine and racy good looks.
2015 Ford Escape
#8
Save
$6,738
Starting Price

4.0
rating
Expert Rating

25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Ford Escape 5-passenger compact crossover has proven itself a leader in the compact-SUV segment and looks to continue the trend.
2015 Jeep Cherokee
#9
Save

3.7
rating
Expert Rating

23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Jeep Cherokee brings a unique Jeep off-road credibility to a class dominated by car-based "soft roaders."
2015 Chevrolet Equinox
#10
Save

3.6
rating
Expert Rating

26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Chevy Equinox gets 4G and a Wi-Fi hotspot, but otherwise remains unchanged, and one of a few small crossover SUVs with V6 power.
2015 GMC Terrain
#11
Save
$7,131
Starting Price

3.4
rating
Expert Rating

26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The GMC Terrain SUV offers rugged styling, a car-like ride, all-wheel drive, and decent fuel economy, plus a surprising amount of luxury.
2015 Nissan Rogue Select
#12
Save

3.3
rating
Expert Rating

25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Simple and practical, the Nissan Rogue Select (a carryover version of the 1st-gen model) appeals with its $21,000 starting price.
2015 Nissan Xterra
#12
Save
$13,471
Starting Price

3.3
rating
Expert Rating

17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Forget about crossover SUVs and "soft-roaders." The rugged 2015 Nissan Xterra SUV is aimed at off-road enthusiasts.
2015 Jeep Wrangler
#14
Save
$14,784
Starting Price

3.2
rating
Expert Rating

18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
When one vehicle can stand for an entire brand, you know the word "iconic" is used right. The 2015 Jeep Wrangler is that vehicle.
2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
#14
Save

3.2
rating
Expert Rating

23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan is a unique take on the compact crossover SUV, emphasizing driving fun over fuel economy, utility or price.

What Our Ratings Mean

  • 0-1.0: This is the rarest group of all because a really bad new car is really, really hard to find these days. We recommend that you pass on any vehicle receiving a rating between 0 and 1.
  • 2.0: Cars landing in this set are also rare. Only true love and limitless passion (or a free vehicle) should allow you to give in to temptation for one of these vehicles.
  • 3.0: Is the vehicle you’re looking at in this range? We’d bet that if you look a little harder, you’ll find a better vehicle at a similar price to fulfill your needs.
  • 4.0: This is the area where the rubber meets the recommendations. The 3-4 range is full of good cars and some great ones. Starting here, it’s OK to listen to your heart.
  • 5.0: These scores represent the cream of the crop, with “5.0” representing, well, near perfection. Any car you choose in this group will treat you very well over time.

How Kelley Blue Book Rates Cars

Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.

Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)

We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.

Meet our editors

FAQ

What is the top-rated vehicle among best compact SUVs of 2015?

Currently, the 2015 Honda CR-V tops the list of KBB.com’s best compact SUVs of 2015. After hours of test driving and analysis, our experts assigned the CR-V a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

What are the top 3 vehicles among best compact SUVs of 2015?

The 2015 Honda CR-V, 2015 MAZDA CX-5, and 2015 Subaru Forester are the highest-rated models on KBB.com’s list of best compact SUVs of 2015.

Which of the best compact SUVs of 2015 is the most affordable?

The 2015 Ford Escape has a starting price of $6,738, making it the most affordable option on KBB.com’s list of best compact SUVs of 2015.

Which of the best compact SUVs of 2015 is the most fuel-efficient?

With a combined fuel economy of 29 MPG, the 2015 MAZDA CX-5 is the most fuel-efficient vehicle on KBB.com’s list of the best compact SUVs of 2015.

What is the #1 best compact SUV of 2015 in America?

Currently the 2015 Honda CR-V tops KBB's always up-to-date list of the best compact SUVs of 2015 in America. It gets 4.9 out of 5 stars from our car experts, has a starting MSRP of $13,436 and gets 28 MPG. Learn more at Kelley Blue Book.

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