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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf you mean the best compact SUVs sold in the U.S., there is no single winner for every buyer. The strongest choice depends on whether you value cargo room, fuel economy, handling, technology, or safety evidence most. This guide compares the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, and Nissan Rogue, using a 2023 comparison test alongside clearly labeled 2024 specifications and safety results.
Which SUVs does this comparison cover?
“Best SUV” can mean anything from a small crossover to a three-row full-size vehicle. The available head-to-head comparison is specifically about compact SUVs in the U.S. market, so this shortlist does not rank every SUV size or price class. MotorTrend says its 2023 comparison considered practicality—including interior space, versatility, technology, safety, and fuel economy—as well as ride and handling. Its seven contenders were the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, and Nissan Rogue. Read MotorTrend’s comparison.
That test is useful for understanding trade-offs among the models, but it is not a universal ranking for every trim, powertrain, model year, or buyer. Equipment and specifications vary by configuration, and a 2023 editorial comparison should not be treated as a test of 2024 versions.
Which compact SUV is best for your priorities?
| Priority | What to compare | What the available evidence says |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo and passenger space | Measure the exact model-year and configuration, and check rear-seat comfort in person. | Toyota’s 2024 gas-model comparison reports more cargo volume for the CR-V than the RAV4 in the configurations shown. |
| Fuel economy | Compare EPA estimates for the same model year, drivetrain, and powertrain. | Toyota’s 2024 comparison reports equal combined EPA estimates for the cited gas FWD/2WD pair and for the cited gas AWD pair. |
| Safety | Separate crashworthiness awards from active crash-prevention ratings, and confirm the precise model-year and build-date eligibility. | IIHS award status and its updated front crash-prevention test give different kinds of information; results vary among these SUVs. |
| Ride, handling, and power | Drive the specific trim and powertrain you intend to buy. | MotorTrend characterized the CX-5 as performance-oriented in its 2023 comparison; that editorial assessment is not a claim about every version or a substitute for a test drive. |
| Value and ownership costs | Compare current local pricing, equipment, insurance, fuel, and maintenance for specific vehicles. | The cited sources do not establish current transaction prices, incentives, repair costs, long-term reliability, or ownership cost. |
What do the 2023 comparison’s model notes tell you?
MotorTrend described the 2023 CR-V as redesigned for that model year. In its tested configurations, the Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige and Hyundai Tucson Limited shared a platform and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Those figures apply to the configurations described, not every trim or model year.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.Product dimension: 6.29 * 2.5 * 3 inches, Package weight: 0.48 pounds,Suitable for playing
- 2. High-Quality Materials and Strong Pull Back: Diecast automobile model, zinc alloy, plastic parts, rubber tires, detailed interior and exterior decoration. Install a strong pull-back device，Place the car on the ground, hold down the car body and pull it back, the model car will drive forward
- 3. Function: Side doors, hood and tailgate can be opened movably; Then press the two wheels of the front vehicle or open the front door to trigger the sound of engine and lamp
- 4. Best Gifts Toys: This 1 / 32 toy car is very suitable for children. The paint is fine and feels good. It's very heavy to carry. It is also very suitable for car model lovers as decoration
- 5. Accessories and collections: This product is very suitable for static accessories and can be used as an accessory next to a computer. For those who are passionate about collecting model car models, this is a great art collection.
The same comparison noted a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the CX-5, rated at 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft in the version discussed, and characterized the Mazda as performance-oriented. These are test-context observations, not a complete specification comparison across all seven models. For any purchase, compare the exact engine, drivetrain, and trim; do not assume a shared engine or platform means two vehicles have identical equipment or driving behavior.
Is the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 better?
There is no across-the-board winner in the available figures. Toyota’s manufacturer comparison for 2024 gas configurations shows matching combined EPA estimates for the paired drivetrains, while the listed CR-V has more cargo volume. Toyota also lists higher gas-engine output for the RAV4. These figures are useful for a direct starting comparison, but they are not independent test results and do not cover hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions. See Toyota’s 2024 RAV4-versus-CR-V comparison.
Rank #2
- Package size:7.09*3.43*3.55inch,package weight:0.68prounds,outer packing: exquisite color translucent packaging box.
- Premium Quality & Safety:The Die-cast car model pull back Toy Cars is made of alloy materials, rubber tires, which is high quality and performance, which can be used safely by children.
- Function: Engine sound and light. Press the two wheels of the front car to trigger the engine sound and lights, and open the door to trigger the lights of the front and rear lights.
- Ideal gift: Metal car is very suitable as birthday,Christmas gift,party decoration and cake decoration.
- Interesting pull back car: Put the car on the ground, press and hold the car body, then pull back, it will drive forward. Very funny.
| 2024 gas configuration in Toyota’s comparison | EPA-estimated city / highway / combined mpg |
|---|---|
| RAV4 FWD | 28 / 35 / 30 |
| CR-V 2WD | 28 / 34 / 30 |
| RAV4 AWD | 27 / 33 / 29 |
| CR-V AWD | 27 / 32 / 29 |
| 2024 gas model in Toyota’s comparison | Cargo behind rear seats | Cargo with rear seats folded | Engine output listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 | 37.6 cu. ft. | 69.8 cu. ft. | 203 hp |
| CR-V | 39.3 cu. ft. | 76.5 cu. ft. | 190 hp |
Toyota lists seating for five in both vehicles. The cargo and power figures above are those reported on Toyota’s comparison page; do not extend them to other powertrains or assume measurements from different sources use identical methods. Check the exact configuration’s window sticker and specifications before deciding.
Which SUV is safest?
“Safest” depends on which aspect of safety you mean. IIHS award labels reflect a set of crashworthiness and crash-prevention criteria; the institute’s updated front crash-prevention rating is a distinct test of crash-avoidance performance. NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings evaluate occupant protection in frontal, side, and rollover crashes. These systems do not measure the same thing, so one award or rating should not be treated as a complete safety verdict.
Rank #3
- High-quality toy car: Package size: 8.6×3.7×2.9 in. package weight: 1.3 pounds. Suitable for playing.
- Exquisite design: Four doors can be opened. The hood and Tailgate can also be opened. Made of zinc alloy, plastic and electronics. Safe material. This model car has detailed interior and exterior. Wheels simulates shock absorption.
- Cool light and sound: Press the front of the car to trigger sounds and lights. Press steering wheel to trigger horn sound.
- Pull back model car: Place the toy car on the ground, hold down its body and pull it back, it will drive forward. Very interesting.
- Awesome Gift: It is an ideal gift toy model car for children, also great to use for collection and decoration.
IIHS award status by model year
IIHS’s 2023 small-SUV award page lists 2023–24 CR-V, CX-5, CX-50, Forester, RAV4, RAV4 Prime, and Venza among its awardees. Award levels differ: the page lists the CR-V as Top Safety Pick+ and the CX-5, Forester, and RAV4 as Top Safety Pick. Check the IIHS 2023 small-SUV award list and individual entries.
IIHS’s 2024 small-SUV page lists the 2024–25 CR-V and Sportage as Top Safety Pick. It lists the 2024 Tucson as Top Safety Pick+ only for vehicles built after March 2024. A vehicle’s model year alone may not establish eligibility; verify the build date and exact entry. Check the IIHS 2024 small-SUV award list.
Rank #4
- 【Realistic Opening Design】 Model car features four openable doors, a liftable engine hood and an openable trunk, restoring the classic appearance of Lexus LX570 SUV and allowing you to appreciate the internal structure details of the vehicle, which is very suitable for car model enthusiasts as decoration
- 【Smooth Driving Experience】 Our Lexus LX570 SUV toy car has a pull back function on the rear wheels. Simply press the body lightly, pull the car back a certain distance, and when released, the toy car will automatically move forward. Equipped with front-wheel steering function, high-quality rubber tires and four-wheel shock absorption system, ensuring stable and smooth movement on various flat surfaces.
- 【Three Versatile Modes】 The diecast alloy toy model car designed with three different usage modes to meet diverse play and display needs(Sound and Light Mode, Silent Steady-On Mode, Pure pull back mode), bringing rich and varied experience for both kids and collectors.
- 【Cool Light and Sound Effect】 Model car in divine light mode, press the front wheels or steering wheel to trigger vivid sound and light; the car logo and front and rear lights can be lit, enhancing the sense of reality and fun.
- 【Perfect Size for Display & Play】 Our die-casting model cars are very sturdy and finely crafted, making them perfect for gifting to car enthusiasts, children, or anyone who likes to use model cars as toys or collectibles;Body size is 21.4 x 8.2 x 8.2 cm (8.43 x 3.23 x 3.23 inches), package size is 25.3 x 12.3 x 10.5 cm (10 x 4.8 x 4.1 inches), compact and suitable for desktop display, collection or hands-on play.
IIHS updated front crash-prevention results
In the updated front crash-prevention evaluation, IIHS used runs at 31, 37, and 43 mph (50, 60, and 70 km/h) and included passenger-car, motorcycle, and semitrailer targets. For the listed 2023–24 models, the ratings were:
| Model | IIHS updated front crash-prevention rating |
|---|---|
| Subaru Forester | Good |
| Honda CR-V | Acceptable |
| Toyota RAV4 | Acceptable |
| Hyundai Tucson | Marginal |
| Mazda CX-5 | Poor |
These are ratings for one active crash-prevention evaluation, not an overall ranking of vehicle safety or a replacement for the IIHS award criteria. IIHS says it updated the test to address higher-speed crashes and crashes involving motorcycles or large trucks. Read IIHS’s test explanation and results.
Best Value
- PREMIUM DIE-CAST SET: Includes 5 classic car models (sedan, sports car, SUV, pickup, vintage beetle) in sleek black finish; each features realistic details and scaled to 1:36 for authentic play
- REALISTIC FUNCTIONAL DESIGN: Every car has openable doors and pull-back mechanism; simply pull back and release to watch them zoom forward, sparking endless imaginative play for kids
- STURDY & SAFE MATERIALS: Made with durable alloy body and smooth ABS plastic parts; rounded edges and non-toxic paint ensure safe play for children aged 3+ years old
- PERFECT KID-SIZED SCALE: Each car measures 4.72" x 1.97" x 1.38", fitting comfortably in small hands; lightweight and compact for easy carrying to playdates, trips or parties
- VERSATILE GIFT & PLAY: Ideal as birthday, Christmas or party favors for boys and car enthusiasts; great for educational play, collection, or daily fun that sparks creativity and motor skills
What NHTSA’s test-program announcement means
NHTSA’s November 2023 announcement identified vehicles selected for its model-year 2024 test program; it did not announce completed star scores for those vehicles. The selected vehicles represented approximately 86% of the new-vehicle fleet, according to the agency—this is not an SUV-only figure. To use NHTSA ratings in a purchase decision, look up the completed rating for the exact year, make, model, and configuration rather than treating selection for testing as a result. Read NHTSA’s November 23, 2023 announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy a 2023 or 2024 SUV?
Choose by the individual vehicle and the evidence that applies to it, not by the year alone. A 2023 comparison test, a 2024 manufacturer specification comparison, and an IIHS award list may cover different configurations and eligibility rules. When shopping, verify the model year, trim, drivetrain, powertrain, safety equipment, and—where an award has a production-date condition—the build date.
Quick Recap
- For a new vehicle, compare the exact trim’s standard and optional equipment and current local price.
- For a used vehicle, inspect the specific car’s condition and history; the cited comparisons do not establish its maintenance, accident history, or remaining warranty.
- For fuel economy, use the EPA estimate for the exact powertrain and drivetrain rather than applying a gas-model figure to a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
- For safety, check individual IIHS and NHTSA entries instead of inferring a rating from a model name or a test-program announcement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
