What Is the Best Small SUV for the Money? Top Rated Small SUVs | Best Value SUV

The smallest of design changes can make a big difference to a vehicle, and compact SUVs are often difficult to tell apart. When deciding on your next vehicle, you should consider what the best balance of value and features for your budget is. Here are nine of the top small SUVS that you can get for your money:

Nissan Rogue

The Rogue is a solid and compact SUV for those looking for something less expensive. In spite of its smaller size, this compact SUV has a good amount of interior space for you and your passengers, as well as good all-around visibility. The seats are comfortable, but tall passengers may have trouble finding enough legroom in the back.
The Rogue has simpler options than other compact SUVs, offering the basics like Bluetooth and satellite radio but not much else overall.

Chevrolet Equinox

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Though you can have a multitude of optional extras on the Chevy Equinox, the starting price is one of the lowest among the compact SUVs. Driving the Equinox feels smooth and safe, and it has a five-star rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

You get a respectable fuel economy and towing capacity for a car of this size and plenty of extras to keep you occupied on the road. Chevrolet has made this car for a family by creating a vehicle that’s robust, comfortable, and has space for everyone and their luggage.

Ford Escape

Style improvements of the front end and the interior help to set the Ford Escape apart from other compact SUVs. Base models lack the luxuries you’ll find from other automakers, but you still get the unmistakable level of comfort and space you expect from a Ford.

There’s a good amount of cargo space, and the back seat has enough legroom for everyone. You can also get the Escape as a plug-in-hybrid if you are looking to future-proof your car against new emission laws.

Honda CR-V

Honda excels in making compact SUVs like the CR-V, and this vehicle continues to win awards for its overall value. The CR-V has one of the best fuel economies in its class. Everyone knows CR-Vs are dependable, but they also pack a surprising amount of power in a small package.

Inside the CR-V, you get a stylish cockpit, and all the instruments and controls are easy to reach and see. There are few toys on the base model, and many first-time buyers will want to add some extra electronics. Passengers get a good amount of legroom while still leaving you with enough cargo space for your family’s holiday luggage.

Chevrolet Trailblazer

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The Chevy Trailblazer is one of the best values for money when it comes to compact SUVs. A high driving position makes you feel secure, while the shorter wheelbase gives you plenty of control. The 1.2-liter turbocharged engine is equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The CVT gives you smooth acceleration; no more shuddering between gears in traffic. The 1.3-liter engine offers optional all-wheel drive, which replaces the CVT with a nine-speed automatic.

Chevrolet’s design is in keeping with the simple yet elegant ethos of the brand. Inside the Trailblazer, you get a 7-inch infotainments system as a standard feature, with an option to upgrade to 8 inches. There is room for five full-grown adults in the cabin and 25 cubic feet of luggage in the trunk.

Volvo XC60

Volvos are famous for being dependable, smooth, and having a distinctive, hard-edged aesthetic. Now the square edges are gone, and the XC60 leads with an aerodynamic profile and sleek front end. Even the standard XC60 is powerful, with even the base trim offering a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

You still keep the premium feel of Volvo with an interior that’s luxurious and comfortable. Dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and driver’s seat memory all add up to an upscale experience.

Chevrolet Trax

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If you want something effortless to park in a busy city, then you should take a look at the Chevy Trax. The Trax is Chevrolet’s most compact SUV, with city driving in mind. Base models come with steel rims, a 138-horsepower turbo engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission. A short wheel-base and respectable fuel economy make it easy to maneuver and cheap to run.

Inside, you get seating for five people and a 7-inch infotainment system, though many buyers will want to add some extra electronics. You won’t feel like you’re in a compact SUV when it comes to the large windows to give you a better view. Plus, passengers get a good amount of legroom while still leaving you with enough cargo space for your family’s holiday luggage.

GMC Terrain

The imposing front end of the GMC Terrain helps it to stand out from other compact SUVs. The interior is as spacious in the cargo area as it is for the passengers. Plus, you do get a lot of power even with the base model, so you won’t feel like you’re struggling to climb hills if you’re carrying a heavy load.

The Terrain becomes a different ride altogether once you advance to the turbocharger trim packages. However, the entry price is a bit steep, and you still feel like GMC could have put more effort into the electronics and console setup.

Chevrolet Blazer

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The Chevy Blazer‘s futuristic styling applies to both the inside and outside of this compact SUV. A curving hood and high window lines will appeal to those looking for something sporty. The 2021 base model comes with a 193-horsepower engine and start/stop technology to reduce emissions. You also get a nine-speed automatic transmission, perfect for conserving fuel on the highway.

Inside, an 8-inch infotainment system manages all the vehicle’s sound and feature settings. USB ports and wireless smartphone chargers also come as standard. The interior is pleasant, spacious, welcoming, and gives you the feeling that you could drive for the whole day.

Cochran Chevrolet is a century-old family company, with dealerships in Youngstown and Boardman, and with a long list of new and used cars in stock. If you’re in the market for a new compact SUV, we can steer you in the right direction.