Top 10 Compact SUVs: Test (2024)

We put 10 popular compact SUVs through their paces, both on tarmac and off the beaten track.

All the vehicles tested are the popular petrol automatics, most of them in mid-spec guise. Testing them both on- and off-road, as well as their performance and economy, we drove them with four adults on board to see how they cope with a load.

In rating the vehicles we gave special priority to those with, firstly, a full-size spare and, secondly, a high-mounted engine air intake, as these are both critical parameters if you wish to take these vehicles off-road.

1st: Subaru Forester 2.5i-L - Uniquely different!

The Subaru Forester isunique in a few significant ways. Instead of the class-typical arrangement of an in-line four-cylinder mounted east-west, the Forester has a four-cylinder horizontally opposed (‘boxer’) engine mounted north-south.

In terms of interior space, the Forester’s cabin is comfortable and roomy, although the rear-seat passengers sit lower than seems necessary. Boot space is also a little compromised by the floor, which is raised to accommodate the full-size spare that’s unique to Australian-market models.

Read a review of the 2016 Subaru Forester

Still, it wins in this contest thanks to the fact that it does nothing wrong and just about everything well. It’s a genuine all-rounder and no doubt benefits from the vast experience that Subaru has with this type of vehicle.

Specifications: Subaru Forester 2.5i-L

Engine 2.5-litre ‘boxer’ 4-cyl petrol
Power/Torque 126kW/235Nm
Gearbox/4x4 system CVT/Full-time
Tyre/wheel spec 225/60R17 99H
Full-size spare Yes
Kerb weight 1479kg
GVM/payload 2015kg/536kg
Towing 1500kg
Fuel tank 60 litres
On-test consumption 11.4 litres/100km
80-120km/h 7.0 seconds
Price $35,990 (plus on-roads)

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2nd: Mitsubishi Outlander LS - Room to move

This third-generation Outlander is one of the newest vehicles here, having been released in Japan in mid-2012 and arriving in Australia late that year for the 2013 model year. In March this year it received a facelift that included a suspension rework, tweaks to the CVT, new NVH control measures for the petrol engines and a styling refresh.

Additional practical points include the biggest payload and a 1600kg towing capacity, all of which help make the Outlander a very practical choice as
a family getaway vehicle.

Specifications: Mitsubishi Outlander LS (7-Seat)

Engine 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrol
Power/Torque 124kW/220Nm
Gearbox/4x4 system CVT/On-demand
Tyre/wheel spec 225/55R18 98H
Full-size spare Yes
Kerb weight 1530kg
GVM/payload 2210kg/680kg
Towing 1600kg
Fuel tank 60 litres
On-test consumption 12.6 litres/100km
80-120km/h 7.1 seconds
Price $36,490 (plus on-roads)

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3rd: Hyundai ix35 Elite - The all rounder

For the past 10 years Hyundai has been the fastest-growing car company in the world and it has achieved that thanks to vehicles that are well equipped, nicely finished and offer good value for money. And despite some early glitches, build quality and reliability are now also part of the Hyundai experience.

As part of the Series II upgrade the ix35 received locally tuned suspension (springs, dampers and anti-roll bars) as well as new sub-frame mounts to help reduce cabin NVH. The result is a vehicle with tight, relatively neutral handing
and a ‘sporty’ feel to the way it steersand drives.

Specifications: Hyundai ix35 Elite AWD

Engine 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrol
Power/Torque 136kW/240Nm
Gearbox/4x4 system 6-speed auto/On-demand
Tyre/wheel spec 225/60R17 99H
Full-size spare Yes
Kerb weight 1585kg
GVM/payload 2060kg/475kg
Towing 1600kg
Fuel tank 58 litres
On-test consumption 10.4 litres/100km
80-120km/h 7.7 seconds
Price $35,990 (plus on-roads)

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4th: Renault Koleos Bose - A golden oldie

The Renault Koleos is the last of the four vehicles here that satisfies our two critical off-road criteria: it has both a full-size spare and a high-mounted engine air intake. But they are by no means its only virtues.

Inside though, the Koleos feels small, particularly in the rear seat, although luggage space is reasonable. It’s also the only vehicle here with the handy advantage of a split tailgate.Another bonus is the 2000kg towing capacity, the equal best here.

Specifications: Renault Koleos Bose AWD

Engine 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol
Power/Torque 126kW/226Nm
Gearbox/4x4 system CVT/On-demand
Tyre/wheel spec 225/60R17 99H
Full-size spare Yes
Kerb weight 1721kg
GVM/payload 2200kg/479kg
Towing 2000kg
Fuel tank 65 litres
On-test consumption 13.3 litres/100km
80-120km/h 7.5 seconds
Price $38,990 (plus on-roads)

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5th: Toyota RAV4 GXL - Class staple

The RAV4 is one of the biggest and heaviest vehicles in this test, and offers mid-field performance combined with fuel economy that’s towards the back of the class.

Off-road the RAV4 is a mixed bag. It comes standard with a temporary spare, but a full-size is available for an additional $300. A full-size spare would eat into the available boot space though, which is good without being great. Inside the cabin there’s plenty of space for the rear-seat passengers and comfortable seats for those up front.

Specifications: Toyota RAV4 GXL AWD

Engine 2.2-litre 4-cyl petrol
Power/Torque 132kW/233Nm
Gearbox/4x4 system 6-speed auto/On-demand
Tyre/wheel spec 225/65R17 102H
Full-size spare Optional (+ $300)
Kerb weight 1618kg
GVM/payload 2130kg/512kg
Towing 1500kg
Fuel tank 60 litres
On-test consumption 13.0 litres/100km
80-120km/h 7.1 seconds
Price $38,190 (plus on-roads)

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6th: Honda CR-V VTi-L - The surprise packet!

This Honda CR-V is the fourth generation of a vehicle line that dates back the better part of 20 years. Over that time the various CR-Vs have not rated too highly off-road, but this latest-generation model ticks a number of off-road boxes.

7th: Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport - The people's choice

Mazda’s CX-5 is Australia’s most popular SUV and even out-sells the likes of Toyota’s ever-popular Prado and Jeep’s new sales star, the Grand Cherokee.As a road car the CX-5 is hard to fault.

The cabin is about middle-of-class for space, although the boot is relatively shallow. A 1800kg tow rating is a bonus.

Specifications: Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport

Engine 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol
Power/Torque 138kW/250Nm
Gearbox/4x4 system 6-speed auto/On-demand
Tyre/wheel spec 225/65R17 102V
Full-size spare No
Kerb weight 1559kg
GVM/payload 2071kg/512kg
Towing 1800kg
Fuel tank 58 litres
On-test consumption 11.1 litres/100km
80-120km/h 6.5 seconds
Price $36,620 (plus on-roads)

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8th: Volkswagen Tiguan 132TSI Pacific - Euro Alternative

Driving the Tiguan after the other vehicles here feels so different it’s almost like it comes from another planet. It’s easily the quietest and the most refined and has a solid, substantial feel that none of the others come close to matching.

The Tiguan’s on-road dynamics are also first class. However, its small and somewhat drab interior is a disappointment. Worst of all is the tiny boot, the Tiguan’s Achilles heel. Although the Tiguan is ranked behind the CX-5, there’s really nothing in it – it just depends on your priorities.

Specifications: Volkswagen Tiguan 132TSI Pacific

Engine 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl petrol
Power/Torque 132kW/280Nm
Gearbox/4x4 system 7-speed DSG/On-demand
Tyre/wheel spec 215/65R16 98H
Full-size spare No
Kerb weight 1626kg
GVM/payload N/A
Towing 2000kg
Fuel tank 64 litres
On-test consumption 12.6 litres/100km
80-120km/h 6.1 seconds
Price $36,390 (plus on-roads)

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9th: Nissan X-Trail ST-L - Family focus

The X-Trail is the newest vehicle in our test, and it’s a significant departure from both its first- and second-generation incarnations. Where the earlier X-Trails were very much at home off-road, this new model prioritises comfort, space and interior packaging, making it arguably now more of a ‘crossover’ vehicle than a compact SUV.

On the road the X-Trail feels big in this company and offers a soft ride that can get unruly when the vehicle is laden and on poor roads. Plenty of bodyroll too, and not the best in terms of steering response and dynamic ability.

Specifications: Nissan X-Trail ST-L

Engine 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol
Power/Torque 126kW/226Nm
Gearbox/4x4 system CVT/On-demand
Tyre/wheel spec 225/65R17 102H
Full-size spare No
Kerb weight 1543kg
GVM/payload 2080kg/537kg
Towing 1500kg
Fuel tank 60 litres
On-test consumption 11.5 litres/100km
80-120km/h 7.0 seconds
Price $36,190 (plus on-roads)

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10th: Ford Kuga Trend EcoBoost - Drivers delight

In many ways the Ford Kuga doesn’t deserve to finish at the tail of this field. If it weren’t for a number of off-road and practicality shortcomings it would in fact be right up the top of this list.

Off-road the Kuga has the benefit of decent wheel travel and good approach and departure angles, but that’s where the good news stops.One other significant negative is the very modest 1200kg towing capacity.

Specifications: Ford Kuga Trend EcoBoost AWD

Engine 1.6-litre turbo 4-cyl petrol
Power/Torque 134kW/240Nm
Gearbox/4x4 system 6-speed auto/On-demand
Tyre/wheel spec 235/50R18 97H
Full-size spare No
Kerb weight 1657kg
GVM/payload N/A
Towing 1200kg
Fuel tank 60 litres
On-test consumption 11.4 litres/100km
80-120km/h 7.7 seconds
Price $36,240 (plus on-roads)

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Fraser Stronach