- Most Reliable Small and Compact SUVs for 2023
- 1. Honda CR-V
- 2. Subaru Outback
- 3. Subaru Forester
- 4. Jeep Wrangler
- 5. Toyota RAV4
- 6. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- 7. Ford Escape
- 8. Jeep Cherokee
- 9. Hyundai TUCSON
- 10. Mitsubishi Outlander
- 11. Kia Sportage
- 12. Chevrolet Equinox
- 13. Nissan Rogue
- 14. GMC Terrain
- 15. Mazda CX-5
- 16. Volkswagen Tiguan
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Volkswagen Taos
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- Ford Bronco Sport
- Mazda CX-50
- Related Most Reliable Cars
- Most Reliable Crossover SUVs
- Most Reliable Large SUVs
- Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs
- Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs
- Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs
- Most Reliable Luxury Midsize SUVs
- Most Reliable Luxury Subcompact SUVs
- Most Reliable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows
- Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
- Most Reliable Subcompact SUVs
- Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows
- Related Most Affordable Cars
- Most Affordable Small SUVs
- Most Affordable Crossover SUVs
- Most Affordable Large SUVs
- Most Affordable Luxury Small SUVs
- Most Affordable Luxury Crossover SUVs
- Most Affordable Luxury Large SUVs
- Most Affordable Luxury Midsize SUVs
- Most Affordable Luxury Subcompact SUVs
- Most Affordable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows
- Most Affordable Midsize SUVs
- Most Affordable Subcompact SUVs
- Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows
- Related Best Cars
- Best Small SUVs
- Best Crossover SUVs
- Best Large SUVs
- Best Luxury Small SUVs
- Best Luxury Crossover SUVs
- Best Luxury Large SUVs
- Best Luxury Midsize SUVs
- Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs
- Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows
- Best Midsize SUVs
- Best Subcompact SUVs
- Best SUVs with 3 Rows
- How We Rank These Cars
- Vehicles are scored in three categories:
- Best Small and Compact SUVs for 2023
Most Reliable Small and Compact SUVs for 2023
Reliability ratings for small and compact SUVs are calculated based on analyzing over 12 million vehicles to assess a model’s long term durability.
The most reliable small and compact SUV is the Honda CR-V with a 9 out of 10 reliability score. The Subaru Outback is the second most reliable small and compact SUV with a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The average reliability score for the small and compact SUV category is 8.1, with 8 models scoring above average for reliability. iSeeCars.com has ranked 16 small and compact SUVs based on their reliability scores, which represents the likelihood of a vehicle to reach a high mileage threshold on the odometer.
Which small and compact SUV is the most reliable?
- Honda CR-V
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Forester
- Jeep Wrangler
- Toyota RAV4
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Ford Escape
- Jeep Cherokee
- Hyundai TUCSON
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Kia Sportage
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Nissan Rogue
- GMC Terrain
- Mazda CX-5
- Volkswagen Tiguan
Models not ranked yet
The most reliable small and compact SUV is the Honda CR-V with a 9 out of 10 reliability score. The Subaru Outback is the second most reliable small and compact SUV with a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The average reliability score for the small and compact SUV category is 8.1, with 8 models scoring above average for reliability. iSeeCars.com has ranked 16 small and compact SUVs based on their reliability scores, which represents the likelihood of a vehicle to reach a high mileage threshold on the odometer.
1. Honda CR-V
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
2. Subaru Outback
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
3. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
4. Jeep Wrangler
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
5. Toyota RAV4
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
6. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
7. Ford Escape
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
8. Jeep Cherokee
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
9. Hyundai TUCSON
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
10. Mitsubishi Outlander
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
11. Kia Sportage
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
12. Chevrolet Equinox
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
13. Nissan Rogue
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
14. GMC Terrain
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
15. Mazda CX-5
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
16. Volkswagen Tiguan
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
Toyota Corolla Cross
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
Volkswagen Taos
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
Ford Bronco Sport
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
Mazda CX-50
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
Related Most Reliable Cars
Most Reliable Crossover SUVs
Most Reliable Large SUVs
Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs
Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs
Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs
Most Reliable Luxury Midsize SUVs
Most Reliable Luxury Subcompact SUVs
Most Reliable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows
Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
Most Reliable Subcompact SUVs
Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows
Related Most Affordable Cars
Most Affordable Small SUVs
Most Affordable Crossover SUVs
Most Affordable Large SUVs
Most Affordable Luxury Small SUVs
Most Affordable Luxury Crossover SUVs
Most Affordable Luxury Large SUVs
Most Affordable Luxury Midsize SUVs
Most Affordable Luxury Subcompact SUVs
Most Affordable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows
Most Affordable Midsize SUVs
Most Affordable Subcompact SUVs
Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows
Related Best Cars
Best Small SUVs
Best Crossover SUVs
Best Large SUVs
Best Luxury Small SUVs
Best Luxury Crossover SUVs
Best Luxury Large SUVs
Best Luxury Midsize SUVs
Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs
Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows
Best Midsize SUVs
Best Subcompact SUVs
Best SUVs with 3 Rows
How We Rank These Cars
The iSeeCars reliability ratings indicate how dependable and long-lasting each vehicle is within its vehicle segment.
Each vehicle is rated on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest reliability rating. Vehicles within a given category are sorted to show the most reliable ones first. If two cars have the same ratings, then we break the tie by seeing which vehicle has the higher overall iSeeCars Score. Along with the Reliability ratings, we show comprehensive iSeeCars ratings for each model, because we believe multiple factors should be taken into account when buyers are seeking the best overall vehicle. Two of these factors are safety and resale value, both of which are included in our ratings system.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of these three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability | 33.3%
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars’ proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention | 33.3%
The value retention score is based on our data science team’s statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety | 33.3%
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Best Small and Compact SUVs for 2023
The best used and new small and compact SUVs based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle’s reliability, resale value and safety.
The best small and compact SUV is the Jeep Wrangler based on our analysis of 12 million vehicles to assess their reliability, resale value and safety. Its overall rating of 9.1 out of 10 reflects the Wrangler’s reliability, value retention and safety scores. A new Jeep Wrangler costs between $31,895 and $87,595 while a used version costs between $28,865 and $61,990. This small and compact SUV can seat up to 5 people and is EPA rated to deliver up to 21 miles per gallon in mixed city/highway driving.
The Small And Compact SUV category consists of 21 models priced between $23,610 and $87,595 for new vehicles and between $15,900 and $61,990 for used vehicles. iSeeCars has sufficient vehicle data to rate and rank 16 of these 21 models based on their reliability, value retention and safety scores.
With a near-perfect blend of flexible interior space and manageable exterior size, small and compact SUVs represents the ideal choice for an increasing number of car shoppers. That’s probably why this category has grown new car market share in recent years while compact and midsize cars have shrunk.
The best compact SUVs provide a comfortable ride, responsive acceleration, high fuel efficiency, premium cabin materials, and confident, sporty handling. Top-ranked models, like the Subaru Outback and Forester, also include standard all-wheel drive, which means improved confidence regardless of weather conditions. Top sellers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 include hybrid options for increased fuel efficiency, and the RAV4 now offers a plug-in hybrid model for over 40 miles of electric car-like operation.
Buyers seeking a premium nameplate should check out our Best Luxury Small and Compact SUVs list, featuring the top-ranked small luxury SUVs from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. Midsize SUV shoppers can browse our Best Midsize SUVs list, and full-size shoppers can look at our Best Large SUVs list.