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Best compact SUVs of 2022

Compact SUVs are now the go-to choice for family transportation. Actually, considering how popular they are, they have clearly moved beyond only family duty. With such popularity, though, comes an awful lot of competitors, and it can be difficult to figure out which one might be the best compact SUV for you.  It's important to note that by "compact SUV" we're talking about a specific segment. As we describe in our more comprehensive "Best small SUVs" list, there are also subcompact SUVs that vary widely in size amongst themselves, but are clearly smaller than the SUVs below. Frankly, today's segment of compact SUVs isn't exactly compact — some have more cargo space than vehicles that are considered midsize based on their exterior dimensions. They've all grown considerably over the years. While many lists out there just rattle off every vehicle available in a segment, we thought we'd be a bit more helpful and curate your shopping a bit with the top-recommended choices reviewed by Autoblog. We've included both mainstream and compact luxury SUV choices. Best compact SUVs of 2023 and 2024 2024 Honda CR-V Why it stands out: Best-in-class space; excellent hybrid powertrain; sharp interior style; Honda dependabilityCould be better: No lower-price base trim levels; no sporty or off-road niche models; no plug-in hybrid Read our full 2024 Honda CR-V Review Consider the CR-V the baseline for any compact SUV search, and look extra closely at the superb CR-V Hybrid option. Objectively speaking, it's tough to beat due to its massive cargo capacity, voluminous back seat, strong-yet-efficient engines, well-balanced driving dynamics, competitive pricing and features,  and well-regarded reliability. It's easy to see why it continues to be such a best-seller: for the vast majority of compact SUV buyers, and especially families, it checks every box. That's been the case for many years now, however. The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V changes things up by adding a bit more style and character, particularly in terms of its interior design and how surprisingly enjoyable the Sport and Sport Touring hybrid trim levels are to drive.

Porsche Macan fails moose test, Stuttgart responds

Different countries have different safety standards, but most of them revolve around a similar set of tests: front impact, side impact, offset impact, rollover... the usual. But Sweden has its own test. It's called the Moose Test (or the Elk Test), and it's unique to Scandinavia: a car has to be able to avoid a theoretical antlered mammal on the road while traveling at 43.5 miles per hour and return to its previous course without flipping over. The Jeep Grand Cherokee ran afoul of the uniquely Nordic maneuver a couple of years ago, but even more surprising is the way the Porsche Macan has reacted.
Under testing by Sweden's Teknikens Värld, Porsche's downsized crossover - specifically the Macan S Diesel, for what it's worth - didn't flip over, but it skidded off course. In real-world conditions, it follows, the vehicle could run off the road or into oncoming traffic. The testers ran the test several times, and even removed excess weight from the vehicle, and each time it reacted the same way.
In response, Porsche has explained that the behavior is the result of its Active Rollover Protection system kicking in. When the system detects that the vehicle could drastically oversteer, flip over or lose its tire, it momentarily applies the brake on the front outside wheel, allowing the vehicle to shed the cornering forces without losing it completely.

Sunday Drive: The future looks bright, and the present ain't bad, either

A look at the week that just passed proves that Autoblog readers love looking into the future. Spy photos of the next Porsche 911 and a mysterious Dodge Demon prototype led the way last week as some of our most popular stories. A teaser from Subaru has our appetites whetted for the next WRX, and we're intrigued by the value proposition offered by the rear-wheel-drive Kia Stinger. Long-distance motorcycle tourers went gaga over leaked images of the next Honda Gold Wing. Such intense interest comes as no surprise considering that it's the standard by which all its competitors are judged, and it looks to be getting some serious new technology in its next iteration. And finally, we can't help tooting our own horn a bit. Autoblog just launched a brand-new Car Finder tool, which, after getting a few data points to work with, offers up a perfect list of vehicles for new-car buyers. As always, tune in to Autoblog next week for a front-row seat to all the happenings worth following in the automotive industry. 2019 Porsche 911 to get digital interior — only the tach will be analog Spy Shots: What the devil is Dodge up to with this narrow-body Challenger Demon? Subaru previews Viziv Performance Concept and 2 tuned STIs for Tokyo Leaked 2018 Honda Gold Wing shows off new suspension, hints at DCT 2018 Kia Stinger will start at $32,795 Dodge Honda Kia Porsche Subaru Coupe Hatchback Motorcycle Future Vehicles Luxury Performance Sedan recap sunday drive