The SUV market is hot again. Especially within the affordable compact SUV market; supply is high, demand is relatively low and the
prices are well below their previous high levels.
Bottom line? Great bargains on trucks such as a used Jeep Liberty.
The compact SUV segment offers some of the best values when comparing key ranking criteria such as:
- Performance: Handling, braking, acceleration and ride quality
- Interior: Comforts, features, cargo space, styling and build quality
- Exterior: Design, overall appearance and build quality
- Safety: Highest safety rating from the NHTSA and the IIHS
- Reliability: Three years of historical initial quality and dependability data; Vehicle Dependability & Initial Quality Studies
- Awards: Motor Trend Car of the Year and North American Car of the Year awards improve the rankings
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- 2.4L I4, 16 valves
- 5 speed automatic transmission
- 20 mpg city / 26 mpg hwy
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- 2.4L I4, 16 valves
- 4 speed automatic transmission
- 21 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy
Ford Escape Hybrid
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | NA |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- 2.3L I4, 16 valves
- VAR speed automatic transmission
- 29 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.8 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- 3.3L V6, 24 valves
- 5 speed automatic transmission
- 16 mpg city / 22 mpg hwy
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Performance: | 8.5 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- 2.5L H4, 16 valves
- 5 speed manual transmission
- 20 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy
Suzuki Grand Vitara
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- 2.7L V6, 24 valves
- 5 speed automatic transmission
- 17 mpg city / 22 mpg hwy
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- 2.4L I4, 16 valves
- 5 speed manual transmission
- 18 mpg city / 23 mpg hwy
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- 3.0L V6, 24 valves
- 4 speed automatic transmission
- 18 mpg city / 24 mpg hwy
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- 3.6L V6, 24 valves
- 6 speed automatic transmission
- 16 mpg city / 22 mpg hwy
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Performance: | 6.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- 3.7L V6, 12 valves
- 6 speed manual transmission
- 16 mpg city / 22 mpg hwy
Oh, and that pic up top? Its a cool cross-over concept by Mazda, called the Hakaze.
