How much SUV do you need? Our buying guide takes a look at the four SUV segments: subcompact, compact, midsize, and full-size SUVs. Each is bigger (read: roomier and more powerful) than the last. Smaller models are a better fit for smaller budgets and everyday efficiency. On the other end of the spectrum, outsized SUVs supply maximum adventure. Read on to discover your perfect SUV.
Key Takeaways
- Subcompact crossover SUVs deliver excellent fuel economy, spacious seating, and sporty options at a great price.
- Compact models offer more interior space and a balance between power and efficiency.
- Midsize crossovers may offer two or three rows of seating. Compared to smaller SUVs, midsize models deliver extra power and interior space.
- With a truck-style chassis, full-size SUVs maximize power and performance, offering enhanced towing capabilities and true four-wheel-drive performance. Plus, they’re the roomiest option!
Subcompact Crossover SUVs
For a thrifty ride and a budget-friendly price tag, this is the best SUV segment to shop! Subcompact SUVs — including the Jeep Renegade, Jeep Compass, and Ford EcoSport — fit nicely into most budgets.
Many models in this segment also offer rugged capabilities, with available all-wheel drive and other trail-friendly upgrades. Subcompacts can even tow a small trailer! Properly equipped, many models in this segment can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
While extra-small crossovers don’t deliver as much power as bigger models, they do offer generous interior space.
Compared to compact crossovers, subcompacts’ front seats are just as roomy. However, they offer slightly less rear-seat space by comparison. Subcompacts also have smaller cargo holds. For example, the subcompact Ford EcoSport has 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while the compact Escape offers 37.5 cubic feet.
Compact Crossover SUVs
In a compact SUV, you can enjoy both generous fuel economy and sporty capabilities. In spite of the name, compact SUVs are also surprisingly big on passenger and cargo space. For example, the Ford Escape offers 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is only slightly less than the midsize Edge’s 39.2 cubic feet. Compared to a bigger midsize crossover, compacts tend to provide similar amounts of passenger head and legroom. However, moving up to a midsize model means wider seats, with more space for your shoulders and hips.
Although many compact crossovers offer a fuel-efficient ride (such as the hybrid Escape), they can also be quite capable, with max towing capabilities around 3,500 pounds. These models will also help you travel light trails and wet roads, thanks to optional all-wheel-drive technology.
Midsize Crossover SUVs
When it comes to seating, there are two types of midsize crossovers: models with two rows (and space for five passengers) and models with three rows (with space for six to eight passengers, depending on seating configurations). For example, the midsize Ford Edge offers two rows of seating, and the midsize Ford Explorer offers three. Compared to three-row midsize crossovers, two-row models have more cargo space. While the Edge offers 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the Explorer delivers 18.2 cubic feet.
In general, midsize models tend to deliver more horsepower and stronger capabilities than smaller SUVs. Although two-row models can generally tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500 pounds, three-row models are a little tougher, often providing tow ratings of up to 5,000 pounds. These crossovers are also available with all-wheel drive to enhance traction.
Full-Size SUVs
With their truck-style, body-on-frame chassis, full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition stand apart from smaller crossover SUVs, which ride on a car-style, unibody chassis. This rugged design means greater off-road capabilities, higher towing capacity, extra ride comfort, and reduced road noise. SUVs in this segment can often tow up to 8,000 or 9,000 pounds! These SUVs also maximize interior space. Full-size SUVs feature three rows of seating, and generally offer space for seven to nine passengers.
The body-on-frame chassis also means more body roll, which requires extra driver vigilance. Although modern SUVs are considered safe, their top-heavy design may not be the best option for families who want to maximize safety. If that’s the case for you, consider a three-row midsize SUV like the Ford Explorer, which offers both a rugged performance and the easygoing handling of a unibody design.
The Right SUV for You
To choose the right SUV for you, match your everyday priorities with the model that’s the best fit! Subcompact crossovers are perfect for drivers with both a long commute and a strict fuel budget. Full-size SUVs can tow the biggest boat, and midsize SUVs provide an excellent balance of rugged capabilities and safety!