Sales are guaranteed in the compact crossover SUV class. But, there are a lot of differences between certain models. Leading carmakers offer the widest range, while even some smaller manufacturers manage to make a breakthrough.
There will be more than 40 models of compact crossover SUVs available at dealerships in next few seasons. Here are the best 10 for 2023 season.
2023 Toyota RAV4
Leader in sales is showing no slowdown. When 400k buyers purchase this vehicle per annum, the chance to make a mistake is tiny. Toyota is a global leader in the automotive world, and the RAV4 is one of the crown jewels. The compact crossover SUV is going to impress you with styling, performance, and technology. Of course, the Japanese company is also a synonym for durability and reliability.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is coming with a four-pot engine under the hood. Still, hybrid units are highlights. A regular configuration can return more than 40 mpg. On the other hand, the PHEV is bursting 302 horsepower. The gas mileage stays very high as well. Maybe only the TRD Pro off-road model is missing and the lineup is going to be complete – whatever you wish, the RAV4 can offer.
2023 Ford Escape
Ford is one of the rare companies that can keep up with Toyota. The new Escape is a true competitor, especially with the class-leading mileage from the hybrid setup. There is no other crossover SUV that can beat 44 mpg. The PHEV is not so impressive as the Rav4 Prime. Still, the 2023 Ford Escape is going to offer a naturally-aspirated base engine and a turbo-four with 250 horsepower.
Starting price of the vehicle is going to stay under $26,000. The hybrid is quite affordable at $28,000, and if you want the PHEV system, you are getting a federal tax credit. The highest end trim is Titanium. Still, we expect further upgrades, and Ford might introduce the performance-oriented ST model.
2023 Mazda CX-5
We pick the 2023 Mazda CX-5 because of its styling and performance. Every vehicle by the Japanese carmaker is attractive, we got used to that. Also, the impression of a premium equipment is always present. On the other hand, the CX-5 might lack some space compared to the competition. But, Mazda makes it up at higher trim levels. For example, the Grand Touring comes with HUD, ventilated leather seats, navigation, premium audio.
Another thing that will future owners love about the compact crossover SUV is its driving. Some compare it to the best-in-class premium vehicles from Germany. One of the reasons is the SkyActiv technology. A 2.5-liter engine is good for 190 horsepower and you can get it to 227 hp if you pick a version with turbochargers. A six-speed transmission is smooth and drops turbo lags to a minimum. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid is about to be launched and complete the lineup.
2023 Hyundai Tucson
Tucson is all-new. It will draw attention with the attractive styling, especially front fascia. Still, the company made it more expensive and fans still deprecate the move. The 2023 Hyundai Tucson can offer more than its predecessor and that is why the price went up. Now, the vehicle is available for $25,000 before further upgrades. The Tucson N is coming in 2023 as the high-end performance model. Plus, we hear Hyundai is almost ready to bring the hybrid version.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson N is going to burst 280 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This model is faster than the base one and needs 6 seconds to reach 60 mph. While the N builds up the performance, the Tucson Hybrid should improve the gas mileage. Standard version sits at 29 mpg combined with the FWD. Other trim levels and configuration for the compact crossover are SE, SEL, N-Line, and Limited, while Convenience and Premium are available as upgrades for the SEL model.
2023 Kia Sportage
Another Korean carmaker is making its way through a tough competition. Well, the 2023 Kia Sportage will follow the footsteps of Tucson and the new generation is ready to make it more competitive. Sportage was more popular than Hyundai’s crossover and expectations are even higher. But, expect the price increase.
What else the 2023 Kia Sportage is going to bring? The most anticipated model is hybrid. The company is developing the system and it should be ready for the next-gen crossover. Also, Kia was criticized about the off-road capabilities of the Sportage. This is not one of the famous 4×4 builders, but the upcoming Sportage will have to offer a better performance in tough terrains. A 2.0-liter turbo engine already delivers extra power for buyers that don’t like the base 180-hp rated 2.4-liter four-pot mill.
2023 VW Tiguan
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is going to have a lot of downsides. The German company is still restoring the reputation ruined by the emission reports scandal. There are electric vehicles coming, but the crossover we anticipate the most is the 2023 VW Tiguan R. Without a hybrid and a V6 engine, this seems to be the perfect option. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder plant tuned to 300 horsepower is going to make a statement. Of course, the carmaker will pack the crossover with the high-end technology to make everything even more impressive.
If you want to stay in the standard lineup, the 2023 Tiguan can be fun to build. There are no numerous trim levels, but optional packages allow buyers to insert features they like, and drop the ones which are not so useful. The price of the crossover SUV starts at $26,000. Volkswagen is one of the most reliable carmakers in the world, and that is why the company is selling so many vehicles. Now, with a bolder styling, the Tiguan will be the small SUV to watch in 2023.
2023 Mercedes GLC
Speaking of German carmakers, it is hard to drop a Mercedes product from any top ten lists. So it is with the GLC. The biggest downside is the price – it is the highest in the class. But, if anything is worth, that is Mercedes-Benz. The GLC is a small SUV with excellent performance. Plus, the vehicle is packed with advanced systems even at the base trim level. Still, you will have to pay more than $44,000 to get it.
If the entry-level version doesn’t stun you, then the AMG lineup will deliver a blowing effect. The AMG GLC 43 increases power output to 385 hp and the price gains more than $15,000. But, that is not all. The 2023 Mercedes AMG GLC 63 is a 470-hp rated compact crossover, one of the most powerful in the market. Who beats that? Mercedes! The S package makes the GLC exceed 500 ponies and the price is over $80,000.
2023 Volvo XC60
Volvo is a leader in the luxury class. The reliability, safety, and performance the XC60 can provide are hard to match. The company renamed old engine packages (T5, T6, T8). Now, there are B5 and B6, while the PHEV version is now out as the 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge. The same badge is indicating an all-electric drivetrain for the subcompact XC40. We’ll see what does the future brings with the XC90 Recharge.
A 2.0-liter engine is the base for all configuration. The base one is turbocharged and delivers 250 horsepower, which is something we expect from a premium compact crossover SUV. The XC60 B6 is going to add e-chargers and increase the total power output to 295 horsepower. The gas mileage is 21/27 mpg, which is not quite impressive for the vehicle of this size. Finally, the recharge model is using the plug-in hybrid system that creates 400 hp and 472 lb-ft (like the T8 used to do). You can ride this SUV by using the electric power only and cover 20 miles. Polestar upgrade package can add 15 more ponies and boost torque to 495 lb-ft.
2023 Genesis GV70
The GV70 is a new face on the market and this list. Hyundai stepped into the luxury world with a new nameplate. Soon after the mid-size GV80, the compact vehicle was launched. The 2023 Genesis GV70 comes without major changes. And it doesn’t need too many modifications. The styling is exceptional, outside and inside. Even if you don’t like the basic setup, there are plenty of options. The GV70 seems to be the luxury crossover SUV worth buying.
On the other hand, Genesis is still a rookie in this world. Buyers will look for reliability and durability. Above all, for the $41,000 base price, we don’t want our ride to lose value too fast. A 2.5-liter turbo is the entry-level engine and 300 horsepower is more than premium German, Japanese, and US carmakers are offering. But, this is not the only powertrain. Hyundai is after high-end models with a 3.5-liter turbo V6. This is a great alternative to Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes GLC equipped with six-pot plants.
2023 Cadillac XT5
The vehicle that started a new chapter in Cadillac’s history. The XT5 arrived in 2016 and had one big update in 2020. Now, it might be time for the complete redesign. Even without it, the 2023 Cadillac XT5 is one of the top 10 compact crossover SUVs the money can buy. The new XT- lineup is expanding, thanks to the success of this compact luxury model. Now, Cadillac has XT4 and XT6. Some experts even carried out rumors about the SUV that will replace the famous Escalade. Well, that is not going to happen.
The pricing of the 2023 Cadillac XT5 starts at $45,000. The luxury crossover is available in three trim levels – Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The first one is equipped with a turbo-four engine, the seconds one adds a V6 as an option, while the last one uses only a six-cylinder drivetrain. Fully loaded, the XT is going to cost more than $65,000. That includes all-wheel drive and Super Cruise system.
