From the basic Buick Envista to the more luxurious Mazda CX-5, the compact SUV segment has much to offer. Most drivers can’t check out every model, but these are worth taking out for a test drive.

Learn What to Look for Before Heading to the Dealer

There’s no one compact SUV that will provide a good fit for every driver because everyone has different priorities. Some people want the cheapest compact SUV available, while others don’t mind paying extra for the bells and whistles.

This list contains budget models like the Buick Envista, luxury options like the Mercedes GLC, and an excellent choice for drivers who prefer to take the middle path: the versatile Mazda CX-5.

The Buick Envista Is a Decent Entry-Level Compact SUV

Drivers who want an entry-level compact SUV might like the Buick Envista. This all-new five-passenger crossover SUV comes in front-wheel drive only and receives power from a 1.2L 3-cyl turbo engine that puts out 136 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.

Don’t expect to win any races in the Envista, but the upside of going for this budget compact SUV is that it gets good mileage at an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in cities. Drivers shopping in this budget range may also want to check out the Mazda CX-30.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Occupies the Other End of the Spectrum

Drivers who want a dash of extra prestige with their vehicle purchases might go for Mercedes SUVs. In the compact SUV segment, that means the Mercedes-Benz GLC. It’s no Maserati, but the Mercedes GLC offers a luxurious interior and more power than the Envista by a long shot.

With a 255 hp 4-cyl engine and a mild hybrid system, the GLC comes in both RWD and AWD options. The downside? This luxury crossover has a price tag twice as high as the Envista’s and costs more to drive.

The Mazda CX-5 Provides a Goldilocks Solution

Most drivers have to shop on a budget, but that doesn’t mean they have to settle for the cheapest possible compact SUV. Plenty of vehicles sit somewhere in between, and the 2024 Mazda CX-5 is arguably the best.

The Mazda CX-5 is fun to drive, handling everything from city streets to hairpin turns on mountain roads with aplomb, and its interior gives luxury brands a run for their money. With standard AWD and even the base-level 186 hp I-4 engine, this compact crossover is remarkably capable.

Which Compact SUV Offers the Best Value?

The three compact SUVs described above span the class for luxury and affordability, but drivers have many other options. The Mazda CX-50 is slightly larger than the CX-5, for example, and has an expanded towing capacity without technically edging into the mid-size segment.

The question most drivers should ask themselves before they head to the local dealer to take a compact SUV out for a test drive isn’t which one is cheapest or largest, but which offers the best value for the money. That’s undeniably the 2024 Mazda CX-5.