The rugged off-roading Subaru Forester, the sleek and fuel-efficient Ford Escape, and the spacious Chevrolet Equinox are some of the Hyundai Tucson’s biggest competitors. If you’re in the market for a practical and reliable compact SUV.

While it’s no sports car, the futuristic look of the Hyundai Tucson turns heads. It’s daring, practical, and incredibly well-equipped, making it one of the top choices for a mid-size SUV. With a complete redesign for the 2022 model year, the Tucson delivers plenty of vehicle for your money—and it also happens to be good for the environment.

With a strong reputation for reliability and functionality, Hyundai has created a compelling compact SUV that delivers everything a driver could ever want. But even with an impressive list of standard features, a bold exterior design, and an affordable starting price, it will not be suitable for every driver.

If you’re not solid on driving a Hyundai Tucson and are open to other options, there are plenty of other SUVs on the road. Ready to revel in the rivals?

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1. Chevrolet Equinox

Starting price: $27,695 to $34,495

Selling points: Lots of passenger space, agile handling

Weak spot: Weak engine, pricier than rivals

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the Tucson, the

Chevrolet Equinox

puts up some stiff competition. It’s roomy, competent, and offers an athletic ride, making it the perfect compact crossover SUV at a relatively low entry price.

But the interior is where the Equinox falls short—the cabin quality and storage space are subpar compared to its competitors, and the turbocharged four-cylinder engine might not have the power you’re looking for. However, if you’re committed to owning a Chevy, the top-tier models treading into spendier territory might be worth a look.

If you’re looking to save at the pump, you may want to wait until the 2023 lineup is released—the Equinox EV is in the works and looks good.

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2. Ford Escape

Starting price: $28,660 to $42,120

Selling points: Plenty of available powertrains, fuel-efficient

Weak spot: Hybrids are pricey

The

Ford Escape

has always been a classic for a solid and reliable compact SUV. While Ford has released the ultra off-road capable

Bronco

, the Escape's capability and car-like ride and handling are great for drivers who don’t want to stray off paved roads.

Like many other compact SUVs, the Escape also caters to those looking to save—with available hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, it’s a total money-saver (but don’t expect them to come cheap). The Escape still comes in gas-only turbo three- and upgraded turbo-four cylinder engines that still rock a decent fuel economy of around 30/28/34 mpg combined/city/highway.

Inside, there’s plenty of space for people and cargo, with 27.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, but the cabin isn’t as refined as some of its biggest competitors. Still, it offers loads of desirable standard driver-assistance features and ample opportunities to upgrade to optional luxuries and convenience items—but be prepared to pay to upgrade to a higher trim.

MORE: Ford Escape Titanium towing capacity

3. Kia Sportage

Starting price: $25,305 to $36,465

Selling points: Good driving dynamics

Weak spot: Poor fuel economy, tight cargo space

While the

Kia Sportage

hasn’t undergone any significant facelifts like other compact SUVs, it still offers an appealing and upscale design with excellent driving dynamics—but it doesn’t rival the new borderline futuristic and ultra streamlined Tucson. So, for those looking for a more classic and under-the-radar SUV, the Sportage is a great alternative.

Although the outside of the Sportage may not be anything to brag about, the interior feels upscale and quality, with top-notch tech and a suite of driver assistance features. It also offers ample passenger space and a whopping 30.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row (60.1 cubic feet with the second row folded).

That said, if you’re looking for performance, look elsewhere. The entry-level 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine will satisfy most drivers’ needs, but if you want zesty, you’ll have to upgrade to the 237-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four—and that’s only available on the top-of-the-line SX Turbo.

4. Honda CR-V

Starting price: $28,045 to $39,045

Selling points: Spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, available hybrid powertrain

Weak spot: Lacks driving personality

The

Honda CR-V

isn’t likely to set your heart on fire, but it’s a great pick for anyone looking for a fuel-efficient, spacious compact SUV—and with a reputation like Honda, you know it’s reliable. And with competency across the board, it’s hard to find fault in the CR-V. It has top-notch storage space and functionality, a plethora of standard features, a comfortable ride, and an enjoyable performance. Plus, that all comes at a super competitive price.

But if there’s one area where the CR-V excels over all others in its class, it’s performance and fuel economy. For merely a bargain price, the CR-V's 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration compared to most other compact SUV base engines. Is it as thrilling as the

Audi Q5

or the

Volvo XC40

? No, but for a daily commuter, it offers great handling and confidence—and it’s frugal on gas, with an average EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg city and 34 highway.

5. Toyota RAV4

Starting price: $28,310 to $38,250

Selling points: Rugged style, comfort, available hybrid powertrain

Weak spot: Unremarkable base model, lackluster acceleration

If you’re in the market for a reliable compact SUV with various available powertrains, the

Toyota RAV4

will likely make your list. It’s consistently one of the top-selling SUVs on the market and there’s no question why. With a spacious interior, a smooth ride, and plenty of driver assist features, it’s an easy drive that doesn’t require much thinking.

There are several trim levels to choose from—including a hybrid powertrain—so there’s a good chance you’ll find the perfect fit. The budget-friendly entry model is basic and comes equipped with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine but comes with most driver assist features you could want, while the upscale trim levels feature more luxuries like faux-leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a JBL stereo system. But for those looking to save money at the pumps, the RAV4 Hybrid or

RAV4 Prime

might be up your alley.

But the RAV4 has something that a lot of other compact SUVs don’t: off-road capable models. While the

TRD Off-Road

RAV4 Adventure

aren’t going to transform your RAV into a Wrangler, they feature all-terrain tires, better suspension, and a more rugged overall appearance, giving it far more capability than most other compacts.

MORE: Should you take the 2022 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road off road?

6. Nissan Rogue

Starting price: $28,445 to $39,725

Selling points: Modern interior technology, great practicality and value, versatile cargo area

Weak spot: Best models are pricey

With a fresh new style and plenty of features that help it stand out from its rivals, the

Nissan Rogue

is one to watch. Completely redesigned with a new exterior and more powerful engine that offers more oomph, the Rogue is Nissan’s top-selling SUV and it’s understandable why.

The Rogue features an impressive list of driver assist features like forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring, along with classic entertainment technology like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. If you upgrade to the pricier Platinum trim, you’ll unlock luxury features like quilted leather seats and a head-up display.

After a complete redesign in 2021, the Rogue gets added comfort, more storage space, standard tech offerings, and a powerful new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that also improves fuel economy. It can change its compression ratio in real-time, allowing it to achieve better fuel efficiency or engine power, depending on the road conditions and driver demand. Just how much better are we talking? The FWD models get an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.

With the Rogue, you’ll have no problem finding space for cargo and power to pass your rivals on the highway—or do the type of driving you expect from a roomy, comfortable small SUV.

MORE: Should you take the 2022 Nissan Rogue off road?

7. Subaru Forester

Starting price: $27,070 to $37,170

Selling points: Great cargo space, enhanced off-road capability

Weak spot: Slow, poor towing capabilities

Most compact SUVs aren’t designed with good off-road capability, but if you’re looking for something fun, reliable, and outdoorsy, the

Subaru Forester

is for you. With its boxy exterior styling and higher-than-average ground clearance, the Forester gets cleared to go off the beaten path—and the new Wilderness trim is what you’ll want.

Plus, with a generous amount of cargo space and a host of standard driver assist features, the Forester is more practical and comfortable than ever. Like most Subarus, all-wheel drive comes standard on the Forester, but its 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine doesn’t deliver near what its rivals do—nor does its 1,500-pound maximum towing capacity.

But for buyers looking for the adventurous appeal of a Subaru with the practicality of an SUV, the Forester claims a good spot on the list.

MORE: Every Subaru sports car you should know

8. Jeep Cherokee

Starting price: $31,590 to $40,940

Selling points: Powerful, solid suspension, good off-road capability

Weak spot: Small cargo space, sluggish acceleration, pricey

If you’re after a solid off-road SUV, you can’t go wrong with a

Jeep

—and while it’s no

Wrangler

, the

Jeep Cherokee

has some solid off-road credit, especially the Trailhawk. It’s a competent crossover SUV that offers comfort and good visibility. With five trim levels, chances are you’ll find one that matches your needs and budget.

But as capable as the Cherokee may be, it doesn’t offer as much room as other rivals like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5, both of which are more spacious and refined. The 270-hp 3.2-liter V-6 engine comes standard, but if you’re looking for a torquier and more powerful drive, opt for the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

While there’s no shortage of options, the Latitude Lux trim offers loads of desirable features that enhance the Cherokee driving experience at an affordable price—and upgrade to the turbocharged engine if you’re not keen on a sluggish drive. But if you’re planning any off-road adventures, the Trailhawk beats out the competition.

MORE: Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk towing capacity

Hyundai Tucson vs. the competition

Curious to see how they all compare? Check out the chart below for a side-by-side comparison of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson with its biggest rivals.

Model	Starting price range	Engine options	Maximum seating capacity	Maximum cargo volume	Maximum towing capacity	Fuel economy (combined/city/highway)
Hyundai Tucson	$26,245	Four-cylinder	5 seats	80.3 cubic feet	2000 lbs.	38/38/38 mpg
Chevrolet Equinox	$27,695	Four-cylinder	5 seats	63.9 cubic feet	3500 lbs.	28/26/31 mpg
Ford Escape	$28,660	Four-cylinder or hybrid	5 seats	65.4 cubic feet	2000 lbs.	30/28/34 mpg
Kia Sportage	$25,305	Four-cylinder	5 seats	60.1 cubic feet	1653 lbs.	23/22/26 mpg
Honda CR-V	$28,045	Four-cylinder or hybrid	5 seats	75.8 cubic feet	1500 lbs.	29/27/32 mpg
Toyota RAV4	$28,310	Four-cylinder or hybrid	5 seats	69.8 cubic feet	3500 lbs.	28/25/33 mpg
Nissan Rogue	$28,445	Three-cylinder	5 seats	74.1 cubic feet	1500 lbs.	31/28/35 mpg
Subaru Forester	$27,070	Four-cylinder	5 seats	69.1 cubic feet	3000 lbs.	26/25/28 mpg
Jeep Cherokee	$31,590	Four-cylinder or V6	5 seats	54.7 cubic feet	2000 lbs.	22/19/27 mpg

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