From the redesigned GMC Terrain to the classic CR-V, each of the vehicles included on the list below has something different to offer. So before committing to your next Nissan, take some time to explore all your options!
If you’re car shopping on a budget, it’s good to remember that the 2022 Nissan Rogue has a starting MSRP of $27,150. If that number represents your price ceiling, you might begin by looking at some of the more affordable options on this list.
1. Hyundai Tucson
Starting MSRP: $25,800 to $36,800
Selling points: Excellent handling; spacious interior; long list of driver assistance features
Weakness: Distracting available infotainment system
The Hyundai Tucson has a lot going for it: from an upscale interior to an agile four-cylinder engine, not to mention the standard inclusion of numerous safety features and, of course, a great starting price.
The Tucson is perfect for families with its ample passenger and cargo room, along with stellar safety and reliability ratings. As an added bonus, the 2022 Tucson comes backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
If this vehicle has a downside, it’s probably that its optional infotainment system (available in upper trim levels) features a touchscreen display that may take a bit more time to master.
If you’re looking for a compact SUV that checks all the boxes, you’d be remiss not to consider the Tucson.
2. Honda CR-V
Starting price: $26,400 to $36,200
Selling points: Top-of-class passenger and cargo space; excellent fuel economy
Weakness: Base trim doesn’t come with a lot of standard features
There are tons of reasons why the Honda CR-V is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the road today. It’s reliable, comfortable to drive, and a class leader in fuel economy and passenger and cargo space.
The latest CR-V boasts 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo space and has a fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
The downside? Its list of standard features on the base (LX) trim is slim. The CR-V LX comes with basic cloth upholstery, a 5-inch infotainment display, a four-speaker stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, and automatic climate control—but that’s about it.
When considering the CR-V, we’d suggest opting for the EX-L trim. For just a few thousand dollars more, you’ll get upgraded leather upholstery, an eight-speaker stereo, and a power-adjustable passenger seat.
3. Mazda CX-5
Starting price: $25,900 to $38,650
Selling points: Elegant interior; long list of safety features; excellent handling
Weakness: Cramped rear seats and subpar cargo space
The Mazda CX-5 is the pinnacle of sophistication. Its elegant interior is made of high-quality materials, its zippy engine makes it fun to drive, and its long list of safety features make this SUV a top pick.
But if you’re looking for an SUV because you crave extra space, the Mazda CX-5 may not be the right fit for you.
It’s not as nearly as roomy as the CR-V, with a maximum cargo volume of just 58.1 cubic feet. On top of limited storage space, its rear seating is somewhat cramped.
On the other hand, if you’re a young professional looking for an elegant, athletic ride, the CX-5 may be the car of your dreams.
Weakness: Engine lags; its infotainment system is not as current as rivals
One SUV that won’t let you down in terms of passenger and cargo space is the Subaru Outback. It boasts 75.7 total cubic feet of cargo space, and its seats are roomy and comfortable.
It’s also fuel efficient. The Outback gets 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
As an added bonus, all-wheel-drive comes standard in every model, along with at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Opting for the Wilderness trim will get you a ground clearance of 9.5 inches, along with a front skid plate and the ability to tow up to 3,000 pounds.
That being said, the Outback’s four-cylinder engine feels a touch underpowered at times.
If you’re a casual adventurer looking for a ride that can handle weekend camping trips and occasional wilderness excursions, the Ford Escape may be the vehicle for you. This SUV is a respectable compact capable of superior handling both on and off the beaten path.
With a reasonable 7.3 inches of ground clearance and folding rear seats that offer up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space, the 2022 Escape
and lets you haul a decent amount of your stuff out with you. When properly equipped, the Ford Escape can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
While this compact SUV is not as upscale as some of its competitors, a driver looking for a compact SUV that can occasionally hang off the grid will be well-suited to the Escape’s charms.
6. Toyota RAV4
Starting price: $26,525 to $36,465
Selling points: Great fuel economy; plenty of cargo space
Weakness: Not as luxurious nor fun to drive as its rivals
If fuel economy is at the top of your list of priorities, you won’t want to overlook the Toyota RAV4.
This SUV gets an impressive 27 mpg city and a whopping 35 mpg highway—which is sure to delight anyone who’s tired of those high prices at the pump. The RAV4 also has plenty of storage space: with its seats folded down, this SUV has a total cargo space of 69.8 cubic feet.
If you need to carry even more stuff, opting for the Adventure trim with all-wheel-drive will allow you to tow up to an impressive 3,500 pounds.
Like the Ford Escape, the RAV4 is not as upscale as some of its competitors. Under harsh acceleration, its engine can sound “whiny” and it’s not as fun to drive as, say, the Mazda CX-5.
That said, the Toyota RAV4 is still a worthwhile choice among vehicles of its class.
7. Volkswagen Tiguan
Starting price: $26,490 to $37,320
Selling points: Extra row; large cargo area; interior feels upscale
Weakness: Subpar fuel economy; lackluster engine
If you’re looking for extra seating, look to the Volkswagen Tiguan. This SUV is one of the only in its class to deliver an optional third row that can up passenger volume from five to seven.
As an added perk, its interior feels classy and promises plenty of room—with a maximum cargo capacity of 65.3 cubic feet in third-row models and 73.4 in two-row models.
But, as with every vehicle, the Tiguan is not without its weak spots. Its fuel economy is subpar for its class (23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway) and its turbocharged four-cylinder engine lacks powerful acceleration that can leave drivers feeling like there’s still something to be desired.
All in all, if you’re looking for a sporty ride, you’ll be let down by the Tiguan—but if you’re looking for a cruising vehicle that can transport a lot of people, you may have met your match.
Weakness: Above-average price point for its class; modest 1.5-liter engine
Although the 2022 GMC Terrain costs more than the Nissan Rogue, you may not want to cross it off your list too early. The Terrain can offer features that the Rogue won’t quite match—from its wider cargo bay to its equally-impressive fuel efficiency.
While its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine won’t deliver top speediness or super-fast acceleration, it still makes zippy work of driving around town whether you’re a regular commuter or a frequent errand runner.
And what it lacks in speed, the Terrain makes up for in interior style. Whether you opt for the base trim or upgrade to the top-tier Denali, you’ll find luxury touches throughout your Terrain—from an auto-dimming rearview mirror to LED exterior lighting and proximity keyless entry.
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