Top 10 Compact SUV of 2022

An SUV is no longer a rarity on our roads, quite the opposite because the relatively new category of compact SUVs is enjoying great popularity. So it’s not surprising that almost every car brand has at least one in its range. We have summarized the top ten compact SUV models for you.

What matters to customers when they decide on a compact SUV? It’s all in the mix! It is the combination of compact dimensions, higher seating position, good overview, and space suitable for everyday use that makes the compact SUV the perfect companion – and not just for families.

Audi Q4 e-Tron

Audi Q4 e-Tron

Audi is not satisfied with just one electric model – customers can marvel at eight different fully electric Audis.

One of them is the Audi Q4 e-Tron. As Audi’s first electric compact SUV, the car already has a place in the annals, but of course, the car can still be something more than just the first. Customers can choose between three engines, with a range of at least 338 kilometers. In addition to the high battery capacity, the high everyday use of the Q4 e-Tron is also due to its comfortably high entry and the enormous trunk, which simply swallows 520 liters of luggage.

If the rear row of seats can be dispensed with, the load volume can quickly add up to 1,490 liters with the rear bench folded down. The Q4 e-Tron seems to be pretty close to scratching the border of a luxury class SUV. Among other things, this tells us the hefty RRP of at least 41,000 euros.

Fact check:

  1. Lots of modern technology
  2. Space suitable for everyday use
  3. Very good range

VW Tiguan

VW Tiguan

The VW Tiguan is the classically powered counterpart to the ID.4, so to speak, and a real long-running hit. The bestseller was only given a facelift in July 2020, which was worth it. The Tiguan is visually more modern and youthful, there is now also a plug-in hybrid model and the well-known advantages such as variability, lots of space, and solid driving style have remained. There isn’t much to complain about when it comes to the compact SUV . The only downer is the known only two-year warranty, the comparatively high price, and the package-bound choice of optional extras. This inevitably ensures that the already quite high sum shoots up even further.

Incidentally, VW also has the Tiguan available as an R model for fans of fast driving. Anyone who is less interested in racing and more interested in saving fuel will be happy with the VW Tiguan eHybrid.

Fact check:

  1. Interior offers plenty of space
  2. Large trunk
  3. Sliding rear seat

Cupra Formentor

Cupra Formentor

If it needs to be sporty and then also practical, then this is it Cupra Formentor the right choice. The sports brand that has been spun off from Seat lives up to its name and is also able to impress with its first independent model. Anyone who sits down in the Formentor certainly no longer has the feeling of being in one getting into an SUV.

The 310 hp pushes the Formentor powerfully but is still cultivated over the asphalt. The very sporty look, the copper accents, and the sport mode ensure additional sportiness. Nevertheless, the Formentor is surprisingly well sprung, which makes it comfortable even over longer distances. With around 400 liters of luggage space, weekend shopping can also fit into the luggage compartment. The Formentor is, therefore, a successful mix when it needs to be practical and powerful at the same time.

Fact check:

  1. Plug-in version called Cupra Formentor hybrid available
  2. Powerful engines
  3. Driving fun and comfort

Skoda Enyaq iV

Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV

The Enyaq iV couldn’t make up its mind – does it want to be an SUV or a van? It’s kind of a cross between the two. Normally we would say that compromises have more to do with doing without, but with the Enyaq iV, the compromise between SUV and van has almost exclusively advantages! This vehicle is only the second electric car from the Czech car manufacturer Skoda. Accordingly, we cannot announce much about the model history.

But what we can reveal are its interior dimensions suitable for everyday use: 585 liters of trunk volume are the result of the well-thought-out mixture of van and SUV. The Enyaq iV is thus maturing into a fully electric family car! What the Enyaq has only inherited from the SUVs is its high seating position. This guarantees easy entry and a good view of the road. Incidentally, depending on the choice of engine, up to 536 km are possible with one charge. A great value!

Fact check:

  1. Hybrid of SUV and van
  2. Plenty of space
  3. Practical range

VW T-Roc

VW T-Roc

Probably the most classic of all compact SUVs is the VW T-Roc. It is now available in different variations – from the convertible to the sporty T-Roc R – and thus offers the right vehicle for every taste. The normal T-Roc is a Golf-based compact SUV and is particularly popular with young families because it offers a lot of safety, comfort, and space while remaining as down-to-earth as the Golf. When the T-Roc concept vehicle was presented almost seven years ago, it was certainly not clear that VW could be as successful with this model as with the Golf.

With the concept of putting a bestseller higher and creating more overview and space, VW did everything right. If the T-Roc is too small for you, you can reach for a higher shelf at VW and choose the Tiguan as your everyday companion. It’s getting smaller, for example, with the VW T-Cross, which as a crossover is more like a mini-SUV.

Fact check:

  1. Lots of security
  2. Everyday all-rounder
  3. Well tuned chassis

Renault Arkana

Renault Arkana

Admittedly, it is a bit questionable that the Renault Arkana lands in the comparison of the top 10 compact SUV models. It is rumored that it doesn’t have anything to do with an SUV from the outside, but rather with a sedan or a coupe.

Despite the sloping roofline that is typical of a coupé, there is still plenty of room for fellow passengers on the rear seats. The sufficient interior dimensions are at least suggested by the stocky exterior of the Arkana: elegant because of the coupé bonds, but still beefy because of the wider wheel arches and the grim-pointed headlights. For passionate fuel savers, Renault even has the Arkana E-Tech ready, which is content with an average of 1.3 liters of Super per 100 kilometers.

Fact check:

  1. Elegant and sporty
  2. Generous space
  3. Modern infotainment

Dacia Duster

Dacia Duster

The cheap home of the SUV segment comes from Dacia and confidently calls itself “Duster”. The cheapest compact SUV on the market has earned a good reputation among bargain hunters. Solid Renault technology and two petrol engines, called TCe, which emerged from cooperation with Mercedes, at least promise solid driving results and a good price-performance ratio.

Those who are less into the flood of plastic in the interior would be ill-advised with the Duster, as drivers are greeted when they get in by a dashboard made entirely of hard plastic. However, the material is cleanly processed and – as long as you don’t touch it – doesn’t even look that bad. At Dacia, the skillful swing with the red pencil means that the Duster is available in the highest (!) equipment variant from an RRP of €15,990. Well, if you order all sorts of available bells and whistles (like Keyless Go) and choose the most powerful petrol engine, you can also make it over €23,000. Nevertheless – the Duster remains unbeatably cheap.

Fact check:

  1. Very good value for money
  2. Solid Renault technology
  3. Sufficient space

Opel Mokka

Opel Mokka 2021

Since its market launch in 2012, the Mokka has blossomed into a best-selling model from the German car manufacturer Opel. Its registration figures peaked in 2017 when more than 35,000 new Opel Mokka cars received the right to drive on German roads. The new generation of the compact SUV has been on the market since 2020, this time under the direction of the French car giant PSA.

The new generation of the Mokka not only looks damn fast, but with the 130 hp petrol engine, it is also relatively fast on the road. Nevertheless, its dashing appearance is also a bit of a downfall for the Mokka: it’s not that spacious. Especially on the back seats, you should rather have a small body size or not have too-long limbs. A little tip for electric fans: The Mokka is also available as an electric car. Then the car is called the Opel Mokka-e and can cover around 324 km with a full battery.

Fact check:

  1. Modern Design
  2. Latest assistance systems
  3. Passable range

BMW X1 Plug-in Hybrid

BMW X1

The premium compact SUV among the top 10 compacts is the BMW X1 plug-in hybrid. Even the classically powered X1 has many fans, but with the hybrid variant, BMW hit the mark. Customers are particularly impressed by the Bavarian quality and the BMW-typical mix of sportiness, suitability for everyday use, and comfort.

Of course, a BMW is not exactly cheap, so it is convenient for potential buyers to be able to claim the innovation premium for the X1 as a plug-in hybrid. But anyone who appreciates the advantages of the Bavarian Motor Works will also put a few euros more on the table.

Fact check:

  1. Great infotainment
  2. Variable thanks to the sliding rear seat
  3. Sporty driving performance

Seat Ateca

Seat Ateca

Another, really good compact SUV comes with the name Seat Ateca also from the VW group. What makes the Spanish compact different than a Tiguan or a Karoq? It appeals to the younger, more youthful target group, because the design, choice of colors, and brand identity alone exude passion, emotion, and sportiness. These are not necessarily words with which one would describe the pragmatic, sensible models from VW or Skoda.

In addition, the Ateca attracts with a really good price-performance ratio and sporty driving pleasure. But if that’s not sporty enough for you, you have to go to the Cupra sports brand and take the Cupra Ateca. However, the Seat Ateca makes quite an effort to win over as many customers as possible: in addition to the well-known compact SUV advantages, the Ateca attracts powerful engines and a trunk suitable for everyday use.

Fact check:

  1. Very good value for money
  2. Modern and sporty
  3. Enough space

Elenor Kling

A tech lover and generally a car enthusiast who likes to do a lot of research and share knowledge.

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