Comparing Compact SUVs

These aren't the smallest SUVs, but are reasonable in size and performance:

Every 2022 Compact SUV Ranked from Worst to Best -
Ranking the compact crossover SUV segment, from Bronco Sport to Tucson.
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15380025/best-small-compact-suv-truck/
Some highlights:

"... the off-road-oriented Jeep Compass trim is still no Jeep Wrangler, but this small Jeep model, which sits between the subcompact Renegade and the compact Cherokee, is surprisingly capable off-the-beaten-path—when properly equipped."
https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/compass

"GMC's Terrain benefits from a light refresh for 2022 ... A 170-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and nine-speed automatic transmission continue to motivate this compact SUV. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optionally available. The Terrain's ride is on the firm side and, like its Chevrolet-badged Equinox sibling, the build quality inside is less than stellar—especially given the GMC's base price."
https://www.caranddriver.com/gmc/terrain

"... the compact Jeep Cherokee can be outfitted for off-the-grid exploration, albeit for a hefty premium. All-wheel drive is standard on most trims, although the Latitude Lux comes standard with front-wheel drive. Every Cherokee features a 271-hp 3.2-liter V-6, although Latitude Lux and Limited models are optionally available with a 270-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 that packs 295 pound-feet of torque—56 lb-ft of twist more than the V-6. Predictably, the fuel economy figures of the Cherokee's high-horsepower engines fall short of class leaders."
https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/cherokee

"Ford offers its Escape with a wide variety of powertrains. Strictly gas-powered Escapes rely on a 181-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine for motivation, however, a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 is also available. The former engine offers both front- and all-wheel-drive options and delivers adequate performance, while the latter is all-wheel-drive-only and makes the Escape quite zippy. The Escape is also available in gasoline-electric and plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid forms. Going the hybrid route nets buyers a 2.5-liter gas engine and two electric motors for a total of 200 horsepower and an EPA-rated 41 mpg combined in front-drive guise. Opt for all-wheel drive and that figure falls to 40 mpg. The all-wheel-drive Escape PHEV, meanwhile, matches the all-wheel-drive hybrid's combined fuel economy figure, but nets an EPA-rated 37 miles of all-electric driving range. We like the refined ride quality of the Ford Escape as well as its spacious cabin and modern features. Its major drawbacks are its subpar interior materials and its starting price, which is a bit overzealous for what base the Escape offers."
https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/escape

"... the Subaru Forester is still one of the best all-around compact crossovers and an affordable way to get all-wheel drive."
https://www.caranddriver.com/subaru/forester
"Except for the too-spartan base model, the Forester comes generously equipped and all models come with Subaru's suite of driver-assistance features as standard."

"The Toyota RAV4 ... As before, strictly gas-powered RAV4s feature a 203-hp four-cylinder that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. RAV4 Hybrid models have standard all-wheel drive and rely on a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that produces a peak of 219 horsepower. The RAV4 Prime is the most powerful variant. It's a plug-in hybrid model with 302 horsepower. Our only major complaint with this well-rounded compact SUV centers on its relatively loud four-cylinder engine."
https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/rav4
https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/rav4-hybrid
"... the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid and plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime aim to bring impressive fuel efficiency to the compact-SUV segment. And they succeed. But their electrified powertrains come with other benefits too, specifically better performance."

"Honda's CR-V isn't the sportiest or best-looking compact SUV, but it is a well-rounded one. Every solely gas-powered CR-V comes with a 190-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and one of the best CVTs available. The 212-hp gasoline-electric CR-V Hybrid, meanwhile, comes standard with all-wheel drive ..."
https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/cr-v
"The EX and EX-L are gas-only models. The Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid come exclusively with the hybrid powertrain and those are the two we'd recommend most. The front-wheel-drive CR-V Hybrid Sport is tempting. It comes at a reasonable starting price of $33,695 and carries an EPA-estimated 43 mpg in the city, beating the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's city rating, and comes with stylish black exterior accents, black 18-inch wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Sport Touring Hybrid is more expensive but comes standard with all-wheel drive and a host of luxury features that really elevate the experience."

"The Hyundai Tucson benefits from a complete overhaul for the 2022 model year. Along with its bold new looks, the model adds gasoline-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options to the mix. Lesser gas models rely on a coarse 187-hp 2.5-liter I-4 for motivation. It mates to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which shoots power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive, however, is optional. The hybrid setup, meanwhile, makes 221 horses, while the plug-in nets 261 and offers up to 33 miles of electric-only driving, per the EPA. Both come standard with all-wheel drive."
https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/tucson

"The Mazda CX-5 impresses with its luxurious feel and affordable pricing. This Mazda offers more than just a comfortable, well-appointed ride, though, as the CX-5 is actually enjoyable to drive. Buyers can opt for either a 187-hp 2.5-liter I-4 or a 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4, both of which mate to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is standard across the line."
https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5
"... it should be noted that the CX-5 offers more headroom than the CX-50"

"A new nameplate has joined Mazda's lineup in the form of the 2023 CX-50 SUV, which is well-equipped to take on compact crossover rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. ... it will be sold alongside the slightly smaller CX-5, which is on an older platform.  The CX-50 is available with either a naturally aspirated 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged version of that engine making 256 horsepower. All models come with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. A hybrid model is also in the works that will use a powertrain from Toyota."
https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-50
"Although it's barely larger than the company's CX-5 SUV, the CX-50 wears more rugged styling, which is a departure from the more refined, upscale designs found elsewhere in the Mazda lineup."