Available As: Small SUV

Base Price Range (MSRP): $19,595-$24,665

Pros: Acceleration (4.0-liter), towing capacity (4.0-liter), interior space.

Cons: Ride, handling, refinement, interior quality, fuel economy, visibility.

Overall: The worst-driving on-road focused SUV on the market, and it goes downhill from there.

Rating: 2/10

Recommended: NO

The Nitro's appearance and Jeep-sourced platform would suggest that Dodge has targeted the Nissan Xterra, a utilitarian SUV that puts capability over on-road comfort and excels in its niche. Perhaps that was the original idea. But the Nitro falls far short of the Xterra and everything else. Though it feels like one of the truckiest SUVs available, it lacks the low-range 4WD system that would be necessary for heavier-duty off-road use than a car-based Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V could handle. So buyers are expected to suffer through a choppy, bouncy ride and clumsy handling on-road with no benefit. The Nitro can be had with one of two V6s; base and midrange models have a noisy, slow, and gas-guzzling 3.7-liter V6, and top-of-the-line RTs have a more powerful 4.0-liter V6 which also offers a higher towing capacity than car-based competitors, though it too is too noisy, gets even poorer gas mileage, and doesn't offer the 3.7-liter's manual transmission (which is clunky to use and returns a negligible performance and fuel economy advantage anyway). Furthermore, the interior is shoddily constructed using very cheap materials, tiny windows inhibit visibility, and the rear seat is too low.

If you're looking for a small SUV that won't go off-road or tow, the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4 are well-rounded choices. The Ford Escape is roomy and inexpensive, but somewhat unrefined. The Hyundai Tucson / Kia Sportage twins are excellent values, but not particularly spacious, powerful, or fuel-efficient. The Hyundai Santa Fe is roomy and luxurious, but can be surprisingly expensive. Off-road users should look at the Nissan Xterra, and the most adventurous off-road users should consider the Jeep Wrangler.

Honda Element

Available As: Small SUV Base Price Range (MSRP): $18,900-$22,695 Pros: Versatility, fuel economy, safety ratings. Cons: Ride, only four seats, refinement, seat comfort. Overall: Not even ideal with its quirks that weren't accidental, but a unique choice that's the closest to perfect for a few shoppers. Rating: 6/10 Recommended: YES   Characteristic: Compared to Small SUVs Compared to All  Vehicles Seat Comfort 5/10 4/10 Luxury 4/10 3/10 Practicality 7/10 6/10 Performance 5/10 4/10 Fuel Economy 7/10 6/10 Safety 10/10 10/10 Price 7/10 7/10

The Element is a restyled version of the previous-generation Honda CR-V, aimed at the "active lifestyle" niche of the compact SUV market and costing less than the CR-V. However, it also lacks that vehicle's creature comforts, with a stiff ride and excessive wind and road noise, harder, lower seats, and only four seat belts. Its box shape and seats that either fold easily or can be removed, its suicide doors allow for easy cargo access, and the floor and seats are designed to be washable, making it seem like an obvious function-over-style choice. But consider the Element's problems, and the fact that many competitors are also quite versatile, before automatically excusing the car's deficiencies.   The Ford Escape is a relatively basic, spacious, and inexpensive mainstream alternative to the Element, though it lacks this car's character. The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage twins are also inexpensive, and more refined and comfortable, but not as spacious. If you need actual off-road and towing ability, consider the pricier Nissan Xterra, but only then. And the Toyota RAV4 and Honda's own CR-V are much more pleasant and more spacious than the Element, but also more expensive. And for maximum practicality at a low price with few other concerns, a Dodge Caravan minivan is quite inexpensive and extremely roomy, with well over twice the Element's cargo space and seating for seven passengers instead of four, but it does not offer all-wheel-drive.

Available As: Small SUV

Base Price Range (MSRP): $18,900-$22,695

Pros: Interior quality, ride, refinement, interior space, warranty, acceleration (3.3-liter).

Cons: Fuel economy.

Overall: The top luxury choice among mainstream compact SUVs.

Rating: 8/10

Recommended: YES

The Santa Fe is the larger of Hyundai's two compact SUVs, and the pricier. In fact, contrary to Hyundai tradition, the Santa Fe is far from being one of the least expensive vehicles in its class. (Hyundai's smaller Tucson fills that role.) But the Santa Fe offers class-leading luxury among reasonably priced compact SUVs, and offers enough power and interior space to be an alternative to larger vehicles. Its tow rating of 3,500 lbs is high for a car-based SUV as well. It rides comfortably and very quietly with either of its two V6s, has an attractive and very well-built interior that wedges in an emergency-use third-row seat. The standard V6 could use more pep however, and neither engine delivers the fuel efficiency of many competitors. But overall, the Santa Fe is an excellent vehicle that does not need to compete on a price advantage.

If you looked towards Hyundai primarily for a bargain, consider the Tucson and its Kia Sportage twin. They aren't nearly as luxurious, roomy, or refined as the Santa Fe, but cost much less, still have good interior space, and are generally competent. If fuel efficiency is important, consider the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Both have fuel-efficient standard 4-cylinder engines, and the RAV4 has an available powerful and fuel-efficient V6. The RAV4 also matches the Santa Fe's third row, but the CR-V has a more quality feel of the two. Neither offer the luxury or refinement of the Santa Fe.

Hyundai Tucson

Available As: Small SUV Base Price Range (MSRP): $16,895-$23,745 Pros: Price, interior comfort, ride, refinement, warranty. Cons: Fuel economy (V6), agility. Overall: Hardly outstanding, but pleasant and well-priced. Rating: 7/10 Recommended: YES   Characteristic: Compared to Small SUVs Compared to All  Vehicles Seat Comfort 7/10 6/10 Luxury 7/10 5/10 Practicality 6/10 7/10 Performance 6/10 4/10 Fuel Economy 5/10 4/10 Safety 6/10 5/10 Price 8/10 7/10

The Tucson is a comfortable, practical, and inexpensive compact SUV. It rides comfortably and quietly, has well-shaped and reasonably spacious front and rear seating, has a good array of standards safety features, and costs less than most competitors. Its powertrain technology does not match the class leaders however, with a weak 4-cylinder engine offered only on base models and with a marginally more powerful but less fuel-efficient V6 the most common. Both engines are quiet, at least. But if you can forgive the Tucson's powertrain deficiencies and somewhat clumsy handling, it's an excellent bargain that does most things well.   Before buying the Tucson, consider also the nearly-identical Kia Sportage. The Sportage has a slightly nicer interior and more nimble handling, while the Tucson has a more comfortable ride. Which of the two has a lower price when you buy should also be a deciding factor between them. Also consider the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4, which cost more but are more fuel-efficient and no less powerful, even with their 4-cylinders competing against the Tucson's V6. The RAV4 also offers a roomier interior that includes a tiny third-row seat, and all three have better safety ratings than the Tucson. Also consider Hyundai's own Santa Fe, which is roomier, more refined, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Tucson, though of course also more expensive.

Jeep Compass

Available As: Small SUV Base Price Range (MSRP): $15,425-$21,675 Pros: Price, fuel economy, ride. Cons: Interior comfort, interior quality, acceleration, towing capacity, refinement, visibility. Overall: Not good enough to be a good small SUV and not cheap enough to be a good station wagon, the Compass is a wannabe that doesn't know what it wants to be. Rating: 4/10 Recommended: NO   Characteristic: Compared to Small SUVs Compared to All  Vehicles Seat Comfort 4/10 5/10 Luxury 3/10 2/10 Practicality 4/10 6/10 Performance 4/10 4/10 Fuel Economy 8/10 6/10 Safety 7/10 7/10 Price 10/10 7/10

The Compass is closer to just a compact wagon even than its car-based competitors, as it is only a restyled version of the Dodge Caliber, which is almost inarguably an economy car. So while it has a price advantage compared to competitors that are more like SUVs, it doesn't compare favorably with economy cars, including the Caliber. And like the Caliber, it is a decidedly inferior vehicle, with a low quality interior, uncomfortable seats, weak and noisy engines, and mediocre handling. (Handling and fuel economy compare well to many SUVs simply because the car is so small, but compare terribly to comparable economy cars.) The Compass may seem like a good deal, for a reasonably spacious interior and an SUV appearance starting under $16,000, but it's neither the steal it seems nor a competitive product. There are better choices.   If you are cross-shopping the Compass with practical cars that don't pretend to be SUVs, consider the Kia Rondo and Mazda5, which are small, tall station wagons that offer much more passenger space and comfort, interior quality, refinement, and agility. The Scion xB is roomy for five passengers, rides well, and is quiet, but doesn't have a particularly well laid-out or high-quality interior. For better gas mileage, consider the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe twins, though they are rather noisy and slow. If you want all-wheel-drive in your hatchback/wagon, your choices are limited to the undersized Suzuki SX4 or the pricier Subaru Impreza that isn't significantly larger inside, but either is a better choice than the Compass. If you want a roomier AWD vehicle, or if you must have an SUV, some good bargains include the Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson / Kia Sportage twins. For a bit more money, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester are excellent choices.

Jeep Liberty

Available As: Small SUV Base Price Range (MSRP): $20,330-$26,125 Pros: Interior space, off-road ability. Cons: Ride, handling, refinement, interior quality, fuel economy, visibility. Overall: Better off than on the road, and a poor choice for on-road users. Rating: 4/10 Recommended: NO   Characteristic: Compared to Small SUVs Compared to All  Vehicles Seat Comfort 4/10 5/10 Luxury 4/10 3/10 Practicality 6/10 7/10 Performance 3/10 4/10 Fuel Economy 3/10 4/10 Safety Unknown Unknown Price 5/10 7/10

The Liberty was redesigned for 2008, but did not improve enough to be one of the best small SUVs, particularly in the daily on-road driving most SUVs are used for. Retaining its truck-type architecture, it rides and handles poorly compared to many competitors, and its higher weight also hurts acceleration and fuel economy. The interior is cheaply made as well, though better than other new Jeeps and the Liberty's Dodge Nitro twin. But the Liberty does have more off-road capability than most competitors, useful if you are among the few small SUV-buyers who need more than the modest capability offered in even the most carlike SUV. But for the mainstream market, the Liberty lacks the comfort, refinement, and fuel economy that have become much more common in this class.   If you're looking for a small SUV that won't go off-road or tow, the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4 are well-rounded choices. The Ford Escape is roomy and inexpensive, but somewhat unrefined. The Hyundai Tucson / Kia Sportage twins are excellent values, but not particularly spacious, powerful, or fuel-efficient. The Hyundai Santa Fe is roomy and luxurious, but can be surprisingly expensive. Off-road users should look at the Nissan Xterra, and the most adventurous off-road users should consider the Jeep Wrangler.

Available As: Small SUV

Base Price Range (MSRP): $14,425-$21,175

Pros: Price, fuel economy, ride.

Cons: Interior comfort, interior quality, acceleration, towing capacity, refinement.

Overall: Not good enough to be a good small SUV and not cheap enough to be a good station wagon, the Patriot is a wannabe that doesn't know what it wants to be.

Rating: 4/10

Recommended: NO

Although the boxy Patriot shares little resemblance with Jeep's swoopier Compass, the two share everything else. They cost almost exactly the same when comparably equipped, and have the same platform, interior, and engines. This is a bad thing, for the Compass (and the less-identical but also closely related Dodge Caliber) is an inferior vehicle with a low quality interior, uncomfortable seats, weak and noisy engines, and mediocre handling. (Handling and fuel economy compare well to many SUVs simply because the car is so small, but compare terribly to comparable economy cars.) The Patriot may seem like a good deal, for a reasonably spacious interior and an SUV appearance starting under $16,000, but it's neither the steal it seems nor a competitive product. Its boxy shape gives it slightly better cargo space and slightly better visibility than the Compass, and Jeep claims it does better off road, but there are better choices than either.

If you are cross-shopping the Patriot with practical cars that don't pretend to be SUVs, consider the Kia Rondo and Mazda5, which are small, tall station wagons that offer much more passenger space and comfort, interior quality, refinement, and agility. The Scion xB is roomy for five passengers, rides well, and is quiet, but doesn't have a particularly well laid-out or high-quality interior. For better gas mileage, consider the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe twins, though they are rather noisy and slow. If you want all-wheel-drive in your hatchback/wagon, your choices are limited to the undersized Suzuki SX4 or the pricier Subaru Impreza that isn't significantly larger inside, but either is a better choice than the Patriot. If you want a roomier AWD vehicle, or if you must have an SUV, some good bargains include the Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson / Kia Sportage twins. For a bit more money, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester are excellent choices.

Available As: Small SUV with two or four doors

Base Price Range (MSRP): $37,685-$50,185

Pros: Off-road ability, cargo space (Unlimited), removable roof.

Cons: On-road ability, price, interior quality, cargo space (2-door), rear-seat comfort.

Overall: If you're looking for the best new off-road vehicle, you don't need a review to know it's the Wrangler. But only then should you consider it.

Rating: 3/10

Recommended: For off-road use only

The redesigned-for-2007 Wrangler has been widely acknowledged as the most civilized Wrangler yet. This is true. However, this leads to the misconception that it is civilized by the standards of any other small SUV. While the Wrangler remains the top choice for the most challenging off-road conditions (at least, among stock new vehicles) sacrifices still must be made to get it to that position. It still bounces and slams its way over bumps (particularly in the two-door version), and fights against attempts to change its direction. The new V6 engine, like the old one, is noisy, thirsty, and slow. And wind noise remains excessive. Also, there continue to be problems that are not legitimate tradeoffs for off-road ability. Such as the "rugged" interior, which is the nice way of describing cheap, flimsy plastic. Or such as the insubstantial front seats, and the low, uncomfortable rear seats. In case the message did not make it across, the Wrangler is not an alternative to car-based "cute utes" for daily use, so do not consider buying one for that purpose. "The most civilized Wrangler" is still relative.

For a better blend of off-road ability and everyday livability, consider the Nissan Xterra. It doesn't ride comfortably, but has a stronger, smoother engine with better manual shift quality than the Wrangler, a more comfortable and higher-quality interior, much better handling, and less wind noise. It's still not ideal for commuting, but it's much closer than the Wrangler. For an on-road-only SUV, consider such well-rounded car-based models as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tuscon / Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.

Available As: Small SUV

Base Price Range (MSRP): $19,995-$26,195

Pros: Acceleration (3.8-liter), quietness, interior quality, warranty, towing capacity.

Cons: Interior space, rear-seat comfort, ride, handling, fuel economy.

Overall: A combination of the on-road shortcomings inherent in a truck-based SUV and inexcusable interior packaging offset the Sorento's merits.

Rating: 5/10

Recommended: NO

With the Sorento, Kia tries to put a luxurious SUV on a crude truck chassis. So while the Sorento has impressive interior quality and comfortable front seats, as well as a smooth and powerful engine and little excess noise, the experience is marred when the truck hits a bump in the road or tries to turn. The ride is unsettled, and transmits road imperfections large and small clearly. And it is handles clumsily, with excessive body roll and slow, vague steering. Neither of its available V6s deliver good gas mileage for a small SUV, and poor packaging leaves it with surprisingly little cargo space and a low, uncomfortable rear seat. There are better choices.

If you're looking for a small SUV that won't go off-road or tow, the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4 are well-rounded choices. The Ford Escape is roomy and inexpensive, but somewhat unrefined. The Hyundai Tucson / Kia Sportage twins are excellent values, but not particularly spacious, powerful, or fuel-efficient. The Hyundai Santa Fe is roomy and luxurious, but can be surprisingly expensive. Off-road or trailer users should look at the Nissan Xterra.

Available As: Small SUV

Base Price Range (MSRP): $16,895-$23,745

Pros: Price, interior comfort, ride, refinement, warranty.

Cons: Fuel economy (V6), agility.

Overall: Hardly outstanding, but pleasant and well-priced.

Rating: 7/10

Recommended: YES

The Tucson is a comfortable, practical, and inexpensive compact SUV. It rides comfortably and quietly, has well-shaped and reasonably spacious front and rear seating, has a good array of standards safety features, and costs less than most competitors. Its powertrain technology does not match the class leaders however, with a weak 4-cylinder engine offered only on base models and with a marginally more powerful but less fuel-efficient V6 the most common. Both engines are quiet, at least. But if you can forgive the Tucson's powertrain deficiencies and somewhat clumsy handling, it's an excellent bargain that does most things well.

Before buying the Tucson, consider also the nearly-identical Kia Sportage. The Sportage has a slightly nicer interior and more nimble handling, while the Tucson has a more comfortable ride. Which of the two has a lower price when you buy should also be a deciding factor between them. Also consider the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4, which cost more but are more fuel-efficient and no less powerful, even with their 4-cylinders competing against the Tucson's V6. The RAV4 also offers a roomier interior that includes a tiny third-row seat, and all three have better safety ratings than the Tucson. Also consider Hyundai's own Santa Fe, which is roomier, more refined, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Tucson, though of course also more expensive.