Compact SUVs are among the most popular vehicles thanks to their affordability, utility, and fuel efficiency. But because these SUVs are small, they don’t provide as much passenger space as midsize and large models. However, the following best-selling compact SUVs boast the most headroom and legroom in their class. 

1. 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester starts at $26,495 and has all-wheel drive as standard equipment. This popular compact SUV packs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). 

This Subie is adept at light off-roading due to its 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode drive setting. In addition, its cargo area is spacious for a small SUV: 28.9 cubic feet of space behind the back row and 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

As for passenger space, the base-model Forester has 41.2 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front. All other trims provide 40.2 inches of headroom and 39.4 inches of legroom. And back-seat riders get 39.6 inches of headroom and 39.4 inches of legroom. 

2. 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue starts at $27,360. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter inline-three generating 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, mated to a CVT.  Ground clearance is a respectable 8.2 inches, and this model boasts an easy-to-use infotainment system. Cargo volume is 31.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet with those seats folded.

As for passenger space, the Rogue has slightly less than the Forester. Nissan’s compact SUV provides 41.1 inches of headroom and 41.5 inches of legroom in the front. Backseat riders get 39.2 inches of headroom and 38.5 inches of legroom. 

3. 2023 Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson starts at $26,900 and comes with a new trim level, the XRT. Its biggest drawback is the engine, a 2.5-liter inline-four making 187 hp and 178 lb-ft. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. And ground clearance is 8.3 inches.

When it comes to interior roominess, the 2023 Tucson offers 40.1 inches of headroom and 41.4 inches of legroom in the front. But models with the Convenience package provide a bit less space up front — 38.3 inches of headroom and 39.5 inches of legroom. The back seat has 39.2 inches of headroom and 41.3 inches of legroom. 

4. 2023 Honda CR-V

Starting at $28,410, the redesigned 2023 CR-V is the first in this best-selling compact SUV’s sixth generation. Honda made many updates, including a 1.6-inch-longer wheelbase and an improved touchscreen interface, and retired the optional hybrid version. Now, buyers get the hybrid powertrain standard on the upper trim levels. Models also have 8.2 inches of ground clearance. 

The standard engine is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims provide a hybrid setup paired with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Front-wheel drive is standard on the gasoline models with the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive. The hybrid versions get AWD as standard.

As for storage space, the CR-V touts 39.3 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with the back row folded.  

As for passenger room, expect 40.1 inches of headroom and 41.3 inches of legroom in the front row. In the back, riders get 39.2 inches of headroom and 40.4 inches of legroom. 

5. 2023 Kia Sportage

The 2023 Sportage base model starts at $26,290, but the $35,290 X-Pro trim boosts this compact SUV’s off-road capabilities. Kia made many improvements this model year, including a roomier interior, larger cargo capacity, and new tech features. 

Its standard power plant is a 2.5-liter inline-four engine producing 187 hp and 178 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sportage provides only 7.1 inches of ground clearance, quite a bit less than rivals. 

Along with the 2023 Sportage’s other improvements, expect 39.6 inches of headroom and 41.4 inches of legroom in the front row. In the back, passenger have 39.4 inches of headroom and 41.3 inches of legroom. 

Though fuel economy, performance, and affordability are important considerations when shopping for a compact SUV, another essential area is passenger space. These five popular small crossovers deliver in that area.