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Sport utility vehicles are everywhere these days. They’re becoming more popular and because of that, there are a whole range of SUV types to meet the needs of pretty much anyone in the market for one. Compact SUVs are becoming increasingly popular and even more car-like than ever before. If you’re torn between buying a midsize SUV or compact SUV, you just might find that the small 2022 SUVs have enough going for you to sway you. Here’s why small SUVs are so popular right now.

A red 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime is driving on the road.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime | Toyota

5. Small SUVs are a lot like cars

If there’s anything to be said about small SUVs, especially new 2022 compact SUVs, it’s that they’re very car-like. Some even have car names, like the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross. These crossover sport utility vehicles merge the best of both worlds; they’re typically easy to handle and drive well while having a bit more space and versatility than your everyday sedan.

4. Compact SUVs can have plenty of space

Even though SUVs are getting smaller, it’s still possible to get a compact SUV with plenty of space, provided you don’t have a large family. For example, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 has up to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The larger Toyota Highlander has up to 84.3 cubic feet, so while there is a difference in available space, you may not need the extra room regularly.

3. Small SUVs are versatile

Small SUVs are often attractive to people who live in cities but don’t want a four-door sedan. A compact SUV allows a person to sit higher behind the wheel but still be able to park easily and navigate through busy streets. The same goes for anyone who has to find parking in a busy area on a regular basis. Having something small that can slip into a spot without much of a problem is certainly a selling point.

2. They can have good safety ratings

Most crash tests are done assuming that vehicles will be in an accident with a similarly-sized vehicle, which means that larger SUVs may still be safer than small SUVs in the event of a crash between the two. Still, small SUVs can have good safety ratings. If you’re looking for the safest small SUVs that you can find, be sure to check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for crash test ratings.

Some of the safest small SUVs of 2022 include the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport, and the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. In addition, the 2022 Mazda CX-5, 2022 Mazda CX-30, and 2022 Volvo XC40 are IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winners.

1. Compact SUVs are affordable

One of the biggest benefits of buying small 2022 SUVs instead of midsize or full-size SUVs is their cost. You’ll save quite a bit of money by buying something compact as opposed to buying a behemoth of a vehicle. For example, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson costs just $24,950 while the 2022 Subaru Forester price starts at $25,195.

There are plenty of compact 2022 SUVs to choose from if you’re in the market for something small – but not that small. These are some of the reasons that compact SUVs are so popular. Read on if you want to know what some of the best 2022 offerings are.

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