A compact SUV may be perfect for you if you’ve ever desired a roomier car or are concerned about poor handling and high fuel consumption. A compact SUV, often known as a crossover, combines the characteristics of a regular automobile with a full-size SUV. So, is a compact SUV best for you?

Why choose a compact SUV

According to MotorTrend, compact SUVs give owners plenty of space with higher sitting positions, greater ride heights, and plenty of cargo capacity. It often provides much more storage space than an ordinary car and almost as much as a full-size SUV. Even if you’re going on a long trip, you can bring all your gear in a compact SUV because of its ample storage space.

It also has the benefit of being considerably better on gas due to its reduced weight and size. This option is an excellent middle ground if today’s high fuel costs have made maintaining a full-size SUV unaffordable.

Handling a compact SUV while driving is significantly more stable and comfortable. Most compact SUVs have a unibody design, combining the body and frame into one piece. By not bending as much in corners, a unibody vehicle drives more like a car and less like an SUV.

For those who value safety, a compact SUV is a great compromise between SUVs and cars. Yet, the crumple zones of the unibody construction considerably improve the vehicle’s occupants’ chances of surviving a head-on collision. Because of its greater mass compared to more lightweight automobiles, it provides more protection in the event of an accident.

What are the cons?

A standard SUV has superior off-road capability compared to a compact SUV. One major drawback is that it lacks the power of a full-size SUV. It is a worthy investment, but can’t match the rugged capability of a full-size SUV and is made more for urban settings than off-roading.

A driver needs all-wheel drive and a powerful engine to appreciate a compact SUV’s utility off-road in many instances. As a result, you can expect to pay more for the all-wheel drive in many instances. The higher the quality and utility, the more it will cost.

A compact SUV satisfies a practical need versus an esthetic emotional desire regarding performance and luxury.

Comparing the 2023 Honda cr CR-V to the Mazda CX-50

If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, the CR-V could be a great starting point with the CR-V hybrid being a great choice to consider as well. The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V shakes things up with its improved visual appeal and unexpectedly pleasurable driving dynamics, especially in the Sport and Sport Touring hybrid trim levels.

From a purely objective standpoint, it’s hard to match thanks to its refined handling, powerful but fuel-efficient engines, roomy rear seat and load area, low price, abundant standard equipment, and high reputation for reliability.

Even if the plastics in the 2023 Honda CR-V have nice looks, the fact remains that there is a lot of it throughout the vehicle. When compared to the Mazda CX-50, it lacks its level of luxury. The CX-50 is a stylish and fun-to-drive alternative to luxury compact SUVs. Its tough exterior design sets the tone for an interior cut above the competition, thanks to its attractive layout and high-quality materials.

Ultimately, deciding between the two compact SUVs depends on your preferences, individual needs, and budget.