Toyota compact crossover SUVs usually make any critics’ list of top models in the class. For 2021, most critics placed the Toyota RAV4 near the top of any compact SUV comparison. However, while some lists still show the 2022 RAV4 near the top, one automotive review organization didn’t find room for any Toyota models on its compact crossover SUV list. So which models earned a Consumer Guide Best Buy Badge for 2022?

Is the 2022 Honda CR-V a good compact crossover SUV?

Consumer Guide lists the 2022 Honda CR-V at the top of its compact crossover SUV Best Buy list because of its “excellent passenger and cargo versatility, polished driving manners, and an outstanding Hybrid model.” However, downsides to the 2022 CR-V include an underwhelming standard gasoline engine and a lack of options compared to other vehicles in the class. 

While the 2022 CR-V received praise for its cargo versatility, it’s worth noting that the CR-V Hybrid deducts “about six cubic feet” of cargo space from gas-powered CR-V models with fold-flat rear seats. This loss of cargo space is unavoidable since the Hybrid’s large battery bank takes up the space underneath the rear cargo area floor. 

The gas-only version of the 2022 Honda CR-V has 191 horsepower delivered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) in all trim levels except the top Touring trim, which only comes with AWD. The CR-V Hybrid’s powertrain features 212 horsepower from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor combination and, like the Touring trim, is only available with AWD.

Fuel economy is often a factor for compact crossover SUV shoppers. The 2022 Honda CR-V receives an EPA-estimated 28 mph in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Predictably the CR-V Hybrid performs better with 40 mpg city and 35 mpg highway ratings. 

The 2022 Subaru Forester is a Consumer Guide Best Buy

The 2022 Subaru Forester received Consumer Guide’s praise for being “practical, spacious, versatile, off-road-capable, and easy-to-see-out-of.” Still, Forester’s acceleration is uninspiring, and its engine stop/start fuel-saving system is “a bit clunky.” 

While Consumer Guide calls the Forester “off-road-capable,” off-paved-road-capable is more accurate. However, the new Wilderness model features increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a skid plate under the engine improving its capability as an adventure vehicle. After all, with millions of miles of unpaved roads to explore on this continent, there’s no need to go off-road. 

The 2022 Subaru Forester’s 182-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder features a horizontally-opposed cylinder layout that keeps Forester’s center of gravity lower than typical inline-four-cylinder equipped vehicles. While the same engine powers all six trim levels, including the Sport trim, Subaru’s AWD system also comes on every Forester. 

Although there isn’t a hybrid version of the Forester (not yet, anyway), the gas-powered version gets decent fuel economy. The EPA gives the 2022 Forester an estimated 26 mpg rating for city driving and 33 mpg on the highway. 

The 2022 Nissan Rogue is one of the best small SUVs

The 2022 Nissan Rogue earns a Consumer Guide Best Buy badge with its “pleasant driving dynamics, a broad range of technology features, and passenger/cargo versatility.” However, the Rogue could be better if it offered more engine choices and a hybrid powertrain option. Still, it’s a Best Buy SUV for 2022 on Consumer Guide’s list.

While the Rogue only has one engine option, it’s a good option. The all-new 201-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) pair with your choice of FWD or AWD in any of the Rogue’s four trim levels. For comparison, the 2021 2.5-liter four-cylinder only produced 181 horsepower.

In addition to more horsepower, the new engine gets good fuel economy. The EPA estimates the FWD Rogue at 30 mpg in the city and 37 mpg highway. AWD models get an estimated 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, and finally, SL and Platinum trims drop those figures by one mpg all around. 

Where is the 2022 Toyota RAV4?

While the 2022 Toyota RAV4 didn’t make the compact crossover SUV Best Buy list for 2022, it received praise for its “extensive range of standard safety features; cargo room and versatility; [and] availability of frugal Hybrid models.” However, some “Cons” listed in Consumer Guide‘s review include high base prices, a noisy engine under acceleration, and a “non-linear transmission feel.” 

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers the entire RAV4 model lineup, including:

• Gas-only
• Hybrid 
• Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) 

In the gas-only model, the engine makes 203 horsepower and mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hybrid models add an electric motor to raise the horsepower to 219 and employ a CVT automatic transmission. The RAV4 Prime has a larger battery and more powerful electric motors to increase total horsepower to 302. Hybrid, Prime, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road RAV4 models feature standard AWD, while the other trim levels offer a choice between FWD and AWD.