Best New Compact SUVs

How It Made The List

The 2025 Porsche Macan continues to be a compelling choice for those seeking a compact luxury SUV that prioritizes performance and driving enjoyment. While its electric sibling is stealing the spotlight, the gas-powered Macan remains a relevant and exciting option, offering a range of trims that cater to different needs and preferences.

The base Macan kicks things off with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a respectable 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Macan S steps up the performance with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine, generating a potent 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds, accompanied by a satisfyingly sporty exhaust note. The S also benefits from larger brakes and an optional adaptive air suspension, further enhancing its handling capabilities.  

At the top of the gasoline-powered Macan range sits the Macan GTS. This performance-focused variant boasts a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine that churns out an impressive 434 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. It also features a sport exhaust system, a lowered ride height, and unique styling elements that emphasize its athletic character.  

How It Made The List

At the top of the performance hierarchy sits the AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE. This high-performance variant boasts a groundbreaking plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a powerful electric motor, delivering a combined output of 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque.

This translates to astonishing acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds. The GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE also features a host of performance upgrades, including an AMG-specific all-wheel-drive system, adaptive damping, and active roll stabilization, ensuring exceptional handling and a dynamic driving experience.  

The GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE is available in both SUV and Coupe body styles, offering a choice between a more practical and versatile SUV or a sleeker and sportier Coupe with a sloping roofline. With its combination of potent performance, advanced technology, and luxurious appointments, its a compelling choice for those seeking a compact luxury SUV with a thrilling edge.

How It Made The List

The BMW X3 M is a high-performance compact SUV that seamlessly blends practicality with exhilarating driving dynamics. Under the hood lies a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, generating a potent 473 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. This power is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, allowing the X3 M to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds.  

Beyond its impressive straight-line speed, the X3 M excels in handling and agility. A sport-tuned suspension, adaptive dampers, and M-specific tuning transform this SUV into a corner-carving machine. The steering is precise and responsive, providing excellent feedback to the driver.

In typical BMW fashion the X3 M gets a price bump for the 2025 model year. For that, you now get... well... a BMW X3 M, exactly the same as the 2024 model year version because the X3 M arrives for the new model year with no significant changes.

How It Made The List

The Genesis GV70 is a relative newcomer to the luxury compact SUV scene, but it's already making waves with its stunning design, impressive performance, and luxurious appointments – all at a price that undercuts its established rivals. Available with a choice of two engines, a turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 hp or a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 boasting 375 hp, the GV70 delivers great performance.

Stepping inside the GV70 reveals a cabin that exudes luxury and sophistication. High-quality materials, including available Nappa leather upholstery and genuine wood trim, create a premium ambiance. The spacious and comfortable interior offers ample room for both passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for everyday use and weekend adventures. Technology is also a highlight, with a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment .

What truly sets the GV70 apart is its exceptional value proposition. With a starting price significantly lower than its German competitors, the GV70 offers a compelling combination of performance, luxury, and technology that's hard to beat.

How It Made The List

The Porsche Macan EV is a pivotal model for the German automaker, marking its entry into the world of electric performance SUVs. This all-new model promises to deliver the driving dynamics and luxury that Porsche is renowned for, but with a sustainable and technologically advanced twist.

Built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, the Macan EV boasts a sleek and aerodynamic design that's optimized for both performance and efficiency. Its smooth curves and sculpted lines not only enhance its visual appeal but also contribute to its impressive range of up to 315 miles.

The Macan EV lineup offers a variety of trims to suit different needs and preferences. The base model features a single electric motor that drives the rear wheels, producing 355 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This provides ample power for everyday driving and spirited sprints, while still achieving excellent efficiency. The 4S boasts a combined output of 509 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.  

How It Made The List

You can get a top trim, SQ5 Premium Plus, with the new 2025 updates for $68,000, making this a great value option in our top SUVs under $75,000.

The old SQ5 had been around since 2018 and was largely unchanged for 2024. For 2025 we are in for a treat because the SQ5 is all-new. The 2025 Audi SQ5 is a luxury compact SUV that blends performance, technology, and style into a well-rounded package. Sporting a refreshed design, the SQ5 boasts a sharper exterior highlighted by new matrix LED headlights, a revised grille, and updated front and rear fascias. Under the hood, a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivers 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating acceleration and a sporty driving experience.  

For those seeking an even more dynamic driving experience, the SQ5 offers an optional Sport package that includes adaptive dampers, a sport-tuned suspension, and a sport rear differential. With its blend of performance, luxury, and technology, the 2025 Audi SQ5 is a compelling choice for drivers seeking a premium compact SUV that can handle both daily commutes and spirited drives.

How It Made The List

Launched quietly and without much fanfare on Tesla's China consumer site, the updated Model Y features a far more fetching look than the outgoing model.

The SUV's front bumper has been smoothed out and new, squintier headlamps flow into a new light bar that runs the width of the front trunk lid. The rear end receives a similar lighting treatment, with a full-width red taillamp across the Model Y's hatchback.

Interior upgrades were much needed as well, and we can tell from photos that many of the improvements made to the Model 3 have made their way into the Model Y. Those upgrades include available ventilated front seats, a redesigned steering wheel, and a rear-seat display for the back seat passengers.

Tesla's Chinese website doesn't say specifically, but we suspect the new Model Y also received material quality upgrades and additional sound-deadening measures to match the Model 3.

How It Made The List

The 2025 Maserati Grecale bursts onto the scene as a compact luxury SUV that embodies Italian flair and performance. This stylish SUV offers a compelling blend of versatility, technology, and driving excitement, making it a strong contender in its segment. Maserati offers the Grecale in three distinct trims, each catering to different needs and preferences.

The entry-level Grecale GT is powered by a mild-hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a respectable 296 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This provides ample power for everyday driving, while the mild-hybrid system enhances efficiency. Both the Grecale Modena (starts at $78k+) and the Grecale Trofeo (starts at $109k+) are too expensive for our list, but we wouldn't take them anyway. This is the sweet spot.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominate the dashboard, while a head-up display is available for added convenience. With its combination of Italian style, engaging performance, and luxurious amenities, the 2025 Maserati Grecale is a compelling choice.

How It Made The List

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a high-performance SUV that injects Italian passion and driving excitement into a segment often dominated by German pragmatism. It distinguishes itself with a Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that roars to life with 505 horsepower, propelling the Stelvio Quadrifoglio from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds. This exhilarating acceleration is accompanied by a symphony of exhaust notes that will quicken the pulse of any driving enthusiast.

But the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is more than just a straight-line rocket. Its meticulously tuned chassis, responsive steering, and performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system deliver exceptional handling and agility, making it a joy to pilot on winding roads. The Brembo brakes provide confident stopping power, ensuring you can harness all that power with control. The exterior design is a blend of elegance and aggression.

Technically, the Stelvio QV is meant to be discontinued for this year, but we still see them on dealer lots which is why it makes our list. Snap one up if you can, because they just don't make them like this any more.

How It Made The List

The Volvo XC60 continues to be a strong contender in the luxury compact SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of Scandinavian design, advanced technology, and a focus on safety. For 2025, the XC60 receives a notable update with a new Google-based infotainment system, featuring a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay integration. This enhances the user experience with a more intuitive interface and seamless connectivity. Under the hood, the XC60 offers a choice of mild-hybrid powertrains, with the B5 delivering 247 horsepower and the B6 offering 295 horsepower. Both provide ample power for daily driving and highway cruising, while the standard all-wheel drive ensures confident handling in various conditions.

Journalists have consistently praised the XC60 for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and advanced technology. Car and Driver notes that "the XC60's cabin is a stylish and serene space," while highlighting the "intuitive and responsive" new infotainment system. Edmunds praises the XC60's "comfortable ride and composed handling," making it "a great choice for daily driving and long road trips."