By Larry Printz Autoblog
An SUV that belies its name
Despite its name, the 2025 Nissan Rogue is anything but. In fact, Nissan's bestselling U.S. model is perfect for those who do not want a sporty, firm-riding compact SUV. And, on the priciest trims, its cabin décor possesses a stylish flamboyance thanks to quilted stitching and semi-aniline leather. There's 101 cubic feet of passenger space and 32 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74 cubic feet with the rear seats stashed. An 8-inch color touchscreen is standard on lower trims, which gets upgraded to a 12.3-inch unit on upper trims along with Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Under the hood is a three-cylinder, 1.5-liter, variable compression turbocharged engine mated to a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. It's EPA rated at 33 mpg with front-wheel drive, 31 mpg with all-wheel drive. The Rogue can tow up to 1,500 pounds and sports 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Once underway, its genial, middle-of-the-road persona reveals itself. It offers a comfortable ride, agreeable handling, and mediocre acceleration. For those who seek driver engagement, you'll be disappointed as its pleasant disposition contrasts with its moniker. You might be looking for something else, and thankfully, there's plenty to choose from.
Honda CR-V
Sporting a look that's emblematic of classic Honda design, the CR-V embraces its job as a useful travel host without pretending to be something it's not. With 106 cubic feet of passenger space, there's more than enough room for everyone in two remarkably spacious rows. There's also a 39-cubic-foot cargo hold that expands to 77 cubic feet should you need it. The cabin design follows that of the Honda Civic, with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7- or 9-inch infotainment touchscreen depending on model. USB-A and USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto come standard. Pricier trims also get a wireless phone charger.
CR-V EX and EX-L models have a 190 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. The CR-V also comes as a hybrid, but we review that separately. Front- or all-wheel drive is available. It's EPA-rated at 30 mpg with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with all-wheel drive. The maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds with 7.8 inches of ground clearance in front-wheel drive configuration and 8.2 inches with all-wheel drive. Fortunately, Honda's CVT is immune to the breed's tendency for erratic power delivery. Although it isn't a track star, like the Mazda, it has a perfectly balanced steering ratio, well-controlled body motions, and a pleasant ride that make it somewhat sporty.
Hyundai Tucson
With its spacious cabin and modern, cutting-edge looks, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is well worth considering if you're in the market for a compact SUV. It boasts 106 cubic feet of passenger space and a mammoth 39 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 80 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual USB-C ports comes standard. Overall interior design, quality, and ambience mimic Hyundai's larger models, with physical buttons for the climate control.
While you can get the Tucson as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, we review those models separately. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic with either front or all-wheel drive is rated at 187 horsepower, so this is more of a vehicle for those not in a hurry. Fuel economy is decent, though, at an EPA-rated 28 mpg with front-wheel drive, 26 mpg with all-wheel drive using regular unleaded gasoline. It can also tow 2,000 pounds and has 7.1 inches of ground clearance with front-wheel drive or 8.3 inches with all-wheel drive.
Mazda CX-50
Being a longer, wider CX-5, the Mazda CX-50 sports a comparably exquisite exterior and interior design. The upscale ambiance is amplified by its chrome highlights, soft-touch surfaces, and delicate stitching. However, the cabin's 10.3-inch infotainment display is controlled by a knob on the center console, not via touchscreen. Thankfully, its straightforward, stylish instrument panel also conveniently offers buttons for frequently-used systems. The cabin itself is smaller than others here, at 98 cubic feet. Similarly, at 31 cubic feet, its cargo hold isn't the biggest, although it expands to 56 cubic feet. So, if space is a priority, look elsewhere. But there is 8.6 inches of ground clearance.
Uniquely, Mazda offers the CX-50 with two 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. The non-turbo variant produces 187 horsepower, while adding a turbocharger boosts that to 256 horsepower on 93 octane fuel. The EPA rates the CX-50 at 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving without the turbo and 25 mpg with it. All-wheel drive is standard, a first among this crowd, as is a six-speed automatic gearbox. The CX-50 steers precisely and swiftly with a firm ride and considerable body rebound. Overall, this is a hoot to drive, and it can tow 3,500 pounds.
Toyota RAV4
Despite its rugged, outdoors look, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 is all hat, no cattle. Its four-wheel-drive system is very much the foul-weather friend, not for rugged boulder bashing. Of course, that's true of its rivals here as well. But America's top-selling compact SUV offers a good all-around driving experience. Its ride isn't the softest, nor the firmest. It's not sporty, either, but its well-balanced disposition makes it easy to love. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission generate 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. It's also offered as a hybrid, but we review that separately. It can tow 1,500 pounds and has 8.4 inches of ground clearance.
Its cabin space is on the smaller side, with 99 cubic feet of passenger space. However, there's a sizable 38-cubic-foot cargo hold that expands to 70 cubic feet. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, but tonier models get a 10.5-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and a 4G LTE mobile hotspot are standard.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Need a dose of European élan in your compact SUV? The Tiguan makes for a solid choice. With a tastefully conservative wardrobe, it stands apart in this crowded field. Despite a cabin with a mere 98 cubic feet of passenger space, it's the only one here to offer a third row that's best left for children or those you secretly hate. The Tiguan also offers 12 cubic feet of cargo volume that expands to 38 cubic feet with the third row stowed or 73 cubic feet with both rows stowed. A 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on lower trim levels, but higher trims get a larger 8-inch unit. Regardless of size, though, the system's buttons and knobs are infinitesimal. Similarly, an 8- or 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard, depending on the trim level. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
There's only one powertrain available: Volkswagen's ever-present turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optional. The EPA rates the Tiguan at 26-27 mpg with front-wheel drive and 24-27 mpg with all-wheel drive. All Tiguans use regular unleaded gas. Towing capacity is 1,800 pounds with a ground clearance of 7.6 inches. While not particularly swift, handling is fairly athletic, making for an enjoyable driving experience. It's very poised, so much so that you might notice its lack of speed.
Final thoughts
Choosing a compact SUV isn't hard if you know what your priorities are. For space, choose the Hyundai Tucson. If you're a driving enthusiast, you'll appreciate the Mazda, Honda, or Volkswagen. Then again, if you want a vehicle that belies its price, definitely opt for the Mazda, as it also tows more than any rival here. The Toyota proves to be a good all-arounder, while the Nissan Rogue aims for comfort and convenience, not driving thrills. Even so, it's hard to go wrong with any of these SUVs, although the Nissan Rogue is far from our first choice. Actually, our choice would be the Mazda, as despite its clunky infotainment system, it offers the best selection of features for our tastes.
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This story was originally published April 24, 2025 at 4:38 PM.
