Small SUVs that Dominate on Any Adventure

So, you’re looking for a small SUV that is willing and able to take you on your adventures. Compact SUVs are popular not only because they are versatile, but they offer a car-like driving experience with SUV-like capabilities. But where do you start if you want one that can tackle some rough terrain when you’re not commuting to work on the highway?

The Toyota RAV4 – Small SUV Extra Energy

If you’re like any compact SUV shopper, you’ve probably considered the Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V. The RAV4 is a popular chose for drivers who like to keep going when the pavement ends because it has a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system that helps you keep traction on any surface.
It’s small size and fuel-efficient powertrain make it the perfect choice for road-trip adventures, and if you have toys you want to bring with you, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The Ford Escape – Ready for Fun and Adventure

If you like options, the Ford Escape is your adventure-ready compact SUV. It comes with your standard gas engine, but you can also get it with a hybrid and PHEV, if you’re ready for some electric power.
You and four friends can get comfortable in the Escape with I’s high-quality interior and spacious-feeling cabin. The available 13.2-inch touchscreen runs Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system and comes loaded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Jeep Grand Cherokee – A Luxurious Off-Road Beast

The Jeep Cherokee has Jeep’s legendary off-road capabilities and offers its passengers more style and luxury than the average off-roader. A 3.6-liter V-6 sits under the hood generating 293 horsepower. If you want to use this engine to take on unchartered terrain, check out the Trailhawk trim. It has the Quadra-Drive II all-wheel drive system. It also has an anti-roll bar in the front to get you better wheel articulation when driving over rough terrain.
This SUV offers impressive towing power if you want to bring some extra gear with you on your adventure. Get the tow package and you can pull up to 6,200 pounds.

Subaru Forester – Compact and Reliable

The Forester is the compact crossover you want for your adventures if you like taking on rough terrain. It has a symmetrical all-wheel drive system that evenly distributes power to all the wheels for better traction. It also has an X-mode which improves driving performance when you take your drive off the pavement.
If you like to stick to the road, the Forester is still a great choice. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 180 horsepower, which is plenty for this small SUV.
Staying connected is easy with the 11.6-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to sync your phone. You’ll always have a fully charged phone with the wireless charging pad.
If you’re still on the fence about which compact SUV you want for your next adventure, consider the Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V and some of these other choices.