Small SUVs continue to take market share from the old-school family sedan. What started as a crossover, a mix of sedan and SUV, continues to morph into a segment capable of dropping the kids off at school, carrying two weeks’ worth of groceries, and taking the family camping just beyond the end of the paved road. . As a complete “member of the family”, it is essential to choose the most reliable small SUV that meets your needs. US News recently published a roundup of the “Most Reliable Small SUVs.” So, let’s dig into the top five entrants on the list.
2022 BMW X4
The 2022 BMW X4 is the most reliable small SUV on the market. US News list. Starting at $51,800, BMW backs the X4 with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. Along with a “robust list of standard safety features,” the X4 includes automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alerts to keep your family safe. Inside the X4, the luxurious interior consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
There are three powertrain options, including the 248-horsepower 30i turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the 382-horsepower M40i turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, and the M twin-turbocharged inline-six with 473 hp or the M Competition with 503 horsepower Whichever powertrain you choose, it will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
2022 Hyundai Tucson
The next and almost equally reliable small SUV on the list is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, which is half the price of the BMW X4 at $25,800. The newly redesigned Tucson earned US News’ “Best Compact SUV for the Money” and “Best Compact SUV for Families” awards. High praise and predicted reliability come backed by Hyundai’s five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
While the lower price foregoes the BMW’s larger touchscreen, the Tucson boasts more cargo space and a quiet cabin with “plenty of room for passengers in both rows.” The Tucson also has “several advanced safety features,” an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless connectivity for your smartphone.
Engine options for the 2022 Tucson include a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a hybrid powertrain with a 1.6-liter turbo. Also, a plug-in hybrid on the horizon uses the same 1.6-liter engine. The hybrid comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, while other models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive is standard, but some options offer the option of all-wheel drive.
2022 Kia Sportage
With an identical reliability score, the 2022 Kia Sportage ranks third on our list of reliable small SUVs. Starting at $24,090, the Sportage carries the same warranty as the Tucson. Plus, the Sportage’s interior includes comfortable adult seats in both rows, premium materials, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system just like the Tucson.
Powertrain options for the Sportage include the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower, a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four, and a hybrid option with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine paired with a 44-liter electric motor. kW producing 227 horsepower.
2022 Kia Soul
Fourth on the list is the 2022 Kia Soul. The Soul also comes with Kia’s exceptional warranty and a reliability score nearly identical to the Sportage. Although it is one of the smallest SUVs on the list, it provides enough interior space for passengers and cargo, and its small size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
The Soul features an easy-to-use infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone connectivity. While the $19,290 base model doesn’t offer the latest security technology, upgrading from the base version allows for additional features. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower. You’ll need to upgrade to the Soul Turbo to take advantage of the 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder.
2022 Lincoln privateer
At $36,580, the 2022 Lincoln Corsair is neither the least expensive nor the most expensive small SUV on our list. Still, its reliability score is close to the others. Plus, it comes with advanced driver-assist technology, including pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alerts, and an available adaptive cruise control system. Finally, Lincoln’s four-year/50,000-mile base warranty and Lincoln’s six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty provide peace of mind.
The Corsair’s interior is quiet, comfortable, and luxurious, with heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, and Wi-Fi. The Corsair’s base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. If you need more power, there’s an available 2.3-liter turbo engine with 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Finally, if you want better fuel economy, go for the hybrid powertrain with two electric motors and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 266 horsepower.
Which small SUV is the best?
Choosing the best small SUV on this list is a matter of preference, but it’s hard to justify the price of the BMW X4 when the Lincoln Corsair is nearly as reliable, luxurious, and far less expensive. Meanwhile, the low-cost offerings from Hyundai and Kia come with the best warranty and will provide reliable transportation with money left over to drive somewhere.