List of the Top Compact SUVs
In a world dazzlingly rich in data and hyperlinks, finding multiple lists of the top Compact SUVs and their specifications is quick and relatively simple. Selecting a top pick and its specifications to match your budget and dream vehicle requires an exercise in due diligence and is not simple. However, for your starting point, certain vehicles appear on most expert’s top ten list and have thrilled a bevy a customers.
What do the experts think? The Compact SUV that ranks consistently higher on nearly every expert’s list is the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. In the same league, but not ranking as consistently high on every expert’s list, is the Toyota RAV4, and the Honda CR-V. This review compares the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, 4-Cyl, 2.4 liter, LTZ All-Wheel Drive, the 2011 Toyota RAV4, Base 4-Cyl, Automatic 4-Wheel Drive, the Honda CR-V, 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter, Four-Wheel Drive, and, only slightly, the Ford Model T.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Equinox is $22,995. MSRP for the Toyota RAV 4 is $22,475. MSRP for the Honda CR-V is $21,985. All three vehicles have comparable gas mileages: City 20/Hwy 29 for the Exquinox, City 21/Hwy 27 for the RAV4, and City 21/Highway 27 for the CR-V. All three vehicles have the same basic warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles. The power train warranty for the Equinox is 100,000 miles vs. 60,000 miles for the RAV4 and CR-V. The corrosion and rust-thru warranty for RAV4 and the CR-V has unlimited miles and lasts 5 years. The same type of warranty for the Equinox is 6 years and 100,000 miles. Take note that the Equinox is all-wheel drive, while the RAV4 and the CR-V are 4-wheel drive.
Horsepower for all three vehicles is equivalent: 182 @ 6,700 RPM for the Equinox, 179 @ 6,000 RPM for the RAV4, and 180 @ 6,800 RPM for the CR-V. Torque for each vehicle is similar: 172 @ 4,900 RPM for the Equinox, 172 @ 4,000 RPM for the RAV4 and 161 @ 4,400 RPM for the CR-V. These ratings would not draw a Tim Allen type of grunt argh, argh, argh, but, considering our class of vehicle, an argh, argh should definitely be forthcoming. All three vehicles have an automatic transmission with overdrive. The Equinox has a 6-speed transmission, the RAV4 has a 4-speed, and the CR-V has a 5-speed.
The number of passenger entry and exit points is the same for each vehicle: 4 doors. Leg room in the front is comparable: 41.2 inches for the Equinox, 41.8 inches for the RAV4, and 41.3 inches for the CR-V. The Equinox offers a tad more leg room in the back at 39.9 inches, while the RAV4 and CR-V are 38.3 inches and 38.5 inches, respectively.
When it comes to your safety, all three vehicles have the following airbags: driver, head/curtain, passenger, rear curtain, and side. Only the Equinox has OnStar services with automatic crash response. In crash test ratings the Equinox ranks higher in driver front rating, passenger front rating, and rear side rating. The RAV4 has a better front side rating. All three vehicles have a 4-star rollover rating. For the safety of your vehicle all three compact SUVs have an engine immobilizer. If you need it, the Equinox has a roadside assistance program for 5 years or 100,000. The RAV4 has a roadside assistance program for 2 years or 25,000 miles. The CR-V has no roadside assistance program.
If the number of passengers you can carry is important then the RAV4 has an edge over the Equinox and the CR-V. The RAV4 is a 7-passenger vehicle. The Equinox and the CR-V are 5-passenger vehicles. Equinox has the smallest volume of cargo space, but it has the largest gas tank, carrying over 3 gallons more. Consumer satisfaction ratings for the Equinox is 4.4, 4.5 for the CR-V 4.5 and 4.5 for RAV4.
You are probably still wondering about the connection between the Compact SUV and the Ford Model T. Well, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox has an option V6 engine that is E85, or flexible-fuel, compatible. E85 is used by flex-fuel vehicles. The first commercial flex-fuel vehicle was, wait for it, the Ford Model T.
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