Do It All With a Compact SUV

Compact SUV is a term thrown around in the automotive industry quite a bit, but has anyone ever stopped to explain to you exactly what it means? Since SUVs make up such a large portion of our daily drivers, it’s important to understand the difference between a full-size, midsize, compact, and subcompact SUV when doing the research for your next vehicle. Getting the right one can make life easier. And besides, who wants to buy more than they need? Here at Newton Chevrolet GMC, your top Murfreesboro used car dealer, we have a variety of great options in the compact SUV market, so let’s break down exactly what that means.

Oddly enough, there is no textbook definition for a compact SUV that includes specific dimensions or weights for this segment of the market. But we can say with confidence that the compact SUV is the sweet spot between three-row SUVs and subcompact models. As Car and Driver pointed out, these vehicles “are right-sized, right-priced, and blend car-like refinement with a touch of utility.”

What Makes Them Different?

The compact SUV is an overall more affordable option than larger SUV models. Not only do they generally have lower MSRPs, but they also save money when it comes to running them. The big appeal of compact SUVs has to be the way they merge the best features of sedans and large SUVs to make a car that’s suitable for everyone. As the name suggests, it’s a smaller and lighter version of its full-size cousins. They give the benefit of sitting up higher and being able to see more of the road ahead without feeling like they’re tough to maneuver. Overall, compact SUVs are easier to park, cheaper to fuel, and easier to drive, rendering them a perfect starting point for anyone graduating from a lifetime of driving sedans or looking to downsize from something huge like a GMC Yukon or Chevy Tahoe.

Compact SUVs are an excellent choice for those who don’t normally tow or haul a lot of cargo. They still have substantially more space than sedans, making them a dream during those times when a piece of furniture needs to be transported, or you just impulse-purchased a tall plant from your local gardening store and need to safely get it home. They’re great for carrying around sporting equipment and, in many cases, curb the need for roof-racks and bungee cords. They’re convenient for road trips, supplying just the right amount of comfort and durability to handle varying road conditions. Plus, the large liftgate in the back makes it easier to see and grab belongings than a traditional trunk.

Concerned about the rising cost of fuel? Compact SUVs usually come with smaller engines than their larger counterparts. Along with burning less gas due to having smaller engines, compact SUVs also save at the pump simply by having less bulk to move around. For those of us concerned about fuel economy but not wanting to sacrifice space, a compact SUV can split the difference. They’re typically a touch more aerodynamic too, and the combination will have your wallet thanking you.

3 Great Compact SUVs to Consider

#1 – GMC Terrain

The smaller sibling of the three-row GMC Acadia, the GMC Terrain is a turbocharged compact SUV that is stylish and fun to drive. It has the appearance of a truck, with a large front grille and bulky headlights and taillights. It looks rugged on the outside and comes adorned with the classic GMC badging that loyalists are used to seeing. The inside is designed with storage space galore, including plenty of room for passengers but without the boring look and feel of a minivan. The Terrain comes with front-wheel drive standard but can be equipped with all-wheel drive, depending on the trim, for those with off-roading ambitions.

The 60/40 folding rear seats give all the benefits of a much larger SUV while excluding all the unnecessary extras of a three-row model. The look can be spruced up, too, with available Chrome and Black Edition packages. Terrain’s infotainment system will please the masses with its easy-to-use multimedia and 4G LTE WiFi connectivity. When buying used, it’s great to come across a car that doesn’t look dated. The evergreen body style means that used Terrains will look and feel new while saving you money.

#2 – Chevrolet Equinox

The theme here seems to be the turbocharged, four-cylinder powertrain. Like the GMC Terrain, the Chevy Equinox is a compact SUV with power and personality. The latest generation has a multitude of options as far as engine power. There is an available super-efficient turbo-diesel engine, a 2.0L four-cylinder, or the standard 1.5L four-cylinder powertrain. So if you’re on the hunt for a more souped-up compact SUV, the Equinox is a great contender.

With backup cameras coming standard and available pedestrian detection technology, this car anticipates the needs of a city driver. It provides the perks of sitting up high and having superior visibility to sedans in the same price range. It has stellar suspension, handling corners with grace, and minimizing the feel of bumpy roads. Plus, the Equinox has the economic fuel efficiency found across compact SUVs, with an estimated 28 MPG combined with the 1.5L engine and 32 MPG combined on the 1.6L diesel version.

The interior of the Equinox has mass appeal. It’s made from quality, durable materials and has been designed with space in mind. If maintained properly, the Equinox can go the distance. It has plenty of space for passengers and their luggage, tons of room in the center console, and available luxury touches on the higher trims. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system pairs well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and runs on Chevrolet’s easy-to-use software. And last but not least, the Equinox is a safe vehicle with plenty of available safety features, so you can feel good transporting friends, family, and pets.

#3 – Buick Envision

The middle option in the Buick family is the Envision. It features all the beauty of the cars in Buick’s lineup and neatly fits into the compact SUV category. Smaller than the Enclave and larger than the Encore, the Envision is Buick’s five-seater compact at a practical price. With up to 52.7 cu.ft. of cargo space, it’s stiff competition to similar SUVs in its class. In recent years, Buick has simplified the process of choosing by only launching three models of the Envision: the Preferred, Essence, and Avenir, minimizing buyer overwhelm. Each trim is named in a manner that is self-explanatory, making it easier for prospective buyers to narrow down exactly what they need, and no more.

The interior surpasses the quality of close competitors like Honda and Nissan. The Avenir trim, in particular, includes some fancy gadgets. It has the Buick Driver Confidence suite, which is outfitted with a safety alert seat, front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision alert. Springing for a more affordable trim? All recent models include push-to-start keyless ignition, active noise cancellation, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with hookups for your Apple and Android devices. The front seats are designed with ergonomics in mind and are positioned nice and high for superb driver visibility. Overall, the Envision brings luxury touches but without the luxury price tag.

Does Compact Make the Cut?

With all these variables in mind, it’s hard to argue against the appeal of a compact SUV. The compact fills a need that existed in the market. For fans of space and high-up seating, it’s an excellent alternative to full-size SUVs that come with big commitments at big costs. Combining many of the design elements of sedans and full-size SUVs, the compact SUV might just be the ideal next vehicle for you.