SUVs are often big, valuable vehicles, and while some have excellent off-road performance and big engines, there are also several excellent 4-cylinder SUV options. Yet, only some make the most of these vehicles, and occasionally a customer only requires a roomy daily driver that uses little gasoline.
These crossovers are typically smaller than their more capable siblings, making them easier to park and less expensive to maintain. Most 4-cylinder SUV types have a turbo for improved performance and fuel efficiency.
However, this does not make them any less dependable than those with naturally aspirated engines. As a result, it might be worthwhile to search used car lots for a good offer.
Seven 4-cylinder SUV’s
1. Hyundai Kona N
The Kona N defies traditional knowledge by offering high-performance and enjoyable driving characteristics in a reasonably priced compact crossover vehicle.
The Hyundai Kona N, introduced to great acclaim in the USA for the 2022 model year, is unchanged for 2023 and will continue to deliver a desirable blend of athletic handling, breathtaking performance, and a surprisingly significant amount of charm in a rather unusual body shell—a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque powers the vehicle. An eight-speed dual-wet-clutch transmission sends the power to the front wheels.
A destination cost of $1,295 is not included in the Hyundai Kona N’s starting price of $34,700. The introductory price is greater than the beginning MSRP for a new Golf GTI in the USA but lower than even a mid-spec GTI, offering excellent value.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona N is at its price point unlike anything else on the market. The interior materials are a touch scratchy in some spots, and there isn’t much room in the rear seat, but these drawbacks all disappear as soon as this tiny eccentric is pushed down a winding road. The ride quality is exceptionally stiff-legged on bad road conditions.
2. Kia Soul
Look at how many Ford Explorers and Toyota Corollas there are on the roads of the United States to see how much Americans appreciate a sure thing. Some people like a more daring design, though.
The Kia Soul tiny crossover has long been the go-to option for those who want something a little quirkier but still as safe, sound, and dependable as any other subcompact crossover. The eccentric appearance of the Kia Soul is tamed for the upcoming model year.
A new set of daytime running lights joins the sleeker-looking grille and foglights. Fresh 17- and 18-inch wheels are available, and the back bumper, fascia, and taillights have also undergone a minor facelift.
The Soul’s incredible affordability is one of its key draws. The Kia Soul LX is only $19,790 at the base level. The Soul manages to be significantly cheaper than the SE edition of the Kona at this base pricing. The GT-Line has an MSRP of $23,390; upgrading to the S will cost you $22,290. Kia Soul EX is available for $24,090.
These costs do not include the $1,295 destination fee. The Soul is a roomy, practical, well-equipped vehicle that combines iconic appearance with reliable performance and even provides fun behind the wheel (RIP turbo option). Also, the inside exudes style and is unmatched by whatever the rivals offer.
3. Kia Sorento
Customers who occasionally need a seven-seater with lots of luxury amenities but don’t want to shell out more money for a big full-size SUV like the Kia Sorento midsize SUV.
Two engines are offered for the non-hybrid Sorento lineup, and both may be obtained with either front- or all-wheel drive. Even if Sorento’s exterior design is primarily unaltered for 2023, Kia has enhanced the standard equipment.
The Sorento is less expensive than a typical three-row SUV due to its smaller size. The FWD LX costs $29,990, under the $30k threshold. The 2023 Kia Sorento stands out in its market segment thanks to its chic, high-quality interior, good standard equipment levels, powerful available engines, and a high degree of dynamic polish.
The Sorento shines not because it excels at one thing but instead because it excels over a wide variety of parameters. While its rivals may outperform it occasionally, they can only equal Sorento’s full range of features.
4. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The new Hyundai Tucson compact SUV has received a lot of praise since its 2022 debut in the USA. Two hybrid powertrains are in the product mix and might be the most significant cars available.
Adaptive cruise control with stop and go, intelligent speed limit help, the Hyundai Digital Key, wireless charging, a motion-activated power liftgate, pedestrian and cyclist recognition, and junction turning detection are all new technologies now included as standard equipment on all models. Serenity White Pearl is a brand-new paint color for 2023.
Except for pure fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid models outperform its rivals in so many other respects that it might be worth sacrificing a few MPG for a much better overall experience.
The Tucson’s inside is sumptuous for its segment, except for the annoying capacitive-touch audio controls. It also has a lengthy list of standard equipment for some money. With accomplished rivals like the RAV4 and Honda CR-V hybrids in the mix, it is safe to claim that the Tucson Hybrid is among the top vehicles in its class.
5. Kia Sorento Hybrid
Another distinctive selling factor in the market for the segment is the luxury six-seater midsize SUV status of Kia’s Sorento. There are just two rows in conventional competitors like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and Chevrolet Blazer.
In addition, Kia touts best-in-class horsepower and combined fuel economy for the Sorento and delivers an excellent selection of driver assistance features across its two hybrid models. The new Sorento plug-in hybrid joins Kia’s lineup this year.
For 261 horsepower, it combines a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and a 66.3-kWh electric motor. Also, it boasts a remarkable all-electric range of 32 miles and delivers 79 MPGe combined.
However, Sorento’s immediate competitors have yet to provide this feature, even though they are small and there are superior three-row options in the US. Kia also made a great effort to ensure that only top-notch components and cutting-edge technology were used to keep passengers secure and comfortable.
With a 32-mile all-electric range, the new plug-in Hybrid is also perfect. Even the base model comes with frontal collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, driver attention warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, to name just a few of the extensive list of standard features and driver assistance.
6. Volvo XC40
The sub-compact luxury SUV market is rife with fierce competition, and despite the Volvo XC40’s age, its rivals have yet to manage to unseat it from first place. The best value in the lineup is the Volvo XC40 B4 Core, with a starting MSRP of $36,550 in the USA.
The B4 Plus ($40,950) and B4 Ultimate ($44,700) are the following two models in the line. Price-wise, the Volvo XC40 is $2,000 more expensive in all scenarios thanks to the AWD and more potent B5 engine.
Few competitors can contend with Volvo for the best premium subcompact SUV due to the XC40’s wide range of abilities and success. It excels as a city car, offering competitive room for passengers and their belongings and a variety of clever storage options. The B5, in particular, has good performance and drives well. The XC40 seldom makes a mistake, thanks to its calibrated ride and handling.
7. Toyota RAV4 Prime
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid builds on the model’s coveted features and does away with its main flaws. It has greater power than standard and hybrid RAV4 types, a respectable all-electric driving range, and top fuel economy ratings.
Although the Escape Hybrid is the more cost-effective small 5-door crossover and the Tucson Hybrid is more enjoyable to drive, the RAV4 Prime is more potent and better balanced. As long as you don’t analyze the RAV4 Prime’s performance, there are almost no reasons not to suggest it to potential consumers. But, given its price, you should do a more thorough analysis.
The 302-hp, 2.5L plug-in hybrid powertrain significantly boosts the RAV4’s performance and plays to the other advantages of the hybrid crossover. The RAV4 Hybrid improves upon the original gasoline-only RAV4’s rather sluggish acceleration responses and higher-speed engine noise. The RAV4 Prime may be better in some categories, but it excels with Toyota’s stellar reliability track record.
Conclusion
Many manufacturers offer a wide range of trims for every vehicle. Still, the Japanese and German marques produce the most excellent products for low-capacity engines. Take notice of Korean brands, too, since several are now class-leading thanks to significant improvements.
When selecting your next vehicle, look for listings with excellent fuel ratings, affordable asking prices, and high-reliability ratings in the US. These are the best four-cylinder SUV possibilities. Also, you want something small and lightweight to avoid a sluggish drive from the motor.
