Who says you can’t have it all? These pundits named it one of the worst compact SUVs of 2023, but it’s the cheapest option. While not everyone will agree that the adjective is appropriate, two options from Mazda are good alternatives.
What is the worst compact SUV of 2023?
In the compact SUV ranking for 2023, the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross finished in last place. What made it last place? The 2022 model didn’t impress and Mitsubishi made minimal improvements for 2023. Some of the competition offer more cargo space and better cabin materials, but the Eclipse Cross has a few things going for it.
gave Eclipse Cross a five-star safety rating.
What’s a better alternative to the worst compact SUV of 2023?
The 2023 Kia Sportage has better specs than a similar compact SUV. Kia’s entry-level Sportage runs for $25,990 and gets 23/25 mpg city and 28/32 mpg highway. It comes with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available.
JD Power gave the 2023 Sportage an expected reliability rating of 88 out of 100, which is considered a “very good” rating. That’s higher than the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross score, which was just 79 out of 100. Kia’s warranty is also best in class, with five years, or 60,000 miles, for the limited and 10 years, or 100,000 miles, for the limited warranty. powertrain.
He awarded the 2023 Sportage the Top Safety Pick award. It’s not the worst compact SUV of 2023, but Kia is a good alternative.
Mazda’s CX-5 is another better alternative
For the best alternative, the base-model 2023 Mazda CX-5 starts at just $26,700. It has room for five people and is equipped with all-wheel drive. Drivers report that the cabin is comfortable and quiet, with easy-to-use infotainment controls. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has a projected reliability score of 82 out of 100 from JD Power, which falls into the “large” category.
Mazda offers a three-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the 2023 CX-5. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the SUV this year, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a five-star safety rating.
The worst compact SUV of 2023 isn’t all that bad, but there are better alternatives in the same segment. For under $30,000, the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a brand new SUV with enough safety tech to be an affordable option for drivers.
