Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Compact Crossovers

What factors decided which compact SUVs would be included? It would've been great to see the Escape (though it seems pretty obvious where it would place), CX-7 (rematch with the RAV-4), Santa Fe and even the Patriot added into the mix.

I'm surprised the Rogue finished to high in the rankings given the lukewarm reception it was given in its full test. Aside from the CX-7, I don't think any of the other cars that simplycarcrazy identified would've finished higher, although I definitely would've liked to have seen those cars included as well.

Where's the VUE, Escape, and CX-7? It would be nice if you guys could add a bit more variety(non-imports) to the comparisons.

Exactly that was what I was thinking. No American SUV, the Patriot, VUE and Escape was included and all are new for 2008. No Sportage or Tucson either. The Patriot I can imagine wouldnt have fared so well but the VUE and Escape are great machines and would have done well, if not winning. So much praise is given for the RAV4s engine, yet there is no mention of how the VUE is probably the only compact SUV that can keep up with it.
 
As for 3rd rows, these are small SUVs so they shouldnt even need one. The fact that the Rogue and CRV dont have one shouldnt be a dealbreaker.

I don't understand why the Mitsu gets knocked for being too thirsty at 18 mpg, when the Toyota gets lauded for being almost as efficient (19 mpg) as the Honda (20 mpg)... To my mind, any time you can get a V6 within 10% of a 4-cylinder, there's simply no contest. And they ridicule the Mitsu's third row. Sure, it's ridiculous, but the Honda and Nissan don't even have one. It's admittedly for very occasional use. And it's not that much more expensive than the Toyota which doesn't even have leather. I'd think the crappy CVT would knock the Nissan further down the totem pole. Is this a driver's mag or what? Great engine and cool sound system ought to have been worth more in the end. The "driver's personal choice" and the "driver's recommendation" should be one and the same vehicle.

CX-7 is a midsize, and it has a higher base price.
That's why Mazda is making a CX-5.

The Vue AWD would be a good comparison, although it would suck mad amount of gas, considering it weighs up to 4300 lb.
 
The Escape... try reading the reviews of any magazine who test base on sporting characteristics... the Escape is the antithesis of sporty dynamics. Its advantage is low price.
 
The Compass could have been tossed in the test... to make the Escape look better. Although the Compass has an even lower price.
We're racing to the bottom to get rid of inventory!

It's tough to categorize this segment, so I can sympathize with them. You might even argue the RAV4 is no longer a compact, and who knows, the next Matrix could grow to occupy the compact slot.
 
To me, compacts are the Forester, Sportage, Tucson, Patriot, Rogue, Tiguan, CX7 (at least inside), and maybe CR-V on the big end of the spectrum.
 
Look at the curb weight of the Vue and it's a mid-sizer, bigger than the CX7 for instance.
 
Any how, the RAV4 is medium sized, not compact.
 
As for the Outlander, it's not just the 18mpg, it's the middling accleration that knocked it. RAV4 is bigger, quicker, and more efficient.