Volkswagen Tiguan

A compact crossover with surprisingly large interior space, the Tiguan brings sharp style and unexpected versatility to a crowded, competitive class. The Tiguan’s elegant exterior lines echo the larger Volkswagen Atlas, and even price Audi and BMW crossovers, while the interior design — not especially imaginative — is nonetheless treated to premium materials and an intuitive layout. Smooth ride quality matches the Tiguan’s upscale vibe, which extends to the strong, low-end power from its turbo engine. Some clunky gear changes mar the driving experience, and most rivals are slightly more fuel-efficient, but the Tiguan’s overall sophistication makes it a top small SUV pick.