Compact SUV is a good option for people who are looking for style and gas effciceny. These compact SUVs are manufactured on the same platform as sedans and therefore are fun and easy to drive. The average fuel economy in the Affordable Compact SUV class is about 21 mpg in the city and almost 27 mpg on the highway – similar to what most midsize cars achieve.

Other advantages include more cargo capacity, spacious seating, and a driving position that lets you see more of the road. And, in most cases, they’re available with the added safety of all-wheel drive.

Beware, these SUV can also be money suckers! If you calculate the cost of owning and maintaining these creatures, some of them are better buys than others. To help you spot those, we’ve compared the sticker price of each small SUV to the cost of owning and operating it for five years. We’ve used Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) data from the leading car value analysts at IntelliChoice. They rate each vehicle, using factors like depreciation, fuel costs and average cost of maintenance and upkeep, to find the best long-term values – and the worst.

In a few cases we have recommended a car with a higher starting price. But in every case, the cars we suggest have lower long-term costs of ownership. Sometimes, paying a little more up front can help you save money in the long run.

Mitsubishi Outlander

MSRP: $20,840 – $29,250

From outside, the Outlander has a bold new look, with outsized grille and canted headlights. It looks cool. It’s also sporty, with sharp handling. And with one of the longest warranties in its class, it seems like a good deal — until you run the numbers.

IntelliChoice gives the Outlander a value rating of “Poor.” Its TCO ranges from $38,938 to $39, 545 — that’s nearly double the car’s base sticker price. Heavy depreciation and high insurance costs are the culprit – and there’s nothing you can do about those.

Better Buy: If an aggressive-looking SUV is what you want, buy American. The all-new GMC Terrain has a distinctive, muscular look. It earns an “Above Average” rating from IntelliChoice – and though it’s more expensive up front, it ultimately costs less to own than the least expensive Outlander. Its TCO starts at just $35,202. MSRP from $24,250.

Suzuki Grand Vitara

MSRP: $18,999 – $26,999

The Suzuki Grand Vitara, at first glance, looks like a terrific bargain. It’s one of the least expensive compact SUVs on the market. It offers a long list of standard features, including some equipment that competitors charge extra for, like steering wheel-mounted stereo controls and keyless entry. And it comes standard with a V6, while most competitors offer just a four-cylinder engine on their base model.

Yet IntelliChoice says the Vitara ain’t so Grand. They rate it a “Poor” value in every trim level, with a TCO ranging from $36,205 to $42,226. It’s yet another SUV that costs nearly twice over the long run as what its sticker says. The Grand Vitara depreciates much faster than most of its competition, costs more to insure, more to repair, more to fuel, and more to maintain.

Better Buy: IntelliChoice names the Honda CR-V the “Best Overall Value of the Year” in the Compact SUV Class. It is cheaper than the class average in every form of expense, from resale value to repair and insurance costs. Its sticker price ranges from $21,545 to $29,575, and its five-year TCO starts at just $30,179. MSRP from $21,545.

Kia Sportage

MSRP: $16,995 – $23,495

The Kia Sportage is the least expensive vehicle in the small SUV class. Reviewers like its sharp handling and say its interior is a cut above what most buyers expect from Kia, with a stylish design and quality materials.

Yet the Sportage earns a “Poor” value rating from IntelliChoice. Its TCO ranges from $31,423 to $37,333. As with many Kia products, depreciation is the biggest problem – the Sportage can lose an incredible 64 percent of its value over five years. That’s well above the class average.

Better Buy: Last year’s Motor Trend “Sport Utility of the Year,” the Subaru Forester is more expensive than the Sportage, but in the long run, will cost less. Its TCO starts at just $30,818, and earns the Subaru an “Above Average” rating from IntelliChoice. Yet the Forester offers more cargo space, sportier handling, and when it comes time to replace it, much higher resale value than the Sportage. MSRP from $20,295

Jeep Liberty

MSRP: $23,255 – $28,735

The Jeep Liberty offers real off-road performance, iconic Jeep styling and the classic touch of an optional canvas roof. If your plans take you off-road regularly, it looks like a cool option.

However, of the 22 small SUVs we analyzed, the Jeep Liberty has the highest Total Cost of Ownership, according to IntelliChoice. Even the least expensive Liberty has a TCO of $39,335, while a fully-equipped model can run as high as $44,196 over five years. That translates to a “Poor” rating at every trim level. Exceptionally high fuel costs, hefty depreciation and expensive maintenance explain the jaw-dropping numbers.

Better Buy: If you must have that macho Jeep styling and serious off-road capability, you don’t have to go broke to get it. You just have to turn around and walk a few steps in the Jeep showroom. For just as a Jeep SUV has the highest TCO in its class, another Jeep SUV has the lowest. The five-year cost of owning a Jeep Patriot runs as low as $29,135, earning the car an “Above Average” rating from IntelliChoice. The Patriot is as capable as the Liberty on the trail, yet it costs less to fuel, maintain and insure. It’s less expensive up front, too. MSRP from $17,795

2010 did not bring any excitement with respect to new cars or any new features. Most of the new 2010 cars have same issues as their predecessors: not enough power, poor fuel economy and questionable reliability.

After going through several websites and compiling their recommendations, following is the list of cars you can buy and you can avoid:

2010s You Should Buy

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Pros:

1.   provides real rear-wheel-drive sports performance for a fraction of the price.

2.   Shoppers can choose between a 210-horsepower turbo I4 engine and a 306-horsepower V6.

3.   Features a sleek exterior design, an accommodating four-passenger cabin and good scores in federal government crash tests.

MSRP: $22,000 – $31,000

Ford Transit Connect

Pros:

1.   This workman’s van provides a whopping 135 cubic feet of cargo space.

2.   Impressive city/highway fuel economy of 22/25 mpg, and loads of business-friendly features.

3.   In-car computer system that uses 2G and 3G networks to access records and track fleet activity.

4.   Was recently voted North American Truck of the Year.

MSRP: $20,780 – $22,350

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Pros:

1.   It provides sportier handling dynamics, an elegant exterior design, a lavish cabin and an old-world feel that few luxury large cars can match.

2.   Features revolutionary safety systems like Attention Assist, which utilizes behavioral detection technology to alarm drowsy drivers — and comes standard.

3.   The new E-Class is cheaper than last year’s model.

MSRP: $48,600 – $58,800

GMC Terrain

Pros:

1.   Provides a bolder exterior design and loads of snazzy yet practical interior features.

2.   Standard rearview camera

3.   iPod interface and a sliding rear seat.

4.   Excellent fuel economy and even leads its class with a highway fuel economy rating of 32 mpg.

MSRP: $24,250 – $31,000

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Pros:

1.   Available with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drivetrains.

2.   It also features a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is the longest in its class.

MSRP: $39,830 – $53,620

2010s You Should Think Twice Before Buying

Honda Accord Crosstour

Cons:

1.   Commands an expensive price tag.

2.   Only 25.7 to 51.3 cubic feet of cargo space, it doesn’t provide much utility.

3.   Odd exterior styling.

MSRP: $29,670 – $36,220

Dodge Caliber

Cons:

1.   Subpar interior materials

2.   Underpowered engine options and sloppy handling.

3.   No longer offers a lifetime powertrain warranty.

MSRP: $17,090 – $20,925

Lexus HS Hybrid

Cons:

1.   While its combined 35 mpg fuel economy is great for an entry-level luxury car, it’s nowhere near as impressive as the 50-mpg Prius.

2.   HS has also been included in a global safety recall, along with the Prius, due to a defect with the cars’ braking systems.

MSRP: $34,200 – $36,970

Chrysler Sebring

Cons:

1.   Lower trim engine options are underpowered.

2.   Its strongest engine features dismal fuel economy.

3.   Low-quality materials and not much cargo room.

4.   No longer offering a lifetime powertrain warranty.

MSRP: $22,115 – $34,705

Land Rover LR4

Cons:

1.   Lackluster city/highway fuel economy (12/17 mpg),

2.   Poor reputation for reliability and high sticker price significantly detract from its overall value.

MSRP: $47,250 – $47,250