Video: 2019 Compact SUV Challenge: Overview

So here's a quick rundown of just the best and worst showings of each model, starting with the one that ranked seventh overall. The Nissan Rogue SL ranked last for handling because it had a lot of body roll and also lost traction more than its competitors did in aversive maneuvers. On the upside though, the Rogue ranked second for autonomous and safety features such as lane centering steering that works all the way to a stop, putting it just one point behind the top ranked Toyota RAV 4. Coming in sixth overall was the Jeep Cherokee Limited. What hurt the Cherokee most was a last place cargo score. The Cherokee excelled in the powertrain contest though. It's optional V6, the only one in the challenge feels robust, eager and smooth. Even the nine-speed transmission which has given us trouble with four cylinders behaved with this engine. Achieving fifth place overall was the redesigned Toyota RAV4 Limited. In addition to the safety and autonomous features, the RAV4 placed first in our mileage drive in which it achieved 29 miles per gallon in mostly highway driving. Even though the RAV 4 has a conventional eight-speed transmission, impressive. Less impressive though was the RAV4's bottom ranked backseat. Speaking of bottom, why is the cushion so close to the floor causing taller passengers to sit with their knees raised? There's plenty of headroom to spare. Ranking fourth overall was the 2019 Honda CRV Touring. It came in last place for multimedia and control. We don't like the touch sensitive control panel and small touch screen with a convoluted menu structure. Where the CRV excelled was in the cargo score. Tiny four first with the Tiguan. In third place overall was the Hyundai Tucson Ultimate. It owes its success in part to top ratings for value despite being the lowest price contested as equipped, it has Hyundai's generous warranty and included lots of features seen in higher price models such as heated and ventilated eight weight power seats for the front passenger as well as the driver, heated rear seats, a panoramic moon roof and more. Where the Tucson stumbled most was in accommodating child safety seats where it's small overall size played a part in its lowest score. Placing second overall was the redesigned Subaru Forester Touring. One of its wins and a defining characteristic is it's excellent outward visibility. It has a low belt line and tall windows that improve visibility in all directions. Where the Subaru disappointed was in the number and placement of its many controls which seem excessive in a redesigned vehicle with a touchscreen at its disposal. Ranking first overall, as it did in our 2017 challenge is the Volkswagen Tiguan, an SEL Premium R Line. Some of its most defining strengths involve drivability. Our Tiguan rode pretty well despite having oversize wheels and handle with poissan confidence, feeling like a more expensive vehicle. And in a field with several continuously variable transmissions, the Tiguan well-behaved eight-speed was a breath of fresh air. The Tiguan's lowest showing was achieving 26.5 miles per gallon in our mileage drive but wasn't the lowest overall and it's still pretty good for a vehicle of the Tiguan size and driving characteristics. To learn more about what distinguishes these seven contestants, check out our 2019 compact SUV challenge on cars.com or settle in for our deep dive video where our judges go into much more detail.