Compact crossovers have been the most competitive segment in the automotive industry for a while and we have no doubt that things will remain the same in the next year. Pretty much every carmaker has a model in this class, so we could say that the competition is more than fierce.

With such a tough competition, it’s no wonder that big novelties are coming every year. The 2022 model year brought several redesigns and facelifts, and from what we can see, the next year will be as impressive. Several complete redesigns are on the way, starting from Honda CR-V, which is one of the class leaders. Furthermore, the Kia Sportage is about to receive a full redesign as well, just like the luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLC Class. On the other hand, the world’s best-selling SUV, the RAV4, will probably receive a facelift, while we can also hear rumors about the completely redesigned Jeep Cherokee.

There are numerous interesting things to come in the near future, so we’ve decided to make you a shortlist of some of the most interesting models for the next year.

2023 Hyundai Tucson

With the recent redesign, the Korean manufacturer offered a design that mixes futuristic aesthetics and practicality. Of course, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson is about to continue in the same way, with minor tweaks only. While the styling may seem polarizing, no one can deny Tucson’s high-end cabin quality, as well as a generous passenger and cargo room.

Another great thing about this compact crossover is the variety of powertrain options on offer. Of course, it starts with a good-old 2.5-liter inline-four with around 190 horsepower, while the rest of the lineup is electrified. The first one is a classic hybrid, based on a 1.6-liter turbo-four and a max output of 227 horsepower.

The plug-in hybrid is also based on a 1.6-liter turbo-four but it comes with a more powerful electric motor, for a combined output of 261 horsepower. Also, this version offers 33 miles of the all-electric range.

The base 2023 Hyundai Tucson is expected to cost around 26.500 dollars.

2023 Buick Envision

The 2023 Buick Envision will represent the third production year of the current generation and from what we know so far, it will bring minor changes only. That primarily refers to the color choices, as two of the finishes will be removed from the offer. It is still unknown if we are about to see new colors instead.

The rest of the design is about to remain the same. The Envision will continue with the design introduced in 2021, which offers an attractive styling in a combination with a spacious and practical interior. Furthermore, the list of standard and available features is pretty generous.

Under the hood, count on a familiar 2.0-liter turbo-four, with the max output of 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes in pair with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to either front and all wheels. Base models are expected to cost around 32.000 dollars.

2023 Mazda CX-5

It’s no secret that the Japanese manufacturer is working on the next generation of this compact crossover, which will come with significant upgrades, such as a longitudinally mounted engine, rear-wheel drive and inline-six engine. However, the new model won’t be ready before the second half of 2023, which is a clear indicator that the 2023 Mazda CX-5 will remain in its current form.

That’s not a bad thing at all. Despite the age, the current generation is still among the class leaders. Thanks to the combination of gorgeous aesthetics and engaging handling, this is still one of the most desirable models in the class, especially if we consider its premium-looking cabin.

Under the hood, base models will continue with naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four, which puts out 187 horsepower. For more ambitious drivers, there is a turbocharged version of the engine, with an output that goes up to 250 horsepower if you pour premium fuel.

The starting price should go around 27.500 dollars.

2023 GMC Terrain

After the 2022 facelift, it’s pretty much for sure that the 2023 GMC Terrain will continue without more important changes. We are about to see the same design, which stands out with its truckish styling, something that’s not so typical in the segment.

Unfortunately, this SUV doesn’t have much to offer, other than the bold appearance. The interior design doesn’t impress, while off-road performances are limited. Furthermore, the company recently discontinued a more powerful variant, with the bigger turbo-four engine.

There are just one engine option on offer now. It is a 1.5-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 170 horsepower. That’s not much but should satisfy average drivers. We don’t expect bigger price changes for the next year, so base versions should cost around 29.000 dollars.

2023 Honda CR-V

Not a small number of experts consider CR-V the best model in the class and that’s for a good reason. Despite the age, the outgoing generation mixes quality and practicality in a way that no other model in the class does. The 2023 Honda CR-V will become even better, as we are about to see a complete redesign.

Considering all the qualities and commercial success of the outgoing generation, it’s no wonder that the new model is about to bring evolutionary changes only. We are about to see the same powertrain options on the offer, which includes a turbo-four and hybrid version. Still, we wouldn’t be surprised if we see a slight power increase in both cases.

Still, one big change will come. That would be a size increase. The new model will feature a notably longer wheelbase, which will Honda engineers to install the third row of seats as well. This means that the new CR-V will be able to attract an even broader range of buyers, those who have been considering models like VW Tiguan and Mitsubishi Outlander so far.

2023 Jeep Compass

Despite the age, the current generation won’t be redesigned in the near future, especially if we consider the recent interior update. The new cabin looks very luxurious and also utilizes the latest tech features, with a lot of inspiration taken from bigger siblings like Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer.

Still, the strongest point of this SUV has always been off-road performance. Most compact crossovers don’t come even close in this aspect. The Compass comes standard with the Selec-Terrain management system. Among options, you can find upgraded suspension, low-range gearing, hill descent control, skid plates, and two tow hooks.

Under the hood, the 2023 Compass will continue with not-particularly-impressive 2.4-liter inline-four, which puts out around 180 horsepower. Some sources speculate about the plug-in hybrid version with  240 horsepower, but the officials are still quiet on this matter.

2023 Kia Sportage

The new year will be big for Kia’s compact crossover. The all-new generation is about to hit the North American market and expectations are pretty big. We are about to see significant changes and significantly different design compared to the outgoing generation.

This primarily refers to the exterior styling, which will be bolder and feature a pretty futuristic front end. The inside of the new SUV will also bring significant improvements, both in terms of quality and tech features.

Finally, there is the matter of powertrain choices. At this point, we know for sure that the 2023 Kia Sportage will be offered in three variants. Base models will use a familiar 2.5-liter inline-four with around 190 horsepower. The hybrid version will feature a combination of a 1.6-liter turbo-four and 44-kWh battery pack, for a total output of 227 horsepower. Finally, there is a plug-in hybrid version, with a more capable electric motor and combined output of 261 horsepower.

We expect that base models will go around 26.500 dollars.

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander has been redesigned recently and it has brought big improvements. The new model shares its DNA with Nissan Rogue and it’s pretty easy to notice very similar driving characteristics. On the other hand, Mitsubishi’s compact crossover continues to stand out with the third row of seats, which is a little bit more passenger-friendly than before.

The cabin isn’t just spacious and practical, but also very luxurious. We particularly like the number of tech features, which includes things like a massive instrument cluster and head-up display, among other goodies.

The next year might bring another big novelty. If we can trust rumors, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander will come with an updated plug-in hybrid powertrain, which should offer more power and better efficiency compared to the previous generation. On the other hand, base versions will continue with Nissan’s 2.5-liter inline-four, which puts out 181 horsepower.

The Outlander currently starts at around 27.300 dollars and we don’t expect bigger changes in the future.

2023 Jeep Wrangler

The legendary off-roader remains loyal to its original design and doesn’t change. Even though the current generation has been around since 2018, the overall layout closely resembles previous versions. We are still talking about a genuine BoF SUV, with exceptional off-road capability. A good thing to know is that the 2023 Jeep Wrangler will feature no changes.

Therefore, you may count on the same iconic design, which comes in two layouts. The base Wrangler Sport comes with two doors and a short, off-road-friendly wheelbase. On the other hand, the four-door Unlimited model comes with significantly bigger proportions and serves as a great hauler too.

The thing we like about Wrangler is that it offers plenty of customization options. This particularly refers to the powertrain offer, which starts with a good-old 3.6-liter V6. There is also a smaller and more efficient turbo-four, while the diesel version offers an excellent mix of capability and efficiency. Furthermore, there is a 375-hp plug-in hybrid version, while the V8-powered Wrangler sits at the top of the offer.

The two-door model starts at around $30.000, while four-door models are available at 33.000 dollars.

2023 Ford Bronco Sport

Last year, Ford didn’t just bring back the legendary Bronco. It has also brought the Bronco Sport, as a more civilized variant of the famous off-roader. This model features on a unibody platform and therefore, it offers much better on-road manners. Considering that the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport will represent the second production year, we expect to see no changes.

The Bronco Sport shares a lot with models like Escape, so it’s no wonder it offers pretty impressive handling and overall driving characteristics. However, it also offers pretty good off-road performance. All models come with all-wheel drive, while the Badlands trim offers upgrades like tow hooks, skid plates, two additional terrain management modes, trail control etc.

Under the hood, base models come with a 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine, which puts out 181 horsepower. It offers fairly decent performances, in a combination with very good fuel economy. Still, the optional 2.0-liter turbo-four is a much better choice, with a max output of 250 horsepower.

We expect that the 2023 Ford Bronco will feature starting price of around 29.000 dollars.

2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester will represent the fifth production year of the current generation and those who are familiar with this Japanese manufacturer know very well that this will be the final model year and that the 2024 model is about to come all-new. Therefore, there’s no doubt that the next year won’t bring any particular changes.

We are about to see a familiar design, with all the updates that were introduced with the 2022 Forester. This refers to the new styling, new Wilderness version, as well as to the long list of standard and available features. The Forester will remain one of the most versatile models in the class, which combines comfort, practicality and off-road performance in such a nice fashion.

Under the hood, it will continue with a 2.5-liter flat-four boxer engine, which puts out 182 horsepower. The engine comes in pair with a CVT gearbox and while that’s not the most exciting combination, the benefit comes in good fuel economy. Of course, the company’s legendary all-wheel-drive system is part of the standard equipment.

The current model starts at around 26.500 dollars and we don’t expect to see a bigger increase for the next year.

2023 Toyota RAV4

Once again, the RAV4 ended as the world’s best-selling crossover, with nearly 1 million units sold in the last 12 months. Things aren’t any different in North America, where this model also leads by a decent margin. So, you probably wonder if there’s any need for updates in the next year.

Still, some sources speculate about the possible facelift, which would bring a couple of cosmetic changes. However, the overall layout would remain the same and the 2023 RAV4 would continue to offer a great mix of practicality, precise handling and excellent fuel economy.

Base models will continue with a familiar 2.5-liter inline-four that puts out around 203 horsepower and offers decent performance. Still, we would highly recommend the hybrid version, which features a max output of 220 horsepower and 40 mpg combined. Also, there is the RAV4 Prime, equipped with a plug-in hybrid setup that puts out 302 horsepower and 42 miles of the all-electric range.

With updates or not, we expect that the 2023 Toyota RAV4 will feature starting price of around 28.000 dollars.

2023 Nissan Rogue

The Rogue is among those compact crossovers that were completely redesigned last year. Therefore, it’s easy to predict that the 2023 Nissan Rogue, which will represent the second production year, will come without more important updates. We are about to see a familiar design, which has a lot of good things to offer.

The new generation of Rogue looks attractive and offers a well-designed cabin. The cabin is actually its strongest point, as it combines quality with practicality in such a nice fashion. Also, the cargo area is among the biggest in the class, while the amount of tech and safety features are impressive.

Another big novelty that came with the recent redesign is the engine. The old 2.5-liter inline-four was replaced with a 1.5-liter turbo-three, which features a max output of 201 horsepower. More importantly, it features 225 pound-feet of torque, which is way more compared to its predecessor. That’s why the new generation feels way more engaging on the road.

As there are no significant changes planned for the next year, we presume that the pricing will remain the same as well. So, base models should cost slightly under 28.000 dollars.

2023 VW Tiguan

After the 2022 refresh, we expect that the current generation of VW’s compact crossover will remain in production for some more time. Despite the age, the current model is still a great car. It features one of the nicest interiors in the segment, while the overall build quality feels impressive. Also, we like the overall level of refinement, which is on par with many premium crossovers.

Still, the Tiguan’s strongest point has always been the long wheelbase and the third row of seats. That feature has been Tiguan’s exclusive thing (along with the Outlander), but keep in mind that the new Honda CR-V is also getting two more seats, so VW may lose a couple of potential buyers in the future.

The main reason why Tiguan isn’t the class leader is the powertrain. This SUV comes with a 2.0-liter turbo-four that puts out around 184 horsepower. It feels a little bit lethargic and lacks the refinement of Japanese rivals. Also, it is quite thirsty, as the average fuel economy goes around 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

The current model starts at around 27.500 dollars and we don’t believe this is going to change in the next year.

2023 Mercedes Benz GLC Class

The 2023 Mercedes Benz GLC Class will come completely redesigned. We are about to see a completely new design and, as you may presume, a lot of things will be shared with the new C Class, which has just been launched. This refers to the new platform, as well as to aesthetics.

Also, we are pretty sure that the new GLC will also borrow the dashboard design. The new compact sedan looks impressive in this aspect, so this is definitely a great thing. The aesthetics are nice, while the build quality is excellent. Furthermore, there is a number of tech features that make this cabin look more like a spaceship than a car.

Under the hood, we expect that the base GLC will come with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, in pair with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. On the other hand, things about AMG models are still unclear. While some sources suggest that larger engines will be discontinued, others claim that the next generation will continue with six- and eight-cylinder units on the offer.

The all-new 2023 Mercedes Benz GLC Class should hit the market sometime in the second half of the year, with a starting price of around 45.000 dollars.

2023 Chevrolet Equinox

Chevrolet Equinox received a long-awaited facelift recently and therefore, we expect that the next year will bring no changes. We count on the same design, which now offers more attractive aesthetics, along with more tech features. A high predicted reliability rating will remain one of its strongest points.

The interior design will remain Equinox’s weakest point. Although everything seems solid, the cabin looks way outdated. Moreover, most of the cabin features hard plastics, while tech features aren’t particularly impressive either. Still, we like the passenger room, which is generous in both rows.

Another big complaint goes to the powertrain department. The larger and more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four has been dropped from the lineup and the 1.5-liter unit remains the only one on the offer. It puts out 170 horsepower, so we are pretty sure that more ambitious drivers won’t take this crossover into consideration.

2023 Jeep Cherokee

Although the officials are still quiet, it looks like the 2023 Jeep Cherokee is about to receive a full redesign. That’s not a surprise, considering that the current generation has been around since 2014 and that it feels outdated in many aspects.

Allegedly, the new model will ride on the Giorgio platform, with an RWD layout. We have no doubt that this change would have a big impact on handling and overall performance, though we are also pretty sure that the new Cherokee wouldn’t lose any of its off-road potentials. Naturally, this redesign will bring new styling, while we have particularly big expectations regarding interior design, which is currently the weakest point of this compact SUV.

Big changes are expected under the hood as well. We believe that the turbo-four will remain the sole engine option on the offer, at least when it comes to gasoline units. On the other hand, some form of electrification, particularly plug-in hybrid, is possible too.

The all-new 2023 Jeep Cherokee should arrive by the end of the year.