The compact SUV class combines the best of both worlds when it comes to bringing car-like handling and convenience to a robust SUV body, meaning buyers can expect to save big while still finding the solid performance they need to get about their day. Two models that have excelled as of late are the Ford Escape and the Subaru Forester, and in this review, we’ll be putting the two head to head as we go under the hood to find which of the two takes the title of the best SUV for small families in 2025.