What is the best compact SUV for rear-facing car seats?

Best overall: the Honda CR-V is the compact SUV I’d pick first for rear-facing car seats. It has one of the roomier second rows in the class, wide rear-door openings, and a family-friendly cabin shape that usually makes rear-facing installation easier without forcing the front passenger too far forward.

If you want alternatives, the Subaru Forester is excellent for visibility and easy loading, while the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are strong value picks with generous rear-seat space. The Toyota RAV4 is dependable and popular, but it is not usually the roomiest choice for bulky rear-facing seats compared with the CR-V, Tucson, Sportage, or Forester.

Before buying, bring your actual car seat and install it behind the front passenger seat and behind the driver if possible. Check front-seat comfort, recline angle, door opening, LATCH access, and whether you can fit your stroller or gear in the cargo area.