by Rob Douthit

Created on: August 23, 2008

Small SUVs have become all the rage these days, thanks to drivers' concerns about high gas prices and their need for functionality. Today, we look at two entries in this popular category.

Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is a stylish, athletic-looking small SUV that offers energetic performance. Its price range is $33,695-$36,995.

Pros

This is a small SUV, but you wouldn't know it from sitting inside. It's super roomy, even for tall drivers and passengers.

The interior fit and finish are terrific, there is a sense of understated luxury, and it's easy to find and use the gadgets. This doesn't seem to be an interior designed strictly by engineers, but rather by real people who actually drive and know what's important to motorists.

The RDX's turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine is strong, to the tune of 240 horsepower. You can really appreciate the RDX's power at higher speeds, where it seems to glide effortlessly once it's unleashed.

The handling is nifty, with the ability to zip crisply around curves and not feel that sense of impending lean that you get in many SUVs or even cars for that matter.

Cons

While the RDX provides driving enjoyment, the ride is a bit more harsh than what you might expect from an Acura. It's not a deal-breaker, though you can still travel in relative comfort.

We were a bit disappointed by the gas mileage. Its EPA numbers are 17 mpg city and 22 highway, but in combined driving we got about 16 or 17 mpg.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is new to the U.S. market, coming in as VW's smaller alternative to the Touareg SUV. The price range is from $23,890 to about $33,165.

Pros

The 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine is peppy. Front-wheel drive is standard, but you can upgrade to all-wheel drive if you choose. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the SE and SEL models, while the S has a six-speed manual.

One of the neatest features on the test-drive model was a panoramic sunroof, which extends back to the rear seat and lets lots of light into the cabin.

Like the RDX, the Tiguan also has a very well-designed interior, a characteristic for which VW and its Audi luxury brand also deserve consistent praise.

The back cargo area might not be all that long, but it is pretty deep.

If you're a VW fan, this vehicle holds true to its overall design heritage.

Cons

The Tiguan's initial acceleration is not terribly brisk, but once you get up to highway speed and the turbo boost takes effect, it's not a problem.

Gas mileage in the Tiguan was also a little disappointing. It is listed at 18 mpg city and 24 highway, according to EPA; we got about 19 in a mix of city and highway use. The tester's price of more than $33,000 made us wish the Tiguan was just a little blingier, especially the interior.

The winner

It's only fair to compare the higher trim levels of the Tiguan with the RDX because the S level is so much less expensive. But looking at the SE or SEL Tiguan vs. the RDX, we give the very slightest edge to the Acura. Both are equally fun to drive, sized very similarly and gas mileage is pretty comparable. But a tiny advantage in design, both inside and out, goes to the RDX. But for small SUVs, you'd do well with either.

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