In the August issue, we tested several right-sized SUVs that represent where many buyers are heading: smaller and more fuel efficient. Among this group, the empirical standout was the redesigned Subaru Forester. It not only bested the other small SUVs in this month's small SUV Ratings (available to subscribers), its turbocharged and nonturbocharged versions also leapfrogged over the six- and four-cylinder versions of the Toyota RAV4.

We also tested the new Nissan Rogue and the four-cylinder Mitsubishi Outlander, plus we evaluated a couple old-school SUVs, the Kia Sorento and the redesigned Jeep Liberty.

To look behind the published ratings and road test, we offer personal insights on our picks for downsized SUVs:

Tom Mutchler: Even though I’m a big fan of wagons and hatchbacks, the Forester makes all of those cars in Subaru’s line-up redundant. (Same goes for the less-than-optimized Tribeca SUV.) The Forester has more room inside than an Outback wagon, and if you forego alloy wheels and heated seats, it’s less money than the smaller Outback Sport. You’re not giving up much in fuel economy or driving characteristics, either.

The Forester appeals to me because it is a refreshingly honest car. It stresses substance— like fantastic visibility, the ride/handling balance, interior space, and crash-test results— over flash. No, it doesn’t get the fuel economy of a Toyota RAV4 and it’s not as well trimmed as a Honda CR-V. But I’ll take the savings and get the more practical Forester.

One more thing: this month’s test revealed an overlooked player in this market, the Mitsubishi Outlander. It got me to the airport in an early morning snowstorm without any drama, and the huge interior easily swallowed a large laundry dryer, aided by its clever little tailgate. The steering is tuned toward sporty, and the newly-available four-cylinder is willing (if not overly powerful). While it’s likely to depreciate more than a three-year-old RAV4/ CR-V/Forester, the Outlander could make be a used-car bargain down the road.

Rick Small: The popular small SUV market is growing rapidly. These right-sized vehicles have many advantages over the older truck-based models, such as better ride, handling, and fuel efficiency. They’re also very roomy for their size; folding rear seats only add to there usefulness. Some offer third-row seats but they are mostly for small kids. The new Subaru Forester is larger and much improved over the previous model. The turbo version is more responsive and better equipped than the base, but gets two fewer mpg. Subarus all come with standard AWD, so they get less mpg than most base vehcles in this class —almost all competing models also offer FWD version. The Honda CR-V is reliable and gets better fuel economy. But I need a 3,500-pound towing capacity, which leaves the four-cylinder models off my list. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4 offer V6s that will tow and the new Mitsubishi Outlander has a standard V6 that can also tow the weight I haul. Of these, the Outlander is the sportiest of the group and it fits my 6' 3" frame the best as well—although my wife complains about the lack of leg room. The RAV4 is a good choice and gets good mileage even with the V6 (22 mpg), but the driver’s seat is a bit small and flat for me. My favorite, though, is still the Nissan Murano (admittedly a bit more expensive). But it’s quicker, bigger and sportier than most of these and still manages to get 19 mpg. The new redesign is not quite as sporty as the old one, but it rides better and has more safety features.

For more on this small SUVs group, read the road tests and watch our review videos.