One of the keys to being happy is finding the right fit, and that goes for sport-utility vehicles just like everything else.

Small or compact SUVs, sometimes called "cute utes," are a perfect fit for those who want flexibility and fun in a package that is tidy and more affordable and uses far less gasoline than a midsize SUV.

Compact SUVs are available with front-wheel drive for those who aren't worried about the snow or all-wheel drive for those who are. In addition, fold-down back seats and tall roofs mean they can carry five passengers (it sometimes helps if one is a child) or a stunning amount of cargo for their size.

Their smaller size and four-cylinder engines mean a huge improvement in fuel economy -- typically five or six more miles per gallon -- compared with a midsize SUV with a V6.

Our picks for 2010 -- the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester -- meet all of these criteria, and the base models come so well-equipped that we can recommend the least-expensive versions.

All our choices come with state-of-the-art safety equipment standard, including antilock brakes and electronic stability control. They have six airbags, including curtain airbags to protect the head. The Honda CR-V has active head restraints to help protect against whiplash in rear-end collisions.

All have "Top Safety Pick" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety because they got a good rating -- the highest -- in its front, side and rear crash tests and have electronic stability control as standard equipment.

Honda CR-V

The CR-V is just a great all-around choice that just got better.

For 2010 it has a more powerful engine, yet better fuel economy. The exterior has been freshened with a new grille and hood as well as front and rear bumpers.

The great five-speed automatic is paired with an improved 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that went from 166 horsepower to 180 h.p. It has fun handling and a ride that is firm but tolerable on all but the worst roads.

The CR-V's interior got some upgrades, including much-needed new seat fabrics, and there is plenty of room for four 6-foot adults. Its almost 36 cubic feet of cargo space is comparable to the others and about twice the size of the trunk of most full-size sedans. The second row seats slide back and forth to trade off cargo space for passenger room and vice versa.

Unless you live in an area where you need all-wheel drive, we'd stick with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive adds $1,200 to the price, regardless of the trim level.

We'd get the entry-level LX model, which is nicely equipped for $22,255, including destination charge. It's rated at 21 miles per gallon in city driving and 28 m.p.g on the highway, up 1 m.p.g. from 2009, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Moving up a notch to the EX will cost you an extra $2,300. The upgrades include a sunroof, CD player that puts six discs in the dash instead of one, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a dual-deck cargo shelf and rear privacy glass.

Toyota RAV4

Although the RAV4 hasn't been redesigned since 2006, Toyota continues to refine its appearance and improve its power. It's also the most flexible of our favorites.

If there's the slightest chance you'll need to carry more than five people, the RAV4 is the only one with an optional third-row seat. There is not much room in the third row, but it beats walking, and you can carry seven.

The RAV4's interior is lovely and quiet. It matches the Honda for the best front and rear legroom, which means four adults can travel in comfort. Its ample cargo capacity behind the second row is comparable to the CR-V's. Second-row seats slide fore and aft, so it can accommodate more cargo or give passengers more room.

On the Base model (there are also Sport and Limited models), the handling and ride are a fine blend of comfort and poise.

RAV4s now have a more powerful 179-h.p., 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a new four-speed automatic, which makes the powertrain smoother, quieter and more responsive. For the speed-crazed, there's a holy-smokes 269-h.p., 3.5-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic.

We recommend the $22,300 Base front-wheel drive with the four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission. It's rated at 22 m.p.g. city and 28 m.p.g. highway. All-wheel drive costs an additional $1,400, and the third row adds $940.

Subaru Forester

Last year when Subaru completely redesigned the Forester, it made it roomier than ever, gave it a comfier ride and added more safety equipment.

The second-row seat has about four inches of additional legroom, which means the Forester can now carry four adults in comfort. It also offers plenty of cargo room.

And it comes with Subaru's excellent full-time all-wheel drive system, which accounts for the vehicle's popularity in mountainous, snowy regions like the Rockies.

With a redesigned suspension, the Forester offers a ride that is amazingly comfortable, even on a bad road. Meanwhile, the handling is good once the driver gets used to a bit of body lean under hard cornering.

The 2.5-liter, 170-h.p., four-cylinder engine will get you where you're going. But a 224-h.p. turbocharged version will get you there a little faster.

The least expensive turbocharged model (called the 2.5 XT Premium) is $27,190 and has a four-speed automatic transmission, the only transmission available. It's plenty of fun, but Subaru recommends premium fuel and its EPA rating is only 19 m.p.g. city and 24 m.p.g. highway.

We prefer the more commonsense 170-h.p. engine. It has plenty of power, uses regular fuel and gets better fuel economy. The EPA rating is 20 m.p.g. city and 27 m.p.g. highway with the manual transmission and 20 m.p.g. city and 26 m.p.g. highway for the automatic.

The least-expensive Forester, the 2.5X, starts at $20,990 with a five-speed manual transmission and a nice list of standard equipment. Figuring another $1,200 for a four-speed automatic transmission brings the price to $22,190.

If you can afford more, go for the 2.5X Premium, which costs $23,490 for the manual transmission or $24,490 for an automatic.

One reason we like it is because it comes with the panoramic sunroof -- as well as some other features such as a reclining rear seatback -- which is huge and makes the Forester seem even roomier and just about perfect.

By Cheryl Jensen

Interest.com Contributing Editor