Admittedly, driving round in a subcompact something is not terribly interesting. For ages, subcompact vehicles had been the underside of the automotive barrel. They had been thought of econoboxes or penalty bins or crap cans or … you get the image. It may be onerous, however it is time to scrub these unfavorable connotations out of your mind. The small crossover SUVs listed right here may be referred to as “subcompact,” however that is actually simply because we now have nothing else higher to name them. They’re smaller than “compact SUVs,” however these are literally actually massive now. A household of 6-footers with extreme baggage wants can match inside a kind of. This assortment of the very best subcompact SUVs is for consumers with extra modest area wants and maybe extra modest budgets.
And the nice information is, these subcompact SUVs are actually good! In reality, we might fortunately think about them alongside our high compact SUV selections (which is why we truly mix all of them on one, grand small SUV record). We particularly like how totally different they’re when it comes to look, character and the kind of purchaser they serve. We have now sporty selections, outdoorsy selections, family-friendly selections, a fuel-efficient hybrid and one thing good for these largely centered on holding the value low. All provide surprisingly good passenger and cargo area, which speaks to their versatility and general worth.
There are some downsides to think about with these subcompact SUVs, and a giant one is the supply of all-wheel drive. Three of our selections do not provide it in any respect, and whereas we do not assume that must be a significant problem (front-wheel drive grew in reputation as a result of it was positive for snow-going journey), we acknowledge some favor the safety of all 4 wheels being powered. One other factor to think about is inside high quality. Whereas most of those selections sport engaging cabin designs and can be found with the identical consolation, comfort and tech options of larger SUVs, there tends to be extra onerous plastics strewn about. That is a giant purpose they value much less, although.
The beneath selections are listed alphabetically by model. Get pleasure from!
Finest subcompact SUVs of 2024
2024 Buick Envista
Why it stands out: Compelling design; ample area for the section; quiet and refined driving expertise; punchy and environment friendly engine; well-equipped; low value
Could possibly be higher: All-wheel drive is unavailable; armrests are a bit onerous; technically gradual acceleration (even when it would not really feel it).
Learn our full 2024 Buick Envista Assessment
The Buick Envista is among the finest, best and most related vehicles to return out of Basic Motors in a very long time. It’s wildly spectacular and actually shocking. It has a modest, fuel-efficient three-cylinder engine, but feels completely potent and refined when driving round city. The trip consists and inside noise ranges low. It seems to be costly, but stickers for nicely south of $30,000. That value additionally places it nicely within the coronary heart of this subcompact section regardless of exterior dimensions and a again seat that rivals compacts. The shortage of all-wheel drive could also be a sticking level for some, however we expect anybody purchasing for a small, reasonably priced SUV can be sensible to take a look at the Envista.
2024 Chevrolet Trax
Why it stands out: Sturdy worth; sharp seems to be; surprisingly sensible; participating and even satisfying to drive; excessive gas financial system
Could possibly be higher: All-wheel drive unavailable; no engine improve; onerous armrests
Learn our full 2024 Chevy Trax Assessment
All that stuff you simply learn concerning the Buick Envista? Yep, it just about applies to the mechanically associated Trax. It too is among the finest, best and most related vehicles to return out of Basic Motors in a very long time. The Trax is sportier to have a look at and to drive, with barely sharper dealing with and a tauter trip high quality. Certainly, the Trax is among the most participating subcompact SUVs to drive, even when it is one of many slowest within the section on paper. In apply, it would not really feel gradual in any respect, very similar to the Envista.
It is also probably the most household pleasant subcompact SUVs, with area within the again for full-size adults and large little one seats. Cargo area is above common, too. It is a disgrace that all-wheel drive is not out there, however customary front-wheel drive ought to realistically be simply positive for all however probably the most excessive winter occasions.
2024 Ford Bronco Sport
Why it stands out: Off-road functionality; cargo area; intelligent storage and cargo options; distinctive fashion
Could possibly be higher: Much more costly than others; gas financial system is worse, too; some low cost inside bits
Learn our 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Assessment
Though its exterior dimensions and again seat area falls within the subcompact section, one of many nice issues concerning the Bronco Sport is that it truly has as a lot or extra cargo area than fashions which can be significantly greater on the skin. So it may maintain quite a lot of stuff for a weekend away, however the “Child Bronco” does a lot extra for these in search of one thing slightly extra Swiss Military Knife than the everyday small SUV. There are quite a few intelligent options all through, like zippered map pockets and campsite lighting within the liftgate, plus an enormous accent catalog.
Each model is significantly better than traditional off-road (although the Badlands is unquestionably the one to get for these going additional afield) with its customary all-wheel drive, ample floor clearance and “G.O.A.T. Modes” that set the automobile for quite a lot of street and terrain situations. It is also inconceivable to disregard the Bronco Sport’s distinctive fashion in and out, plus a driving expertise that is a bit extra SUV-ish … and on this case, we do imply that within the conventional, body-on-frame truck-based SUV manner.
The main hang-up is value: The Bronco Sport prices sufficient greater than the opposite selections right here that it would not fairly align when it comes to apples-to-apples comparisons.
2024 Kia Seltos
Why it stands out: A great deal of area; nice know-how; exuberant acceleration with turbo engine; intelligent design all through; robust security rankings
Could possibly be higher: Turbo engine’s subpar gas financial system; weak base engine
Learn our most up-to-date 2024 Kia Seltos Assessment
The surprisingly good Seltos proves you do not have to spend some huge cash for each perform and style. Its value and exterior dimensions fall in between the subcompact and compact SUV segments, but it boasts extra inside quantity than is predicted and an abundance of particular design particulars all through that efficiently counter among the cheaper bits utilized to maintain the value down. It additionally seems to be fairly good, and the out there turbocharged engine produces stunning acceleration for this section. Principally, it offers much more worth past Kia’s traditional extra-long options record and guarantee.
Just like the Bronco Sport and Taos, we might truly think about the Seltos earlier than most of the compact SUVs that did not make the lower in our compact SUV record.
2024 Kia Niro
Why it stands out: Slick design; three electrified engine choices; surprisingly spacious; class-leading tech
Could possibly be higher: No AWD; questionable worth for each the Hybrid and EV; no EV tax credit score; mediocre dealing with
Our Kia Niro Assessment
The Kia Niro comes with a robust lineup of three electrified powertrains in a single attractively designed bundle. All three, the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full EV, make the most of the Niro’s surprisingly spacious, tech-filled inside and snazzy exterior styling. The “aero blade” behind the rear doorways offers it a particular look, however even with out it, we love the hatchback form and tall LED taillights.
One draw back of the Niro is that it would not provide all-wheel drive with any of the three electrified powertrains. That is positive when you’re simply in it for the unbelievable effectivity and are blissful to purchase some snow tires, however many will nonetheless miss all-wheel traction. The Niro is finally proof that you just needn’t drive round a miserly wanting automobile to seize top-shelf effectivity, so if you’d like the very best inexperienced choice attainable within the midcompact section, head straight right here.
2024 Nissan Kicks
Why it stands out: Tons of area and options for a low value; best-in-class gas financial system; well-executed security tech
Could possibly be higher: It is actually gradual; merely common inside
Our full Nissan Kicks Assessment
If every little thing else on this record appears a bit too expensive, the Kicks is right here as a low-priced decide that delivers robust worth. It is also the SUV on this record that aligns most intently with the unique concept of a subcompact. It is a lot smaller than the others right here, not less than on the skin.
Now, we would not blame you for not getting excited concerning the Kicks. It would not have a lot horsepower, it isn’t precisely enjoyable to drive, and its tall hatchback physique remains to be fairly gawky regardless of a pretty styling replace again in 2021. That stated, the Kicks does a extremely nice job on the fundamentals. It provides a large quantity of area for a automobile its dimension, comes with a wealth of security options for a automobile with its modest value, and would not really feel like a penalty field to take a seat in or drive. The inside is good-looking and well-equipped with spectacular supplies in higher trim ranges.
For these searching for an environment friendly, cheap city runabout that may swallow sufficient stuff for a weekend getaway, it simply makes quite a lot of sense.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Why it stands out: Normal all-wheel drive; legitimately good off-road; gas environment friendly; easy inside controls
Could possibly be higher: Sluggish base engine; roly-poly dealing with; outdated tech
Learn our 2024 Subaru Crosstrek assessment
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is one in every of our favourite small crossovers, and far of this is because of it being extra of a hatchback on stilts than its extra SUV-like crossover rivals, giving it car-like qualities that, when you’re like us, will be preferable. Additionally, not like every little thing else on this record not named Bronco, the Crosstrek is legitimately good — and enjoyable — while you transcend paved roads. Its 8.7 inches of floor clearance, or 9.3 inches in Wilderness type, offers you plenty of wiggle room, and Subaru’s customary all-wheel-drive system is sensible sufficient to get you thru some robust spots. The Crosstrek cabin is easy to make use of and offers plenty of backseat area, a giant cargo space, tons of pockets and cubbies to retailer issues, and nice visibility for the driving force.
It’s not a lot to have a look at, although, and its tech is on the gradual facet even when we respect the out there jumbo display. The largest downside is energy. Even those that usually would not give a hoot about robust acceleration have commented to us that the bottom Crosstrek’s engine feels weak. That makes choosing one of many trims that embrace the two.5-liter engine improve a should, even when the ensuing acceleration simply will get bumped as much as “adequate” from “gradual.”
2024 Volkswagen Taos
Why it stands out: Phase-leading again seat area; big cargo space; robust energy and gas financial system
Could possibly be higher: Bland to drive; seems to be extra rugged than it’s
Our full 2024 Volkswagen Taos Assessment
The Taos is probably the most family-friendly of the midcompact SUVs due to a again seat that is shockingly sufficiently big to suit rear-facing automobile seats with out scrunching. There’s additionally an enormous cargo space that solely falls in need of the Bronco Sport, which is nothing to be ashamed of. In reality, the Taos has extra inside area than fairly a number of compact SUVs which can be bigger on the skin. When you will get that whereas having fun with the advantages of a smaller automobile (higher maneuverability and gas financial system, a cheaper price), that is known as a win-win. We additionally like that the Taos is not as conservatively styled, in and out, than different current made-for-America Volkswagens and has VW’s older, extra user-friendly inside controls as a substitute of the maddening ID.4 and GTI format. Even its “could possibly be betters” listed above are hardly what we might name deal breakers. It is a winner.
