(iSeeCars) – Subcompact SUVs are a relatively new vehicle segment that didn’t gain traction in the United States until the mid-2010s. Subcompact SUVs are the smallest and most affordable SUVs on the market, and they offer consumers both value and practicality. These small but capable SUVs appeal to buyers who either want to enter the SUV segment or want to downsize to a more efficient vehicle. As sedans continue to drop from automakers’ lineups, many consumers have embraced subcompact crossover SUVs because they provide the value and fuel economy of a small car while having the cargo space and performance of an SUV.
What are the Best Subcompact SUVs?
In 2011, the Nissan Juke and the Mini Countryman were the only subcompact SUVs in the United States. Over a decade later, there are now subcompact SUVs from nearly every major automaker. Because these subcompact SUVs don’t have the storied history of their larger counterparts, it can be hard to decide which is best.
While these vehicles share the subcompact SUV distinction, they vary in terms of function and practicality. Many of these small SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is also available. Some exceptions exist, as some models like the Subaru Crosstrek and Kia Seltos come with standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
Buyers who want an emphasis on performance may choose the Mazda CX-3, which is known for its driving dynamics thanks to its punchy four-cylinder engine. It also comes standard with a suite of safety features. . The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most well-rounded vehicles in the class, offering standard AWD, a spacious cargo hold, and impressive safety scores.
Another standout is the Kia Seltos, which has a long list of standard safety features as well as an easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system. If value is your top priority, consider the Hyundai Kona, which has one of the lowest new car starting prices in the subcompact SUV class. It also comes with Hyundai’s class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Lastly, if you want an off-road capable SUV, consider Jeep’s smallest SUV equipped with four-wheel drive.
What Other Vehicles Should I Consider?
This list only includes the best subcompact SUVs by mainstream automakers. If you want a luxury SUV, check out our list of the Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Or, if you want something even more efficient like a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric SUV, check out our Best Hybrid SUVs and Best Electric SUVs lists.
If you want a more roomy small crossover, check out our list of the Best Small and Compact SUVs.
1. Chevrolet TrailBlazer
- iSeeCars Score: 8.8 / 10
- Reliability: 8.9 / 10
- Value Retention: 8.0 / 10
- Safety: 9.5 / 10
- New Car Price (MSRP): $23,100 – $29,300
- Used Car Price: $18,879 – $28,663
- MPG: 27 – 31 mpg
- Cargo Volume: 25.3 cu ft
2. Mazda CX-3
- iSeeCars Score: 8.2 / 10
- Reliability: 6.1 / 10
- Value Retention: 8.5 / 10
- Safety: 10 / 10
- New Car Price (MSRP): $20,790 – $22,190
- Used Car Price: $14,998 – $22,988
- MPG: 29 – 31 mpg
- Cargo Volume: 17.8 cu ft
3. Honda HR-V
- iSeeCars Score: 8.1 / 10
- Reliability: 5.6 / 10
- Value Retention: 8.7 / 10
- Safety: 10 / 10
- New Car Price (MSRP): $25,100 – $30,700
- Used Car Price: $18,120 – $27,552
- MPG: 27 – 28 mpg
- Cargo Volume: 24.4 cu ft
4. Hyundai KONA
- iSeeCars Score: 8.1 / 10
- Reliability: 5.9 / 10
- Value Retention: 8.4 / 10
- Safety: 10 / 10
- New Car Price (MSRP): $24,250 – $33,300
- Used Car Price: $15,000 – $26,386
- MPG: 26 – 28 mpg
- Cargo Volume: 25.5 cu ft
5. Jeep Compass
- iSeeCars Score: 8.0 / 10
- Reliability: 7.9 / 10
- Value Retention: 8.2 / 10
- Safety: 8.0 / 10
- New Car Price (MSRP): $30,270 – $34,165
- Used Car Price: $16,998 – $29,899
- MPG: 27 mpg
- Cargo Volume: 27.2 cu ft
6. Chevrolet Trax
- iSeeCars Score: 8.0 / 10
- Reliability: 6.1 / 10
- Value Retention: 7.9 / 10
- Safety: 10 / 10
- New Car Price (MSRP): $20,400 – $24,300
- Used Car Price: $13,484 – $24,990
- MPG: 22 mpg
- Cargo Volume: 25.6 cu ft
7. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- iSeeCars Score: 8.0 / 10
- Reliability: 8.0 / 10
- Value Retention: 8.0 / 10
- Safety: 8.0 / 10
- New Car Price (MSRP): $23,695 – $28,495
- Used Car Price: $13,988 – $24,125
- MPG: 25 – 26 mpg
- Cargo Volume: 21.7 cu ft
8. Subaru Crosstrek
- iSeeCars Score: 7.8 / 10
- Reliability: 5.6 / 10
- Value Retention: 8.8 / 10
- Safety: 9.0 / 10
- New Car Price (MSRP): $25,195 – $32,195
- Used Car Price: $19,738 – $30,628
- MPG: 27 – 29 mpg
- Cargo Volume: 19.9 – 20.0 cu ft
9. MINI Countryman
- iSeeCars Score: 7.6 / 10
- Reliability: 7.1 / 10
- Value Retention: 8.2 / 10
- Safety: Not Available
- New Car Price (MSRP): $38,900 – $46,900
- Used Car Price: $18,790 – $39,827
- MPG: 26 – 28 mpg
- Cargo Volume: 17.6 cu ft
10. FIAT 500X
- iSeeCars Score: 7.6 / 10
- Reliability: 6.9 / 10
- Value Retention: 8.2 / 10
- Safety: Not Available
- New Car Price (MSRP): $29,505 – $32,495
- Used Car Price: $15,989 – $29,690
- MPG: 26 mpgCargo Volume: 14.1 cu ft
11. Nissan Rogue Sport
- iSeeCars Score: 7.5 / 10
- Reliability: 5.7 / 10
- Value Retention: 8.2 / 10
- Safety: 8.6 / 10
- New Car Price (MSRP): $24,960 – $31,090
- Used Car Price: $15,699 – $25,997
- MPG: 27 – 28 mpg
- Cargo Volume: 19.9 – 22.9 cu ft
12. Jeep Renegade
- iSeeCars Score: 7.5 / 10
- Reliability: 6.0 / 10
- Value Retention: 8.4 / 10
- Safety: 8.0 / 10
- New Car Price (MSRP): $27,850 – $32,970
- Used Car Price: $15,998 – $27,995
- MPG: 24 – 26 mpg
- Cargo Volume: 18.5 cu ft
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