Car and Driver
Crossovers and SUVs are as popular as ever and have become so highly sought after that they’ve led to the demise of sedans and smaller cars. They try to do it all, and the SUV market runs the gamut from pint-size economical commuters to puddle-jumping off-roaders. The subcompact segment seen here offers the least expensive way into an SUV and features smaller models, but does offer more options than the compact-crossover segment. Asking what makes a subcompact crossover good is like asking what color paint is more exciting to watch dry, but these don’t exist for pleasure. They exist because not everyone should spend their savings at the dealership, or at the gas station. To get a baseline on the current offerings, we’ve ordered the segment by goodness, starting with the worst and ending with the best.
More New SUVs Ranked from Worst to Best:
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19. Ford EcoSport
That’s not a shrunken Ford Edge in the rearview mirror, it’s the 123-hp turbocharged three-cylinder Ford EcoSport. Also available with a 144-hp inline-four, the EcoSport is as sporty as it is economical—that is to say, not very. During our fuel-economy test, the EcoSport managed just 24 mpg combined. That’s not great, considering the more powerful Mazda CX-3 and larger Honda HR-V have an EPA-estimated combined 30 mpg. Seating is tight, and we recommend against stuffing a third adult in the second row. The rear door is a left-hinged, side-opening style giving way to 21 cubic feet of rear cargo space. And the EcoSport isn’t available with an externally mounted spare tire in the United States, so commute gently.
- Base Price: $21,240
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway 28/27/29 mpg (FWD)
- Rear Cargo Space: 20 cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
18. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
If something feels oddly familiar about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, it’s probably because it’s still the same basic car it was in 2011. Base models are powered by a 148-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. A 168-hp 2.4-liter engine is optional, and both engines use a continuously variable automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive Outlander Sport with a 2.0-liter engine returned 28 mpg on our 200-mile real-world fuel-economy test, while the 2.4-liter version we tested dropped to 26 mpg. Inside, the Outlander Sport doesn’t offer much, but an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto appears on most models and is optional on the ES trim with the Convenience package. Mitsubishi is offering a 100,000-mile warranty on all new Outlander Sports in hopes of boosting sales, but it’ll have to do a lot more than that to compete in this segment.
- Base Price: $24,190
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 27/24/30 mpg (FWD 2.0L)
- Rear Cargo Space: 21 cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
17. Chevrolet Trax
In 2020, Chevy sold more than 106,000 Trax vehicles in the U.S., making it one of the highest-selling models in the segment. Unfortunately, good sales don’t always translate into a great car. The interior on even its highest trim is more fleet than fancy, and the Trax is as exciting as watching C-SPAN to drive. Its 138-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine means that it’s on the slower end of the segment and doesn’t offer spectacular fuel efficiency in return. Our real-world fuel-economy test returned just 29 mpg, lower than the Kia Soul despite the Kia’s 63-horsepower advantage. The best parts of the Chevy Trax all happen in the front row, where there’s tons of headroom and tech including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi paid through a monthly subscription.
- Base Price: $22,395
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 28/26/31 mpg (FWD 1.4L)
- Rear Cargo Space: 18 cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
16. Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR straddles the line between okay and alright. It’s slower than cold peanut butter, and the C-HR moniker means “Coupe High Rider.” In practice, it’s a four-door crossover with less ground clearance than a Toyota Sienna minivan. Its 144-hp four-cylinder isn’t peppy, but it achieved an impressive 37 mpg during our highway fuel-economy test. Its hidden rear door handles give it a two-door look, and the rest of its styling helps it stand out in segment full of lookalikes. The C-HR rides well and drives smoothly, but its continuously variable automatic transmission causes its engine to be annoyingly noisy, and its lack of power keeps it from getting ahead of this pack. Safety features such as automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are standard.
- Base Price: $22,720
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 29/27/31 mpg
- Rear Cargo Space: 19 cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Not available
15. Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X is a Jeep Renegade-based crossover that’s now the only model left under the struggling Fiat nameplate. A 177-hp turbocharged inline-four engine and all-wheel-drive are standard. All models come with 17-inch aluminum wheels, except the Sport, which has standard 18s (optional on both Trekking models), and available 19-inch wheels. Its high starting price only adds to the absurdity of a vehicle in this segment with fuel-economy ratings that are worse than more powerful and larger competitors. The EPA handed the Fiat 500X a combined fuel-economy rating of 26 mpg. Cargo capacity is low even for a subcompact SUV, with just 14 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 32 cubic feet when folded.
- Base Price: $26,840
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 26/24/30 mpg
- Rear Cargo Space: 14 cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Standard
14. Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 is only available in Sport trim for 2021, and we suspect this year will be its last now that it has been outdone by the slightly larger CX-30. Available with either front- or all-wheel drive, the CX-3 is powered by a 146-hp four-cylinder engine. During our testing we found the engine to be coarse, and the CX-3 is slower than others in the segment. Our all-wheel-drive test vehicle returned 30 mpg, which is lower than its 32-mpg EPA highway rating but in line with most of its rivals. We were only able to fit three carry-on suitcases behind the back seat and cargo capacity maxed out at 12 with the rear seats folded. The Mazda 3 hatchback accommodated five carry-ons behind its back seat and 15 with the seat stowed, meaning the CX-3 actually offers less cargo space than its car counterpart. The CX-3 is one of several vehicles in Mazda’s lineup that was awarded a five-star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well as a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- Base Price: $21,965
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 31/29/34 (FWD)
- Rear Cargo Space: 17 cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
13. Honda HR-V
Against its many competitors, the plucky Honda HR-V does its best. It’s powered exclusively by a 141-hp four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission and is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. The HR-V shines as a fuel-efficient alternative to other choices. It achieved 30 mpg on the highway in our test. The HR-V’s party trick is its second-row Magic Seat. When released, the rear seatback folds flat leaving extra room for stacking luggage or for hauling bigger stuff. The bottom cushion of the rear seat can also be flipped up, providing a deep well between the front and rear seatbacks for taller items. We were able to fit 22 carry-ons in the cargo area during our test. Unfortunately, the HR-V suffers from a choppy ride, especially on uneven roads. We expect a redesigned HR-V later this year, similar to the Euro-spec version revealed recently.
- Base Price: $22,395
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 30/28/34 mpg (FWD)
- Rear Cargo Space: 24 (FWD) 23 (AWD) cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
12. Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade serves a wide array of purposes. The base model is smaller and cheaper than other options in this segment, and the more expensive Trailhawk top trim treats the off-road fans. But that bigger price tag doesn’t improve many of its worst features. A 180-hp 2.4-liter engine is standard, or you can get a painfully slow, turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder that makes three horsepower fewer but gains 25 pound-feet of torque. The most fuel-efficient way to own a Jeep Renegade is with the turbo 1.3-liter and front-wheel drive, which will get you an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway. The interior isn’t much to brag about unless you consider the mini scavenger hunt it holds. Even with the rear seats folded flat, we wish there was more cargo space between its bulky roof pillars.
- Base Price: $24,345
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 27/24/32 mpg (FWD 1.3L)
- Rear Cargo Space: 18 cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
11. Buick Encore
The Buick Encore is an aptly named compact that left us yelling for more. It’s certainly a step up in terms of ride quality and technology from its corporate twin, the Chevy Trax, but for its relatively high base price, you get worse fuel economy and a smaller cargo area than competitors such as the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Kicks. The Encore is only offered with a 138-hp four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. For its size, we found it comfortable to drive, and its ride adequately cushy over bumps. The front-drive Encore gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive Encore’s estimates are 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Not bad, but not amazing considering its starting price is one of the highest in the segment.
- Base Price: $24,195
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 27/25/30 mpg (FWD)
- Rear Cargo Space: 18 cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
10. Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks wears fresh duds for 2021. The new style makes the Kicks look more modern and less like something you rented five years ago. Its low starting price and wide variety of standard safety features make the groovy Kicks a safe buy. Only offered with a 122-hp inline-four engine and continuously variable automatic transmission, the Kicks doesn’t have all-wheel drive, but it did achieve 37 mpg during our highway fuel-economy test. Its peppy in-town power makes it fun as a runabout, but it can get a little noisy under full throttle. There’s plenty of space in the second row, but cargo space is average. Standard safety features include automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
- Base Price: $20,650
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 33/31/36 mpg
- Rear Cargo Space: 25 cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Not available
9. Nissan Rogue Sport
The Nissan Rogue Sport sits between the smaller Nissan Kicks and the larger Rogue. Unlike the Kicks, the Rogue Sport can be had with all-wheel drive, although front-wheel drive is standard with a 141-hp inline-four engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the Sport isn’t all that sporty to drive. Although the all-wheel-drive model gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway, the larger, more powerful Rogue beats that by two mpg. Automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode, and rear cross-traffic alert are all included. A new Rogue Sport will hit dealerships later in 2021.
- Base Price: $24,580
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 28/25/32 mpg (FWD 2.0L)
- Rear Cargo Space: 22 (S Trim), 20 (SV Trim), 19 (SL Trim) cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
8. Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is close to being a stellar subcompact performer. It has sharp looks, 25 cubic feet of cargo space, and can be had with a 155-hp turbocharged three-cylinder with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. All is well, until you start tacking on the options. Suddenly the sub-$20k subcompact is now as expensive as many larger compact crossovers. The base Trailblazer is less appealing, with a 137-hp turbo three-cylinder, steel wheels with hubcaps, and a single paint option (white). It’s a weird slot to fill, sitting between the smaller Trax and the larger Equinox, but it’s here, and it has its perks.
- Base Price: $19,995
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 31/29/33 mpg (FWD 1.3L)
- Rear Cargo Space: cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
7. Kia Niro
People conscious about their carbon footprint and piggy bank should give serious consideration to the Kia Niro. Available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full EV, the Niro hybrid can see as much as 52 mpg in the city, while the 201-hp Niro EV is rated for 239-mile range. Although the Niro isn’t exciting to drive, it does provide a firm, stable ride. Unlike other hybrids, rear cargo space is not reduced by its battery pack. Unfortunately, the rear seats don’t form a flat load floor when folded, and other similarly sized crossovers hold more cargo. Kia also provides an impressive powertrain warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
- Base Price: $25,865
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 50/53/48 mpg (1.6L FE)
- Rear Cargo Space: 22 (1.6L), 19 (PHEV), 18 (EV) cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Not Available
6. Subaru Crosstrek
Based on the Impreza hatchback, the Subaru Crosstrek is for folks who crave ruggedness in a crossover. It’s for the outdoorsy types or the people who are considering becoming outdoorsy types—or the people who just want to look like outdoorsy types. With that said, its handling is carlike and it has good road manners. A 152-hp four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission is standard (a third pedal is a rare find in this segment) and a continuously variable automatic transmission is optional. A larger 182-hp four-cylinder from the Subaru Outback is available on top trims and has an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined fuel-economy rating, only one fewer than the smaller, less powerful 2.0-liter. The plug-in-hybrid Crosstrek is the most economical option with an EPA-estimated 90 MPGe when running on electricity. An optional 8.0-inch touchscreen with TomTom navigation and a Harman/Kardon sound system is also available, as well as black 18-inch wheels. The Crosstrek received five stars during crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Base Price: $23,295
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 30/28/33 mpg (2.0L AT)
- Rear Cargo Space: 20 (2.5L), 15 (PHEV) cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Standard
5. Hyundai Venue
Why is a crossover with only 121 horsepower that’s only offered with front-wheel drive this high on the list? It’s really good, and it’s stinking cheap. The Hyundai Venue is the cheapest crossover sold in the U.S., and its impressive EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined fuel economy makes it affordable to own, too. The rear seats split 60/40 and allow 32 cubic feet of cargo space when folded flat or 18 cubes with the rear seats in use. An 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard on all models, and higher trims offer built-in navigation. It’s not very sporty, but it’s easy to drive and perfect for commuting or for parking-space scavenger hunts in large cities.
- Base Price: $19,935
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 32/30/34 mpg
- Rear Cargo Space: 18 cubic feet
- All-Wheel Drive: Not available
4. Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos, seen here in its obnoxious Starbright Yellow color option, is powered by either an optional 175-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a standard 146-hp 2.0-liter four paired with a CVT. A crisp, easy to use 8.0-inch infotainment screen comes standard, while a larger 10.3-inch screen from the Telluride is optional. The front-drive Seltos gets an EPA-estimated 34 mpg on the highway. It’s a fairly efficient, reasonably priced option with a spacious cabin that offers the added bonus of its sprightly optional turbocharged engine.
- Base Price: $23,110
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 31/29/34 mpg (FWD 2.0L)
- Rear Cargo Space: 26 cu ft
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
3. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul looks like serious business, but it’s actually a little party on wheels. Base models have a 147-hp four-cylinder engine available with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission, but the real fun starts with the optional 201-hp turbocharged four. The Kia Soul Turbo hit 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds during our test, making it the quickest of any car on this long list of models. The Soul has a lot of personality and a surprising amount of room inside thanks to its boxy shape.
- Base Price: $18,765
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 31/29/35 mpg (2.0L CVT)
- Rear Cargo Space: 24 cu ft
- All-Wheel Drive: Not available
2. Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona knocked the Kia Soul off our 10Best SUVs list in 2019, but it’s not at the top of this list anymore, thanks to some new kids on the block. The Kona is a testament to how far Hyundai can stretch a penny. It’s not cheap, it’s affordable, and the difference is found in its firm ride, snappy handling, and good steering. There are two gasoline engine options for the Kona: a 147-hp four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic transmission or a 175-hp turbocharged four with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. There’s also an EV option. The Kona Electric can go 258 miles on a single charge for less than $40,000. The bar might be low, but the Kona does a great job of making mediocre look excellent. A refreshed 2022 Kona should arrive sometime mid-2021.
- Base Price: $21,685
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 30/28/32 mpg (FWD 1.6L), 120/132/108 MPGe (Electric)
- Rear Cargo Space: 19 cu ft
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
1. Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is based on the fantastic Mazda 3, which means it’s no surprise that it’s our favorite in this segment. The CX-30 is great because it delivers the advantages of driving a compact car without sacrificing price, fuel economy, or polish. Base CX-30 models have a 186-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, while a 250-hp turbocharged version of that engine is optional. As far as cargo-carrying capability goes, we fit six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and 16 with the rear seats folded. The CX-30 is the last stand between car and affordable SUV, and although it doesn’t offer a lot in terms of cargo space, it delivers a great deal of driving fun.
- Base Price: $23,225
- EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 28/25/33 mpg (FWD)
- Rear Cargo Space: 20 cu ft
- All-Wheel Drive: Optional
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