The Best Small SUVs: Compact and Subcompact

The world of small SUVs, or what many commonly refer to as crossovers, has grown increasingly complex over the years. With a plethora of options available, finding the best small SUV for your needs can be a daunting task. In this article, we aim to simplify this task by categorizing these SUVs into two segments: compact and subcompact. Each category has its own set of standout vehicles, each with unique features and attributes.

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Best Compact SUVs

When it comes to compact SUVs, these models offer a balance between size and functionality. They are known for their versatility, ample interior space, and a range of features. Here are some of the best compact SUVs:

Honda CR-V

What sets it apart: The Honda CR-V stands out for its excellent hybrid option, high-quality and stylish cabin, and refined driving experience.

Areas for improvement: It lacks a plug-in hybrid option, outdoor adventure trims, and has an average base engine.

The Honda CR-V is often considered the benchmark in the compact SUV segment. It boasts a cavernous cargo area, a spacious rear seat, a stellar hybrid powertrain option, balanced driving dynamics, competitive pricing, and a strong reputation for reliability. While it excels in many areas, it used to be criticized for its dull driving dynamics and uninspiring design. However, the 2023 redesign addressed these concerns, especially in terms of its refreshed interior, which now exudes a more modern and appealing vibe. Nevertheless, personal preferences may still lead some to explore other options.

Mazda CX-50

What sets it apart: The Mazda CX-50 is known for its budget Porsche-like driving experience, luxurious cabin, and powerful turbo engine upgrade.

Areas for improvement: It lacks a hybrid option, offers less cargo and passenger space, and features a non-touchscreen infotainment system that may not suit everyone.

The Mazda CX-50 is all about style and driving enjoyment. It offers an attractive design, high-quality materials, and a fun-to-drive experience that rivals more expensive vehicles. The available turbocharged engine delivers ample power, and its design details give it a premium feel. While it may not match the CR-V in terms of cargo and passenger space, it’s an excellent choice for those who value driving excitement and a luxurious interior.

Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid

What sets it apart: The Kia Sportage stands out for its exceptional hybrid powertrain, class-leading infotainment and safety tech, and a generous cargo area.

Areas for improvement: Its base gas-only engine is underwhelming, and the X Line trim is not available with the hybrid powertrain.

The Kia Sportage underwent a radical redesign that resulted in a substantially larger vehicle, making it one of the most family-friendly options in the segment. The spacious cargo area, impressive back seat, and bold exterior design contribute to its appeal. Inside, it offers sharp looks and high-quality materials, even on lower trim levels. Its technology is a strong suit, featuring exceptional infotainment features and touchscreen interfaces. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains are notable for their efficiency and performance, making them the preferred choices over the base engine.

Toyota RAV4

What sets it apart: The Toyota RAV4 offers an unmatched variety of models, including two hybrids, spacious rear seats and cargo area, and strong reliability.

Areas for improvement: Its engines could be more refined, and the tech interface can be frustrating for some users.

The Toyota RAV4 is a versatile choice in the compact SUV category, with abundant passenger and cargo space. It offers a comfortable and responsive ride, a well-built interior with quality materials, user-friendly controls, and ample storage options. The latest version distinguishes itself with a wide range of models, from the standard LE and XLE to more rugged variants like the Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Woodland, as well as the sporty XSE Hybrid and Prime. The latter two models are noteworthy for their hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, which contribute to the RAV4’s appeal.

Best Subcompact SUVs

Subcompact SUVs are known for their smaller dimensions and affordability. Despite their compact size, they offer practicality and versatility. Here are some of the best subcompact SUVs:

Buick Envista

What sets it apart: The Buick Envista is praised for its compelling design, ample interior space, quiet and refined driving experience, punchy and efficient engine, well-equipped features, and a low price.

Areas for improvement: It lacks all-wheel drive, and some may find the armrests a bit hard, leading to technically slow acceleration despite not feeling sluggish.

The Buick Envista is a standout offering from General Motors, impressing with its fuel-efficient three-cylinder engine that delivers a potent and refined driving experience. It offers a composed ride and low interior noise levels, making it a comfortable choice. The Envista’s exterior dimensions place it in the subcompact segment, but its interior and back seat rival those of compact SUVs. The lack of all-wheel drive may be a drawback for some, but its affordability and spaciousness make it a compelling option.

Ford Bronco Sport

What sets it apart: The Ford Bronco Sport stands out for its off-road capability, generous cargo space, clever storage features, and distinctive style.

Areas for improvement: Its fuel economy may leave something to be desired, and it features some budget interior elements.

While the Ford Bronco Sport’s exterior dimensions and back seat space fall between the compact and subcompact segments, it boasts more cargo space than larger vehicles. It offers numerous clever features, such as zippered map pockets and campsite lighting in the liftgate. The Bronco Sport excels off-road with standard all-wheel drive, ample ground clearance, and versatile “G.O.A.T. Modes.” Its unique style, both inside and out, distinguishes it from the competition, and it provides a more traditional SUV driving experience.

Kia Seltos

What sets it apart: The Kia Seltos offers surprising interior space, impressive acceleration in Turbo models, class-leading tech features, and distinctive design details.

Areas for improvement: It features some lower-quality interior elements.

The Kia Seltos bridges the gap between subcompact and compact SUVs, offering more interior space than expected in a subcompact vehicle. It incorporates special design details to counterbalance lower-quality components, resulting in a visually appealing interior. The available turbocharged engine provides impressive acceleration for the segment. The Seltos represents excellent value, boasting an extensive list of features and a strong warranty. For those seeking a cost-effective SUV that combines functionality and style, the Seltos is worth considering.

Kia Niro

What sets it apart: The Kia Niro stands out for its sleek design, three electrified engine options, spacious interior, and class-leading tech features.

Areas for improvement: It lacks all-wheel drive, offers questionable value for both the Hybrid and EV versions, does not qualify for an EV tax credit, and has mediocre handling.

The Kia Niro offers a compelling lineup of three electrified powertrains in an attractive package. The hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full EV models leverage the Niro’s spacious interior, sophisticated technology, and distinct exterior styling. The Niro’s design is punctuated by the “aero blade” behind the rear doors, which contributes to its unique look. However, it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive with any of its electrified powertrains, making it more suitable for those primarily focused on fuel efficiency.

Mazda CX-30

What sets it apart: The Mazda CX-30 is known for its luxurious interior, best-in-class driving dynamics, and attractive design.

Areas for improvement: Its interior space leans more toward a hatchback than an SUV, it features plastic fenders, and it uses a non-touchscreen tech interface.

The Mazda CX-30 combines driving enjoyment and luxury in a subcompact package. It offers an upscale interior that rivals luxury subcompacts like the BMW X2 and Audi Q3, yet at a lower price point. The CX-30’s interior is well-appointed and features high-quality materials. With its available turbo engine, it delivers a spirited driving experience. Despite its luxurious qualities, the CX-30 remains an affordable choice, making it an excellent value proposition.

Nissan Kicks

What sets it apart: The Nissan Kicks offers ample space and features at an affordable price, exceptional fuel economy, and well-executed safety technology.

Areas for improvement: It lacks power, is not particularly fun to drive, and its interior is average.

The Nissan Kicks closely aligns with the original concept of a subcompact SUV. It is smaller and more affordable than its counterparts but delivers on the essentials. The Kicks provides a significant amount of interior space for its size, offers a plethora of safety features for its price range, and maintains a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The interior is well-designed, and upper trim levels feature quality materials. While it may not excel in terms of horsepower or driving excitement, it offers a practical and economical choice for urban commuters.

Volkswagen Taos

What sets it apart: The Volkswagen Taos distinguishes itself with segment-leading rear seat space, a spacious cargo area, and strong power and fuel efficiency.

Areas for improvement: Its driving dynamics may be less exciting, and its rugged appearance may not match its capabilities.

The Volkswagen Taos is a family-friendly subcompact SUV known for its surprisingly spacious back seat, accommodating rear-facing car seats without compromising front-seat comfort. It boasts a generous cargo area and a practical design, making it an ideal choice for families on the go. The Taos combines ample interior space with the advantages of a smaller vehicle, such as better maneuverability and fuel economy. It features user-friendly interior controls and a less conservative style compared to other recent Volkswagen models. The Taos offers a well-rounded package, making it a compelling choice for subcompact SUV enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the small SUV market offers a wide array of options, catering to various needs and preferences. Compact SUVs are known for their versatility, ample interior space, and a range of features. On the other hand, subcompact SUVs provide affordability, practicality, and efficiency. When choosing the best small SUV for your lifestyle, consider factors such as interior space, driving dynamics, technology, and, of course, your budget. Each of the mentioned vehicles has its unique strengths, making it essential to assess your individual requirements and priorities when making a decision.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com