Best Subcompact SUVs
We put over 100 vehicles through rigorous testing each year, and combine that data with real-world driving experiences from expert editors around the world. We consider factors like acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and driving enjoyment to come up with our top picks for Subcompact SUVs
* This ranking is for reference only, in no particular order.
2023 Buick Encore GX
The 2023 Buick Encore GX is a compact SUV that offers a combination of style, comfort, and performance. The exterior design features sleek lines and a modern aesthetic, while the interior is spacious and well-appointed with premium materials and advanced technology. Under the hood, the Encore GX is powered by a choice of two efficient and capable engines, including a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder producing up to 155 horsepower. The vehicle also offers available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions. In terms of technology, the 2023 Encore GX comes equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and available navigation. Safety features include a suite of driver-assist technologies such as automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Overall, the 2023 Buick Encore GX is a well-rounded SUV that offers a blend of style, comfort, and performance for drivers seeking a versatile and upscale vehicle.
2022 Buick Encore GX
The 2022 Buick Encore GX is a compact luxury SUV that offers a perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance. With its sleek exterior design and premium interior features, the Encore GX is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The vehicle is powered by a choice of two efficient engines - a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine, both paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the Encore GX offers a spacious and luxurious cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The interior is well-appointed with high-quality materials and modern technology, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Safety is also a top priority in the 2022 Encore GX, with a host of advanced driver assistance features available, such as forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Overall, the 2022 Buick Encore GX is a stylish and practical choice for those seeking a premium compact SUV.
2024 Buick Envista
The 2024 Buick Envista is a sleek and stylish midsize SUV that combines luxury with performance. With its bold exterior design and modern interior features, the Envista is sure to turn heads on the road. The vehicle offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. Under the hood, the Envista is powered by a powerful engine that delivers impressive performance and efficiency. The vehicle also comes equipped with advanced technology features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and driver-assist safety features. Overall, the 2024 Buick Envista offers a luxurious driving experience with a focus on comfort, convenience, and performance. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly SUV or a stylish and practical vehicle for daily use, the Envista is sure to impress.
2023 Honda HR-V
The 2023 Honda HR-V is a compact SUV that offers a perfect blend of style, versatility, and efficiency. With its sleek and modern design, the HR-V stands out on the road and is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The interior of the HR-V is spacious and comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear Magic Seat allows for multiple seating and cargo configurations, making it easy to transport all your gear. Under the hood, the 2023 HR-V is powered by a fuel-efficient yet peppy engine that provides a smooth and responsive driving experience. The available all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent handling and traction in various road conditions. The HR-V also comes equipped with advanced safety features, including a suite of driver-assist technologies to help keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Overall, the 2023 Honda HR-V is a versatile and reliable SUV that offers a perfect combination of style, comfort, and performance.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV that offers a perfect blend of versatility and capability. It features a sleek and modern design with a bold grille, rugged body cladding, and a raised suspension for a sporty and adventurous look. The Crosstrek comes with a choice of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, both paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth and efficient performance. Inside, the Crosstrek offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five passengers and plenty of cargo space for all your gear. The interior is well-equipped with modern technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Overall, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a versatile and capable crossover SUV that is perfect for everyday driving and off-road adventures.
2024 Hyundai Kona
The 2024 Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV that offers a stylish design, fuel-efficient performance, and a range of advanced technology features. With its sleek exterior and modern interior, the Kona stands out in its class. Under the hood, the 2024 Kona is powered by a range of efficient engine options, including a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers lively performance while still maintaining respectable fuel economy. The Kona also offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it ideal for daily commutes and weekend adventures. Inside, the Kona boasts a spacious cabin with ample room for passengers and cargo. The interior is well-appointed with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system that includes features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a touchscreen display. Overall, the 2024 Hyundai Kona is a versatile and practical choice for those in the market for a compact SUV that offers a winning combination of style, performance, and technology.
2021 Hyundai Kona
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a stylish and versatile subcompact SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and technology. With its eye-catching design and range of vibrant color options, the Kona stands out in the crowded SUV market. Under the hood, the 2021 Kona offers a choice of two efficient powertrains: a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 175-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Both options provide plenty of pep for city driving and highway cruising. Inside, the Kona features a well-appointed cabin with comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. Available features include a sunroof, leather upholstery, and a range of driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Overall, the 2021 Hyundai Kona is a well-rounded SUV that offers a fun driving experience, modern amenities, and impressive fuel efficiency. It's a great choice for buyers looking for a compact SUV that delivers on both style and substance.
2024 Kia Niro
The 2024 Kia Niro is a compact crossover SUV that offers a blend of efficiency, practicality, and style. It is available in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, making it a versatile choice for eco-conscious drivers. The exterior design of the Niro is sleek and modern, with a sporty silhouette and distinctive Kia grille. Inside, the Niro offers a comfortable and spacious cabin with seating for up to five passengers. The interior features high-quality materials and modern technology, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a range of driver assistance features. Under the hood, the Niro is powered by a fuel-efficient hybrid system that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. The plug-in hybrid variant offers even greater fuel efficiency and the ability to drive on electric power alone for short distances. Overall, the 2024 Kia Niro is a practical and stylish choice for drivers looking for a fuel-efficient crossover SUV with modern technology and a comfortable interior.
2023 Kia Niro
The 2023 Kia Niro is a compact crossover SUV that offers a blend of efficiency, style, and practicality. This updated model features a sleek and modern design with a more aggressive front grille and new LED headlights. The Niro is available in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Inside, the Niro offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The infotainment system is user-friendly and features a large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Under the hood, the Niro is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, providing a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. Overall, the 2023 Kia Niro is a practical and stylish choice for those in the market for a compact SUV with hybrid technology.
2022 Kia Niro
The 2022 Kia Niro is a compact crossover SUV that offers a perfect blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and style. With its modern design and eco-friendly features, the Niro is a popular choice for those looking for a versatile and reliable vehicle. The 2022 Niro comes in three different variants: the hybrid model, the plug-in hybrid model, and the all-electric model. Each variant offers impressive fuel efficiency and a range of features to suit different driving needs. The interior of the Niro is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The cabin is well-equipped with modern technology, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and advanced safety features. Overall, the 2022 Kia Niro is a practical and stylish choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicle. Its versatile lineup of models and impressive features make it a standout option in the compact crossover SUV market.
2021 Kia Soul
The 2021 Kia Soul is a stylish and versatile compact crossover that offers a unique blend of practicality and personality. With its distinctive boxy shape and eye-catching design, the Soul stands out from the crowd and appeals to those looking for a fun and functional vehicle. Under the hood, the 2021 Soul offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower, or a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that puts out 201 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. Inside, the Soul offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin with room for five passengers and plenty of cargo space. The interior is comfortable and modern, with user-friendly technology features like a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features. Overall, the 2021 Kia Soul is a standout option in the compact crossover segment, offering a winning combination of style, performance, and practicality.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, performance, and practicality. It features a sleek and modern exterior design with sharp lines and a bold front grille. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with ample room for five passengers and their belongings. Under the hood, the 2024 Outlander Sport is powered by a choice of efficient and capable engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder option for added performance. The SUV also offers available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions. In terms of technology, the 2024 Outlander Sport comes equipped with a suite of advanced features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and driver assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Overall, the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a well-rounded and versatile SUV that is perfect for daily driving, weekend getaways, and everything in between. It offers a great balance of style, performance, and practicality at an affordable price point.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, performance, and affordability. With a sleek and modern design, the Outlander Sport stands out on the road with its bold front grille and sculpted body lines. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with ample room for passengers and cargo. Under the hood, the 2023 Outlander Sport offers a choice of two engines: a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Both engines are paired with a smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a responsive and efficient driving experience. In terms of features, the 2023 Outlander Sport comes equipped with a range of advanced technology, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and a suite of driver assistance features. With its competitive pricing and reputation for reliability, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a solid choice for those in the market for a compact SUV.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compact SUV that offers a stylish design, spacious interior, and impressive performance. It features a modern and athletic exterior with sleek lines and bold accents, giving it a sporty and dynamic look. The interior of the Outlander Sport is designed for comfort and convenience, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Under the hood, the 2022 Outlander Sport is powered by a responsive and efficient engine that delivers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. It offers a combination of power and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for daily driving and longer trips. In terms of technology and safety features, the 2022 Outlander Sport is equipped with a range of advanced systems to keep you connected and protected on the road. From touchscreen infotainment systems to driver-assist technologies, this SUV offers everything you need for a modern and enjoyable driving experience. Overall, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a versatile and capable SUV that is sure to impress drivers looking for a reliable and stylish vehicle.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compact SUV that offers a sporty and stylish design, a comfortable interior, and a smooth ride. It is available in four trim levels: ES, SP, SE, and GT. The Outlander Sport comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The interior of the Outlander Sport is spacious and offers ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The infotainment system is user-friendly and includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. Safety features on the 2021 Outlander Sport include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Overall, the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a reliable and affordable option for those in the market for a compact SUV with a focus on comfort and style.