Subcompact SUVs are the brand new entry-level autos for a lot of new automotive patrons, as automakers have deserted the subcompact sedan market. Dry these tears – this shift has resulted in an ideal crop of autos with improved passenger house, cargo capability, and total utility. We bought our workforce collectively to check seven mainstream subcompact SUVs, together with three 2025 fashions and 4 2024 fashions we count on to hold over with few modifications into the 2025 mannequin yr. One mannequin was a gasoline-electric hybrid instance, whereas the others have been gasoline-only variations.
With such a big group of SUVs, we known as upon drivers from our overview crew, manufacturing workforce, video squad, and even managers to drive, take a look at, consider, and share their findings primarily based on three days of driving in Southern California. We began at Kelley Blue Guide headquarters in Irvine, California, and drove a protracted path to Palm Desert by way of San Diego. We spent a day crawling over and across the SUVs, driving loops on the town and on the highways, and taking notes. On day three, we drove again to Irvine, the place we finalized our debates and got here up with our rankings.
We rated and ranked the seven SUVs in six classes:
- Again seat and cargo lodging
- Energy and refinement
- Freeway
- Steering and brake really feel
- Superior Driver Help Programs (ADAS)
- Cockpit ambiance, infotainment, and practicality
Based mostly on these impressions and factoring in worth, worth, and Kelley Blue Guide’s 5-Yr Price to Personal insights, we got here up with an total rating. Learn on to find the outcomes of our newest subcompact SUV comparability take a look at.
1. 2025 Hyundai Kona
The clear winner in our pack of subcompact SUVs is the 2025 Hyundai Kona.
We put the Kona to the take a look at together with its rivals throughout a virtually 500-mile drive. We studied every automobile and picked up impressions. We decided the Kona is a fast, highly effective, and enjoyable automobile for outside actions and around-town driving, whether or not for households or those that want ample house. It appears good and feels proper on the open street, whether or not navigating metropolis streets, cruising the Interstate, or climbing steep mountain highways.
The Kona constantly got here out on high in our group of subcompact SUVs. It will get you the place you might want to go comfortably and effectively, with its strong commonplace lively security applied sciences working within the background to maintain you protected on the street. It additionally comes with a class-leading guarantee and an infotainment system that’s miles forward of its rivals.
Moreover, the Kona supplies wonderful worth for the cash, with its beginning worth of $25,745, together with the vacation spot price.
Made for Consolation and Ease
We rank the 2025 Hyundai Kona on the high of its section for a lot of causes, together with its quiet cabin, comfy inside, and spectacular function set.
The show is offered as one contiguous display alongside the dashboard, together with 12.3 inches devoted to infotainment with easy-to-see giant graphics. Wi-fi integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes connectivity a breeze.
The Kona’s refined driving dynamics made it an ideal street journey automotive. Additionally, it’s a snug alternative with ample legroom, even for the tallest and most stout of our testers. A number of of our consultants felt the backseat might be barely extra spacious, like its rival 2025 Chevrolet Trax. Nevertheless, it’s a particular enchancment over the Kona’s predecessor. If you’re on the tall facet, backseat legroom could also be cosy, although we simply match three average-sized adults one night as we set out in a conga line of autos to seek out dinner.
Everybody agreed it’s among the many finest within the pack for its cargo house. With 25.5 cubic toes behind the second row, we packed two giant suitcases, a carry-on, a big backpack, and several other different smaller luggage. Additionally, placing the seats down is straightforward sufficient, increasing the cargo space to 63.7 cubic toes of usable house in case you want the additional room. As a bonus, you’ll be able to shut the trunk with the push of a button.
In case you’re contemplating this automotive, spend a while utilizing the steering column-mounted gearshift. A few of our drivers discovered it awkward, whereas others favored that it freed up house within the console space. Additionally, in case you want adaptive cruise management, verify for trim packages with this function, because it’s not commonplace on the bottom mannequin.
— Lead Editor Renee Valdes
2. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Since its inception, Subaru’s diminutive Crosstrek has constantly punched above its class in functionality, consolation, expertise, and refinement. For the 2024 mannequin yr, it brings a smorgasbord of goodies to the desk and even outshines its bigger sibling, the Subaru Forester, within the eyes of our testers. The subcompact Subie finds itself in a section chock full of wonderful rivals. What raises the Crosstrek’s rating is the sum of its components.
Lauded for its functionality off the overwhelmed path, the Crosstrek is way from a observe star. You received’t be lighting up the quarter mile, however its 29 mpg mixed gas financial system ranking received’t set your pockets aflame on the pump, both. The Crosstrek’s energy profile acquired break up opinions from our workforce. Some felt the gumption from the two.5-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder was merely satisfactory, whereas others felt ample get-up-and-go in comparison with the earlier era’s comparatively anemic 2.0-liter energy plant. Refinement behind the wheel additionally divided our workforce and landed the Crosstrek in the course of the pack of its rivals. A number of testers bemoaned the droning of the repeatedly variable automated transmission (CVT), whereas others felt the unit was one of many higher examples of its ilk. Total, we favored the way in which it dealt with on the freeway, however the inconsistent brake really feel was a repeated level of rivalry.
An Engaging Inside With Helpful Tech
The Crosstrek’s inside is engaging and classy, with most design notes putting chords with our consultants. The orange distinction stitching exudes an outdoorsy aura, and the entrance seats are comfy and supportive. The steering wheel feels excellent, and front-row legroom is ample. Rear seat legroom is on par for average-sized people, however bigger people might should contort upon ingress and egress. The cargo house on the Crosstrek appears to fall within the Goldilocks zone for the DINK (twin earnings, no children) crowd. It’s bought sufficient house for a weekend journey’s price of drugs however probably not sufficient for a weeklong household trip.
The Crosstrek has all of the expertise options you’d need from a contemporary SUV. Subaru’s EyeSight ADAS system acquired repeated reward for its ease of use and activation, however its lane tracing performance lagged a lot of the others. The Starlink infotainment system supplies many options customers are in search of, however response time on the system left our drivers wanting and ready. Moreover, there are a lot of off-road-focused tech options, none of which we might run by throughout this pavement-focused take a look at drive session. Sufficient of our drivers have skilled the Crosstrek’s off-road chops in different conditions to attest to its trail-ready tech.
Whereas the Crosstrek won’t have been the most effective of the bunch at anybody factor, total, it carried out admirably amongst its rivals in all testing classes. It’s a pretty, well-rounded automobile constructed to get occupants from side to side effectively and safely, no matter terrain or climate situations.
With an as-tested worth of $35,280 (in Restricted trim), together with a $1,345 vacation spot price, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is worthy of your consideration.
— Senior Editor Rob Nestora
3. 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid suits neatly in the course of the pack of subcompact SUVs. It’s a stable alternative for anybody trying to find a snug automobile that boasts effectivity and worth over huge touchscreens and different glitzy niceties.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid stands out with its spectacular gas financial system. Its gas-electric hybrid powertrain is rated to return as much as 42 mpg in blended driving, considerably outperforming the non-hybrid rivals on this group — maybe an unfair benefit. For comparability, the Hyundai Kona within the section has an EPA estimate of 26 mpg mixed.
Whereas the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s effectivity is a major promoting level for budget-conscious patrons, our reviewers reacted favorably to its efficiency. The surprisingly fast hybrid powertrain produces 196 hp, enabling what one enthusiastic reviewer known as “spirited acceleration.” Even a less-impressed video editor acknowledged that it has “loads of zip to get round.”
We ranked the Corolla Cross Hybrid highest in our comparability for freeway driving. Positive, it has sufficient get-up-and-go for merging, and the fabric seats remained comfy for a few hours, however cabin noise at cruising pace was decrease than in different SUVs in our take a look at. A dialog was extra easy within the Toyota. Against this, the distinctive street noise within the underpowered Nissan Kicks generally even drowned out the audible alerts from its help programs.
A number of on our workforce complimented different Corolla Cross Hybrid efficiency elements, together with its steering and braking responsiveness. Nonetheless, its ranking for these standards fell behind the sportier Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo.
Robust Engine, however Some Letdowns on the Inside
Regardless of accolades concerning all the package deal, a number of reviewers felt the Corolla Cross inside was boring, uninspired, and maybe outdated. Exhausting plastic on the dashboard and door panel doesn’t give a way of luxurious. With a beginning worth beneath $30,000, not a lot is upscale. The Nightshade mannequin we examined was listed at $34,787, together with the vacation spot price.
Headroom for front-seat occupants is great. A few of our taller reviewers famous that the again seat fails the tall-guy take a look at of with the ability to seat a 6-footer behind one other 6-footer, however it’s OK for extra typical heights. The cargo space behind the again seat on this hybrid is 21.5 cubic toes, which, just like the cabin house, is roomy sufficient for a subcompact, although beneath common for our group.
The Corolla Cross’s 8-inch infotainment display is small however simple to make use of. The show’s picture decision for the backup digicam is meager in comparison with the crispness seen in different take a look at autos, just like the Kona and Chevrolet Trax.
Whereas the inside is unassuming and unimpressive, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s ADAS options carried out as anticipated and adjusted easily.
Total, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid makes a compelling case as an environment friendly, well-rounded subcompact SUV. Its mix of gas financial system, peppy powertrain, commonplace all-wheel drive, and the model’s predictable reliability create a package deal that many patrons will discover interesting. It is probably not probably the most thrilling to drive or the roomiest within the section or have the flashiest bells and whistles, however it nails the sensible features many consumers prioritize. It doesn’t harm that the Corolla Cross Hybrid wears the Toyota badge, which many consumers (and reviewers) equate with sturdiness and stable resale worth.
— Senior Editor Chris Hardesty
4. 2024 Honda HR-V
Except for a dip in 2022 previous a 2023 redesign, gross sales of the Honda HR-V have grown steadily since its 2016 launch. We bought to see what patrons discover after they store the HR-V towards a handful of rivals. It’s following within the tracks of the bigger Honda CR-V effectively, incrementally bettering because it positive factors market share.
A standard theme amongst our testers is that the HR-V might use extra energy; nevertheless, in addition they remarked that regardless of the dearth of oomph, it was one of many smoothest and most refined rides within the bunch. Its single powertrain pairs a repeatedly variable automated transmission (CVT) to a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, placing out 158 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. We drove the all-wheel-drive model in our testing, however the HR-V can be accessible with front-wheel drive (FWD).
Honda Sensing took high honors from the group for its ADAS efficiency. The Adaptive Cruise Management with Low-Velocity Comply with took the stress out of sustaining the tempo and protecting distance from the automobile forward and paused as site visitors bunched. Whereas the HR-V held its traces round curves, different Honda Sensing programs just like the Lane-Protecting Help and Highway Departure Mitigation have been agency however unobtrusive. The Site visitors Signal Recognition faithfully picked up the proper pace restrict because the roads modified.
A Sharp Inside With Intelligent Storage
The HR-V’s exterior appears divided our editors, however the inside, decked out within the EX-L high trim, received many followers right here for its design and supplies. Maybe the sprint’s visible centerpiece will not be the smallish 9-inch touchscreen atop it however the honeycomb-patterned coated metallic grate working by it and disguising the air vents. Lots of our testers made be aware of this engaging design flourish. The black leather-based seating with white distinction stitching was tasteful and refined. Fascinating cubbies lurk all through the cabin, together with a decrease deck beneath the middle console; it’s an ideal place to stash a passenger’s telephone whereas charging from one of many USB ports. Reviewers discovered the inside house cosy however not cramped. The cargo house was typically among the many roomiest of the examples we had.
The 2024 Honda HR-V begins at $25,950, together with a $1,350 vacation spot cost. The HR-V AWD EX-L we examined had a sticker worth of $32,805. Count on a modest worth bump for the 2025 mannequin yr.
— Editor Scott Hinderer
5. 2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax was an also-ran in its subcompact SUV section till a complete redesign was launched for the 2024 mannequin yr. The ensuing reimagining was not possible to disregard, and the design carries over to 2025.
It lastly appears like an SUV — and a pretty one at that. Nevertheless, the Trax competes in a demanding section towards heavyweights, together with the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Hyundai Kona. So, a brand new look received’t be sufficient to maneuver it up the ranks.
Thankfully, the brand new Trax affords greater than only a fairly face. It’s roomy and cozy. The rear seating was the most effective in its class, with legroom measuring 38.7 inches. Even with the slight slope within the roof line, there was loads of headroom for adults within the again seat. The consensus famous the virtually cavernous rear cargo space and 60/40-split folding seat. Our workforce loved the spacious feeling contained in the Trax, though just a few reported the dearth of air vents and no heart armrest or cupholders for these using within the rear.
Automobiles on this class normally appeal to youthful patrons, typically on a funds. Thankfully, the Trax affords loads of room, and it additionally supplies loads of expertise. We spent our time behind the wheel of the top-of-the-line Activ mannequin, which options a lot of the newest tech that the group needs in its autos. That features a giant 11-inch touchscreen — an 8-inch display is commonplace on decrease trim ranges — with a transparent, crisp display to take a look at all of the features tied to its wi-fi Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The Trax’s inside structure is straightforward and clear. For some, that will imply bland, however the consensus for this crossover leaned towards the previous. For these of us who not match the “younger” purchaser profile, there have been loads of buttons and knobs, making it simple to deal with something you needed to do. A shortcoming of the Trax’s cabin is the occasional use of onerous plastic and different much less compelling supplies. Nevertheless, for the worth, it is a minor quibble.
Design Power Might Not Overcome Powertrain Weak spot
No automobile is all sunshine and rainbows; within the case of the Trax, the experience and dealing with carry a little bit of cloudiness. Powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that sends 137 hp by a 6-speed automated transmission, the Trax isn’t any race automotive, however most agreed that it carried out higher than anticipated. It’ll get you round city with out a lot fear, though merging onto a busy freeway might take a look at your moxie. Additionally, all-wheel drive isn’t an possibility on the Trax, whereas it’s commonplace tools on a few rivals and non-obligatory on most others.
Conversely, the Trax loved common kudos and compliments for one important factor: its worth. The Trax begins at $21,495, together with dealing with charges. Our just-about totally loaded Activ mannequin got here in at an impressively affordable $27,085, with a few of the competitors priced as a lot as $7,000 extra. What a distinction a few mannequin years make.
— Copy Editor Michael Robust
6. 2025 Nissan Kicks
The second-generation Nissan Kicks is without doubt one of the 2025 mannequin yr’s most dramatic redesigns. Its bigger footprint didn’t do a lot to spice up its cargo and people-hauling talents, however the injection of daring styling and sought-after options raises its stature within the subcompact SUV section. However, when debating the success of this redesign, the Kicks left our editors evenly break up.
Nelson Ireson spoke extremely of its new persona, stating that its “design-first construct inside and outside offers it a way of event hardly ever discovered for lower than $60,000.” Others, like Russ Heaps, felt this replace “might have been a large leap ahead, however as a substitute, it’s extra like a small hop.”
Concerning that sense of event, the Kicks is extra thrilling and mature to have a look at and sit in than earlier than. Whereas not fairly as peculiar as its predecessor, the Juke, this automotive nonetheless turns heads. Nissan made it much more difficult to look away by providing many vibrant paint selections and two-tone choices, together with a grey physique with a purple roof. The supplies sport on the within has been upped considerably, with Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats in each rows offering a snug place for many of our workforce to spend time. Regardless of the elevated legroom within the second row in comparison with final yr’s automotive, our taller editors discovered that Nissan might have gone even additional to make this house extra accommodating. The panoramic moonroof definitely didn’t assist with the headroom state of affairs and made our disappointment much more obvious after hopping out of the gargantuan Chevy Trax.
A Easy Concoction of Type and Worth
Total, we have been completely impressed with the accessible content material. Whereas some felt that sure creature comforts like energy seats with adjustable lumbar and an influence tailgate have been unforgivable omissions, it rapidly grew to become clear that the options supplied listed below are what patrons within the $20,000-to-$30,000 vary are in search of. Options just like the panoramic moonroof and the distinctive headrest-mounted audio system up entrance will wow youthful patrons, and the usual security tech is powerful. All-wheel drive, accessible for the primary time this yr, opens up the Kicks to a brand new geographic slice of the nation. Ordering the Kicks with AWD will push the worth to roughly $34,000, however accessing the core function set may be completed comfortably beneath the $30,000 mark.
Our largest gripe regarded the Kicks’ new powertrain, comprising a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and repeatedly variable automated transmission. This powertrain is identical setup Nissan makes use of within the Sentra sedan, however with the Kicks’ heavier curb weight and softer tuning, it felt underpowered and loud. It was so loud that passengers within the again seat wanted entrance seat passengers to boost their voices. That’s a disgrace as a result of Nissan claims they added sound-deadening supplies to assist repair this difficulty. The 19-inch wheels on the highest SR trim, although pleasing to have a look at and helpful to the automotive’s dynamics, solely amplified the din. Fortunately, the Kicks didn’t earn the title of the slowest automotive on this comparability; that went to the Honda HR-V.
It’s simple to pin the Kicks’ lukewarm reception from just a few workforce members on the engine and transmission alone. Fortunately, these parts don’t normally deter patrons when the worth is that this approachable. Although not probably the most refined or spacious, the Kicks felt like one of the crucial distinctive choices to return to this section in a very long time. Don’t go overboard on the configurator, otherwise you’ll quickly want you had sprung for the bigger and extra highly effective Nissan Rogue as a substitute.
— Editor Brian Roskelly
7. 2024 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 works on the pleasure heart of the mind. It’s a subcompact SUV for individuals who like to drive. Exact steering and wonderful suspension tuning make the CX-30 a blast to maneuver round twists and turns. It should make you lengthy to take the canyon street as a substitute of the freeway. Mazda makes two engines accessible: the usual 191-hp 4-cylinder, which has loads of pep, or the kick-in-the-pants 250-hp turbo 4, which everybody cherished. Whereas the turbo engine is the one for optimum enjoyable, it comes at a steep worth. Each engines are refined, and the 6-speed automated transmission helps handle the facility. Gas financial system is about the identical as in different equally outfitted subcompact SUVs.
The CX-30 is a looker with smooth curves, a cultured design, and delightful proportions. The inside is equally elegant, with high quality supplies all through. A number of taller drivers have been completely impressed with the considerable house within the entrance row and the comfy seats. Nevertheless, it’s within the inside the place this Mazda’s shortcomings emerge. Whereas the cabin’s design is engaging, it’s exhibiting indicators of age in comparison with different subcompact SUVs. The infotainment system is polarizing at finest. Whereas a few of us didn’t like counting on a central dial for every thing and located the system unintuitive, others appreciated the dearth of fingerprints on the display and that the system is about as much as maintain your eyes on the street.
Concerning rear-seat legroom, there isn’t sufficient for tall passengers, so guarantee your tallest buddy will get the entrance passenger seat. The engaging sloping roofline doesn’t assist rear-seat headroom, both. There isn’t a whole lot of cargo house behind the second row – however as subcompact SUV homeowners know, that’s an issue simply solved by folding down the second row.
Enjoyable, Fashionable, and Considerably Sensible
Thankfully, the CX-30 will not be solely about emotional attraction for the motive force. This subcompact SUV affords some practicality, too. All-wheel drive comes commonplace — a rarity on this section. Mazda equips each CX-30 with a collection of driver-aid tech like automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping help. It’s an Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) High Security Choose+ and will get a 5-Star total rating from the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA). In case you steer clear of the tempting turbo engine, pricing for the CX-30 is aggressive in its section. This SUV additionally has a wonderful status for reliability.
Silky-smooth to drive, nice to have a look at, and cozy, with commonplace security and simply sufficient practicality, the Mazda CX-30 is a driver’s automotive that occurs to be a subcompact SUV. If that’s what you’re in search of on this section, the CX-30 will make you smile daily. If pure practicality is your purpose, different SUVs could also be a greater match.
— Senior Editor Allyson Harwood
OVERALL
- Kona
- Crosstrek
- Corolla Cross Hybrid
- HR-V
- Trax
- Kicks
- CX-30
Again Seat and Cargo Lodging
- Trax
- HR-V
- Kona
- Crosstrek
- Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Kicks
- CX-30
Energy and Refinement
- CX-30
- Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Kona
- Crosstrek
- HR-V
- Kicks
- Trax
Freeway
- Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Kona
- Crosstrek
- CX-30
- HR-V
- Kicks
- Trax
Steering and Brake Really feel
- CX-30
- Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Kona
- HR-V
- Crosstrek
- Trax
- Kicks
Superior Driver Help Programs (ADAS)
- HR-V
- Kona
- Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Kicks
- Crosstrek
- CX-30
- Trax
Cockpit Ambiance, Infotainment, and Practicality
- Kona
- Trax
- Kicks
- HR-V
- Corolla Cross Hybrid
- CX-30
- Crosstrek
