Best Subcompact SUVs for 2024 and 2025

Let’s look at some of the best subcompact SUVs for 2024 and 2025 in the market today.

We’ll consider factors like fuel efficiency, cargo space, performance, features, and price to help you find the perfect SUV for your needs.

2024 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks starts at just under $19,000 and delivers an impressive 31 mpg combined fuel economy. It also has a spacious interior for its size and a long list of standard features, making it a great value proposition.

Feature S SV SR
Engine 1.6L I4 1.6L I4 1.6L I4
Horsepower 122 hp 122 hp 122 hp
Torque 114 lb-ft 114 lb-ft 114 lb-ft
Transmission CVT CVT CVT
Drivetrain FWD FWD FWD
MPG (city/highway/combined) 31/36/33 31/36/33 31/36/33
Seating capacity 5 5 5
Cargo space (behind rear seats) 25.3 cu ft 25.3 cu ft 25.3 cu ft
Cargo space (with rear seats folded) 53.1 cu ft 53.1 cu ft 53.1 cu ft
Base price $21,050 $22,910 $23,610

2024 Hyundai Kona

The Kona offers a bit more power and excitement than the Kicks, with its turbocharged engine option. It also has a stylish design and a comfortable ride.

However, it’s not quite as fuel-efficient as the Kicks and its starting price is a bit higher.

Feature SE & SEL N Line & Limited
Engine 2.0L I4 1.6L Turbo I4
Horsepower 147 hp 190 hp
Transmission CVT 8-speed Automatic
Fuel Economy (Combined) 29 mpg 30 mpg
Seating Capacity 5 5
Cargo Space 27.4 cu ft 19.4 cu ft (with seats up)
Starting Price $22,775 $26,275

2024 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 is one of the most fun-to-drive subcompact SUVs on the market, with sharp handling and a powerful engine.

It also has a luxurious interior and a long list of standard features. However, its cargo space is a bit small, and its starting price is one of the highest in this segment.

Feature 2.5 S 2.5 S Select Sport 2.5 S Preferred 2.5 S Carbon Edition 2.5 S Premium 2.5 Carbon Turbo 2.5 Turbo Premium 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Engine SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower 191 hp 191 hp 191 hp 191 hp 191 hp 250 hp 250 hp 250 hp
Torque 186 lb-ft 186 lb-ft 186 lb-ft 186 lb-ft 186 lb-ft 320 lb-ft 320 lb-ft 320 lb-ft
Transmission 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain FWD or AWD FWD or AWD FWD or AWD FWD or AWD FWD or AWD AWD AWD AWD
Seating Cloth Leatherette-trimmed sport seats Leather-trimmed seats Leather-trimmed seats Leather-trimmed seats Leather-trimmed seats Leather-trimmed seats Leather-trimmed seats
Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined) 25/33/28 mpg 25/33/28 mpg 25/33/28 mpg 25/33/28 mpg 25/33/28 mpg 22/28/25 mpg 22/28/25 mpg 22/28/25 mpg
Starting MSRP $24,995 $26,500 $28,790 $29,790 $31,990 $32,790 $34,990 $36,800

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is a great choice for those who want a subcompact SUV that can handle off-road adventures.

It has standard all-wheel drive, good ground clearance, a comfortable ride, and a spacious cargo area. However, its fuel economy isn’t as good as some of the other options on this list.

Feature Base Premium Sport Limited Wilderness
Engine 2.0L 4-cylinder 2.0L 4-cylinder 2.5L 4-cylinder 2.5L 4-cylinder 2.5L 4-cylinder
Horsepower 152 hp 152 hp 182 hp 182 hp 182 hp
MPG (city/highway) 27/34 27/34 25/32 25/32 24/30
Cargo space (behind seats) 20.8 cu ft 20.8 cu ft 20.8 cu ft 20.8 cu ft 20.8 cu ft
Cargo space (seats folded) 54.8 cu ft 54.8 cu ft 54.8 cu ft 54.8 cu ft 54.8 cu ft
Starting MSRP $24,995 $26,495 $28,495 $30,495 $31,495

2024 Kia Soul

The Soul is a funky and stylish subcompact SUV that stands out from the crowd.

It also has a surprisingly spacious interior and a long list of standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

However, its fuel economy isn’t as good as some of the other options on this list, and its handling isn’t as sharp as some of the sportier choices.

Feature LX S X-Line GT-Line EX Turbo
Engine 2.0L 4-cylinder 2.0L 4-cylinder 2.0L 4-cylinder 2.0L 4-cylinder 2.0L 4-cylinder 1.6L turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower 147 hp 147 hp 147 hp 147 hp 147 hp 201 hp
Transmission CVT CVT CVT CVT CVT 7-speed DCT
Fuel economy (combined) 35 mpg 33 mpg 31 mpg 32 mpg 30 mpg 28 mpg
Cargo space (behind rear seats) 23.3 cu ft 23.3 cu ft 23.3 cu ft 23.3 cu ft 23.3 cu ft 19.3 cu ft
Cargo space (seats folded) 48.8 cu ft 48.8 cu ft 48.8 cu ft 48.8 cu ft 48.8 cu ft 43.5 cu ft
Starting MSRP $21,315 $22,015 $23,315 $23,315 $24,815 $26,615

2024 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos is a new entry in the subcompact SUV market, but it has already made a big impression.

It has a stylish design, a comfortable ride, and a long list of standard features, including a digital instrument cluster and a wireless charging pad.

However, its cargo space is a bit small, and its starting price is one of the highest in this segment.

Feature Details
Engine 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower 158 hp
Torque 184 lb-ft (front-wheel drive) / 249 lb-ft (all-wheel drive)
Transmission 8-speed automatic (front-wheel drive) / 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (all-wheel drive)
Fuel Economy 28 mpg city / 36 mpg highway (front-wheel drive)
Cargo Space 28 cubic feet behind rear seats, 66 cubic feet with seats folded
Passenger Space 99.5 cubic feet for passengers
Seating Capacity 5
Key Features Panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, blind spot monitoring, rearview camera
Starting Price $36,000

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