It’s no wonder why subcompact SUVs are the fastest-growing segment of the new car market. They’re the new compact hatchback, just a bit more stilted—they provide an excellent mix of comfort, capability, safety, and efficiency, and at a price that most folks can afford.
In this segment, drivers get a higher seating position than in a sedan or compact car, and have more functional space than, say, a subcompact. Some models are even respectably good at driving off-road. Not only that, but compact SUVs feature cutting-edge infotainment tech and the most up-to-date advanced safety features. Finally, they offer roomy interiors with enhanced practicality.
The subcompact SUV market is so popular in America that nearly every major automaker now offers at least one. To help make sense of it all, we’ve assembled the following list of the best SUVs in the segment. No rankings here, just the facts. Each has its own ecosystem of trim levels, advanced safety features, and tech connectivity. If it’s compact crossover electric vehicles you’re after, don’t fret, we’ve got plenty of knowledge to share on those, too.
If you want to know more about any individual subcompact crossover, head over to the CarGurus Research page for our expert automotive reviews. There you can also find other models that didn’t make this list, such as the Toyota C-HR, Ford Escape, Jeep Renegade, Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Kicks, Fiat 500X, Toyota Corolla Cross, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
The Best Subcompact SUVs of 2025
- Buick Envista
- Honda HR-V
- Hyundai Kona
- Hyundai Venue
- Kia Seltos
- Kia Soul
- Mazda CX-30
- MINI Countryman
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Volkswagen Taos
Buick Envista
Best for: Fashionistas who love a good value
The Buick Envista debuted for the 2024 model year, replacing the Encore as the brands entry-level model. The overall design is striking, appearing far more upscale than its base manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $23,700 suggests.
Motivation is provided a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder powertrain driving the front wheels through a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Don’t let the engine size fool you, it has plenty of power for any highway on-ramp.
Inside, the Envista is decked out with a standard 8-inch digital instrument cluster, 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Wireless phone charging is standard on the top-spec Avenir and available on lower trims.
Honda HR-V
Best for: Honda loyalists with cargo needs
Recently redesigned with a fresh, aesthetically pleasing look, the Honda HR-V stands out with its terrific fit and finish. It might not skew as upscale as the Buick Envista or Mazda CX-30 does, but you can still feel the quality of the HR-V from behind the wheel.
Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes just 158 horsepower, creating a generally sluggish driving experience. On the plus side, it corners and handles very well, and it’s highly maneuverable in tight spaces. The base LX trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L comes with a larger 9-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity. And, every version of the 2025 Honda HR-V comes with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance features.
Hyundai Kona
Best for: Another athletic, premium option that doesn’t command high prices
The Hyundai Kona and the Mazda CX-30 offer very similar things, just in different packaging. The Kona has dynamic, futuristic styling backed by an upscale interior and nimble handling. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes an underwhelming 147 hp, but with front-wheel drive (FWD) it returns up to an EPA-rated 28 mpg city, 35 highway, and 31 combined in the entry-level SE trim. The upgraded 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 190 hp and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2025 Kona’s standard features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose premium stereo is available. The Kona also comes standard with Safe-Exit Warning, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, rear-occupant alert, and automatic high beams. It has 63.7 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded down, which is exceptional for the class.
Hyundai Venue
Best for: Families who live in the city
The Hyundai Venue is a funky, yet attractive, small SUV. With its tall-but-short styling, the Venue has just 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is low for the class. The Venue’s only engine is a sluggish, 121-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder. On the plus side, it returns solid fuel economy of 29 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined.
So, if it's underpowered and low on cargo space, why is the Hyundai Venue on this list? Credit for that goes to its cabin. The upright styling provides plenty of headroom and terrific visibility. The dash layout is attractive, and the controls are simple and easy to use. The infotainment system is very intuitive, includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is available with wireless device charging. The Venue is also very maneuverable in tight spaces, making it a terrific choice for shoppers who live in cities. And, let’s not forget that Hyundai and its corporate cousin, Kia, are known for their generous warranties.
Kia Seltos
Best for: Families who want the best subcompact SUV for the money
The Kia Seltos has a sharp cabin with solid fit and finish, plenty of passenger space, and as much as 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The base engine makes 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, sent to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). An upgraded turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional with the base engine and standard with the more powerful option.
The 2025 Seltos comes standard with an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All trims above the base LX feature a larger 10.25-infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is featured on the EX, X-Line, and SX. The Seltos also comes with plenty of standard driver assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
Kia Soul
Best for: Families who care about form as much as function
Like the Hyundai Venue, the Kia Soul benefits from an unorthodox layout that delivers an impressive 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and the tall, boxy proportions allow you to fit larger items in the back. Both the first and second rows are spacious, with comfortable front seats and plenty of head and legroom for everyone. The tall seating position provides terrific visibility for the driver.
The Soul comes standard with a 147-hp four-cylinder engine, which does feel underpowered at times. The infotainment system features a standard 8-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.25-inch touchscreen is available, as is wireless device charging. This all makes the Soul a well-equipped and functional value.
Mazda CX-30
Best for: Families who want a sporty, upscale ride without the luxury price tag
The CX-30 anchors the most affordable end of the Mazda crossover lineup. Thanks to its wide, athletic stance, the CX-30 actually looks like a lifted Mazda3 hatchback. It backs up that visual connection with similarly athletic, refined handling. The base four-cylinder engine makes a respectable 191 hp. If you are seeking a bit more in the way of thrills, you may want to opt for the available turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which boasts up to 250 hp.
The CX-30 provides 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space, about average for the class, and its wide stance makes for a large rear hatch opening, improving access to the cargo area. The upscale cabin is highlighted by the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which looks sharp and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but is complicated to use. There is no touch functionality; instead, it’s operated via controls in the center console. Fortunately, the car has an upscale interior rivaling those of many luxury SUVs, and its sporty driving dynamics are top-notch.
MINI Countryman
Best for: Luxury shoppers with a lead foot
The latest 2025 model year MINI Countryman is perhaps the most honest subcompact SUV. Sure, the "MINI" name on a crossover SUV may offend brand purists, but the Countryman knows what this class of vehicle is all about. What it lacks in cargo space it makes up for in premium materials, sharp new looks, and, if it follows in the previous generation’s footsteps, fun dynamic handling. With a base price of nearly $40,000, the Countryman is quite expensive for the class, but it brings plenty of premium features. We can’t wait to get our hands on it for a separate, detailed review.
The sole powertrain between the S and SE trims is a turbocharged four-cylinder making 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is connected to MINI’s latest All4 AWD system via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg combined, 24 city, and 32 highway.
Subaru Crosstrek
Best for: Families who love the great outdoors
One of the main criticisms of subcompact SUVs is that they lack the capability of more traditional sport utility vehicles. With standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the latest third-generation Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most capable vehicles on this list. It also has a cargo capacity of up to 54.7 cubic feet, which is good for the class. Looking for even more capability? The Wilderness trim increases ground clearance to 9.3-inches and adds a roof rack capable of handling up to 700 pounds of static load.
The 2025 Crosstrek comes standard with an impressive 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The base 2.0-liter engine feels weak at times, and, in fact, the Crosstrek is one of the slowest cars on the market today. We would strongly recommend selecting the optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 182 hp and can be found on the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims. Regardless of which you choose, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard.
Volkswagen Taos
Best for: A fuel-efficient option with plenty of cubic feet for the price
The Taos packs a lot of space for a vehicle its size, delivering up to 65.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The Taos also delivers surprisingly adult-friendly second-row seating. However, Volkswagen does seem to take the “quantity-over-quality” approach on this model at times, and some of its cabin materials are sub-par.
The Taos’ sole engine is a 174-hp four-cylinder turbocharged four-cylinder, which delivers decent acceleration. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and buyers have the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Taos comes standard IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology which includes automatic cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It also comes standard with a push-button start, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
