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Best Small SUVs
The Top-Rated Subcompact and Compact SUVs for 2021
February 9th, 2021
Best Subcompact SUVs
- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $23,000
- Fuel economy:
- 25-28 mpg combined
- Maximum cargo capacity:
- 45.2 cubic feet
2021 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30, like many crossovers in this class, has more personality and charm than you'll find in many larger, more expensive SUVs. It not only has a handsome exterior styling and a premium interior that would make some pricier vehicles blush with envy,… but the CX-30 is also entertaining to drive. It feels athletic and nimble without the punishing ride you'll find in other sporty vehicles. It's practical, too, thanks to an interior that offers more room for passengers and cargo than some rivals, including the smaller Mazda CX-3.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $25,195
- Fuel economy:
- 28-31 mpg combined
- Maximum cargo capacity:
- 50.2 cubic feet
2021 Buick Encore GX
While it sounds more like a trim level than a separate model, don't mistake the 2021 Buick Encore GX for the smaller, much less refined (and still on sale) Buick Encore. The Encore GX is an improvement over that model in just about every way. The interior… feels far less cheap than the standard Encore's, and the Encore GX packs even more space for people and cargo. A newer engine offers improved fuel efficiency without hurting performance. We also really like the way the Encore GX balances a comfortable ride with athletic performance. The design gives it a more mature feel than its rivals too. That said, the Encore GX is one of the pricier vehicles in its class.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $21,685
- Fuel economy:
- 27-30 mpg combined
- Maximum cargo capacity:
- 45.8 cubic feet
2021 Hyundai Kona
With rugged exterior styling and an impressively detailed cabin, the Hyundai Kona is a standout in the small crossover class. Its strengths truly shine on twisty roads. Handling is unusually athletic, while the accurate steering feel helps the driver keep tabs… on where the tires are pointed. The available turbocharged 1.6-liter engine is barely thirstier than the base motor, and it makes the Kona feel properly quick. The Kona's exceptional warranty, low base price, and lengthy list of features (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard) make it a terrific value for the money too.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $22,395
- Fuel economy:
- 28-30 mpg combined
- Maximum cargo capacity:
- 58.8 cubic feet
2021 Honda HR-V
We'll get this out of the way first — the HR-V has never been particularly fun to drive. That's mostly the powertrain's fault. The wheezy 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and rev-happy continuously variable automatic transmission just aren't a happy couple. But… if you're cool with how the HR-V accelerates, you'll likely be impressed by the overall package. Like its Honda Fit relative, the HR-V has a remarkably versatile interior that provides surprisingly generous room for both passengers and cargo. Throw in competitive fuel economy and sensible ergonomics and you can see why the HR-V has won a lot of fans.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $18,765
- Fuel economy:
- 27-31 mpg combined
- Maximum cargo capacity:
- 62.1 cubic feet
2021 Kia Soul
Though they are often attractively styled, subcompact SUVs typically come up short in the personality department. But there's no shortage of flair from the Kia Soul. The Soul is one of the last boxy subcompacts, but a full redesign makes it feel as fresh as… ever. There are a whopping six trim levels to choose from, including the fire-sale-priced LX, rugged X-Line and sporty GT-Line. There's even a turbocharged four-cylinder at the top of the ladder if you fancy driving one of the speedier little SUVs on the market. The only downside is that the Soul is one of the few crossovers without an available all-wheel-drive system.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $23,295
- Fuel economy:
- 25-30 mpg combined
- Maximum cargo capacity:
- 55.3 cubic feet
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek blurs the line between hatchback and crossover, more so than most cars in its class. Essentially, the Crosstrek is a five-door version of the Subaru Impreza, but it's lifted a few inches for extra ground clearance. Most subcompact… crossovers offer all-wheel drive as an option, but it's standard on every Crosstrek. The Crosstrek boasts real off-road capability that helps distinguish it from the rest. Subaru's X-Mode traction system keeps the Crosstrek stable in ice or mud, and it even incorporates hill descent control. Anyone who lives in snowy climes and needs superior all-wheel-drive performance should consider the Crosstrek. It gets a new, more powerful engine for 2021 that helps alleviate the Crosstrek's lackluster acceleration.Compare the Best Subcompact SUVs
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Also Consider
Best Compact SUVs
- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $26,525
- Fuel economy:
- 29-30 mpg combined
- Maximum cargo capacity:
- 75.8 cubic feet
2021 Honda CR-V
Popularity isn't always an indicator of quality, but a strong case can be made for the top-selling Honda CR-V. The CR-V's spacious interior provides plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike, while the fuel-sipping turbocharged four-cylinder engine whisks… you along with ease — remarkably, the CR-V gets about the same fuel economy as the much smaller and less powerful HR-V. All the latest driver aids and tech features are available, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen interface isn't the most intuitive or attractive system out there, and the continuously variable automatic transmission can be slow on the uptake, but the CR-V excels in virtually every other category.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $26,745
- Fuel economy:
- 28-30 mpg combined
- Maximum cargo capacity:
- 74.1 cubic feet
2021 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue was fully redesigned for 2021, replacing a fine but forgettable predecessor. The new model is a huge improvement, thanks to a wide array of affordable features, comfortable seats, a smooth ride and a spacious cargo area. The interior looks and… feels like a step up too, and there's tons of clever storage for items like a phone, sunglasses or water bottles. Nissan includes an 8-inch touchscreen display and safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning as standard equipment. Our biggest complaints are the somewhat loud highway ride and the four-cylinder engine's lackluster performance.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $26,370
- Fuel economy:
- 24-28 mpg combined
- Maximum cargo capacity:
- 59.6 cubic feet
2021 Mazda CX-5
As good as the CR-V is, it might be tough finding yours when there are 20 others like it in the Costco parking lot. But it's easy to pick a Mazda CX-5 out of the crowd of small SUVs. The CX-5 is notable for its striking appearance, inside and out (especially… if you order the marvelous Soul Red Crystal exterior paint). The cabin materials feel luxurious — a rarity in this segment — and there's just a sense of occasion with the CX-5 that's typically missing from mainstream crossovers. Additionally, the CX-5's unusually composed handling makes it ideal for those who need an SUV but also want something that's rewarding to drive. While the standard four-cylinder engine will be acceptable for many, the turbocharged unit in the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models is significantly more potent.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $25,845
- Fuel economy:
- 29 mpg combined
- Maximum cargo capacity:
- 76.1 cubic feet
2021 Subaru Forester
One major advantage SUVs have over their sedan counterparts is extra ground clearance, which comes in handy when driving through snow or mud. To get the power to the right wheels on these low-friction surfaces, you need a good all-wheel-drive system. Unlike… other vehicles in the class, the Subaru Forester comes standard with AWD, and most models feature hill descent control and a surface selector that helps the system distribute the perfect amount of slip. Even if you neither need AWD nor plan to go off-roading, you'll likely be impressed by the Forester's roomy cabin, smooth ride and class-leading safety systems.- Starting price (including destination fee):
- $24,885
- Fuel economy:
- 23-25 mpg combined
- Maximum cargo capacity:
- 61.9 cubic feet
2021 Hyundai Tucson
Despite their "compact" billing, many crossovers in this class can actually feel quite large. The Hyundai Tucson is true to the name, however, since it's a few inches shorter than most, and its cargo area can't hold as much as the big boys. On the bright side,… it's also more nimble and less expensive than many of its rivals, and upper trims add features that are fairly rare in the class, including ventilated front seats and a 360-degree parking camera. And while the cargo area isn't as cavernous as others, the passenger compartment is still roomy — even tall occupants will find an abundance of leg- and headroom in both rows.Compare the Best Compact SUVs
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Choosing the best small SUV for you
Choosing between a subcompact and compact crossover is a personal decision. On the one hand, subcompacts are less expensive both up front and over time since they are typically more fuel-efficient than compact crossovers. On the other hand, many prefer the additional interior space, improved ride quality, more upscale cabin and expanded features list of a compact, even though these models cost a bit more.
Before you head to your nearest dealer, we recommend assessing your needs to decide which vehicle type is best for you. From there, read Edmunds' expert reviews of specific vehicles to narrow down the field of subcompact or compact SUVs. With impressions from behind the wheel and a comprehensive breakdown of trim levels, these reviews can be invaluable in your shopping journey.
Next steps
While this list highlights some of the best small crossovers, it is by no means a comprehensive list of all subcompact and compact SUVs. Be sure to check out our SUV Rankings to find the most up-to-date information. And once you've picked out your perfect car, use Edmunds' inventory search tools to find a match at a dealership in your area.
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