8 Compact SUVs With Rear Air Vents (Beat The Heat)

Truth is, most modern cars have air vents in the front through which the air conditioner dispenses cool air.

However, it gets to a point during the summer where it feels like extra air vents at the rear seats could help curb the heat.

Rear air vents in compact SUVs feel like heaven on earth, especially for the occupants who have to sit at the back.

If you are in the market for a compact SUV with rear air vents, consider yourself fortunate. We have put together a list of compact and subcompact SUVs with rear air vents below.

Subcompact SUVs With Rear Air Vents

Subcompact SUVs are the smallest SUVs around, which is why they are also known as “small SUVs.” Don’t forget there are also popular SUVs with ceiling vents you can explore.

Here are a few subcompact SUVs with rear air vents:

1. Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is undoubtedly one of the very best subcompact SUVs in the world. It debuted in 2019 and has sold over 100,000 units in the U.S. alone whilst also receiving rave reviews from pundits. 

Some of the CX–30’s impressive attributes include great handling, diverse safety and infotainment features, and a premium cabin.

Speaking of the cabin, the Mazda CX-30 boasts an efficient climate control system with air vents at the rear.

This is all part of the dual-zone climate control. Please note that rear air vents may however not be available on base variants.

Our research showed that you can only get rear air vents on the “Evolve” or higher trim levels. 

2. Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona debuted in 2017 as part of subcompact SUVs manufactured by Hyundai.

It has a popular electric version which debuted in the United States in 2019. Since its debut, the Kona has sold millions of units globally, with over 250,000 units in the U.S. alone. 

Many experts also consider it one of the best subcompact SUVs one could lay hands on, which explains why it is #3 on U.S. News’ list of best subcompact SUVs for 2023.

Some of its best features include turbocharged engine options, spry handling, and a variety of driver-assistance features. 

Some trims of the Hyundai Kona (Electric) have rear A/C ducts, which make for even better ventilation for those in the backseat. 

You’ll also love our article about compact SUVs with the most passenger room. 

3. Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is a subcompact crossover SUV introduced by Kia in 2019. Its first full year in the U.S. was 2020, and it has accrued close to 100,000 unit sales in the country and over 700,000 units globally. 

Besides its commercial success, the Kia Seltos is considered by many pundits as one of the top subcompact SUVs on the market. It boasts excellent hallmarks, including spacious cargo, composed handling, and myriads of standard features. 

Automatic climate control with rear air vents is available on high-end trims like the Seltos S. Like most other models, you can’t get rear air vents on the base trim. 

Please also read our article about

4. Toyota Corolla Cross

The Toyota Corolla Cross is a subcompact crossover variant of the iconic sedan known as the Toyota Corolla. It was first introduced in 2020 and has achieved some level of critical and commercial success, including the South African Car of the Year nod. 

It currently sits at #6 on U.S. News’ list of the best subcompact cars. Some of its best features include relatively spacious cargo, excellent gas mileage, and magnanimous standard features.

 Amongst the standard features are manual air conditioning and rear A/C vents, which make for much better ventilation, especially for rear-seat passengers. 

Make sure to also read our article about SUVs with heated rear seats.

Compact SUVs With Rear Air Vents

Compact SUVs are also known as compact crossover SUVs and they are the second smallest crossover SUVs. Below are some compact SUVs with rear air vents:

5. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV that has been in production since 2012. Now in its second generation, the Mazda CX-5 has managed to sell over 3.5 million units globally and over a million in the U.S. alone. 

Besides its apparent popularity among consumers, the CX-5 also tickles the fancies of critics who have mostly nice things to say about it.

Some of the CX-5’s most acclaimed features include its nimble handling, packed/gorgeous interior, and a variety of standard features. 

The Mazda CX-5 also has rear a/c vents which have been standard on the model for a while now. The rear air vents can be controlled by the dual climate control vent zone, which is usually proximate to the driver and front passenger. 

6. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson graced the auto market in 2004 as a compact crossover SUV. It is the best-selling SUV in Hyundai’s lineup with over 7 million units sold globally since its debut.

The Tucson is currently in its fourth generation and continues to hold its own on the commercial end. 

It also enjoys wide critical acclaim from critics, including U.S. News, an auto publication that has it at the #2 position on their list of best compact SUVs.

The Hyundai Tucson boasts great fuel economy, poised handling, a spacious/first-rate interior and vast standard features. 

Part of its standard features is automatic dual-zone climate control and rear air vents, perfect for a traveling family in the summer. 

7. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester entered its production phase in 1997 and has since transcended four generations and is now in its fifth.

It has sold millions of units in the U.S. alone and has won several awards, including the Motor Trend SUV of the year in 2009 and 2014. 

On U.S. News’ list of the best compact SUVs, the Forester is currently ranked 4th alongside the Ford Bronco. Its best features include refreshing ride quality, roomy and comfortable seating, and great fuel economy. 

In addition to all that, rear air conditioner vents come standard on “Premium” and higher trims of the Subaru Forester. The “Touring” trims also feature hand-gesture temperature adjustment for the entire climate control system. 

8. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 was launched in the U.S. in 1996 as a compact crossover SUV. It entered its fifth generation in 2018 and in 2019, became the best-selling SUV in the world.

It crossed the 10-million mark in early 2020 and is one of the most popular SUVs of all time. 

It has also enjoyed a lot of critical success and boasts mostly positive ratings from renowned pundits and critics. Some of its top features include roomy/plush seats, great gas mileage, pleasant ride quality, and a slew of standard features. 

The Toyota RAV4 also features rear air vents on premium trims as part of its dusk zone climate control system. The rear air vents are located right behind the center console, which helps the air reach everyone in the back.

Please also read our article about compact SUVs with the most passenger room.

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