Compact SUVs are some of the most popular kinds of vehicles on modern roads. They are preferred for their convenient mix of maneuverability and decent off-road abilities.
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There is a plethora of automotive brands that manufacture both subcompacts and compact crossover SUVs. In this article, we will be examining a long list of auto brands and their compact/subcompact SUV offerings.
Mazda
Mazda is easily one of the most iconic auto brands in the world. Founded in Japan in 1920, they have maintained a spot among the largest and most successful automakers in the world.
Below are Mazda’s Compact SUV offerings.
1. Mazda CX-30
Mazda’s CX-30 crossover SUV debuted in 2019. A slew of undeniably stellar features makes it one of the best SUVs in its class. In fact, it topped U.S News’ 2022 list of best subcompact SUVs.
In terms of critic ratings, it’s perhaps one of Mazda’s most impressive SUV offerings, if not the most astounding. The Mazda CX-30 starts at $23,755 for the base trim and $35,975 for the priciest trim.
2. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 debuted back in 2012 as a compact crossover SUV. It has been the best-selling Mazda model by year since 2014, and holds a great reputation amongst critics and reviewers.
It boasts top features like an elegant exterior, an impressive list of standard safety features, and a more-than-decent cabin. The Mazda CX-5 starts at $27,975 for the base trim and $40,925 for the highest trim.
3. Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 is Mazda’s second compact crossover SUV offering. It debuted in early 2022 and is sold alongside its counterpart, the Mazda CX-5.
Even with its recent debut, the CX-50 is off to a flying start and has already received the coveted IIHS “Top Safety Pick” for its stellar safety features. Pricing starts at $28,825 for the base trim and $44,043 for the highest trim.
Kia
The Kia Corporation is South Korea’s second-largest automobile company. Founded in 1944, it is one of the most successful auto brands globally and has a production output of not less than 2.5 billion units. Below are some of the compact/subcompact SUVs manufactured by Kia.
4. Kia Soul
Kia Soul was introduced in 2008 as a 5-door subcompact crossover SUV. Entering its third generation in 2019, Kia has sold over a million units since debuting the Kia Soul.
Several critics and pundits have praised it as one of the best compact SUVs ever made. Some of the Soul’s top features include seamless handling, roomy cargo, and a batch of standard driver-assistance features.
The Kia Soul is priced at about $21,085 for the base trim and $25,385 for the top trim.
5. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage has been in production since 1993; although it became a compact crossover SUV in 2004. Since its release, the SUV has received many positive reviews and ratings, making it one of Kia’s best-selling models.
Some of the Sportage’s best features include spacious cargo, sporty ride, and a composed ride/handling. It also has a rich, feature-packed interior with high-end technology.
Sportage is one of Kia’s most successful models; and from the look of things, it is very much here to stay.
The price of owning the Kia Sportage starts at $27,285 for the base trim, and $44,285 for the highest trim.
6. 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, with 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 of excellent hallmarks, including spacious cargo, composed handling, and myriads of standard features.
This SUV stands shoulder to shoulder with its counterpart, the Kia Soul, in the subcompact SUV category and has held its value so far.
The Kia Seltos is priced at $24,135 for the lowest trim and $29,635 for the highest trim.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet, a subsidiary of General Motors Company, is one of America’s oldest and most iconic brands. Founded in 1911, the brand has achieved tremendous success not just in America, but also globally.
Here are Chevrolet’s subcompact and compact SUV offerings:
7. Chevrolet Trailblazer
In 2001-2008, the Trailblazer was a mid-size SUV that maintained the same name. Now, it’s a subcompact crossover SUV. Within two years of its debut, the brand has already sold over 100,000 units of Chevy Trailblazer.
Aside from its sales, this SUV has also achieved a wide success in terms of positive ratings from different reviewers. Chevy Trailblazer offers good gas mileage, a simple/sophisticated infotainment system, and impressive off-road capability.
According to TrueCar, the Trailblazer is currently priced between $23,322 and $27,837, depending on the trim level.
8. Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox was launched in 2004 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Tracker and the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. It was a mid-size SUV in its first two generations until it morphed into a compact crossover SUV as part of the changes introduced in its third generation.
Chevrolet has sold over a million units of Equinox in the last four years alone. In spite of the large sales, it has received many positive reviews from critics.
The latest edition of the Chevy Equinox is currently priced at $27,695 for the base trim and $33,195 for its topmost “Premier” trim.
9. Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax debuted in 2013 as a subcompact crossover SUV. In 2o22, it was transformed into a compact crossover SUV for the 2024 model year.
Since its debut, Chevrolet has sold over half a million units of Chevy Trax. The vehicle itself has received much love from critics.
Its most acclaimed features include its sleek maneuverability and a long list of standard infotainment features. Most alluring is its quite affordable price.
The price of the Chevrolet Trax starts at $22,895 for its base model and $24,695 for the top trim.
Before buying any of these cars, you might want to get acquainted with the common problems of Chevrolet cars.
Hyundai
In addition to being South Korea’s largest automaker, Hyundai ranks among the world’s largest. Founded in 1967, the company has produced a variety of vehicles. The following are its compact and subcompact SUVs.
1o. Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Kona entered the subcompact SUV market in 2017 and has since earned a reputation as one of the top models.
This SUV comes with a wide range of driver-assistance features, as well as amazing turbocharged engine options.
Additionally, the Hyundai Kona features a sophisticated interior with a premium cabin and an intuitive infotainment system. It costs between $23,752 and $36,666 to buy a Hyundai Kona, according to True Car.
Please, also check our article on 4 Compact SUVs With Lane-Assist Feature.
11. Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai introduced the Tucson as part of its SUV lineup in 2004. With over 7 million units sold globally, it is Hyundai’s most successful SUV.
The Hyundai Tucson enjoys incredible critical acclaim in addition to its massive commercial success. In fact, its latest model occupies the #2 spot on U.S News’ list of the best compact SUVs.
The latest edition of the Tucson is priced at $27,746 for the base trim and $47,796 for the top “Hybrid plug-in limited” trim.
12. Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue was introduced in 2019 for the 2020 model year as a subcompact crossover SUV. It is Hyundai’s smallest SUV and has witnessed an impressive growth in yearly sales since its debut.
Some of its top features include its great gas mileage, maneuverability, swanky interior, and stellar infotainment system. The base trim of the Hyundai Venue starts at $20,795 while the top “Limited” trim starts at $24,045.
Toyota
The Toyota Motor Corporation was founded in 1937 and it’s a multinational automotive company. It is one of the largest and most popular automakers in the world, with a yearly production output of about 10 million.
Toyota markets the following compact/subcompact SUVs:
13. Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Toyota since 2016. It has achieved considerable success globally with sales of over 500,000 units in Europe and the U.S.
Some of its best features are its sporty handling, zippy ride, gorgeous exterior, and loads of standard safety systems. The price of the Toyota C-HR is currently between $25,615 and $28,635, depending on the trim level.
14. Toyota Corolla Cross
In 2020, Toyota launched the Corolla Cross, an all-new compact crossover SUV bearing the iconic Corolla nameplate.
Most critics have given it positive reviews, including U.S News and Car and Driver, where it has received ratings of 7.5/10 or higher.
Some of the best features of the Toyota Corolla Cross include its huge cargo space, amazing gas mileage, and an automatic power liftgate. The base trim goes for $23,780 while the top trim starts at $27,910.
15. Toyota RAV4
In 1995, Toyota introduced the RAV4 in the United States as part of its growing SUV lineup. With a diamond (10 million) total sales figure, in music terms, it has risen to become one of Toyota’s best-selling SUVs.
In addition to its commercial success, Toyota RAV4 also enjoys noteworthy success from critics. In fact, it is deemed by pundits as one of the best compact SUVs money can buy.
Some of its top features include its excellent gas mileage, massive cargo space, and a host of standard features.
The Toyota RAV4 has a price range of $27,575 to $37,280, depending on the trim level.
Honda
Honda is the second-largest Japanese auto manufacturer and the eighth-largest globally. Founded in 1946, it has a production output of up to 5 million units yearly and is considered one of the most reliable auto brands by critics and customers alike.
Below are the compact and subcompact SUVs marketed under the auspices of Honda.
16. Honda HR-V
In 1998, Honda introduced the HR-V as a subcompact crossover SUV. Following a seven-year gap, the Honda HR-V has managed to sell about 500,000 units since 2014.
Honda HR-V ranks #6 on U.S News’ list of the best subcompact SUVs currently. In addition to having a dope interior and composed ride, the HR-V is nimble, responsive, and boastful with impressive features.
The price of the Honda HR-V starts at $25,045 for the base trim and $29,145 for the priciest trim
17. Honda CR-V
Production and marketing of Honda’s compact SUV, the Honda CR-V, started in 1995. As of 2022, this vehicle is the world’s second best-selling SUV, entering its sixth generation.
A giant cargo hold, great fuel economy, and a plethora of standard technological features are some of its pride. It’s not more affordable, though, when compared with the CR-V.
Pricing for the Honda CR-V starts at $28,045 for the base trim and $39,045 for the top trim.
Subaru
Subaru is a multinational auto manufacturing company founded in 1953. It produces over 500,000 units of vehicles annually and it’s the 21st largest automaker in the world.
Here are Subaru’s subcompact/compact SUV offerings:
18. Subaru Forester
In 1997, the Subaru Forester debuted as a compact crossover SUV. Currently in its fifth generation, the vehicle has notched millions of sales and multiple awards, including being Motor Trend’s SUV of the year from 2009 to 2014, among others.
U.S News ranks the Subaru Forester 4th in its list of the best compact SUVs with features like standard AWD and good gas mileage, as it received the most acclaim.
Its price is also somewhat affordable. The base trim starts at $27,620, while the topmost trim costs around $37,720.
19. Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact crossover SUV that Subaru introduced in 2012 for the 2013 model year. In the United States, it is among the best-selling SUVs, and it’s expected to enter its third generation by 2023.
Besides selling over 100,000 units for the past five years without failure, the Crosstrek has also enjoyed quite remarkable success critically. It earned the eighth spot on U.S News’ competitive list of best subcompact SUVs for the most recent model year.
The price of the Subaru Crosstrek starts at $24,870 for the base trim and $38,070 for the top “Hybrid” trim.
Make sure to also learn about the common problems of the Subaru Crosstek.
Nissan
Nissan is a Japanese auto manufacturer founded in 1933. It is one of the world’s largest automakers and a leading manufacturer in the electric vehicles segment.
Below are the compact and subcompact SUVs in Nissan’s lineup.
20. Nissan Kicks
Nissan introduced the Kicks to the market as a subcompact crossover SUV in 2016. Over the last 4 years, it has sold over 200,000 units in the U.S. alone, and each year since 2019, it has seen a consistent surge in sales.
The Nissan Kicks is also considered one of the very best subcompact SUVs owing to its reliability and quality. Some of its most acclaimed features include great gas mileage, huge cargo space, and myriads of standard features.
The base trim starts at $21,585 while the top “SR” trim starts at $24,145.
21. Nissan Rogue
In 2007, Nissan introduced the Rogue as a compact crossover SUV for the 2008 model year. In the last five years, the model has sold well over 1 million units in the United States.
The ride is considered one of the best compact SUVs on the market and it occupies the 7th spot on the U.S News list of the top compact SUVs.
Some of its most meritorious features include its fantastic fuel economy and huge cargo space.
The price of the Nissan Rogue starts at $28,655 for the base trim and $38,435 for the priciest trim.
Jeep
Jeep is a subdivision of Stellantis and has been in the auto business since the 1940s, specializing in rugged trucks and SUVs.
Here are the compact and subcompact SUVs in its current lineup:
22. Jeep Compass
Jeep launched the Compass in 2006 as a compact crossover SUV. Now, in its second generation, it has achieved considerable success in its hugely competitive class. Mind you, its critics’ ratings have been below par.
The Jeep Compass sports some dope features which include a gorgeous exterior, excellent off-roading strength, and a host of modern tech systems.
The price of the Jeep Compass starts at $28,880 for its base trim and $38,685 for its priciest trim.
23. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is another one of Jeep’s compact crossover SUVs. It falls amongst Jeep’s more commercially successful models, selling at least 200,000 units annually since the last four years.
It is important to note that the Jeep Wrangler is also considered way above average by critics and pundits.
Some of its most acclaimed features include its powerful engine options, stellar off-roading capacity, and myriads of safety tech features.
The price of the Jeep Wrangler starts at $32,990 for its base trim and $84,290 for its top “Rubicon 392” trim.
And, as you can see in the image above, this compact SUV can be customized to your personal preferences.
24. Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee started off as a full-size SUV at its launch in 1974 and it has since morphed into a compact crossover SUV. Now in its fifth generation, it is considered by many as one of Jeep’s best SUV offerings.
Meritorious attributes include turbocharged engine options, simple technology, and myriads of standard features. The base trim starts at $31,590 while the top trim is priced at $40,940.
Ford
Ford is probably the most popular American auto brand next to Chevrolet. Founded in 1903, it is one of the most successful auto brands in history with a revenue of 136.3 billion USD as of 2022. Below are its compact and subcompact SUV offerings.
25. Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport is a subcompact crossover SUV launched in 2003. It was introduced in the U.S in 2018 and has sold over 200,000 units since then.
This SUV has, however, had a disappointing spell with critics and pundits.
Some of its most praised features include its huge cargo hold, maneuverability, and user-friendly infotainment system.
The price of the Ford EcoSport starts at $23,335 for its base trim and $29,690 for its priciest trim. Please note that the 2022 model has been announced to be its last model.
You should also read about the 3 known issues with the Ford EcoSport.
26. Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV that debuted in 2000. Now in its fourth generation, it has remained one of Ford’s most successful models, with over one million units sold over the last five years.
Many pundits have also considered the Ford Escape one of the best compact SUVs; thanks to its great gas mileage, plush seats, and large cargo, amongst others.
Its price starts at $28,995 for the base trim and $39,995 for the top “PHEV” trim.
27. Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport debuted in late 2020 as a compact crossover SUV marketed under the iconic Bronco nameplate. It’s set off to a great commercial start with over 100,000 units sold in its first full year.
Ford Bronco Sport is also ranked 4th on U.S News’ list of top compact SUVs thanks to its off-road abilities, airy cabin, potent engine options, and simple technology.
The price of the small SUV starts at $30,810 for the base trim and $46,259 for the highest trim.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi is another Japanese automaker founded in 1970. With an annual production output of up to one million units, Mitsubishi earns a place amongst the world’s largest automakers.
Here are the compact and subcompact SUVs in Mitsubishi’s lineup:
28. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact crossover SUV produced and marketed by Mitsubishi Motors since 2001. Now in its fourth generation, the Outlander is considered one of the best compact crossover SUVs on the market.
Some of its praise-worthy features include a swanky cabin, spacious seats, spry handling, and a plethora of standard tech features.
Acquiring the Mitsubishi Outlander attracts a starting price of $28,490 for the base trim and $51,340 for the highest trim.
29. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross debuted in 2017 as a compact crossover SUV. It is considered above average by most critics and reviewers.
While it boasts of many notable attributes, its most acclaimed features include its great gas mileage and affordability.
The price of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts at $27,140 for the base trim and $30,840 for the priciest trim.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a German automaker founded in 1937 and responsible for many iconic vehicle models across the globe. Below are the compact and subcompact SUVs in its current lineup.
30. Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan debuted in 2007 as a compact crossover SUV. It entered its second generation in 2016 and has sold over six million units globally.
Besides being the best-selling Volkswagen model, Tiguan is also considered one of the best compact SUVs on the market.
Some of its most acclaimed features include a spacious/comfy cabin, huge cargo, nimble handling, and optional third-row seating.
The price of the Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $28,245 for its base trim and $38,95 for the highest trim.
31. Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos is a subcompact crossover SUV in Volkswagen’s lineup. It debuted in 2018 and has achieved considerable success globally.
Volkswagen Taos has also notched positive ratings from critics, including an 8.1/10 rating on MotorTrend for its most recent model.
Some of its best attributes include its good gas mileage, great passenger/cargo space, and a long list of standard tech features. Its price starts at $25,450 for the base trim and $30,220 for the top trim.
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