Yahoo Autos Best subcompact SUVs for 2024: Which small crossover is right for you?
Admittedly, driving around in a subcompact anything isn't terribly appealing. For ages, subcompact cars were the bottom of the automotive barrel. They were considered econoboxes or penalty boxes or crap cans or ... you get the picture. It might be hard, but it's time to scrub those negative connotations out of your brain. The small crossover SUVs listed here might be known as "subcompact," but that's really just because we have nothing else better to call them. They are smaller than "compact SUVs," but those are actually really big now. A family of 6-footers with excessive baggage needs can fit inside one of those. This collection of the best subcompact SUVs is for buyers with more modest space needs and perhaps more modest budgets.
And the great news is, these subcompact SUVs are really good! In fact, we would happily consider them alongside our top compact SUV choices (which is why we actually combine them all on one, grand small SUV list). We especially like how different they are in terms of appearance, character and the type of buyer they serve. We have sporty choices, outdoorsy choices, family-friendly choices, a fuel-efficient hybrid and something good for those mostly focused on keeping the price low. All offer surprisingly good passenger and cargo space, which speaks to their versatility and overall value.
There are some downsides to consider with these subcompact SUVs, and a big one is the availability of all-wheel drive. Three of our choices don't offer it at all, and while we don't think that has to be a major issue (front-wheel drive grew in popularity because it was fine for snow-going travel), we acknowledge some prefer the security of all four wheels being powered. Another thing to consider is interior quality. While most of these choices sport attractive cabin designs and are available with the same comfort, convenience and tech features of bigger SUVs, there tends to be more hard plastics strewn about. That's a big reason they cost less, though.
The below choices are listed alphabetically by brand. Enjoy!
Best subcompact SUVs of 2024
2024 Buick Envista
Why it stands out: Compelling design; ample space for the segment; quiet and refined driving experience; punchy and efficient engine; well-equipped; low price
Could be better: All-wheel drive is unavailable; armrests are a bit hard; technically slow acceleration (even if it doesn't feel it).
Read our full 2024 Buick Envista Review
The Buick Envista is one of the best, most competitive and most relevant cars to come out of General Motors in a long time. It is wildly impressive and truly surprising. It has a modest, fuel-efficient three-cylinder engine, yet feels perfectly potent and refined when driving around town. The ride is composed and interior noise levels low. It looks expensive, yet stickers for well south of $30,000. That price also puts it well in the heart of this subcompact segment despite exterior dimensions and a back seat that rivals compacts. The lack of all-wheel drive may be a sticking point for some, but we think anyone shopping for a small, affordable SUV would be wise to check out the Envista.
2024 Chevrolet Trax
Why it stands out: Strong value; sharp looks; surprisingly practical; engaging and even enjoyable to drive; high fuel economy
Could be better: All-wheel drive unavailable; no engine upgrade; hard armrests
Read our full 2024 Chevy Trax Review
All that stuff you just read about the Buick Envista? Yep, it pretty much applies to the mechanically related Trax. It too is one of the best, most competitive and most relevant cars to come out of General Motors in a long time. The Trax is sportier to look at and to drive, with slightly sharper handling and a tauter ride quality. Indeed, the Trax is one of the most engaging subcompact SUVs to drive, even if it's one of the slowest in the segment on paper. In practice, it doesn't feel slow at all, much like the Envista.
It's also one of the most family friendly subcompact SUVs, with space in the back for full-size adults and big child seats. Cargo space is above average, too. It's a shame that all-wheel drive isn't available, but standard front-wheel drive should realistically be just fine for all but the most extreme winter events.
2024 Ford Bronco Sport
Why it stands out: Off-road capability; cargo space; clever storage and cargo features; distinctive style
Could be better: A lot more expensive than others; fuel economy is worse, too; some cheap interior bits
Read our 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Review
Although its exterior dimensions and back seat space falls in the subcompact segment, one of the great things about the Bronco Sport is that it actually has as much or more cargo space than models that are considerably bigger on the outside. So it can hold a lot of stuff for a weekend away, but the "Baby Bronco" does so much more for those looking for something a little more Swiss Army Knife than the typical small SUV. There are numerous clever features throughout, like zippered map pockets and campsite lighting in the liftgate, plus a vast accessory catalog.
Every version is much better than usual off-road (though the Badlands is definitely the one to get for those going further afield) with its standard all-wheel drive, ample ground clearance and "G.O.A.T. Modes" that set the vehicle for a variety of road and terrain conditions. It's also impossible to ignore the Bronco Sport's distinctive style inside and out, plus a driving experience that's a bit more SUV-ish ... and in this case, we do mean that in the traditional, body-on-frame truck-based SUV way.
The major hang-up is price: The Bronco Sport costs enough more than the other choices here that it doesn't quite align in terms of apples-to-apples comparisons.
