Best Subcompact SUVs of 2025 and 2026

The Edmunds experts test drive small SUV contenders on our test track and in the real world. Our ratings assess performance, comfort, technology, utility, value and more. How we rank small SUVs
1st
Edmunds Rating
8.5/10
The Hyundai Kona is an appealing pick if you want a small crossover SUV with ample passenger space. It also comes well stocked with features at an agreeable price.
MSRP
$24,550 - $33,600
Combined MPG
26 - 31
2nd
Edmunds Rating
8.0/10
The Chevrolet Trax is a comfortable and spacious SUV. It comes with a lot of features for the money, too. All-wheel drive is unavailable, which might be a turnoff if you want it for wintertime driving. Otherwise, we think it's one of the best picks around for a small SUV.
MSRP
$20,500 - $24,500
Combined MPG
30
3rd
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Encore GX is essentially an improved version of the Encore. Advantages to this extra-small SUV include a comfortable ride quality and a classy design. But you do pay a (literal) price for these qualities since the Encore GX is expensive relative to its primary competition.
MSRP
$26,000 - $33,100
Combined MPG
27 - 30
4th
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Kia Soul does not offer all-wheel drive, but it does provide more space than some crossover SUVs, as well as more equipment at a lower price. There's also the Soul's distinctive personality, which helps it stand out from the crowd.
MSRP
$20,490 - $24,790
Combined MPG
30 - 31
5th
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Buick Envista looks sharp and comes with a lot of features considering its low price. It's also pretty roomy inside for people. There are a few drawbacks to the Envista, but overall we recommend it if you want a small crossover SUV that stands out.
MSRP
$22,900 - $28,600
Combined MPG
30
6th
Edmunds Rating
7.8/10
The Honda HR-V is Honda's smallest SUV that packs lot of utility and clever features into a compact package. However, its performance and technology features lag behind what you can get from some of the HR-V's rivals.
MSRP
$25,400 - $31,000
Combined MPG
27 - 28
7th
Edmunds Rating
7.7/10
There's a lot to like with Nissan Kicks. Underneath the striking styling is a practical, well-equipped little SUV with available all-wheel drive and, in its top trim level, an upscale interior. But the Kicks is let down by its subpar driving experience due in large part to its underpowered engine and slow-to-respond transmission.
MSRP
$21,830 - $27,680
Combined MPG
30 - 31
8th
Edmunds Rating
7.7/10
While newer rivals have eclipsed the Trailblazer in some areas, it remains a solid all-around extra-small SUV. It's comfortable, spacious and offers lots of in-car tech. It's one of the more expensive vehicles in its class, and fuel economy isn't exceptional, but as a whole the Trailblazer is worth consideration.
MSRP
$23,100 - $29,300
Combined MPG
27 - 31
9th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The Kia Seltos is stylish, surprisingly roomy, and available with plenty of the latest technology and safety features. It's rather quick, too, if you opt for the optional turbocharged engine.
MSRP
$24,690 - $31,190
Combined MPG
25 - 31
10th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The Subaru Crosstrek is a comfortable, usable everyday companion that will shine in inclement weather thanks to standard all-wheel drive. It remains a solid choice for those who want a fuss-free daily driver with some off-road ability, but its technology and lack of storage space can cause headaches.
MSRP
$26,560 - $33,360
Combined MPG
27 - 29

Top Selling Small-suvses of
2024

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Vehicles included in the data set are exclusively retail registrations to individuals and do not include rental sales or registrations from government bodies*

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