MARK TAKAHASHI: Subcompact or extra small SUVs
are rapidly gaining popularity among shoppers,
and it makes perfect sense.
Most drivers aren't willing to give up the elevated ride
height and greater view of the road
once they've experienced driving one.
But not everyone needs something as big
as a Suburban or even a CRV.
The newer class of pint-sized SUVs
benefit from a sedan-sized footprint
that makes them easy to maneuver and park
while also returning strong fuel economy.
They also provide a much bigger and more flexible
cargo area than the typical sedan.
They're not the best choice for growing families,
but they're great for almost everyone
else, from first-time drivers to empty-nesters.
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Here then are the best subcompact crossover SUVs
that have made it through Edmunds' exhaustive evaluations
that include track testing and real-world driving.
Whether you're looking for something basic or luxurious,
we've got you covered.
We're starting with the best here.
As we're filming this in July, 2021,
we rank the Chevy Trailblazer as the best subcompact crossover.
Like any of the vehicles in this class, it's easy to drive
and packed with features.
The Trailblazer further distinguishes itself
with sharp Camero-like styling and positively
spacious rear seats.
It's not particularly quick, even with a more powerful
1.3-liter engine upgrade.
Handling is pretty far from what we consider inspiring, too.
But then again, most shoppers aren't really
looking for something sporty in this segment.
For them, the Trailblazer would be more than adequate.
This new Trailblazer easily exceeded expectations,
and we're confident you'll be just as pleasantly
surprised by how good it is.
In a very close second place is the Mazda CX-30.
Not only does it stand out from the rest with its sleek style,
but it continues to impress with an interior that
rivals some luxury brands.
What's better, it's way more fun to drive.
The base engine gets the CX-30 to 60 miles an hour
in nine seconds, which is a little quicker than average,
while the new turbo-charge option gets you there
in only 6.4 seconds.
That makes it the quickest in the class.
It's also a Mazda, which means it handles the curves better
than rivals, yet the ride quality
remains calm and comfortable.
Drawbacks are few, forgiveable, and includes
some big blind spots and below-average fuel economy.
Frankly, it's been a while since Buick
has been in a best of list.
But it's good to see them back with the Encore GX.
Considering it's related to the top Chevy Trailblazer,
it makes perfect sense.
It's in a numerical tie with the Mazda,
bolstered by similar levels of sporty handling, ride comfort,
and appealing style.
It further benefits from a slightly larger cargo space,
but it's held back by its loud engine, noticeable road noise,
and thick roof pillars that make it hard to see out the back.
It can also be a little more expensive
than others in this class.
The Hyundai Kona is right in there
with an equally impressive Edmunds' rating score.
Like the CX-30, it has a punchy turbo engine option,
and it's perfectly at home on a twisty mountain road.
As with most Hyundais, the Kona earns more points for value
as you get a lot of features for the money
as well as the longest warranty coverage in the industry.
It's pretty likely that the Kona could meet or beat
the Mazda with a stronger base engine and smoother shifts
in the turbo's transmission.
It also gets knocked for the abundance
of hard plastics inside and smaller rear passenger
and cargo space.
And finally the Subaru Crosstrek isn't easy.
Is it a wagon, a hatchback, a subcompact crossover?
Whatever you call it, it's in a three-way tie for second place
with the Buick and Hyundai.
The Crosstrek sets itself apart from the rest
with taller ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive,
giving it greater abilities off-road or in nasty weather.
We also like it for its spacious rear seats
and comfortable ride.
The base engine is pretty weak, but a new larger and more
powerful 182-horsepower engine in the top trends
should solve that.
There's quite a bit of body roll when taking turns, though,
and the cargo capacity is on the small side.
Let's say you're looking for something a little nicer
than the very fine Mazda.
That's where we get into the luxury class of subcompacts.
They offer all the same driving and convenience advantages
of previous picks but step it up with more refined interiors,
newer tech, and added prestige, for a price, of course.
The GLB class is relatively new on the scene,
but it made a big impact.
It debuted as our top pick in the subcompact luxury SUV
class, due in no small part to its spacious interior,
decent performance, and high levels of comfort.
It's also packed with tech, including the praiseworthy MBUX
infotainment system.
We also like the GLB for its rugged boxy shape
that reminds us of the big G-class that
resides on the other side of the pricing scale.
I like to call it the lower case g-wagon.
It is still a Mercedes, though, which
means the price can easily spiral out of control when
you start adding options.
The standard GLB-250 is very competent
but isn't all that exciting to drive.
The good news is there's an AMG version
with 302 horsepower that should easily correct that.
If you're seeking a sporty counterpart
to the competent GLB without spending
another $10,000 for the AMG version,
perhaps you should check out the BMW X1.
On paper, the X1's 27.1-cubic-foot cargo capacity
beats the GLB by about five cubic feet.
But that includes the underfloor area that is usually
where the spare tire is.
With more realistic above-floor usage,
the GLB pulls ahead thanks to its boxy shape
that can accept bulkier objects.
The X1's sporty handling will keep spirited drivers
happy on a twisty mountain pass and
the potent turbocharged engine has more than enough power.
It'll reach 60 miles an hour in 6.4 seconds, which is only 1/10
ahead of the GLB, but the BMW's sharper responses
make it feel quicker.
The drawback to that sporty handling
is a stiffer ride quality.
Remember the first-generation Mercedes GLA
that debuted back in 2015?
Well, forget about that one because it was terrible.
This new one is great, though.
Why?
Because it's pretty much the same as a class-leading GLB.
But instead of a boxy throwback silhouette,
it has a sleeker, tapered body.
That shape results in reduced rear headroom and quite
a bit less cargo space, about 1/3 less than the GLB actually.
With only 15.4 cubic feet, that capacity
is about what we expect from smaller sedans.
Otherwise, the GLA delivers the same experience as the GLB,
with decent performance, high scores for comfort,
a great infotainment system, and a powerful AMG
variant with an overly stiff suspension.
If boxy isn't your thing, the GLA might be a good compromise.
Rounding out the German luxury trinity is
the Audi Q3, which like the others
is loaded with all the latest tech and features
a refined interior.
It's not terribly fun to drive, though,
as it takes 7.8 seconds to reach 60 miles an hour,
making it one of the slower picks in the class.
On top of that, it also misses the mark slightly
when it comes to fuel economy.
The responsive steering and composed handling
allow the Q3 to handle curves with confidence.
But if you're hoping for something sporty,
let's stick with the BMW X1.
Closing out the luxury subcompacts
is one of my favorites, the Volvo XC40.
This funky futuristic alternative
is big on design and clever features.
And since it's a Volvo, safety plays a key role.
I'm particularly a fan of the many storage
solutions the designers built into the XC40.
There's a hook that flips out from the glove box
to hold bags, a handy little waste
bin in the center console, and one of the most versatile cargo
areas around.
It could use some suspension tweaks to improve handling,
though, and the infotainment system
isn't nearly as intuitive as the ones
found in its German rivals.
Well, that's it for our current list of the best
subcompact crossover SUVs.
During the course of the year, these rankings
may change with the introduction of newer models.
So remember to check out edmunds.com for all the latest
news, reviews, and information.
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