Best Subcompact SUVs for 2024
The best subcompact SUVs are ranked based on a data-driven analysis of over 330 million vehicles' reliability, resale value, and safety.
iSeeCars applies data science to over 330 million vehicles in order to understand each model’s reliability and how long-lasting it is, its safety, and its ability to retain value over time. This analysis allows iSeeCars to rank subcompact SUVs by a data-driven and objective methodology, instead of relying on subjective editorial criteria.
The best subcompact SUV is the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Its iSeeCars Quality Score of 8.8 out of 10 reflects the TrailBlazer's reliability, value retention and safety scores. A new Chevrolet TrailBlazer costs between $23,100 and $29,300 while a used version costs between $18,506 and $28,413. This subcompact SUV can seat up to 5 people and is EPA rated to deliver up to 31 miles per gallon in mixed city/highway driving.
The Subcompact SUV category consists of 20 models priced between $19,900 and $46,900 for new vehicles and between $12,978 and $39,419 for used vehicles. iSeeCars has sufficient vehicle data to rate and rank 13 of these 20 models based on their reliability, value retention and safety scores.
Why Should I Buy a Subcompact SUV?
Subcompact SUVs are a relatively new vehicle segment that didn’t gain traction in the United States until the mid-2010s. Subcompact SUVs are the smallest and most affordable SUVs on the market, and they offer consumers both value and practicality. These small but capable SUVs appeal to buyers who either want to enter the SUV segment or want to downsize to a more efficient vehicle. As sedans continue to drop from automakers’ lineups, many consumers have embraced subcompact crossover SUVs because they provide the value and fuel economy of a small car while having the cargo space and performance of an SUV.
What are the Best Subcompact SUVs?
In 2011, the Nissan Juke and the Mini Countryman were the only subcompact SUVs in the United States. Over a decade later, there are now subcompact SUVs from nearly every major automaker. Because these subcompact SUVs don’t have the storied history of their larger counterparts, it can be hard to decide which is best.
While these vehicles share the subcompact SUV distinction, they vary in terms of function and practicality. Many of these small SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is also available. Some exceptions exist and come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).
What Other Vehicles Should I Consider?
This list only includes the best subcompact SUVs by mainstream automakers. For luxury SUVs, check out iSeeCars’ list of the Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Or, for a more efficient vehicle like a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric SUV, check out the Best Hybrid SUVs and Best Electric SUVs lists. If you want a roomier small crossover, check out iSeeCars’ list of the Best Small and Compact SUVs.
Why Should I Buy a Subcompact SUV?
Subcompact SUVs are a relatively new vehicle segment that didn’t gain traction in the United States until the mid-2010s. Subcompact SUVs are the smallest and most affordable SUVs on the market, and they offer consumers both value and practicality. These small but capable SUVs appeal to buyers who either want to enter the SUV segment or want to downsize to a more efficient vehicle. As sedans continue to drop from automakers’ lineups, many consumers have embraced subcompact crossover SUVs because they provide the value and fuel economy of a small car while having the cargo space and performance of an SUV.
What are the Best Subcompact SUVs?
In 2011, the Nissan Juke and the Mini Countryman were the only subcompact SUVs in the United States. Over a decade later, there are now subcompact SUVs from nearly every major automaker. Because these subcompact SUVs don’t have the storied history of their larger counterparts, it can be hard to decide which is best.
While these vehicles share the subcompact SUV distinction, they vary in terms of function and practicality. Many of these small SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is also available. Some exceptions exist and come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).
What Other Vehicles Should I Consider?
This list only includes the best subcompact SUVs by mainstream automakers. For luxury SUVs, check out iSeeCars’ list of the Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Or, for a more efficient vehicle like a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric SUV, check out the Best Hybrid SUVs and Best Electric SUVs lists. If you want a roomier small crossover, check out iSeeCars’ list of the Best Small and Compact SUVs.
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.9
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.0
/ 10
-
Safety
9.5
/ 10
2. Mazda CX-3
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
6.1
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.5
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
5.6
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.7
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
5.9
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.4
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.9
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.2
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
6.1
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.9
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.0
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.0
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
5.6
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.8
/ 10
-
Safety
9.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.1
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.2
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
6.9
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.2
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
11. Nissan Rogue Sport
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
5.7
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.2
/ 10
-
Safety
8.6
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
6.0
/ 10
-
Value Retention
8.4
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
13. Ford EcoSport
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
5.8
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.9
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
Toyota C-HR
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
8.8
/ 10
-
Safety
9.6
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
8.6
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
8.4
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
Mazda CX-30 Summary
The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact SUV with a sleek, upscale interior and engaging driving dynamics. The current CX-30 was an all-new vehicle introduced for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $28,620.
Pros and Cons
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
8.3
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
8.3
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
8.3
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
8.2
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
Related Rankings
How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on the latest analysis by our data science team of more than 330 million cars.
The overall iSeeCars Quality Score combines analyses of these three factors: reliability, resale value, and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 330 million vehicles as reported in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies. These two factors are combined with NHTSA and/or IIHS Safety Ratings to determine a car’s Quality Score. Only cars with recent model years are included.
Each vehicle is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest Quality Score. Vehicles within a given category are sorted to show the highest-scoring ones first. If two cars have the same ratings, the tie is broken by the Reliability Rating, Value Retention Score, and Safety Score. iSeeCars displays comprehensive Quality Scores along with the subscores for each model because multiple factors should be taken into account when buyers are seeking the best overall vehicle.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).