A decade ago, most of these subcompact SUVs would have been marketed as hatchbacks. But now the crossover is king, and even most entry-level buyers are looking for tall seating, optional all-wheel drive and extra cargo space. Because of their low prices, not all of these subcompact SUVs come with all-wheel drive, but they’re all practical choices that will satisfy the budget-minded SUV buyer. These are small SUVs, ranked from best to worst.
in 2026 Mazda CX-30
Base price: $27,470
Mazda established itself in the U.S. with affordable performance cars like the MX-5 Miata, and while it still makes that fun-to-drive roadster, it’s now firmly focused on the crossover world. The CX-30, the smallest of the range, may be more modest than the charming CX-50, but it packs the edgy charm we’ve come to expect from Mazda into a smaller footprint. Although standard all-wheel drive makes it slightly more expensive than the other models here, the CX-30 remains one of the best deals in its class. It offers the same 2.5L turbocharged engine found in many other Mazdas, making it much more powerful than the other SUVs on this list.
Tested: Mazda CX-30 Turbo
Zac Palmer
in 2026 Chevrolet Trax
Base price: $22,995
The Trax’s most attractive element is its low base price, but there are other attractive factors as well. It’s much more spacious than the previous generation Trax and it’s a pleasure to drive. The only engine option is a 1.3-litre inline three-speed turbocharger, and the transmission is a six-speed automatic, which means it avoids the noisy feeling found in many of the other CVT models here. The only real downside to the Trax is that it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.
Tested: 2025 Chevrolet Trax
Chevrolet
2026 Hyundai Kona
Base price: $26,950
Hyundai makes two small SUVs, and the Kona is the largest of the two. It was recently redesigned in 2024. with a futuristic new look. The Kona is a great deal in any form, but it’s at its best with the more powerful turbo engine offered in the more expensive N-Line and Limited trim levels. All-wheel drive is optional with the turbo and the base 2.0-liter inline-four. The driver-focused previous generation Kona N has been discontinued, but we expect it to return soon.
The electric version is a great EV for the money
Hyundai
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Base price: $28,415
The Crosstrek is a megahit as it is now one of Subaru’s best-selling models. Taking the Impreza hatchback up another notch, its ground clearance provides just enough space for Subaru owners to embark on outdoor adventures. It may lack the charm of the outgoing model, but the latest Subaru is still winning over buyers. There’s already an off-road Wilderness trim, and a hybrid model joins the lineup in 2026. series, promising better fuel economy and more horsepower — 194 total horsepower — than the standard version.
Learn more about the Crosstrek Hybrid
Subaru
2026 Volkswagen Taos
Base price: $27,975
Unlike some of the other cars on this list, the Taos looks like a real SUV. It has a nice boxy look and plenty of room inside, and offers optional all-wheel drive. While the VW Jetta compact sedan remains VW’s entry-level model, the Taos effectively replaces the old Golf hatchback on dealer lots, as the model is now only offered in the US in Golf GTI and Golf R configurations. Update in 2025 gave the turbo-quad some extra power as it now reaches 174 hp.
Tested: Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen
in 2026 Buick Envista
Price: $25,995
Say goodbye to the big bubble of your grandpa’s bingo cart: Buick has finally decided to go big with the Envista, a stylish new entry-level model that joins the 2025 lineup. series. With a roofline similar to many of today’s coupe SUVs, the Envista is aimed at attracting young buyers. The most enticing element is the sub-$26,000 starting price, while the standard turbocharged inline-three engine is less intriguing. Think of the Envista as a slightly advanced version of the Chevrolet Trax, which is also on this list.
Learn more about Envista
Buick
in 2026 Honda HR-V
Price: $27,650
The Honda HR-V is a practical and smart choice. It’s roomy, fuel-efficient, and enjoyable, but it doesn’t really set itself apart from other crossovers in its class. Powering the engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, with a CVT as the sole transmission. The interior is versatile and modern, with good technology. It’s basically the smaller brother of the popular Honda CR-V, but it doesn’t offer that model’s enticing hybrid powertrain.
We prefer the larger CR-V to the HR-V
Honda
2026 Kia Niro Hybrid
Base price: $28,535
Kia’s second-generation Niro features a bold new design detail: contrasting side blades reminiscent of the first-generation Smart ForTwo. The hybrid version is the cheapest of the bunch, but there’s also a plug-in hybrid model and even an all-electric version, both of which are available at a great price. Neither offers all-wheel drive, but the EPA rates the Niro Hybrid at 53 mpg, which is an impressive number for a vehicle with this much cargo space.
Check out more of our favorite small hybrid cars
come on
in 2026 Nissan Kicks.
Base price: $25,665
For 2025 the redesigned Kicks has gone from being a mid-value player to one of the most exciting SUVs in its class. The new design is cool, and with a more powerful engine and newly available all-wheel drive, it has a reason to stick with the style. Both of these additions improve the driving experience, although the Kicks still isn’t a drag racer as it only has 141 horsepower. Best of all, the base price doesn’t go up, and you get a lot of gear for your money.
It is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy
Nissan
in 2025 Hyundai location
Base price: $22,150
The Hyundai Venue may not be as comprehensive an offering as the Kona stables, but it offers exceptional value. At just over $22,000, it’s one of the best deals anywhere in the market and provides a low entry point into Hyundai’s lineup. You’ll make the most sacrifices in the powertrain department, as the tiny 1.6-liter inline-four doesn’t make much power, and front-wheel drive is the only drive option.
It is one of the cheapest SUVs you can buy
David Dewhurst
2026 Kia Seltos
Base price: $25,135
If none of Kia’s other offerings in this segment — the Soul and Niro — satisfy you, the slightly larger Seltos might be what you’re looking for. It has more interior space than either of these, an optional turbocharged engine, and all-wheel drive. But you’ll pay a lot more for those benefits, as the Selta’s price tag is higher and can reach well over $30,000 once you start adding the most desirable extras.
come on
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Base price: $26,385
The Corolla Cross is one of seven different Toyota SUVs, but it’s the only one with an entry-level price tag. The base powertrain is a lackluster 2.0-liter inline-four, but it does have all-wheel drive. Even the optional hybrid model starts at just over $30,000, offering significantly better fuel economy and better acceleration, but still offering decent value.
Toyota
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