Subcompact SUVs combine the size, price, and fuel economy of smaller vehicles while maintaining the cargo space, elevated ride height, and optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) of an SUV. The best subcompact SUVs you can buy in 2021 are built on practicality and reliability.

Subcompact Crossover SUVs are so popular that the automotive market saw a decrease in sales of both sedans and smaller cars. The subcompact segment offers a cost-friendly way into an SUV and offers more options than the compact crossover segment. Subcompact crossovers do not exist for driving pleasure or performance but provide functional aspects that the average customer desires. Below is a list of the best subcompact crossover SUVs you can buy in 2021. 

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### 1. Hyundai Kona

![2021-hyundai-kona-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6Ok0Br0cqjsKC5OyDHULC8/fc505b0b03ad01ce512790c6c13104f1/2021-hyundai-kona-ext.jpg)

The Hyundai Kona was in the top 10 best subcompact SUVs in 2019, removing the famous Kia Soul from the list. The Kona offers a firm ride, sporty handling, and confident steering in corners. The Kona is offered with either a 147-hp four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic transmission or a 175 horsepower turbocharged four with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

![2021-hyundai-kona-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/69obEe42pvymc1YcfnvBs/d2d56708fe5e17d6b9040fafaf2efa12/2021-hyundai-kona-int.jpg)

The Kona is also offered as an electric vehicle (EV) which can travel 258 miles on a single charge. Hyundai hinted at a refreshed Kona in 2022, but the 2021 model year performs as well as a subcompact SUV today. The gasoline-powered engines have an average fuel economy rating of 28 miles-per-gallon (mpg) city and 32 mpg highway. AWD is optional in the Kona and the rear cargo space offers 19 cubic feet of storage. The 2021 Kona starts a $21,685, which is a bargain for the amount of vehicle you receive.  

[Browse Hyundai Kona listings here](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-kona#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 2. Nissan Kicks

![2021-nissan-kicks-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3vOQAnBTSPiDoeIgiotGpy/6c7c92c143658a753b5618107febe9de/2021-nissan-kicks-ext.jpg)

The Nissan Kick is fully redesigned for the 2021 model year and its new looks provide a modern take on Nissan's subcompact segment. The Kicks offers a plethora of standard safety features making the vehicle safer than previous model years. The Kicks is only offered with a base engine providing 122 horsepower from an inline-four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain does not provide much driving thrill but it does allow for better fuel economy.

![2021-nissan-kicks-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7gBseAPuKHswHYAif8Or0u/acbebd524a13dd1605b103763b1ae852/2021-nissan-kicks-int.jpg)

The Nissan Kick is not offered in AWD, which is a disappointment as most vehicles in the class have AWD as an option. The Kicks achieves 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway making it the most fuel-efficient subcompact SUV on our list. Cargo space is ample at 25 cubic feet providing more space than most other vehicles in the subcompact SUV segment. Standard safety features in the Nissan Kicks include automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Nissan offers all of these features in the Kicks for a base price of $20,650. 

[Browse Nissan Kicks listings here](https://www.autolist.com/nissan-kicks#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 3. Jeep Renegade

![2021-jeep-renegade-trailhawk-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2qYGmXVF42e1iclXvZnYvw/994ee9894fe0b631d5ef96f3fa3f8e1a/2021-jeep-renegade-trailhawk-ext.jpg)

With a base MSRP of $24,345, the Jeep Renegade has a boxy appearance and serves more purposes than the other vehicles found on this list. The top trim level, Trailhawk, offers off-road capability and higher ground clearance than other vehicles in the segment. Engine options in the Renegade consist of a 180 horsepower 2.4-liter engine as standard, or you can opt for a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder. The turbocharged variation makes three less horsepower but gains 25 pound-feet of torque for off-roading scenarios. 

![2021-jeep-renegade-trailhawk-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5RfJnSIvatliM0YUk1cBHd/02aa200b600a1838977ac4b86939d6f3/2021-jeep-renegade-trailhawk-int.jpg)

The turbocharged option in front-wheel-drive (FWD) achieves the greatest fuel economy numbers at 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Rear cargo space is limited to 18 cubic feet and the interior is average even in the higher trim levels. If off-road capability is your goal, the Renegade can be purchased in AWD which pairs best with the higher torque variant turbo engine. 

[Browse Jeep Renegade listings here](https://www.autolist.com/jeep-renegade#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 4. Mazda CX-3

![2021-mazda-cx-3-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5uekHoZhOvQZh327XQ5rHp/7462acce729bbab24c46e3ead8369241/2021-mazda-cx-3-ext.jpg)

The Mazda CX-3 is only offered in the Sport trim level in 2021 but the CX-3 can be had in either AWD or FWD. The CX-3 is powered by a 146 horsepower four-cylinder engine that provides an average fuel economy rating of 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Rear cargo space is limited to 17 cubic feet which is slightly below average for the class. 

![2021-mazda-cx-3-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7B3cQwa0C1z1FKQprmIm6W/f3534f815851e035749b585299c63efd/2021-mazda-cx-3-int.jpg)

The CX-3 has a five-star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick award from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The CX-3 has a multitude of awards but is average in all other areas in the segment. The CX-3 is the little brother to the Mazda CX-30 which Mazda plans to move forward with and continue to develop. A base model CX-3 can be purchased for $21,965 and meets all of the subcompact SUV specifications. 

[Browse Mazda CX-3 listings here](https://www.autolist.com/mazda-cx+3#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 5. Subaru Crosstrek

![2021-subaru-crosstrek-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5L3HMF10MQV1ltvvpWzWng/17405b1e624d74b83a2c8ad3d601cb6a/2021-subaru-crosstrek-ext.jpg)

The Subaru Crosstrek has AWD as a standard feature and is designed for new car buyers who crave adventure. The Crosstrek has sedan-like handling, providing a comfortable ride while in the city. The Crosstrek is offered with a 152 horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission as standard and has an optional CVT transmission. It's rare to see a manual transmission offered in general, but specifically in the subcompact SUV segment. 

![2021-subaru-crosstrek-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3pLlNqlej5My00Y4Gzrdu4/02e187f2245190553cd1166e30737b85/2021-subaru-crosstrek-int.jpg)

There is also a plug-in hybrid variant of the Crosstrek that produces an EPA-estimated 90 mpg. The gasoline-powered Crosstrek offers a fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Crosstrek is a hatchback vehicle offering tons of rear cargo space at 20 cubic feet, allowing space for any adventure you take.

The Crosstrek can be equipped with an optional 8.0-inch touchscreen with TomTom navigation and a Harman/Kardon sound system. The Crosstrek received a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA and has a base price of $23,295. 

[Browse Subaru Crosstrek listings here](https://www.autolist.com/subaru-xv+crosstrek#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 6. Honda HR-V

![2021-honda-hrv-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/78FOCB5zEnlrXE3NbX8AtN/9bad8e1a62c03c196f8b9b8c953a7aee/2021-honda-hrv-ext.jpg)

The Honda HR-V offers one engine option, a 141 horsepower four-cylinder engine that is paired with a singular transmission choice of a CVT. The HR-V is offered in either FWD or AWD and has a fuel economy rating of 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. 

![2021-honda-hrv-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4o0Q4wZnVMhHLYi8AoOa2k/857567703b6ffb6929d80bf8373d1c8e/2021-honda-hrv-int.jpg)

When you fold the second row in the HR-V the seats lay completely flat, creating a more roomy cargo space area providing 24 cubic feet of space. The seats laid flat allows for stacking of luggage or any other item you are hauling. A deep well can be made by flipping up the bottom cushion of the rear seats, allowing for the moving of taller items. The HR-V has a base price of $22,395.

[Browse Honda HR-V listings here](https://www.autolist.com/honda-hr+v#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 7. Hyundai Venue

![2021-hyundai-venue-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/obr691gNgwI7WcjJO4N6G/12b7da1fdbc035dbd2b82be0901c0173/2021-hyundai-venue-ext.jpg)

The Hyundai Venue is a 121 horsepower FWD crossover that makes the best cars list through its staggering low base price without skimping on quality. The Venue is one of the cheapest crossovers sold in the United States and boasts a fuel economy rating of 30 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

![2021-hyundai-venue-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5ojzTByN3cXDUYBuuCAWdc/e2db64b9757edde8e86eee7ff4f3153c/2021-hyundai-venue-int.jpg)

The rear seats in the Venue split in a 60/40 creating up to 32 cubic feet of cargo space when folded. An updated infotainment system in the Venue has an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility standard. Higher trim levels of the Venue are available for those seeking more features but AWD is not offered on the Venue. This small crossover has a base price of $19,935. 

[Browse Hyundai Venue listings here](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-venue#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 8. Kia Seltos

![2021-kia-seltos-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4bgLDB1ZEnJfj4lUiMWGGF/5ca76fe1987e6f8c7d4fef2402dc7c50/2021-kia-seltos-ext.jpg)

The Kia Seltos is in the small SUV category of vehicles but offers stronger engine choices than most in the subcompact category with a 175 horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission offered. Or a standard 146 horsepower 2.0-liter four cylinders paired with a CVT. 

![2021-kia-seltos-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7qkD69YdJZdc8euXEnj9sf/0d21e14001dda4ed5be8586513079061/2021-kia-seltos-int.jpg)

Automakers have seen the subcompact SUV market grow in popularity and have started to up the ante on what is offered. The Seltos' cabin is equipped with an 8.0-inch infotainment system with an option 10.3 pulled from the Telluride. The Kia Seltos comes standard in FWD but has an AWD option and is pretty efficient, even in the fun-to-drive turbo variation. The 2.0-liter engine has a fuel economy rating of 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway and offers a spacious cabin that is comfortable for all passengers. The Kia Seltos has a base price of $23,110 and offers 26 cubic feet of cargo capacity. 

[Browse Kia Seltos listings here](https://www.autolist.com/kia-seltos#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 9. Toyota C-HR

![2021-toyota-chr-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/JDjGIj7Ewmf1Q2bqX9e3w/8414bddca2c26d66d0ea8f2437a6ce36/2021-toyota-chr-ext.jpg)

The C-HR piece of the Toyota C-HR name stands for, "Coupe High Rider." Making the point clear that the subcompact SUV category is a mixture of both sedan and true SUV. This four-door crossover is equipped with a 144-horsepower four-cylinder engine that doesn't provide much in the way of thrills but gains great fuel economy at 27 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Cargo space is limited to 19 cubic feet, and an AWD option is not available. 

![2021-toyota-chr-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6EPAUW02U4rbqPxhtA5Dxe/af54efcb3eaef8c47e7a23d8c2af2c0b/2021-toyota-chr-int.jpg)

The C-HR is designed to hide the rear door handles providing a two-door coupe look that compliments the rest of the styling making the C-HR stand out in a sea of look-alike subcompact SUVs. The C-HR uses a CVT transmission like many other vehicles in the segment which dampens its performance. The C-HR is equipped with multiple standard safety features such as automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A base model C-HR has a starting price of $22,720 keeping within the range of its competitors. 

[Browse Toyota C-HR listings here](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-c+hr#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 10. Buick Encore

![2021-buick-encore-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2OPK0d7bM9H28rfk9Ezp8B/d683b7a5a031585d546a4bfbca23962d/2021-buick-encore-ext.jpg)

The Buick Encore is a nice step-up from corporate sibling the Chevy Trax. The Encore offers a nicer ride quality, and more technology than the Trax but comes at a higher base price. The Encore starts at $24,195 and is offered in either AWD or FWD. The Encore does, however, lose to the Trax in sense of fuel economy and cargo space. The Buick Encore has a fuel rating of 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

![2021-buick-encore-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3xzf5cjVMq9byFDzpCeE1S/ca9542fa5979a381d223308502b651f5/2021-buick-encore-int.jpg)

The Encore is only offered with a 138 horsepower four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission unless you opt for the Encore GX trim level which is equipped with a 155 horsepower engine. The cargo area is slightly limited in the Encore only offering 18 cubic feet, which is surprising for the base price of the vehicle being higher than its competitors. 

[Browse Buick Encore listings here](https://www.autolist.com/buick-encore#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 11. Chevrolet Trax

![2021-chevrolet-trax-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4u9MaTFgwLH807wJNZh2Yj/0f480f9ac26e07bf5fc828eb9c36fa59/2021-chevrolet-trax-ext.jpg)

The Chevy Trax is one of the highest-selling subcompact SUVs in the United States offering an AWD drivetrain paired with a 138 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Chevy Trax is one of the slower subcompact options and does not boast amazing fuel economy in return. The Chevy Trax achieves a fuel economy of 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

![2021-chevrolet-trax-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2b4aSVbN5teKOqdQ6bTIqr/4f3049acb447270854e2211561853987/2021-chevrolet-trax-int.jpg)

The interior of the Trax leaves more to be desired, even at the highest trim level. The focus seems to be placed on the front row of the Trax as there is ample headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. Behind the rear seat, there are 18 cubic feet of cargo space, which is pretty small even for a subcompact vehicle. The infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi. A base model 2021 Chevy Trax starts at $22,395, which is average for its class. 

[Browse Chevrolet Trax listings here](https://www.autolist.com/chevrolet-trax#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 12. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

![2021-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4rsB1kZmPOtaVj5eVNrwdh/73d65247c09c7774e2af95870b60b712/2021-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-ext.jpg)

The Outlander Sport has not had many updates since the 2011 model year. Base model Outlanders are powered by the same 148 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an optional 168-hp 2.4-liter engine that they have since 2011. Either engine choice is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and has the option of AWD.

![2021-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7otoQspvaH9pxBwiNQKdg5/fee5492d9170eaee4fa49f94ed5d4c8a/2021-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-int.jpg)

The Outlander Sport powered by the 2.0-liter variation of the engine gets a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The interior cabin of the Outlander Sport has changed slightly over the years and now offers an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The 2021 Outlander Sport offers 21 cubic feet of cargo space and pricing starts at $24,190 with an incentivized warranty by Mitsubishi of 100,000 miles.

[Browse Mitsubishi Outlander Sport listings here](https://www.autolist.com/mitsubishi-outlander+sport#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 13. Nissan Rogue Sport

![2021-nissan-rogue-sport-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/Yy8GtOSXy5MhajcKMpcfG/d115ea31ba816535bdfb26d56653be0c/2021-nissan-rogue-sport-ext.jpg)

The Nissan Rogue Sport is the subcompact SUV that Nissan provides with optional AWD, unlike the Kicks which is limited to FWD, although the Rogue Sport is offered in FWD as standard. The Rogue Sport is built with a 141 horsepower inline-four engine and a CVT transmission. 

![2021-nissan-rogue-sport-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/46i569tebSLQlORKbnze8k/8c44ec815a33dca6be61f740d153804e/2021-nissan-rogue-sport-int.jpg)

Included safety features in the Rogue Sport are automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue Sport achieves a fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway and has differing cargo space depending on trim level. The base-level Rogue Sport offers the most cargo space at 22 cubic feet and has a starting MSRP of $24,580. 

[Browse Nissan Rogue Sport listings here](https://www.autolist.com/nissan-rogue+sport#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 14. Ford Ecosport

![2021-ford-ecosport-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/lbOtejIcxLvMho6x9AvPi/fa629d34ee4b47727d6838203659d632/2021-ford-ecosport-ext.jpg)

Combining small car fuel economy with SUV space and reliability is the name of the game in the subcompact SUV market and the Ford Ecosport does this well. The Ecosport has a fuel economy rating of 27 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The rear cargo space in the Ecosport is 20 cubic feet, and AWD is optional as a drivetrain option. 

![2021-ford-ecosport-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/Pksfp15AV3Xhq8I67FdtB/00fb57aeb69feea79d275b8992c33b7b/2021-ford-ecosport-int.jpg)

The 2021 Ecosport has a base price of $21,240 and is powered by a 123-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine with an optional 144 horsepower inline-four engine for those customers desiring a little more power. Space is limited in the Ecosport, providing not as much room as the other contenders in the subcompact market; making a third adult in the second-row ill-advised.

[Browse Ford Ecosport listings here](https://www.autolist.com/ford-ecosport#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 15. Fiat 500X

![2021-fiat-500x-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/58umK9GBndLjoGNGff9Vwj/afeee9f81f64dd699e0ac72fb19f84d9/2021-fiat-500x-ext.jpg)

The Fiat 500X is the last on our list and is a crossover offered with a 177 horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine and all-wheel-drive come standard. The 500X has a high starting price of $26,840 with lower fuel economy ratings than its bigger contenders in the space.

![2021-fiat-500x-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1PxbhR6Hp5vHoBi6CcNWdE/a175b41f5e50e2715e817782cbc1ecf2/2021-fiat-500x-int.jpg)

The 500X achieves 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway and only offers 14 cubic feet of cargo space. When the rear seats are folded, however, you can squeeze 32 cubic feet of cargo space out of the 500X. The only real optional features of the Fiat 500X are the wheels, which are offered in 17 inches, 18 inches, or a premium 19 inch.

[Browse Fiat 500X listings here](https://www.autolist.com/fiat-500x#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

Subcompact crossover SUVs serve as both sedan and SUV with an attempt to find a happy middle. This list will provide you with the best options for 2021.

Best Subcompact Crossover SUVs for 2021

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