Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
2025 Kia Seltos.
The 2025 Kia Seltos receives refinements rather than a major overhaul for the new model year. Kia focuses on enhancing existing features across all trim levels to maintain the Seltos's competitiveness in the compact SUV segment.2.0L I4:
2024 Mazda CX 30.
Subcompact SUVs keep gaining in popularity, and for good reason. They have a similar footprint to traditional family sedans, making them more maneuverable than larger SUVs.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric.
In either version, the Kona Electric’s appeal is likely to remain with first-time EV buyers — singles, young couples, and empty nesters looking to break away from standard gas vehicles. Note, though, that in 2023 Hyundai sold the Kona Electric in just 26 states; it still considers much of the middle of the country to be poor EV territory. Its chief drawbacks have been its pricing and the loss of federal tax credit eligibility (except for leased models).
2024 Dodge Hornet.
Not only is the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T the flagship of the model line, but it is also the more potent of the two Hornet variants. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 288 horsepower, and it offers its drivers a special electric PowerShot infusion of acceleration on demand. The Dodge Hornet GT is less frenetic, but it still offers 268 hp from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Getting into a modern compact SUV can be expensive these days, but the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport takes the affordable route. It has one of the lowest starting prices in the class, yet includes all-wheel drive and a healthy set of safety features on all models. It would be accurate to call the Outlander Sport relatively attainable.
2023 Jeep Renegade.
The Jeep Renegade stands out in the subcompact SUV class with its impressive off-road abilities. That tends to drive the price up and puts a spotlight on its below-average practicality. The 2023 Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV with a decidedly outdoorsy nature. Based on the same platform as the Fiat 500X, the two-row cute ute is the smallest in Jeep's lineup. Both share a punchy 1.3-liter turbocharged engine and (available) all-wheel drive. But unlike its city-dwelling cousin, the Renegade is more of a country mouse. It boasts a rugged-looking exterior replete with plastic cladding and, on the inside, a utilitarian cabin that won't mind a little trail dust. And on the trail is where the little Jeep excels. With impressive off-road hardware, including all-terrain tires, skid plates, and hill-descent control on the Trailhawk model, the Renegade can tackle tough terrain better than anything in its class, including the nature-loving Subaru Crosstrek. But this off-road bent saddles the Renegade with a higher price tag and less refinement than some competitors. For instance, the street-oriented Hyundai Kona offers a more upscale interior with more features for less money; it's also more fun to drive, especially with its available 195-horsepower engine. Once you leave the tarmac, though, the Renegade is not only tough, it's tough to beat.$$$
2023 FIAT 500X.###
Inside, the cabin is surprisingly roomy, at least in the front seats. Rear-seat passengers will be cramped, especially with all three seats occupied. Last year Fiat added the Al Fresco option, a retractable fabric roof that adds another level of fun to the little car. The 500X, the only Fiat model currently offered in the U.S., is a compact crossover that shares its underpinnings with the Jeep Renegade (Fiat and Jeep are both part of the Stellantis Automotive Group). The 500X hasn't changed much since its introduction in 2016, but the little car still stands out from the crowd with its distinctive Italian design inspired by the original Fiat 500. Sold in two trim levels, the 500X comes standard with all-wheel drive and a spunky turbocharged 1.3-liter engine teamed exclusively with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is a reasonable 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving, thanks in part to the disconnecting rear axle that reduces drag when all-wheel drive isn't needed for the road conditions. Starting around $30,000, the 500X is priced higher than its closest rivals, including the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Kona, and Mazda CX-30. But with its fun-to-drive nature and uniquely Italian style, for some buyers, the 500X is worth the extra price of admission. The 500X, the only Fiat model currently offered in the U.S., is a compact crossover that shares its underpinnings with the Jeep Renegade. The 500X hasn't changed much since its introduction in 2016, but the little car still stands out from the crowd with its distinctive Italian design inspired by the original Fiat 500.Sold in two trim levels, the 500X comes standard with all-wheel drive and a spunky turbocharged 1.3-liter engine teamed exclusively with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission.$$$
2025 Kia Seltos.
The 2025 Kia Seltos receives refinements rather than a major overhaul for the new model year. Kia focuses on enhancing existing features across all trim levels to maintain the Seltos's competitiveness in the compact SUV segment.2.0L I4:
2024 Mazda CX 30.
Subcompact SUVs keep gaining in popularity, and for good reason. They have a similar footprint to traditional family sedans, making them more maneuverable than larger SUVs.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric.
In either version, the Kona Electric’s appeal is likely to remain with first-time EV buyers — singles, young couples, and empty nesters looking to break away from standard gas vehicles. Note, though, that in 2023 Hyundai sold the Kona Electric in just 26 states; it still considers much of the middle of the country to be poor EV territory. Its chief drawbacks have been its pricing and the loss of federal tax credit eligibility (except for leased models).
2024 Dodge Hornet.
Not only is the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T the flagship of the model line, but it is also the more potent of the two Hornet variants. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 288 horsepower, and it offers its drivers a special electric PowerShot infusion of acceleration on demand. The Dodge Hornet GT is less frenetic, but it still offers 268 hp from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Getting into a modern compact SUV can be expensive these days, but the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport takes the affordable route. It has one of the lowest starting prices in the class, yet includes all-wheel drive and a healthy set of safety features on all models. It would be accurate to call the Outlander Sport relatively attainable.
2023 Jeep Renegade.
The Jeep Renegade stands out in the subcompact SUV class with its impressive off-road abilities. That tends to drive the price up and puts a spotlight on its below-average practicality. The 2023 Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV with a decidedly outdoorsy nature. Based on the same platform as the Fiat 500X, the two-row cute ute is the smallest in Jeep's lineup. Both share a punchy 1.3-liter turbocharged engine and (available) all-wheel drive. But unlike its city-dwelling cousin, the Renegade is more of a country mouse. It boasts a rugged-looking exterior replete with plastic cladding and, on the inside, a utilitarian cabin that won't mind a little trail dust. And on the trail is where the little Jeep excels. With impressive off-road hardware, including all-terrain tires, skid plates, and hill-descent control on the Trailhawk model, the Renegade can tackle tough terrain better than anything in its class, including the nature-loving Subaru Crosstrek. But this off-road bent saddles the Renegade with a higher price tag and less refinement than some competitors. For instance, the street-oriented Hyundai Kona offers a more upscale interior with more features for less money; it's also more fun to drive, especially with its available 195-horsepower engine. Once you leave the tarmac, though, the Renegade is not only tough, it's tough to beat.$$$
2023 FIAT 500X.###
Inside, the cabin is surprisingly roomy, at least in the front seats. Rear-seat passengers will be cramped, especially with all three seats occupied. Last year Fiat added the Al Fresco option, a retractable fabric roof that adds another level of fun to the little car. The 500X, the only Fiat model currently offered in the U.S., is a compact crossover that shares its underpinnings with the Jeep Renegade (Fiat and Jeep are both part of the Stellantis Automotive Group). The 500X hasn't changed much since its introduction in 2016, but the little car still stands out from the crowd with its distinctive Italian design inspired by the original Fiat 500. Sold in two trim levels, the 500X comes standard with all-wheel drive and a spunky turbocharged 1.3-liter engine teamed exclusively with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is a reasonable 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving, thanks in part to the disconnecting rear axle that reduces drag when all-wheel drive isn't needed for the road conditions. Starting around $30,000, the 500X is priced higher than its closest rivals, including the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Kona, and Mazda CX-30. But with its fun-to-drive nature and uniquely Italian style, for some buyers, the 500X is worth the extra price of admission. The 500X, the only Fiat model currently offered in the U.S., is a compact crossover that shares its underpinnings with the Jeep Renegade. The 500X hasn't changed much since its introduction in 2016, but the little car still stands out from the crowd with its distinctive Italian design inspired by the original Fiat 500.Sold in two trim levels, the 500X comes standard with all-wheel drive and a spunky turbocharged 1.3-liter engine teamed exclusively with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission.$$$
