Every 2020 Subcompact Crossover SUV Ranked from Worst to Best

That’s not a shrunken Ford Edge in the rearview mirror, it’s the 123-hp turbocharged three-cylinder Ford EcoSport. Also available with a 144-hp inline four, the EcoSport ends up as sporty as it is economical. During our fuel-economy test, the EcoSport managed just 24 mpg combined. Not great, considering the more powerful Mazda CX-3 and larger Honda HR-V have an EPA-estimated combined 30 mpg. Seating is tight, and we recommend against stuffing a third adult in the second row. The rear door is a left-hinged, side-opening style giving way to 21 cubic feet of cargo area in the rear. And the EcoSport isn’t available with a spare tire in the United States, so commute gently.

• Base Price: $21,240
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway 28/27/29 mpg
• Rear Cargo Space: 21 cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Not available

If something seems oddly familiar about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, it’s probably because it’s still riding on the same platform from 2011. Base models are powered by a 148-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. A 168-hp 2.4-liter engine is optional, and both engines use a continuously variable automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive Outlander Sport with a 2.0-liter engine returned 28 mpg on our 200-mile real-world fuel-economy test, while the 2.4-liter version we tested dropped to 26 mpg. Inside, the Outlander Sport doesn’t offer much, but an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto appears on SP and higher trims and is optional on the ES trim with the Convenience package. Mitsubishi is offering a 100,000-mile warranty on all new Outlander Sports in hopes of boosting sales, but they’ll have to do a lot more than that to compete in this segment.

• Base Price: $23,790
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 27/24/30 mpg (FWD 2.0L)
• Rear Cargo Space: 21 cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Optional

In 2019, Chevy sold more than 116,000 Trax in the U.S., making it one of the highest selling compacts of the segment. Unfortunately, good sales don’t always translate into a great car. The interior on even its highest trim is more fleet than fancy, and the Trax is as exciting as C-SPAN to drive. Its 138-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is on the slower end of the segment and doesn’t offer spectacular fuel efficiency in return. Our real-world fuel-economy test returned just 29 mpg, a rating lower than the Kia Soul and its 63-hp advantage. The best parts of the Chevy Trax all happen in the front row. Tons of headroom give a spacious appeal, and tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, as well as optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi paid through a monthly subscription.

• Base Price: $22,295
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 28/26/31 mpg (FWD 1.4L)
• Rear Cargo Space: 18 cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Optional

The Toyota C-HR straddles the line between okay and alright. Larger than both the Nissan Juke and Honda HR-V but slower than cold peanut butter, the C-HR moniker means “Coupe High Rider.” In practice, it’s a four-door crossover with less ground clearance than a Toyota Sienna minivan. Its 144-hp four-cylinder isn’t peppy, but it achieved an impressive 37 mpg during our highway fuel-economy test. Its hidden rear door handles give it a two-door look, and the rest of its styling helps it stand out in a growing segment. Like your typical modern Toyota, the C-HR rides well and drives smoothly, but its noisy continuously variable automatic transmission and lack of power keep it from getting ahead of this pack. Safety features such as automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are standard.

• Base Price: $22,415
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 29/27/31 mpg
• Rear Cargo Space: 19 cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Not available

The Fiat 500X is a Jeep Renegade-based crossover that’s one of only a few models left under the struggling Fiat nameplate. A 177-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive are standard. All models come with 17-inch aluminum wheels, except the Sport, which has standard 18s (optional on both Trekking models), and available 19-inch wheels. Its high starting price only adds to the absurdity of a vehicle in this segment with fuel-economy ratings worse than more powerful and larger competitors. The EPA handed the Fiat 500X a combined fuel-economy rating of 26 mpg. Cargo capacity is low even for a subcompact SUV with just 14 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 32 cubic feet when they’re folded.

• Base Price: $26,085
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 26/24/30 mpg
• Rear Cargo Space: 14 cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Standard

The Mazda CX-3 is only available in Sport trim for 2020, and we suspect this year to be its last now that it has been outdone by the slightly larger CX-30. Available in both front- and all-wheel drive, the CX-3 is powered by a 146-hp four-cylinder engine, but during our testing we found it to be more coarse than smooth, and slower than others in the segment. Our all-wheel-drive test vehicle returned 30 mpg, which is lower than its 32-mpg EPA highway rating but in line with most of its rivals. We were only able to fit three carry-on suitcases behind the back seat and cargo capacity maxed out at 12 with the rear seats folded. The Mazda 3 hatchback accommodated five carry-ons behind its back seat and 15 with the seat stowed, meaning the CX-3 actually offers less cargo area than its car counterpart.

• Base Price: $21,740
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 31/29/34 (2WD)
• Rear Cargo Space: 17 cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Optional

Against 17 competitors, the plucky Honda HR-V does its best. Unfortunately, it suffers from a choppy ride especially present on uneven roads. It’s powered exclusively by a 141-hp four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission and is available in both front- and all-wheel drive. The HR-V shines as a fuel-efficient alternative to other choices. It achieved 30 mpg on the highway in our test. The HR-V’s party trick is its second-row Magic Seat. When released, the rear seatback folds flat leaving extra room for stacking luggage or for hauling bigger stuff. The bottom cushion of the rear seat can also be flipped, providing an even deeper well between the front and rear seatbacks for taller items. We were able to fit 22 carry-ons during our test.

• Base Price: $21,940
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 30/28/34 mpg
• Rear Cargo Space: 24 (FWD) 23 (AWD)
• All-Wheel Drive: Optional

The Jeep Renegade serves a wide array of purposes. The base model starts as a smaller, cheaper compact than other options, and the more expensive High Altitude top trim treats the off-road fans. But that bigger price tag doesn’t improve many of its worst features. A 180-hp 2.4-liter engine is standard, or you can get a painfully slow, turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder that makes three horsepower fewer but gains 25 pound-feet of torque. The most fuel-efficient way to own a Jeep Renegade is with the 1.3-liter and front-wheel drive, which will get you an EPA-estimated 32 mph on the highway. The interior isn’t much to brag about unless you consider the mini scavenger hunt it holds. Even with the rear seats folded flat, we wish there was more space between its bulky roof pillars.

• Base Price: $23,870
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 27/24/32 mpg (FWD 1.3L)
• Rear Cargo Space: 18 cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Optional

The Buick Encore is an aptly named compact that left us yelling for more. It’s certainly a step up in terms of ride quality and infotainment from its corporate twin, the Chevy Trax, but for its relatively high base price, you get worse fuel economy and a smaller cargo area than competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Kicks. The Encore is only offered with a 138-hp four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. For its size, we found it comfortable to drive, and its ride adequate and cushy over bumps. The front-drive Encore gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive Encore’s estimates are 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Not bad but not amazing considering its starting price is one of the highest in the segment.

• Base Price: $24,195
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 27/25/30 mpg (FWD)
• Rear Cargo Space: 18 cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Optional

The Nissan Rogue Sport sits between the smaller compact Nissan Kicks and the mid-size Rogue. Unlike the Kicks, the Rogue Sport can be had with all-wheel drive, although front-wheel drive is standard with a 141-hp four-cylinder engine and a noisy continuously variable automatic transmission. Its sharp looks set it apart, but the Rogue Sport’s real selling point is its 31 mpg achieved under our highway fuel-economy test and its expansive standard safety features. Automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are all included. Optional safety equipment includes lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode.

• Base Price: $24,335
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 27/25/32 mpg (FWD 2.0L)
• Rear Cargo Space: 22 (S Trim), 20 (SV Trim), 19 (SL Trim) cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Optional

People conscious about their carbon footprint and piggy bank should give serious consideration to the Kia Niro. Available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full EV, the 139-hp 1.6-liter Niro can see as much as 52 mpg in the city, while the EV is rated for 239-mile range. Although the Niro isn’t exciting to drive, it does provide a firm, stable ride. Unlike other hybrids, rear cargo space is not reduced by its battery pack. Unfortunately, the rear seats don’t form a flat load floor when folded, and other similarly sized crossovers hold more cargo. Kia also provides an impressive powertrain warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

• Base Price: $25,710
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 50/52/59 mpg (FWD 1.6L), 112/123/102 MPGe (EV)
• Rear Cargo Space: 22 (1.6L), 19 (PHEV), 18 (EV) cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Optional

Based on the Impreza hatchback, the Subaru Crosstrek is for folks who crave ruggedness in a crossover. It’s for the outdoorsy types or the people who are considering becoming outdoorsy types—or the people who just want to look like outdoorsy types. With that said, it’s carlike handling and road manners haven’t gone on a hike. A 152-hp four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission is standard; a third pedal is a rare find in this segment. A larger 182-hp four-cylinder from the Subaru Outback is available on top trims and has an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined fuel-economy rating, only one mile fewer than the smaller, less powerful 2.0-liter. A plug-in hybrid Crosstrek is the most economical option with an outstanding EPA-estimated 90 MPGe combined. An optional 8.0-inch touchscreen with TomTom navigation and a Harman/Kardon sound system is also available, as well as black 18-inch wheels. The Crosstrek received five stars during crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• Base Price: $23,295
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 30/27/33 mpg (2.0L AT)
• Rear Cargo Space: 20 (2.5L), 15 (PHEV) cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Standard

Why is a crossover with only 121 horsepower that’s only offered as front-wheel drive this high on the list? It’s really good, and it’s stinking cheap. The Hyundai Venue is the cheapest crossover sold in the U.S., and considering its impressive EPA estimate of a combined 32 mpg, it’s even more affordable to operate than others. The rear seats split 60/40 and allow 32 cubic feet of cargo space when folded flat or 18 cubes when in use. An 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard on all models, and higher trims offer navigation. It’s not very sporty, but it’s easy to drive and perfect for short commutes or parking-space scavenger hunts in large cities.

• Base Price: $18,490
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 32/30/34 mpg
• Rear Cargo Space: 18 cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Not available

The Juke is dead, but its spirit lives on in the Nissan Kicks. Its incredibly low starting price and standard safety features make the roomy Kicks cabin a safe buy. Only offered with a 121-hp four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission, the Kicks isn’t offered in all-wheel drive, but it makes full use of its lightweight shell and achieved 37 mpg during our fuel-economy test. Its peppy in-town power makes it fun around town, but it can get a little noisy under full throttle. There’s plenty of space in the second row, but cargo space is average. Standard safety features include automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

• Base Price: $19,965
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 33/31/36 mpg
• Rear Cargo Space: 25 cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Not available

The Kia Soul looks like serious business, but it’s actually a little party on wheels. Base models have a 147-hp four-cylinder engine available with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission, but the real party starts with the 201-hp turbocharged four on Turbo trims. The Kia Soul Turbo hit 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds during our test, making it the quickest on an absurdly long list. It’s not available in all-wheel drive, but it is available with batteries only, as the 201-hp Soul EV with a range of 240 miles. The Soul has a lot of personality and a surprising amount of room inside thanks to its vertical bias.

• Base Price: $18,610
• EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 31/29/35 mpg (2.0L), 114/127/101 MPGe (EV)
• Rear Cargo Space: 24 cu ft
• All-Wheel Drive: Not available