The small SUV segment is red hot with just about every automaker in the market, from domestic OEMs to international companies and from economy-focused brands to the boutique luxury automakers offering at least one compact offering. Even Ferrari is getting into the small SUV class with its upcoming Purosangue, a move that even the brand’s former leader said would never happen.
As such, combing through the available options in the compact SUV and crossover segment — models that typically are shorter than 174 inches with a lower ground clearance than larger SUVs — can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. And though many of the players in the non-luxury segment align closely on paper, there are models that simply present a better overall package —
TopSpeed presents the best small SUVs you can buy in 2023 that offer respectable driving dynamics, plenty of safety features and creature comforts, pack in practicality in small package, and for a price point that won’t break the bank. The following models are our top picks for small SUVs in 2023 that stand out above the crowd, and better still, all ring in at under $27,200 with destination included.
10 2023 Nissan Kicks: $21,775
The Nissan Kicks, well, kicks off our list of top small SUVs, and the subcompact crossover shows that a small stature doesn’t necessarily mean impractical, and a model with a low asking price can still be chock-full of features. The Kicks, introduced in the 2018 model year, is a strong choice for those needing a commuter or small family SUV. Its 122-horsepower four-cylinder, paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), won’t blow the doors of the competition, but the Nissan has agreeable driving characteristics for the daily drive and will return an EPA-rated 33 combined mpg.
Each of the three available trims is well-equipped for its price point, with the $23,635 mid-range SV offering amenities like an eight-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. Though the Kicks has one of the smallest footprints on our list, it offers a sizeable 25.3 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear row and over 33 inches of rear legroom. With its efficient powertrain, $21,775 starting price, and real-world practicality, the Kicks is a solid choice for those who value pragmaticism and a bargain.
9 2023 Hyundai Venue: $20,985
For an all-in price, there is simply no cheaper SUV on sale in the U.S. in 2023 than the Hyundai Venue. The subcompact crossover starts at under $21,000, and like the Kicks, it’s still practical and presents a good value for money. Also like the Nissan, the Venue is motivated by a four-cylinder engine offering 121 horsepower and paired with a CVT.
Hyundai has become synonymous with offering plenty of features for the price, and the Venue is no exception. As standard, it comes with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, two USB ports, automatic headlights, and remote keyless entry despite its low price. With its boxy shape lending to maximum cabin space, the Venue’s cargo area can accommodate 18.7 cubic feet of storage, and rear passengers have nearly 39 inches of headroom and over 34 inches of legroom, making the Hyundai a smart pick for a value-oriented daily driver.
8 2023 Volkswagen Taos: $25,450
The Volkswagen Taos is one of the pricier picks on our list, but it's the most affordable Volkswagen SUV in the States. It is also among the most powerful, spacious, and feature-rich. The Taos is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and it’s available with either front- or all-wheel drive. FWD models are equipped with an eight-speed automatic while AWD models use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Either Taos drivetrain makes the model one of the more spunky performers in the subcompact segment.
The Taos stands out above the crowd for its cabin space, offering 28 cubic feet of storage behind the rear row and a notable 38 inches of rear legroom. Standard features include 17-inch wheels, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert while stepping up to the mid-range SE adds synthetic leather seats, an eight-inch touchscreen and wireless phone charging. Though pricier than some of its rivals, the Taos’ practicality and performance separates the VW from its competitors.
7 2023 Buick Encore GX: $27,195
The Buick Encore GX exemplifies that buyers in the small SUV market don’t have to spend more than $30,000 for a more prestigious badge than the typical mainstream offerings. The Encore GX has the highest starting MSRP on our list, but it also presents a step up in sophistication an attractive and more upmarket overall design. It can be had with a sunroof, bird’s eye view camera, household style power outlet for the rear seats, dual-zone climate control, and leather upholstery with a stylish presentation that even in its top trim doesn’t surpass $32,000.
The Encore GX offers a choice of drivetrain, either the standard 1.2-liter delivering 137 horsepower or a 1.3-liter upping the ante to 155 horsepower. It’s available with either front-wheel drive and a CVT or all-wheel drive with a nine-speed automatic. Though far from quick, the Encore GX holds 23.5 cubic feet of storage space behind its rear seats, and those in the back have up to 38 inches of headroom and 36 inches of legroom. The Encore GX is a bit between mainstream and full luxury, and it fits that bill well as its certainly more-than-basic without infringing into luxury pricing territory.
6 2023 Kia Soul: $21,215
The 2023 Kia Soul absolutely sports the most funky-fresh styling of the models on our list, and to boot, it’s also the second least expensive while remaining spacious and full of features. The 2023 Soul starts at just $21,215 and comes as standard with a digital instrument cluster, eight-inch touchscreen, remote keyless entry, and a host of safety features. Upper models include other amenities like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, sunroof, Harmon/Kardon audio system, and LED speaker accent lights. The interior can also be decked out with colorful trim.
The Soul’s boxy shape gives it legitimate practicality a 24.2 cubic-foot cargo area and one of the most spacious back seats among the small SUV segment with 39.5 inches of rear headroom and 38.8 inches of rear legroom. The Soul is exclusively powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 147 horsepower through a CVT. Though not the quickest in its class, the Soul prioritizes a youthful appearance with a spacious cabin and a bevy of features that any buyer, regardless of age, can appreciate.
5 2023 Hyundai Kona: $23,475
Alongside the CX-30, the Hyundai Kona is among the most pleasurable small SUVs to drive, and like the smaller Venue, it has loads of standard features and real-world pragmaticism. The Kona is offered in four trims with the lower SE and SEL models equipped with a four-cylinder engine developing 147 horsepower and paired to a CVT. The N-Line and Limited up the power to 195 horsepower with a turbocharged four-cylinder and dual-clutch automatic transmission. Though the base engine doesn’t offer sprightly acceleration, the Kona has accurate steering and agile handling, and all models are available with all-wheel drive.
Inside, the Kona is rich with standards features with a sunroof, wireless charging pad, heated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and other amenities available. The rear seats are accommodating for adults with 37.8 inches of rear headroom, and the cargo hold, though on the smaller side, still fits 19 cubic-feet behind the back seats.
4 2023 Mazda CX-30: $24,225
Small SUVs aren’t typically known as being a joy to drive or as coming with top-tier interior materials, but the 2023 Mazda CX-30 breaks that stereotype. As standard, the CX-30 has all-wheel drive and is fitted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine offering 191 horsepower bolted to a six-speed automatic, and though the engine’s performance isn’t particularly noteworthy, the Mazda provides the kind of responsive feedback and handling prowess enthusiasts crave. Those desiring more umph can also opt for the top two trims, which are fitted with a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder developing 250 horsepower.
Inside the cabin, the CX-30 holds a bit less stuff than rivals with 20 cubic-feet of storage space behind the rear seats, but those in the back still have 36.3 inches of legroom. Even base models have an upscale feel and interior design and feature a suite of driver’s aids, including adaptive cruise control, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and an eight-speaker sound system. Though a bit costlier than some models on this list, for those who put a premium on driving pleasure, the Mazda is certainly a top choice. Read our in-depth review of the 2023 Mazda CX-30 here.
3 2023 Subaru Crosstrek: $24,870
The SUV craze was created with legitimate “sport utility” in mind, bust most modern compact SUVs are far more at home on the highway than the great outdoors. The Subaru Crosstrek, then, feels like a bit of a throwback with its standard all-wheel drive and all-terrain capability. The 2023 Crosstrek is fitted with a 152-horsepower four-cylinder engine as standard with either a six-speed manual transmission or CVT. A 2.5-liter turbocharged engine offering 182 horsepower is also available starting at $29,220 alongside an available plug-in hybrid powertrain with a starting price of $38,070.
The Crosstrek offers a respectable 20.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats and an accommodating 38 inches of headroom and 36.5 inches of legroom for rear passengers. The Crosstrek’s all-terrain ability is showcased by Subaru’s off-road-ready X-Mode drive setting and hill descent control, while upper trims can be had with a sunroof, leather seating, and power-adjustable driver’s seat.
2 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: $24,395
Consider the Toyota Corolla Cross the slightly more practical and higher-riding cousin of the Corolla sedan. And like its sedan stablemate, the Corolla Cross is a solid overall choice among subcompact SUVs. As standard, the Corolla Cross borrows the 2.0-liter, 169-horsepower engine from the sedan, making it among the most powerful models in the subcompact class. A more powerful hybrid drivetrain is also available with a 2.0-liter engine and three electric motors putting out a combined 194 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive (FWD is standard in the non-hybrid with AWD available).
The Corolla Cross’s cargo area accommodates 24 cubic feet of stuff, and while rear passengers have plenty of headroom, 39 inches, the Toyota is lacking in rear legroom with just 32 inches offered. The Corolla Cross’ interior will be familiar to anyone who has piloted the sedan with its simple but intuitive layout. On the road, the Corolla Cross also provides respectable driving dynamics. As standard, the Corolla Cross receives a suite of driver’s aids like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning
1 2023 Honda HR-V: $25,095
The Honda HR-V has been overhauled for 2023, and it’s now more compelling than ever. The subcompact SUV now sports a less traditional front fascia and a slightly more boxy, rugged overall design. It’s also wider and longer, and sports a new independent rear suspension and a more modern cabin. The HR-V now offers a cargo capacity of 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear row, with an impressive 38 inches of rear legroom and headroom.
The HR-V is motivated by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sends 158 horsepower to the front wheels through a CVT. It’s also generously equipped at its starting price of $25,095 with the top-spec EX-L sporting amenities like 17-inch wheels, ambient lighting, leather seating, a nine-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and wireless charging. The HR-V is underpinned by the Civic, and in similar fashion to the sedan, it offers a strong blend of practicality, features, user-friendliness, and respectable driving dynamics that make it a top choice among small SUVs for 2023. Read our in-depth review of the 2023 Honda HR-V here.