Our Picks For The 8 Best Subcompact Cars (2024)
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While SUVs, trucks, and crossovers have taken over the American automotive market and receive the most marketing, we believe that small and subcompact cars still have their place. As car prices continue to skyrocket, many budget-conscious buyers will appreciate what subcompact cars have to offer.
Subcompact cars are excellent for getting from point A to B in the most practical and affordable way possible. But that’s not all. Modern subcompact vehicles are loaded with cutting-edge tech, advanced safety features, and other benefits to make the driving experience a lot more comfortable and pleasant.
So what are the best subcompact cars you can buy in the market right now?
Today, we have rounded up some of the best subcompact vehicles that deserve a spot on your shopping shortlist. Let’s take a look.
1. 2023 Kia Rio ($16,750)
The 2023 Kia Rio is our top pick as one of the best compact cars that deliver a winning combination of quality, value, and outstanding warranty coverage. It’s available in a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback and offers relatively confident driving manners. For starters, it has an introductory price of $16,750, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious customers.
Feature-wise, the base 2023 Kia Rio can be rather barebones. It offers a simple interior with straightforward controls and an infotainment system. While it doesn’t have the most advanced features that most modern vehicles have, the Kia Rio does have an 8-inch touchscreen and support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unfortunately, the lack of standard driver-assist features holds the Rio back a bit.
The 120-hp inline-four engine may not satiate anyone’s need for speed, and it offers an incredible fuel economy of 36 mpg combined. With a price tag of less than $20,000, the Kia Rio is a no-brainer choice for a budget-friendly subcompact.
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2. 2023 Nissan Versa ($15,830)
The Nissan Versa has always been about providing affordable, competent transport – the 2023 Nissan Versa is no different. This stylish subcompact sedan has a solid interior build quality, decent ride comfort and handling, and impressive fuel economy. Sure, the four-cylinder 122 hp engine may seem underpowered, but it dutifully gets people from point A to B.
In addition, the 2023 Versa comes with multiple standard driver assistance features, with many available functions if you want them. The 2023 Versa also comes with a sub-$20,000 price tag that’s hard to beat.
3. 2023 Mini Cooper ($23,400)
If you want a subcompact car with a fun-to-drive personality and iconic styling, the 2023 Mini Cooper is a great option to consider. For starters, the Mini Cooper still has the unmistakable retro-modern styling that still manages to turn heads. The standard Mini Cooper is powered by a 134 hp turbocharged engine which is upgradeable to a 189 hp turbo four by going for the S model. Furthermore, buyers have many options to customize their Minis and make them truly theirs.
The 2023 Mini Cooper is a subcompact car that beautifully combines style and performance – but it’s not exactly the most affordable subcompact available.
4. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV ($26,500)
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is one of the cheapest ways to get into the all-electric movement. With an attractive starting price of $26,500, this small electric hatchback boasts a roomy interior and a decent driving range. The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV has a full-charge EPA-estimated range of 259 miles and comes with a fast charger that can top-up 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes. Unfortunately, the rear seats are too cramped, and it doesn’t have an all-wheel drive option.
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We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten.
5. 2023 BMW 2-Series ($37,800)
The 2023 BMW 2-Series isn’t just one of the best subcompact cars available but also an excellent entry-level point into the luxury car segment. This luxury compact car is available in coupe only and has two versions: 230i and M240i. A turbocharged 255 hp inline-four engine powers the 230i, while the M240i employs a more powerful 382 hp inline-six engine. Overall, the 2023 BMW 2-Series has less passenger space and luxury trimmings than its pricier siblings, but it’s big on performance and style.
6. 2023 Toyota GR Supra ($44,040)
The 2023 Toyota GR Supra truly is a delight for enthusiasts. While Toyota is now known for its reliable but rather unexciting range of sedans, SUVs, and trucks, the new 2023 GR Supra more than makes up for it with its top-shelf cabin, thrill-filled driving dynamics, and powerful engine choices. Despite having the highest price tag on this list, the Toyota GR Supra offers a great combination of performance, agile handling, and a premium interior – giving drivers an authentic sports car experience. We highly recommend the turbocharged 3.0-liter BMW inline-six engine that’s capable of 382 hp for that seat-grabbing performance.
7. 2023 MINI Electric Hardtop ($29,900)
Mini makes an appearance once again with its full-electric 2023 MINI Electric Hardtop. If you’re in the market for a great day-to-day subcompact car with a healthy dose of personality, the 2023 MINI Electric Hardtop is an easy choice. In addition, this hardtop Mini boasts agile handling, good max cargo capacity, and a very reasonable price tag for an EV. However, this subcompact EV’s range leaves much to be desired at 119 city / 100 highway mpg ratings. Regardless, it’s still one of the most affordable full-electric cars you can buy.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.
8. 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ($16,245)
One of the main things going for the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is that it’s one of the lowest-priced cars in the market. If you don’t mind a basic subcompact car with basic trimmings and bare essentials, the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is worth looking into. Also, the strong fuel efficiency (36 / 43 mpg ratings) is another compelling reason to check out this subcompact. Unfortunately, the Mirage is only powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that generates a yawn-inducing 78 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque. With only a CVT transmission, the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage may not be the best choice if you prioritize performance.
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