Every year, our Car Confections Team gets behind the wheels of hundreds of cars, from every size and price point, to make reviews for the channel. So, we wanted to jot down our Top Picks for each of the segments we spend time in. Today, we will be sharing our Best 10 Subcompact SUVs for 2025. For an in-depth video about each, be sure to head to the video linked at the bottom of this article!

Scoring Criteria

As the opinions of two brothers with no kids can differ from those of others in the market for a car, we have developed multiple categories that we feel shoppers prioritize in shopping for a Subcompact SUV. The categories are as follows:

  1. Luxury Features (Do you get some unexpected cool features?)
  2. Powertrain Choices (Does it offer a hybrid?)
  3. Drive Experience (Dynamics and ride quality)
  4. Cargo Space
  5. Rear Seat (space and features)
  6. Technology (Quantity, Quality, Screen Size, and Advanced features)
  7. Active Safety Features
  8. Reliability and Resale Value
  9. Value under $30,000 (Double weighted for this segment!)

Each of the categories will be rated on a 1–5-point scale, and winners will be determined by adding each category up for a final score. Ties will be broken by our professional opinions of each model.

Also, if you’re interested in buying any of the models we mention today, we have a tool on the website that you will want to check out. Click here for our too that will connect you to local dealerships to get the best price and give you access to invoice pricing. With that being said, let’s get into the countdown!

#10: Buick Encore GX – 34 Points

The Buick Encore GX recently started its newest generation, and we’ve been impressed with this once vanilla option. The Encore now has Buick’s newest design language, which includes bold elements, combined with an upscale interior. This is why the Encore scores well in terms of overall luxury and features in this showdown, in addition to its space. However, when it comes the weaker three-cylinder engines, no hybrid choice, and a higher-than-average price, the Encore GX is currently lacking in these categories.

#9: Volkswagen Taos – 35 Points

The VW Taos has just been refreshed for 2025, and it brings some new style and improved refinement to the sole German on this list! The Taos shines in terms of overall space and luxury, bringing down many Audi features to this mainstream offering. It’s Audi-derived 2.0L Turbo I-4 also is a strong suit for this model and is by far the most refined engine in the segment. Similar to the Encore GX, the Taos is also a very expensive choice, and is dragged down even further by VW’s underperforming resale and reliability.

#8: Chevy Trailblazer – 35.5 Points

Platform-mate to the Buick Encore GX, the Chevy Trailblazer is the almost as nice, yet cheaper, alternative to the Buick. These two share many elements, but this Trailblazer shines brighter with bringing more value for a lower price. Also, this Chevy is more likely to appeal to a younger audience. The Chevy’s weakest link is once again its small I-3 engines, which lack the power and hybridization to score higher in this class.

#7: Toyota Corolla Cross – 35.5 Points

The Corolla Cross has been on the market for a while now, serving as the spacious brother to the iconic sedan. Like the smaller Corolla, the Cross shines in many of the same ways, including multiple powertrain options, tons of safety, and impeccable resale and reliability. Banking on Toyota’s reputation though, this option can get pricey, and the Corolla Cross is one of the least luxurious options in the segment.

#6: Subaru Crosstrek – 36.5 Points

The Subaru Crosstrek is a very popular option among those who love to go abroad, as this model is rugged both inside and out. In addition to the Crosstrek’s adventure readiness, it is also a well-rounded option, scoring above average in every single category! Where this model truly shines is with its overall value and resale, as many trims can be had well-equipped. On its weaker points, the Crosstrek is one of the smaller options in the segment and could use a technology upgrade compared to the competition.

#5: Kia Seltos – 36.5 Points

Heading into the top five, the Kia Seltos still stands strong, despite being one of the oldest models on this list. In addition to its stylish design, the Seltos is a very well-equipped option, providing great luxury at a value-oriented price. It’s also one of the bigger options in the segment and has an increasingly rare turbo engine option. On the other hand, the Seltos is aging, and its technology is the biggest show of that. Finally, Kia still has some work to do in terms of reliability and adding more standard safety features.

#4: Nissan Kicks – 36.5 Points

The most improved option on this list is 100% this new Nissan Kicks! What used to be one of the slowest, least equipped options I the segment is now up into the top five, and with good reason! We recently spent a full week with this model, and found its value, luxury, and drive experience to be one of the best in the segment. Almost everything is improved on this new Kicks, outside of its rear seat and cargo space, which are still smaller for the segment.

#3: Hyundai Kona – 36.5 Points

Entering the top three, the Hyundai Kona once again proves to be a top competitor. Though its styling may not be for everyone, the Kona has a variety of personalities to choose from, complimented by best-in-segment luxury and features. Not only that, but the Kona is a larger option for the segment as well, which further increases its advantages. When it comes to disadvantages, Hyundai has priced the Kona quite high in conjunction with its lower score on reliability as well.

#2: Chevy Trax – 36.5 Points

Another top contender last year, the Chevy Trax remains a strong option in this big segment for this year! Of all its siblings, the Trax brings the most in terms of space, technology, safety, and overall value, and our team thinks this Trax has the most appeal to a vast array of buyers. Though the Trax shines in many elements, it still only has one I-3 option with FWD as its only option, and the cabin is a bit utilitarian. However, we think the Trax is a great option for providing a little bit of everything you need, and more!

#1: Mazda CX-30 – 37 Points

This year’s winner has long won the hearts of enthusiasts and budget buyers alike, and the CX-30 continues to impress in many ways! While the CX-30 is less of a well-rounded option than something like a Kona, it excels in multiple categories. Its strongest suits focus on its luxury and powertrain experience, which even rivals that of luxury Subcompacts, no small feat. Mazda also includes all safety features as standard, with available exclusive features as well. To be an even stronger winner, we would love to see the CX-30 get a size increase and make some more strides in resale and reliability.

Scoring Chart

We understand that buyers value different categories, which is why the chart below is a great tool to check out! This chart allows you to sort this competitive segment by category, to help choose your personal winner. If top tier reliability is your most important trait, then this tool can help you find the best!

Close Calls for a Highly Competitive segment!

As you can see, the point values over these categories create many close calls, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. As far as our personal picks, Drew and Josh lean towards the enthusiast and luxury Mazda CX-30, while Mason prefers the true value from the Chevy Trax. Every competitor in this segment truly puts their best foot forward!

Thank you for checking out our expert picks for the Best 10 Subcompact SUVs of 2025! Let us know in the comments which one you would choose and be sure to check out the associated video, as well as our individual reviews for each vehicle. We hope this helps in your journey to purchase a new vehicle!