Why These Subcompact SUVs are Rated High by Consumer Reports

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Subcompact SUVs have quickly emerged as a popular choice for many, blending the efficiency of a sedan with the practicality of an SUV. These extra small crossovers can provide better fuel economy, an elevated driving position, and even light-duty all-wheel drive capabilities, all at an affordable price point. However, all these benefits mean little if the vehicle is not reliable for daily use. At the end of the day, everyone wants a car they can depend on while squeezing the best out of it. That’s why we dug into consumer reports data to identify the best new subcompact SUVs you can buy today for under 25,000 dollars.
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[@dystopia-usa]

I've had my 2022 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Edition for going on 21 months now & it's been a 100% problem/issue free experience. Great small crossover, especially if you don't need to seat people in the rear regularly. While it doesn't have the best cargo capacity in this segment, I was still able to fit a hefty, fully-assembled, deluxe high-back office chair on roller wheels into the rear (with hatch fully closed) to haul it home from the store. The standard non-turbo 2.5L 186hp engine (now 191hp for 2023) also has plenty of pep compared to other naturally-aspirated engine vehicles in this size/price segment. Ride is sporty but comfortable, & vehicle is fun to drive. Good cabin sound/noise insulation for this class. No complaints here, other than I had to do some aftermarket cosmetic mods to get the thick black cladding to look like a more integral/natural part of the vehicle (also blacked out front/side silver trim, silver roof rails, painted roof between rails, & portion of lower painted hatch).

[@dfinite1111]

How did you fix up the plastic cladding. Ugh, it’s ugly.

[@Nellis202]

And biggest bonus ? ITS NOT A CVT !!!!!!!!!!!

[@db321g]

@@dfinite1111 cladding does not bother me.

[@stedye]

How did you like the standard speakers or do you have Bose speakers?

[@dystopia-usa]

@@stedye I have the standard sound system & it's fine IMO, but I'm not a hardcore audiophile & not into booming bass or very loud music in-general. I tweaked the equalizer settings & put the speakers on the preset system setting that is driver-seat focused (vs entire cabin focused) & it sounds good enough for me.

[@unclebarry989]

Been using Mazda cx30 for over a year now. Amazing driving experience, fuel economy, such a great car!

[@BeingRealSavage]

Petrol engine car or ?

[@db321g]

Just bought a 2021 Mazda CX-30. Love it. Made it over Snoqualmie Pass in a downpour with no issues. 186 Hspr is great, never struggled on any hills.

[@smokey2459]

Mitsubishi Sport and Outlander are the best kept secrets in the auto industry. My family has owned 4 over the past ten years putting on over 200k flawless,reliable, trouble free and economical miles. Can’t say enough good about them! Their 4wd system absolutely slays our nasty Ohio winters. Extremely affordable and dealers willing to deal. Not a race car nor a Porsche. Practical, comfortable, reliable car with excellent gas mileage. My Outlander average is 26 city and 32 hwy with ac on.

[@bakgammon]

What year(s) for the Outlander?

[@smokey2459]

@@bakgammon 2014, 2016 and 2018. The 2018 still running perfectly. Key to success is doing the routine maintenance on time, and make sure to do the 30k, 60k and 90k services and you’ll be happy.

[@POSS99]

I just sold my 2018 sel and bought a 2023 cx5 carbon edition. Never had any problems with my outie but constant rumors of going bankrupt, going out of the business, and nonexistent dealer networks were enough reasons to got rid of mine.

[@vdobrovo]

Hi, I have been driving mitsu since 2008, a d now I have Eclipse cross for almost 5 yrs. I still surprises me with smooth drive, good on highway or city and over all great suv, never had any problems... i just change oil and swap tire based on season

[@carmenn5609]

two of us are looking to buy possibly an SUV, we like Honda's and Toyota's and both came on top, so when we are ready we know exactly where to go! I have a Camry 2006 with almost 190,000 miles and so far so good even if it dies tomorrow. Very informative.

[@silvershadow013]

Love my Corolla cross!

[@reyong4217]

I would have placed the Subaru, then Honda, then Toyota

[@lassiejr2115]

Im not sold on 3CYL motors GM should have just kept the 4Cyl and I would consider it as a legit Choice .

[@Derek-yc1ol]

Yup my thoughts too. I have a 22 Trax n hate the turbo. Love everything else about the car.

[@rachellelynn9406]

Right’ I test drive a trax and Buick yesterday and it’s a rattly engine. Makes me worry about long term.

[@gracie5169]

Hi there! Love your channel! Right now I drive a 2006 Toyota Rav4. After looking at your list, I'm interested in the Toyota Corolla Cross. Thanks for this great information!

[@safdarbaigmirza8738]

Buy RV4 i have a 2021 RV4 front wheel drive........it is a power house you shift to sport mode hard to catch up.

[@jeffaulik3980]

Based on the excellent service our 2013 Escape has given for the past 11 years (early build) I would not hesitate to buy another. We have spent about $250 total in repairs and the car still looks and drives like new. I don't understand why they're not more popular.

[@Childfree334]

Ford Escapes are not more popular because they are woefully unreliable. Your exception does not negate the rule. Ford puts the vast majority of their advertising, research, development, and money into their TRUCKS. That is their bread and butter. Why they even bother churning out those little SUV's is beyond me. They're terrible.

[@larrybraverman7997]

You have been extremely lucky.Trust me,I know for certain.

[@joshuacollins7398]

I have a 2017 Mitsubishi outlander sport AWD. I brought it with 71K on it in 2022. I have 90K on it. I put in a touchscreen and a backup camera. I paid 15K for it.

[@smokey2459]

Fellow Mitsubishi fan here. 200k flawless, economical miles. Best kept secret and value out there.

[@mountainbadgerab]

I have owned 3 suvs. A 89 chevy blazer s10, a 08 jeep patriot and my current a 99 Toyota rav4. The rav is the best of the 3 in my opinion.

[@cecilyjudd5008]

Love my Subaru crosstrek. It is reliable and safe. Great in snow. This is my 3rd subaru.

[@patrickcarleton3924]

We just bought the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross L trim and besides the cramped back seat we love it! It's very basic but we don't need a ton of bells and whistles.

[@silvershadow013]

I love mine in spite of it being underpowered

[@mountainbadgerab]

I'm glad to see that the Corolla is again available in cross over and 4wd. I used to own a 92 Corolla all trac wagon and it was one of my fav cars of all time.

[@neusac4590]

I had a 1978 Toyota corolla Station Wagon. Great car. No power windows or doors, 4 speed manual transmission. 😊

[@jillpildner7958]

Me too, my favorite was my 1989 Corolla AllTrac Wagon

[@gmanbaz]

Honda and Toyota and Mazda are the best 3, the rest follow in some order.

[@redsky3882]

I have a 2016 Outlander Sport 2.4 getting 30 mpg with 95K miles and no problems.

[@smokey2459]

I’m a huge Mitsubishi fan. Have owned 4 in our family with 200k flawless, economical miles.

[@davidthomas9267]

currently driving a 2018 Honda CRV that gets 35 mpg around town 1.5 4cyl turbo. probably another CRV.

[@maxhenry1977]

You had the cx-30 at number 5 and stated it got a five out of five cr rating on all major components. You had the chevy trailblazer at number 4 and said it received 5 out of 5 cr rating for major components EXCEPT for fuel system and suspension. Seems to me the cx-30 should be above the trailblazer. By the way, you mispronounced “impreza.”

[@javion56]

I am currently driving the 2019 Subaru outback which I am extremely satisfied with

[@thegreencat9947]

2018 Subaru Forester. Love it.👍😁

[@foxlake6750]

The major competitor for the Corolla Cross is the RAV4, its not that much more money for a bigger SUV 😮

[@sodarickaphillips9991]

true, but out here where I live they are over priced.

[@amurika6336]

Timeline please and do hybrids next ❤

[@johnr5252]

My daughter bought a 2024 Kia Seltos. Awesome car! Great value for the features you get . She loves it. I highly recommend it.

[@Childfree334]

Sorry Sir, but your daughter is going to have to put that Kia to the test before you come out and scream how awesome it is. Give it a year or two, then we will see.

[@johnr5252]

@@Childfree334 No problems so far. None. And I base my comments on the two other Kia’s I have owned. People who have problems typically have avoided routine maintenance.

[@Childfree334]

@@johnr5252 I'm not saying your daughter will have issues, but the car is brand new, so that "awesome" claim is pretty premature. You are just one of the lucky ones who have had a good experience with your own vehicles, and that's great. But your exceptions do not negate the rule because many people have nothing but complaints about the Kia brand. My friend has a 2023 Telluride (which is absolutely gorgeous I admit) and has already had to take the car back to the dealer for faulty brake repairs and several dashboard sensor issues. He is one angry dude, as well he should be because that should NOT be happening with a six month old new vehicle of any brand. When it comes to long term data, Kia just doesn't rate up there with other brands, at least not yet. I'm waiting for it though, because I really do want to buy a Kia and see if it compares to my Lexus. In 13 years, not even one issue with my Lexus (which is saying something because I do not even take it for regular maintenance). I am just scared Kia won't even compare when it comes to reliability.

[@gtech66]

I have a Kia Soul going on 5 years now and it has zero problems. I'm also leaning towards the Kia Seltos.

[@hurleyfrancois4060]

currently happy with the Model Y.

[@vdobrovo]

Mitsubishi eclipse cross - it's a great compact suv, was not mentioned.. it's in my opinion way more advanced than outlander sport/rvr

[@delreytamayo6283]

We need to see subcompact SUV'S hybrids 40+ miles per gallon

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

BEV only. Plug ins are utterly ridiculous.

[@silvershadow013]

Toyota corolla cross does

[@delreytamayo6283]

@@Ricky-mo6mv those create fires 🔥 not recommended

[@enyo24]

The price of premium gas nowadays rules out anything with a turbo for me. 😕

[@islanddon865]

Civic Hatchback is cheaper than an SUV carries a lot of cargo, handles GREAT, seats 4 comfortably, great MPG and resale value. To me Small SUVs are a bad deal.

[@sodarickaphillips9991]

I have a 2023 corolla cross le all wheel drive and it is awesome. I had a chr it was pretty cool too just slow.

[@silvershadow013]

Agree but still love mine

[@sodarickaphillips9991]

I would have kept my chr if I could have gotten it in a different color. Mine was pearl black and hard to keep clean.@@silvershadow013

[@williamwhite9767]

I think GM paid someone in consumer report.

[@donnaphen503]

Surprised that Ford was not mentioned. I have a 2017 Ford Escape that I purchased used from Hertz Used Car Div in 2019. It's been trouble free. I miss not having 8 big ones under the hood, but I'm not a kid anymore! LOL

[@lotuslandmusic7770]

I’m still driving a 2014 escape that I bought from Enterprise Rent-A-Car. It’s been an excellent car. I feel like the current models are over-priced for what you get

[@destyneemaee3525]

Good Morning Am currently driving 2021 Kia Seltos

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

The best subcompact by a mile

[@Gronko659]

I really enjoy 21 seltos 24,000 trouble free miles...use quality oil & filters

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

Comparing upper trim levels, many of these vehicles are hardly a bargain and are overpriced. At least some of them are low 30’s and up to $35,000. While I can appreciate the content and point of this video, people just don’t want those low level trims. That being said, the 2024 KIA Seltos and new generation 2024 Hyundai Kona blow all of these out of the water. The CX-30 has promise but it’s just way too small in the rear seat and cargo area- and that top trim is $35,000

[@travelinman482]

The rear seat area is for KIDS!

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

@@travelinman482 That’s what I always tell people as well. Not even medium sized kids though! We’re talking small kids, who don’t mind a little claustrophobia.

[@kathleencrowley2243]

I drive nissan kicks 2019 base model?

[@rickthompson3268]

I’m looking at a Chevy trade because of cost on highest trim levels and gas mileage

[@briestosick]

My Mazda 6 GT was hit from behind and I have a Toyota Carolla Cross as a loaner. It may be the worst car I have ever driven. I have been looking at the Mazdas cx30. I drives so well. The body style with too small windows, too much ugly cladding around the wheels and a weird emergency break set up give me pause. The body also looks too big for its frame because Mazda essentially took the CX5 body and set it down over a smaller platform. I am waiting for a version of better wheel cladding and a fix to some of the other things.

[@johnjames1744]

I just bought the corolla cross hybrid version with the power on two wheels and have noticed that if you put it into power mode and drive it fast up to 80kmh, it seems that the revs go up and the power goes down. What's your experience with yours that you bought?

[@rachellelynn9406]

Ive had 3 brand new Mazdas and honestly all great reliable cars but Ive had all have the same issues with each. Things I would have thought they would have changed since 94, lol so looking outside the box this time but not much grabbing me . Corolla cross? Trax and Buick are nice but those 3 cy eng worry me …. Volkswagen Taos? Idk which would be comparable to Mazda

[@Roadbunny777]

I'm driving to kia seltos sx turbo. And I love it. I'm keeping it until kia makes a pickup truck 🛻

[@lightsfansofthewest481]

Hyundai Santa Cruz

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

KIA Seltos is a no brainer in the subcompact class.

[@elizabethpeterson1644]

I drive a 2020 Ford Escape SE a little bit over a year and a half.

[@king4702]

There’s a rear window shatter issue with HRv, is that true?

[@yvonneevans7784]

My Honda CRV 99 was stolen this year 2023, Would like to buy.Chiv 24 SUV Equinox is that a good SUV. 😮😮

[@silvershadow013]

Not getting good reviews

[@richs9697]

2021 CRV Touring Hybrid

[@mgamalfadl]

Hi, I need your opinion on the 2019 Ford escape 1.5 L Ecoboost gasoline engine

[@donb2480]

2021 Kia Seltos….nice car and reliable..

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

It still remains the best vehicle in its class. It’s a big SUV with a small footprint. Much more of a compact SUV than subcompact. You won’t find anything better for the price point, and the 2024 refresh made it all that much better now that the DCT is gone.

[@scraps0233]

@@Ricky-mo6mvwe’ve had a 21 seltos sx for 3 years now. Great suv. Dct takes some time to get use to but once you do it’s very nice to drive

[@elainewilliams6109]

Agree i want to know about hybrids

[@sl4983]

Civic is not an HR-V

[@sadmanrafiqseyum5311]

Why not mention price for Mitsubishi

[@smokey2459]

You can get an SE for $25k. Mitsubishi wheels and deals. My family has had 4 over the past ten years with 200k flawless and economical miles.

[@sadmanrafiqseyum5311]

@@smokey2459 which year and model generation mention it

[@smokey2459]

@@sadmanrafiqseyum5311 2014 Outlander Sport, 2016 Outlander Sport, 2017 Outlander Sport, and 2018 Outlander Limited (still have and flawless after 55k miles).

[@elliottgoad3128]

These very small engines with turbos are unlikely to last long.

[@67daltonknox]

The hybrid Cross is a much better car.

[@Jim-bh7gs]

SPARE TIRE !!

[@bobjeschonek7006]

Hondacivic HR-V 2O16

[@sl4983]

Civic is not an HR-V

[@miked6523]

Umm…current subscriber to CR and the trax is not rated highly by CR. In fact it’s not even rated as “CR recommended”.

[@collinspaulk2023]

What about the VW Taos? 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@silvershadow013]

Hasn't gotten good reviews

[@rubyred8845]

Mitsubishi's are reliable

[@1ricky77333]

My KIA Niro gets 60 mpg. I'm 6' 4" and also have plenty of room. Best value on the road. Period.

[@williampapadopoulos8145]

Is the Niro a hybrid or something?! 60 mpg? WOW! I’m 6’-5” and could use a really spacious car with great economy!

[@1ricky77333]

Yes, it is a hybrid. The Niro is the biggest secret out there. Small looking on the outside but inside plenty of room for you. Amazing MPG. @@williampapadopoulos8145

[@iBike2Live]

That voiceover (or narrator) was abysmal. I had to turn the volume to zero and just read the closed captions instead. Apparently, A.I. still has a LONG way to go… (sigh) 😢

[@aguivegas4032]

Your list does not agree with most expert or so called industry connoisseurs. You seem to be commissioned by companies producing mediocre vehicles. I’m just saying…

[@bill6656]

These are not true SUVs. Most do not come stock with roof racks, flat cargo areas or any towing power. Most are just hatch packs...

[@nastynati3501]

It should be illegal to sell a vehicle with only 137 fkn horsepower. 🤢

[@albertocortes5631]

What's your opinion about Alfa Romeo Tonale? Reliable?

[@OOICU812]

Generally Italian cars are unreliable.

[@donjones9300]

no jeeps???

[@woodshed_moments]

Compact and SUV don't belong in the same sentence, people want a little utility with their sport... Some of these are so small you can't fit a ham sandwich in the back.

[@carseye1219]

For me, the term "SUV" means AWD is available.

[@Just-a-guy926]

HR-V EXL AWD and I wouldn’t call it peppy.

[@SXZ400]

These little "SUV"s are not worth their price tags. Why should I buy them which are similar to some of the hatchbacks at much lower prices? What can these little things do?

[@silvershadow013]

Get higher road clearance, higher seating (which may help some folks get in and our easier), usually more trunk space, easier height to get stuff in and out of the rear cargo area, better visibility, higher so you don't get blinded by the bright headlights as often as a lower car, very popular so usually better resale value...

[@Martin-u5q]

You keep feeding your audience chicken feed. Did you bother to check what type of transmission are used in these Mitsubishi cars? Are you aware of the fact that these vehicles are hardly equipped with any bumpers? Just by pieces of plastics. Did you check the history of this brand engines? Have you bothered to look for the reason why every once in a while Mitsubishi is in financial problems? Now it is owned by Renault - Nissan? The Outlender is in fact a Nissan X-Trail which on its own merits is a very poor car. Should I carry on or you stick to CR with their funny reports? I have learned not to trust CR and I have some very good reasons.

[@kimz3862]

Old Honda are reliable.....Performace of HRV is a slow car, srzts are hard, this car comes with base features compare to other cars in the class. The price too high for the features that I'm getting !!!! Hinda cut corners in the last few years. Just a box and about the time you upgrade to umlimited still without all decent features...You can get a Acura.....

[@tedrees5989]

What's wrong here? Hasn't anyone got the word about climate change? All cars sold should at least be plug in hybrids with 50 mile range. Gasoline needs a $10 added cost to pay for getting the CO2 back under ground.

[@silvershadow013]

Our current electrical grid is not prepared to handle it at this point. Also, what about the environmental disaster that comes from the mining the lithium for the batteries, their manufacture and disposal?

[@tedrees5989]

@@silvershadow013 An EV range of 50 miles can be obtained with a 12 KWH battery in a Plug-In EV can be fully charged with 1.2 KW from a 120 VAC outlet over night. That is like running a micro-wave oven, or one electric room heater. A Plug-in EV will usually handle the day's commute and shopping. It isn't the best solution for everyone though. If someone does mostly long trips, it is cheaper to get a regular hybrid, that boosts mpg by about 70%, with a smaller battery. EV's with 250 mile ranges are currently a luxury, that is hard to deny to those who want one. The common good suggests forcing all auto's sold to be at least a hybrid, then a plug-in ASAP. We can't justify a regular gas only car at this time.

[@ijohnson190]

A large portion of our electricity is still generated by fossil fuels. EVs may help you feel like you're lowering your fossil fuel consumption but when I've looked at how much in ff it would take to generate enough electricity to fully charge an EV vs. how much you actually put in your gas tank the difference doesn't seem very large. Admittedly I'm no expert on the subject.

[@silvershadow013]

@@tedrees5989 no we can't. My only point is that no one vehicle is completely and absolutely environmentally friendly.

[@tedrees5989]

If you want to be 100% environmentally friendly, you better be a worm. Did you know that when you burn 1 gallon of gas, it emits 19.4 pounds of CO2? Did you know that that 19.4 pounds of CO2 in one year's time currently blocks the equivelent of about the heat generated by that 1 gallon of gas? We are at 5 hiroshims per second now is excess heating. And this heating hangs around 'forever', taking tend of thousands of years to deccrease substantially. Not only must excess CO2 emissions be eliminated, but the excess CO2 in the atmosphere must be removed and 'sequestered' somewhere/somehow. What is cheaper, continuing burning gas and crashing civilization, or at least getting a hybrid? @@silvershadow013

[@ELP1125]

Typical boring cars 😴😴😴

[@rdboston7866]

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross

[@edkrstic6423]

You do realize that these new vehicles don’t actually have a spare tire and the rims are not even steel, they are composite so if you hit a curb you will have to put out about $600 and you better have Motor League. And you better be a very small person. Caveat Emptor.

[@melodymwhite2361]

Chevy Trax and Trailblazer have spare tires.

[@silvershadow013]

Corolla cross (non hybrid) has a spare.

[@db321g]

CX-30 has a spare

[@Laura-ek3im]

HRV has spare tire

[@jtjt8331]

Totally disagree with the Buick and the Chevys on here. Unreliable vehicles at best.

[@foxlake6750]

The Traxs is made in Korea

[@STORMZ8]

Data says otherwise

[@dwh7651]

GM stuff is junk!

[@asimoford4994]

Newer models are improved.....

[@miked6523]

What is your source to back up the unreliability?

[@2bookoo4u]

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Limited.

[@brucerouse774]

The Toyota Corola Cross is very noisy on the highway and cheap looking on the inside, to bad.

[@kimz3862]

😅 I agree with you.. I look at car and bypass and seats are not comfortable.

[@silvershadow013]

I don't think so. I love mine. It has the two tone macadamia interior. And I have back problems and drive about 3000 miles per month. No issues...I find the seats quite comfortable.

[@Derek-yc1ol]

I wouldn't mind getting an awd suv but tires. Are expensive

[@ericripley9739]

Most or all of these use the same tires as 2wd vehicles. Actually awd spreads the torque to all wheels and gives longer tire life. I’ve had 3 Subarus and tire wear is better than my previous fwd cars.

[@GodsOath_com]

I drove a 2004 Outlander AWD 13 years, best car in snow in city I ever had. Bad MPG. Rebuilt it and ran it to 250,000.

[@GodsOath_com]

Thank you this was a great summary

[@HWY66]

i love my 2020 CX30

[@catherineyslas4725]

A buy out lease is 18k+ for a 2020 cx5. Want better gas mi. If it were you would you purchase a toyota cross hybrid?

[@GorgeousRoddyChrome]

Wish you marked your video with CHAPTERS.

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

Not interested in a vehicle that won't give me over 35 mpg on the highway... you don't need a hybrid to get it either

[@robertl.6919]

There are so many offers within the different Japanese auto makers that you can find all similar models to what the American makers are offering, but with more reliability, performance and long term value. New Mazda SUVs have AWD as standard. Subaru the same. So why buy same cost less reliable cars ?

[@Nellis202]

Great news. …….. Mazda cx30 is NOT A CVT ! Yay , hooray !!!!!!!

[@neusac4590]

I had a few Nissan Rogues which i liked, till the latest model were Nissan changed the shift gear. I hate it. Im looking at the Ford Edge as a future SUV.

[@michaelconley1288]

I didn’t see the Kia Seltos. I’m helping my daughter and her choices are the Seltos and the Mazda cx30. The Seltos comes with a lot more options and goodies standard. The turbo engine offered comes with a 6 or 8 speed transmission the base model uses a cvt. I think she will go with the Mazda. Although Kia has a great warranty I just think the Mazda is better quality over time. Hot/cold cycles.

[@gtech66]

The Mazda CX30 is very tiny inside, low headroom and a bad rear window that slopes down, difficult to see out of. The Mazda dealership by Mr has over 100 CX30's on the lot, no one is buying them.

[@1246gj]

I like the Mazda the best

[@Nellis202]

And it’s not a CVT !

[@jojo2631]

Im so glad I watched your vids before getting my 2020 Mazda cx5

[@msh5597]

Did you get the Mazda

[@natangrinfeld7533]

Mazda has been an incredible ride and hasnt had any problems in the last 36 months ive had it for. My biggest complaint is the tiny navigation screen. If they upgrade it and put it into a center console like the tesla and suburu has then it will be by far the best cars out there without the insane prices the luxury brands are.

[@Nellis202]

And it’s not a CVT .

[@db321g]

I like the location of the screen. Just bought a CX-30 and the placement is great. Bigger would be nice but its not distracting. In my explorer I'm always looking down instead of forward.