Best Subcompact Cars

We sifted through the data to select the best cars and trucks in every category.

1

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Overview

Redesigned for 2022, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is now a top-tier EV. A reduced price, class-leading range, and fun driving dynamics make it one of the most affordable and enjoyable electric vehicles on the road. The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the 2LT, which starts at $35,195 and comes with an Electric engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Bolt EV is estimated to deliver 131 MPGe in the city and 109 MPGe on the highway.

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Pros

  • Plenty of range
  • Roomy cabin
  • Significantly lower pricing

Cons

  • Stiff ride
  • Cramped rear legroom for taller passengers

Overall Assessment

The Bolt was General Motors' first modern, mass-produced EV when it debuted as a 2017 model, and generally, it has been a great commuter car. With a mild exterior redesign and a major revamping of its interior, the 2022 Bolt EV should no longer be relegated to second-car status. Although still not as svelte and upscale as some newer EVs, it has become a small, comfortable, peppy, and affordable EV that can satisfy many needs.
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

$35,195 as shown

Starting MSRP
$31,995
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$32,109
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Pedestrian Detection
Around View Camera
Power Trunk/Liftgate
In-Car WiFi
Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Remote Engine Start
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
8 yr / 100k mi Hybrid/EV Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Chevrolet Bolt EV. All reviews

Pros

  • Plenty of range
  • Roomy cabin
  • Significantly lower pricing

Cons

  • Stiff ride
  • Cramped rear legroom for taller passengers

Overall Assessment

The Bolt was General Motors' first modern, mass-produced EV when it debuted as a 2017 model, and generally, it has been a great commuter car. With a mild exterior redesign and a major revamping of its interior, the 2022 Bolt EV should no longer be relegated to second-car status. Although still not as svelte and upscale as some newer EVs, it has become a small, comfortable, peppy, and affordable EV that can satisfy many needs.
2

2021 Hyundai Accent

Overview

The Hyundai Accent offers surprising elegance and comfort for a subcompact sedan. Despite being Hyundai's most affordable car, its modern styling and comfortable interior exceed most budget-minded competitors. It still meets all the economy-car criteria, with city-friendly handling, a great warranty, and an EPA-estimated 41 mpg on the highway. Some rivals offer roomier back seats. Still, the Accent remains one of the best values in its class. The Hyundai Accent is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the SE Automatic, which starts at $17,500 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Accent is estimated to deliver 33 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Smooth and straightforward to drive
  • Modern styling inside and out
  • Excellent fuel economy

Cons

  • Limited rear-seat legroom
  • SE lacks some desirable features

Overall Assessment

The Hyundai Accent is one of the best values in the commuter car segment, a practical vehicle for small families, college students, and city dwellers. The Accent embodies Hyundai's commitment to style and premium features in its low starting price, along with the automaker's superb warranty coverage terms. It balances a smooth ride, agile handling, and competitive fuel economy at up to 41 mpg highway. Some rivals have more rear-seat legroom and available driver-assistance technologies. Still, the Accent's value and attention to detail make it one of the best choices in its class.
2021 Hyundai Accent

$20,505 as shown

Starting MSRP
$16,400
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$17,076
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate
Power Trunk/Liftgate
Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Remote Engine Start
Front Heated Seats
Moonroof
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Hyundai Accent. All reviews

Pros

  • Smooth and straightforward to drive
  • Modern styling inside and out
  • Excellent fuel economy

Cons

  • Limited rear-seat legroom
  • SE lacks some desirable features

Overall Assessment

The Hyundai Accent is one of the best values in the commuter car segment, a practical vehicle for small families, college students, and city dwellers. The Accent embodies Hyundai's commitment to style and premium features in its low starting price, along with the automaker's superb warranty coverage terms. It balances a smooth ride, agile handling, and competitive fuel economy at up to 41 mpg highway. Some rivals have more rear-seat legroom and available driver-assistance technologies. Still, the Accent's value and attention to detail make it one of the best choices in its class.
3

2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a subcompact sports sedan that puts the German brand's trademark comfort and commitment to quality within reach of a mainstream audience. Its reasonable starting price includes a sporty powertrain and fun-to-drive dynamics. Under the sleek exterior, the cabin feels like a pint-sized luxury sedan. A range of optional amenities allows buyers to personalize the car to their tastes, capping the Mercedes-Benz experience. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the A 220 4MATIC, which starts at $36,700 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This A-Class is estimated to deliver 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Posh luxury at competitive pricing
  • Torquey engine and sporty handling
  • Spacious cabin packed with features

Cons

  • Small trunk size
  • Some rivals are faster
  • Pricey optional features

Overall Assessment

Sporty and sophisticated, the A-Class exhibits all of the best aspects of a Mercedes-Benz in a small and adorable sedan. It's a great first step for those who have always wanted to step into three-pointed star ownership. The A-Class has ready engine power and an agile suspension for everything from fun weekend drives or maneuvering around town. Pack light, though -- the A-Class has a tiny trunk. The cabin is spacious, with comfortable seats and generous standard features. Mercedes-Benz provides numerous ways to configure the car to your tastes. Some competitors have faster driving performance, but for its price, the A-Class is unmatched in how effortlessly it blends sportiness with luxury.
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Starting MSRP
$34,700
Starting MktMarket Avg.
Avg. savings of $588
off MSRP
$34,112
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Pedestrian Detection
Panoramic Moonroof
Forward Collision Warning
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Remote Engine Start
Blind Spot System
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
Keyless Ignition
4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Mercedes-Benz A-Class. All reviews

Pros

  • Posh luxury at competitive pricing
  • Torquey engine and sporty handling
  • Spacious cabin packed with features

Cons

  • Small trunk size
  • Some rivals are faster
  • Pricey optional features

Overall Assessment

Sporty and sophisticated, the A-Class exhibits all of the best aspects of a Mercedes-Benz in a small and adorable sedan. It's a great first step for those who have always wanted to step into three-pointed star ownership. The A-Class has ready engine power and an agile suspension for everything from fun weekend drives or maneuvering around town. Pack light, though -- the A-Class has a tiny trunk. The cabin is spacious, with comfortable seats and generous standard features. Mercedes-Benz provides numerous ways to configure the car to your tastes. Some competitors have faster driving performance, but for its price, the A-Class is unmatched in how effortlessly it blends sportiness with luxury.
4

2021 Kia Rio

Overview

One of the least-expensive new cars on the market, the Kia Rio offers impressive quality and features for the price. Available as a sporty sedan or hatchback, it blends a smooth ride and agile handling to provide a refined driving experience. The Rio's cabin is sporty and user-friendly, and commuters will appreciate its EPA-estimated 41 mpg highway. The back seat is not as roomy as some, but the Rio's strengths make it a serious value. The Kia Rio is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the S Sedan IVT, which starts at $17,685 and comes with a 1.6L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Rio is estimated to deliver 33 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Upscale cabin with high-quality materials
  • City-friendly proportions and handling
  • Excellent fuel economy

Cons

  • Driver-assistance features are optional
  • Limited rear-seat legroom

Overall Assessment

As affordable transportation, the Kia Rio excels, thanks to its smooth and efficient powertrain and modern interior. It outflanks many competitors with its polished ride and upscale styling. Some competitors offer more standard driver-assistance features. Yet, the Kia Rio's well-rounded driving dynamics and standard technology make it one of the segment's top choices.
2021 Kia Rio

$17,985 as shown

Starting MSRP
$17,045
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$17,284
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Brake Assist
Infotainment System
Bluetooth
Remote Keyless Entry
Backup Camera
5 yr / 60k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Kia Rio. All reviews

Pros

  • Upscale cabin with high-quality materials
  • City-friendly proportions and handling
  • Excellent fuel economy

Cons

  • Driver-assistance features are optional
  • Limited rear-seat legroom

Overall Assessment

As affordable transportation, the Kia Rio excels, thanks to its smooth and efficient powertrain and modern interior. It outflanks many competitors with its polished ride and upscale styling. Some competitors offer more standard driver-assistance features. Yet, the Kia Rio's well-rounded driving dynamics and standard technology make it one of the segment's top choices.
5

2022 MINI Clubman

Overview

The MINI Clubman offers the same iconic style and sporty demeanor of the original Cooper in a slightly stretched body. Its tastefully retro interior has extra rear-seat legroom and trunk space, with dual tailgate doors -- an elegant feature that also adds functionality. The Clubman's sensible nature doesn't come at the expense of fun, though, with turbo engines, agile handling, and a manual transmission keeping driver enjoyment front and center. The MINI Clubman is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the Cooper S ALL4, which starts at $33,750 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This Clubman is estimated to deliver 23 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • A roomier version of the iconic MINI
  • Sporty acceleration and handling
  • Upscale cabin materials
  • Above-average fuel economy

Cons

  • Pricier than some rivals
  • Sport-tuned suspension is a tad firm
  • No Android Auto

Overall Assessment

Since its inception, MINI has emphasized sportiness and driver satisfaction over practicality, but MINI Clubman seeks to rebalance the equation. Its longer body provides a usable back seat and additional cargo space, making it a reasonable option for families. It still offers all of the iconic charm and appeal of the original car, plus two turbocharged engine choices that give it pleasing zippiness in traffic. Its optional amenities can quickly increase the price, and some competitors have softer rides. Still, the Clubman offers impressive functionality for a MINI without diluting its upbeat persona.
2022 MINI Clubman
Starting MSRP
$30,750
Starting MktMarket Avg.
Avg. savings of $561
off MSRP
$30,189
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Curve Adaptive Headlamps
Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate
Forward Collision Warning
Rear Parking Sensors
Lane Keep Assist
Front Heated Seats
Fog Lamps
Keyless Ignition
Brake Assist
4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for MINI Clubman. All reviews

Pros

  • A roomier version of the iconic MINI
  • Sporty acceleration and handling
  • Upscale cabin materials
  • Above-average fuel economy

Cons

  • Pricier than some rivals
  • Sport-tuned suspension is a tad firm
  • No Android Auto

Overall Assessment

Since its inception, MINI has emphasized sportiness and driver satisfaction over practicality, but MINI Clubman seeks to rebalance the equation. Its longer body provides a usable back seat and additional cargo space, making it a reasonable option for families. It still offers all of the iconic charm and appeal of the original car, plus two turbocharged engine choices that give it pleasing zippiness in traffic. Its optional amenities can quickly increase the price, and some competitors have softer rides. Still, the Clubman offers impressive functionality for a MINI without diluting its upbeat persona.
6

2021 Chevrolet Spark

Overview

Currently holding the title as America's most inexpensive new car, the Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact four-door hatchback with rare value. Its sub-$14,000 starting price makes the Spark an excellent alternative to buying a used car. For the money, buyers get Chevrolet's five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and that unmistakable new car smell. The Spark's small size and agile handling make it a great city car. The Chevrolet Spark is a 4-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the LS CVT, which starts at $15,695 and comes with a 1.4L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Spark is estimated to deliver 30 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Great cargo space with seats folded
  • More affordable than competitors
  • Small size helps maneuverability

Cons

  • Not as polished as some rivals
  • Dawdling acceleration
  • LS lacks power window controls
  • Limited rear-seat legroom

Overall Assessment

If you are looking for affordable, straightforward transportation, the Chevrolet Spark delivers excellent value. Impressive infotainment technology and above-average fuel efficiency make the Spark a practical commuter car. The outward visibility is good as well. No, it's not as comfortable or refined as some rivals, and you'll need to get one of the Spark's pricier trims to access some of the more desirable amenities. Yet, few cars make as good a city vehicle or first car. The Chevrolet Spark continues to impress shoppers with its modern media features and lengthy warranty.
2021 Chevrolet Spark

$17,995 as shown

Starting MSRP
$14,595
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$14,686
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

In-Car WiFi
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Rear Parking Sensors
Front Heated Seats
Keyless Ignition
Alarm
Brake Assist
Infotainment System
3 yr / 36k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for Chevrolet Spark. All reviews

Pros

  • Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Great cargo space with seats folded
  • More affordable than competitors
  • Small size helps maneuverability

Cons

  • Not as polished as some rivals
  • Dawdling acceleration
  • LS lacks power window controls
  • Limited rear-seat legroom

Overall Assessment

If you are looking for affordable, straightforward transportation, the Chevrolet Spark delivers excellent value. Impressive infotainment technology and above-average fuel efficiency make the Spark a practical commuter car. The outward visibility is good as well. No, it's not as comfortable or refined as some rivals, and you'll need to get one of the Spark's pricier trims to access some of the more desirable amenities. Yet, few cars make as good a city vehicle or first car. The Chevrolet Spark continues to impress shoppers with its modern media features and lengthy warranty.
7

2022 Toyota GR Supra

Overview

The Toyota GR Supra is a 2-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the 3.0 Premium, which starts at $55,715 and comes with a 3.0L I6 Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This GR Supra is estimated to deliver 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.

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2022 Toyota GR Supra

$55,715 as shown

Starting MSRP
$44,215
Starting MktMarket Avg.
Avg. savings of $967
off MSRP
$43,248
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Heads-up Display (HUD)
Lane Keep Assist
Front Heated Seats
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
Fog Lamps
Navigation
Leather Seats
Keyless Ignition
Alarm
Brake Assist
See full specs

See owner reviews for Toyota GR Supra. All reviews

8

2022 MINI Hardtop

Overview

Highly configurable and packed with charm, the Mini Hardtop offers many of the benefits of a luxury car in a pint-sized package. Its iconic silhouette has its roots back in the 1960s when the original Mini Cooper debuted. Today's version is still lightweight and fun to drive, while modern driver safety features provide added peace of mind. Some rivals are roomier and more practical, but the Mini's unique style puts it in a class of its own. The MINI Hardtop is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 5 trim levels. The most popular style is the Hardtop S 4-Door, which starts at $28,750 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Hardtop is estimated to deliver 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Fun to drive in all its forms
  • Iconic styling inside and out
  • Many premium features to add

Cons

  • Small cabin limits versatility
  • Stiffer ride than competitors
  • Costly upper trim levels

Overall Assessment

With the Hardtop, Mini gives today's customers a unique, efficient, and fun-to-drive small car that won't break the bank. It lacks the interior space and ride comfort of rivals, but the Hardtop comes with a low starting price that allows some room for customization. Upper trim levels come with exciting engine options, and the Cooper SE is an electric car with up to 110 miles of range. No matter which one you choose, the Mini Hardtop is agile and engaging to drive, and a manual transmission comes standard on gas-powered trims. The interior is well-equipped, but rear-seat passengers will want more space. Overall, the Hardtop is an upscale and economical daily driver that is sure to put a smile on the face of both driver and passersby.
2022 MINI Hardtop

$24,750 as shown

Starting MSRP
$23,750
Starting MktMarket Avg.
Avg. savings of $424
off MSRP
$23,326
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Panoramic Moonroof
Forward Collision Warning
Remote Engine Start
Rear Parking Sensors
Lane Keep Assist
Front Heated Seats
Fog Lamps
Keyless Ignition
Brake Assist
4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for MINI Hardtop. All reviews

Pros

  • Fun to drive in all its forms
  • Iconic styling inside and out
  • Many premium features to add

Cons

  • Small cabin limits versatility
  • Stiffer ride than competitors
  • Costly upper trim levels

Overall Assessment

With the Hardtop, Mini gives today's customers a unique, efficient, and fun-to-drive small car that won't break the bank. It lacks the interior space and ride comfort of rivals, but the Hardtop comes with a low starting price that allows some room for customization. Upper trim levels come with exciting engine options, and the Cooper SE is an electric car with up to 110 miles of range. No matter which one you choose, the Mini Hardtop is agile and engaging to drive, and a manual transmission comes standard on gas-powered trims. The interior is well-equipped, but rear-seat passengers will want more space. Overall, the Hardtop is an upscale and economical daily driver that is sure to put a smile on the face of both driver and passersby.
9

2022 MINI Convertible

Overview

The stylish Mini convertible is great fun to drive thanks to its powerful engines. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver on narrow, twisty roads but seriously cut into rear-seat space and cargo room. The MINI Convertible is a 4-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the S Convertible, which starts at $32,750 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Convertible is estimated to deliver 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

  • Unique styling
  • Fun to drive
  • Responsive engines

Cons

  • Cramped rear seats
  • Low cargo capacity
  • Front-wheel drive only

Overall Assessment

The Mini Convertible is a four-person version of the iconic Mini Hardtop. It's tiny, which makes it incredibly cute, but that also means the backseat is nearly too small to use. Little kids might make the squeeze but good luck to adults. Cargo room is also minimal, so pack light for that weekend getaway. The best seat in the Mini Convertible is behind the wheel. This car is undeniably fun to drive with crisp, sporty handling and responsive engines. Its eye-catching exterior is matched by an equally quirky and attractive interior. There are other convertibles out there. But if you want one that puts a smile on your face just sitting in the driveway, this Mini is the one to buy.

Like the Mini, the Mazda MX-5 Miata offers its own unique styling but is only a two-passenger car. The BMW Z4 swaps out cute for sleek and sexy with a focus on performance. The Audi TT has a smooth, polished ride with a luxurious interior.

2022 MINI Convertible
Starting MSRP
$28,750
Starting MktMarket Avg.
Avg. savings of $131
off MSRP
$28,619
Build & PriceView New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Convertible Roof
Curve Adaptive Headlamps
Forward Collision Warning
Remote Engine Start
Rear Parking Sensors
Lane Keep Assist
Fog Lamps
Keyless Ignition
Brake Assist
4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty
See full specs

See owner reviews for MINI Convertible. All reviews

Pros

  • Unique styling
  • Fun to drive
  • Responsive engines

Cons

  • Cramped rear seats
  • Low cargo capacity
  • Front-wheel drive only

Overall Assessment

The Mini Convertible is a four-person version of the iconic Mini Hardtop. It's tiny, which makes it incredibly cute, but that also means the backseat is nearly too small to use. Little kids might make the squeeze but good luck to adults. Cargo room is also minimal, so pack light for that weekend getaway. The best seat in the Mini Convertible is behind the wheel. This car is undeniably fun to drive with crisp, sporty handling and responsive engines. Its eye-catching exterior is matched by an equally quirky and attractive interior. There are other convertibles out there. But if you want one that puts a smile on your face just sitting in the driveway, this Mini is the one to buy.

Like the Mini, the Mazda MX-5 Miata offers its own unique styling but is only a two-passenger car. The BMW Z4 swaps out cute for sleek and sexy with a focus on performance. The Audi TT has a smooth, polished ride with a luxurious interior.

Related Vehicle Rankings

Best Subcompact Cars by Gas Mileage
Best Subcompact Cars for the Value
Best Compact Cars
Best Midsize Cars
Best Fullsize Cars
Best Compact Luxury Cars
Best Compact Performance Cars
Best Compact Cars by Gas Mileage
Best Compact Cars for the Value
Best Compact Cars Under $20K
Best Compact Cars Under $30K
Best Compact Cars Under $40K

FAQ

TrueCar ranks the following vehicles as the best subcompact cars to buy:
New subcompact cars have an MSRP range from $14,595 to $44,215. The top 3 rated models, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai Accent, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, have starting MSRPs of $31,995, $16,400, and $34,700, respectively.
When deciding the best subcompact cars, TrueCar considers factors such as comfort, amenities, price, efficiency, performance, utility, and tech features.