Best Subcompact Hatchbacks

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.
$32,090
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 Kia Rio

Overview

The 2021 Kia Rio is a small, affordable car that still offers a pleasant combination of good ride quality, precise handling, and a wide range of features. It's not exactly fun to drive, but its features, fuel efficiency, and safety make it a strong contender in the segment. The Kia Rio is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the S 5-Door IVT, which starts at $17,985 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

  • Comfortable ride quality
  • Smooth engine and transmission performance
  • Many available driver-assist features

Cons

  • No hybrid option
  • Slow acceleration

Overall Assessment

Buyers expect some compromises in entry-level sedans and hatchbacks. The Kia Rio certainly isn't sporty or luxurious, but it offers a surprising level of refinement and features given its price point. Both four-door and five-door hatchback versions of the Rio offer nice creature comforts, a good balance between a comfy ride and sharp handling, and an incredible roster of available driver-assist and safety features. Add in a low purchase price and excellent fuel economy, and it's easy to see why the Rio is a favorite in its segment.

In terms of overall size, the Kia Rio is in the middle of the category. The sedan is the same length as the Hyundai Accent. It's 3 inches longer than the [Mitsubishi Mirage] (/mitsubishi/mirage/), and it's a little more than 4 inches shorter than the NissanVersa. Like its challengers, both sedan and hatchback versions of Rio call themselves five-seaters but seat four adults more comfortably.

2021 Kia Rio

$17,985 as shown

Starting MSRP
$17,045
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$17,488
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

  • Comfortable ride quality
  • Smooth engine and transmission performance
  • Many available driver-assist features

Cons

  • No hybrid option
  • Slow acceleration

Overall Assessment

Buyers expect some compromises in entry-level sedans and hatchbacks. The Kia Rio certainly isn't sporty or luxurious, but it offers a surprising level of refinement and features given its price point. Both four-door and five-door hatchback versions of the Rio offer nice creature comforts, a good balance between a comfy ride and sharp handling, and an incredible roster of available driver-assist and safety features. Add in a low purchase price and excellent fuel economy, and it's easy to see why the Rio is a favorite in its segment.

In terms of overall size, the Kia Rio is in the middle of the category. The sedan is the same length as the Hyundai Accent. It's 3 inches longer than the [Mitsubishi Mirage] (/mitsubishi/mirage/), and it's a little more than 4 inches shorter than the NissanVersa. Like its challengers, both sedan and hatchback versions of Rio call themselves five-seaters but seat four adults more comfortably.

3

2022 Chevrolet Spark

Overview

The Chevrolet Spark is a 4-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the 2LT Manual, which starts at $17,995 and comes with a 1.4L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Spark is estimated to deliver 29 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway.

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2022 Chevrolet Spark

$17,995 as shown

Starting MSRP
$14,595
Starting MktMarket Avg.
$14,703
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

4

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 $416
off MSRP
$23,334
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.

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FAQ

TrueCar ranks the following vehicles as the best subcompact hatchbacks to buy:
New subcompact hatchbacks have an MSRP range from $14,595 to $31,995. The top 3 rated models, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Kia Rio, and Chevrolet Spark, have starting MSRPs of $31,995, $17,045, and $14,595, respectively.
When deciding the best subcompact hatchbacks, TrueCar considers factors such as comfort, amenities, price, efficiency, performance, utility, and tech features.