Subcompact SUVs

#1 Kia Soul

SCORE 8.7/10

Base Price $18,610-$28,670

UNCHANGED The Soul doesn’t sacrifice practicality in the name of style. In its latest iteration, the Soul has matured into one of the most well-rounded vehicles in its segment thanks to improved road manners and one of the best infotainment systems available. Kia has strengthened the Soul’s value proposition with the addition of more standard driver assistance features on lower trims. For consumers in search of a quirky SUV sporting an alternative powertrain, the powerful, 243-mile Soul EV is expected to join the lineup soon. The Soul EV will be the only model to feature an independent rear suspension instead of a torsion beam. Quibbles? The Soul’s profile creates excessive wind noise, and the interior has plenty of hard plastics. And although it’s an SUV, there’s no AWD.

0-60 mph 6.5-8.3 sec

EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-29/31-35 mpg; 243 miles/114 mpg-e (electric)

Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles

Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars; IIHS: TSP

IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average

#2 Subaru Crosstrek

SCORE 8.3/10

Base Price $23,295-$29,045

 A favorite, the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the best subcompact SUVs around. Thanks to a spacious cabin, balanced ride and handling, and good off-road capability, the Crosstrek does everything you expect and then some. Now available with a 182-hp 2.5-liter flat-four, the Crosstrek finally gets the power we’ve wanted from the small Subaru. Get the new Sport trim for cool yellow interior accents and contrast