Top 10 Subcompact SUVs 2022 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For the 2022 model year, the Honda HR-V earns our Best Overall subcompact SUV pick at a starting MSRP of $25,000, rewarding buyers with the roomiest cabin in the class, an easy-to-live-with cabin layout, and Honda's reputation for low ownership cost. The Nissan Kicks takes Best Value at a class-low starting MSRP of $19,700, delivering 33 mpg combined and a long standard feature list for thousands less than most rivals.

Between those two poles sit eight more strong 2022 choices, from the upscale Mazda CX-30 to the rugged Ford Bronco Sport and the standard-AWD Subaru Crosstrek. This guide ranks all ten on real 2022 pricing, EPA numbers, and crash-test data so you can match the right small crossover to your budget and how you actually drive.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted six factors and cross-checked every figure against multiple independent sources rather than manufacturer marketing.

• Value & price (25%) — real 2022 MSRP versus standard equipment and what you get per dollar.
• Reliability & ownership cost (20%) — brand track record, warranty coverage, and projected upkeep.
• Efficiency (15%) — EPA city, highway, and combined mpg for the mainstream powertrains.
• Space & practicality (15%) — cargo cubic feet, rear legroom, and everyday usability.
• Tech & safety (15%) — standard driver-assist features plus IIHS and NHTSA crash results.
• Driving feel (10%) — steering, ride composure, and powertrain refinement.

Sources used across this guide include Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, U.S. News & World Report, Cars.com, the IIHS, and the EPA. Where outlets disagreed on a price, we used the published 2022 base MSRP before destination charges.

1. Honda HR-V 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $25,000 | Best for: buyers who want the most usable space and lowest fuss

The 2022 Honda HR-V pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 158 hp with a CVT, returning roughly 28 mpg combined in front-drive form, and Honda's Real Time all-wheel drive is a modest option on most trims. Its standout trait is interior room: rear legroom of 39.5 inches beats nearly everything in the class, and the clever Magic Seat folds flat or flips up for tall items.

Standard Honda Sensing driver aids, a strong IIHS record for the platform, and Honda's low projected upkeep make it the safe default. A loaded EX-L AWD tops out near $30,645, but even base trims feel sensibly equipped.

Pros:

• Class-leading rear-seat and cargo flexibility thanks to the Magic Seat.
• Strong resale and reliability reputation that protects long-term cost.
• Standard Honda Sensing safety suite across the lineup.
• Roomy, upright cabin that is easy to load and unload.

Cons:

• The CVT and 158-hp engine feel leisurely under hard acceleration.
• Interior materials trail the pricier Mazda CX-30.

Verdict: the most well-rounded 2022 subcompact SUV, and the one most buyers should shortlist first.

2. Mazda CX-30 💎 (premium feel runner-up)

Starting MSRP: $23,475 | Best for: drivers who prioritize style and handling

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 leads the segment on driving feel and cabin quality. The base 2.5-liter four makes 186 hp for about 24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway, while an optional turbocharged 2.5 makes up to 250 hp for genuinely quick acceleration. All-wheel drive is available across the range, and the interior punches well above its price with crisp materials and a refined dash.

Cargo room is tighter at 20.2 cu ft behind the rear seats (45.2 with them folded), but the payoff is sharp steering and a premium ambiance. The platform earns strong IIHS scores.

Pros:

• Best-in-class steering and ride composure.
• Upscale interior materials that feel a class above.
• Available 250-hp turbo for surprising pace.
• Standard all-wheel-drive availability on every trim.

Cons:

• Below-average cargo volume for the segment.
• The standard infotainment dial controller takes acclimation.

Verdict: pick the CX-30 if you value how a car drives and looks over outright space.

3. Toyota Corolla Cross

Starting MSRP: $22,195 | Best for: efficiency-minded buyers wanting Toyota durability

All-new for 2022, the Toyota Corolla Cross uses a 2.0-liter four making 169 hp and posts strong economy of about 29 mpg city / 32 mpg highway with AWD XLE trims rated near 32 combined. Front-wheel drive is standard and AWD is optional. You get standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, generous cargo space, and Toyota's strong reliability and resale record.

A loaded XLE AWD runs near $32,465. It is not exciting to drive, but it is efficient, practical, and built to last.

Pros:

• Excellent fuel economy for a non-hybrid.
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver aids.
• Strong reliability and resale value.
• Roomy cargo hold for the class.

Cons:

• Bland steering and modest power delivery.
• Cabin plastics feel utilitarian.

Verdict: a dependable, efficient choice that prioritizes substance over flash.

4. Ford Bronco Sport

Starting MSRP: $28,910 | Best for: outdoorsy buyers who actually go off pavement

The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport is the genuine off-roader here, with standard all-wheel drive and real trail hardware. The base turbo three-cylinder 1.5-liter makes 181 hp for about 26 mpg combined, while the Badlands swaps in a 250-hp turbo 2.0-liter rated near 23 combined.

Its boxy body delivers excellent headroom and a roomy 32.5 cu ft minimum cargo area with handy MOLLE straps and available rooftop access. An eight-speed automatic replaces the CVTs found in many rivals. A loaded Badlands climbs to about $35,585.

Pros:

• Standard AWD and real off-road capability.
• Boxy, upright cabin with strong cargo and headroom.
• Available 250-hp turbo in Badlands trim.
• Conventional 8-speed automatic instead of a CVT.

Cons:

• Priciest entry point in this top 10.
• Boxy shape trades some highway efficiency.

Verdict: the clear winner if light trails and gear-hauling matter to you.

5. Subaru Crosstrek

Starting MSRP: $23,445 | Best for: all-weather drivers who want AWD standard

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek comes only with standard all-wheel drive, a major draw in snowy regions. The 2.0-liter returns roughly 28 mpg city / 33 mpg highway, and the optional 2.5-liter adds welcome muscle while still managing about 29 combined. Standard EyeSight driver assistance, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a strong IIHS record back up its rugged image.

A top Limited runs near $29,195. It is slower than some rivals but unmatched for foul-weather confidence at this price.

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive on every trim.
• 8.7 inches of ground clearance for rough roads.
• Standard EyeSight safety suite.
• Strong reliability and IIHS scores.

Cons:

• Base 2.0-liter engine feels underpowered.
• Cabin design is plain.

Verdict: the AWD value champion for buyers who face real weather.

6. Kia Seltos

Starting MSRP: $23,665 | Best for: buyers who want maximum cargo and a long warranty

The 2022 Kia Seltos offers the most cargo here — 26.6 cu ft behind the rear seats and 62.8 cu ft folded. Engines range from a 146-hp 2.0-liter to a 175-hp 1.6-liter turbo, with the turbo rated near 27 mpg combined and the AWD 2.0 around 29 combined. All-wheel drive is available, and Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is among the best in the business.

An SX Turbo tops out near $29,165.

Pros:

• Class-leading cargo capacity.
• Industry-best 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
• Available 175-hp turbo with quick acceleration.
• Generous standard tech features.

Cons:

• Base 2.0-liter is merely adequate.
• Firmer ride on larger wheels.

Verdict: the practical pick when cargo room and warranty top your list.

7. Hyundai Kona

Starting MSRP: $21,300 | Best for: value shoppers wanting style and efficiency

The 2022 Hyundai Kona blends bold styling with strong economy. The base 2.0-liter and the available 1.6-liter turbo (175 hp) both run efficiently, with mainstream models rated near 29 mpg city / 34 mpg highway. All-wheel drive is optional, standard active-safety tech is generous, and Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty matches Kia's.

Cargo is smaller than the Seltos, but the Kona drives with more personality and looks sharp. It earns solid IIHS scores.

Pros:

• Distinctive styling that stands out in the class.
• Strong fuel economy across the lineup.
• 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
• Available 175-hp turbo for spirited driving.

Cons:

• Tighter rear seat and cargo than rivals.
• Turbo trims get pricey.

Verdict: a stylish, efficient bargain for solo and couple buyers.

8. Volkswagen Taos

Starting MSRP: $23,495 | Best for: buyers wanting the roomiest cabin and a turbo standard

New for the 2021–2022 era, the Volkswagen Taos is one of the larger subcompact crossovers, with notably more rear legroom and cargo room than the Kicks or Kona. A standard 1.5-liter turbo makes 158 hp and 184 lb-ft, returning about 28 to 31 mpg combined depending on drivetrain.

Front-wheel drive uses an eight-speed automatic; 4Motion all-wheel drive pairs with a dual-clutch unit. The cabin is upscale for the money, and standard tech is generous. A loaded SEL 4Motion approaches $33,000.

Pros:

• Roomiest cabin and cargo among the smaller subcompacts.
• Standard turbocharged engine with strong torque.
• Upscale, well-built interior.
• Composed, grown-up highway ride.

Cons:

• Dual-clutch AWD transmission can feel hesitant at low speed.
• Top trims push beyond compact-SUV money.

Verdict: choose the Taos if you want maximum room without jumping a size class.

9. Buick Encore GX

Starting MSRP: $24,200 | Best for: buyers wanting a quiet, near-premium small SUV

The 2022 Buick Encore GX delivers a hushed, comfortable cabin for not much money. A 1.2-liter turbo three (137 hp) is standard, with an available 1.3-liter turbo three making 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. Front-drive 1.3 models earn about 30 mpg combined, dropping to roughly 27 combined with all-wheel drive.

Cargo is a healthy 23.5 cu ft behind the rear seats (50.2 folded), and the quiet ride and soft seats give it a near-premium feel. Standard driver aids and available tech round it out.

Pros:

• Quiet, comfortable, near-premium cabin.
• Generous cargo room behind the rear seats.
• Good real-world efficiency with the 1.3-liter turbo.
• Available all-wheel drive.

Cons:

• Three-cylinder engines sound coarse when pushed.
• Some controls feel low-rent versus the price.

Verdict: a comfort-first pick for buyers who prize quiet over sport.

10. Chevrolet Trailblazer

Starting MSRP: $27,400 | Best for: buyers who want big-SUV looks in a small footprint

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer wears bolder styling than most rivals and offers flexible powertrains. A 1.2-liter turbo three (137 hp) is standard, with an available 1.3-liter turbo (155 hp); the 1.3 returns about 28 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is optional on the 1.3.

Cargo behind the rear seats is a modest 13.5 cu ft, expanding usefully with the seats folded. Standard active-safety tech and an available RS appearance package give it curb appeal, though acceleration is leisurely.

Pros:

• Distinctive, rugged styling for the segment.
• Available all-wheel drive with the uplevel engine.
• Standard active-safety features.
• Sporty available RS trim for visual flair.

Cons:

• Small cargo hold behind the rear seats.
• Modest power and a buzzy three-cylinder engine.

Verdict: a stylish choice, but cross-shop the roomier HR-V and Seltos first.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Subcompact SUV

• Total drive-away price, not just MSRP — add destination charges and any AWD upcharge, which often runs about $1,500.
• Real cargo numbers behind the rear seats, since the bigger "seats-folded" figure rarely reflects daily use.
• Standard versus optional safety tech — confirm automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping are included, not extra.
• EPA combined mpg for the exact trim and drivetrain you want, because AWD usually costs a few mpg.
• Warranty length, where Hyundai and Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage stands out.
• Powertrain type — many rivals use a CVT, while the Bronco Sport and Taos use conventional or dual-clutch automatics.

One thing that matters less than marketing implies: horsepower headline numbers. In this class almost every model feels adequate around town, and the daily difference between 150 and 185 hp is far smaller than the difference in cargo room, ride comfort, and ownership cost. Chase the practical traits first.

FAQ

What is the best subcompact SUV for 2022? The Honda HR-V is our Best Overall pick for its space, low ownership cost, and standard safety tech, though the Mazda CX-30 wins on driving feel.

Which 2022 subcompact SUV is the best value? The Nissan Kicks at a $19,700 starting MSRP delivers 33 mpg combined and strong standard features for the lowest price in the class.

Which 2022 subcompact SUVs come with standard all-wheel drive? The Subaru Crosstrek and Ford Bronco Sport include AWD on every trim; most others, including the HR-V, Corolla Cross, Seltos, and Kona, offer it as an option.

Which 2022 subcompact SUV has the most cargo space? The Kia Seltos leads with 26.6 cu ft behind the rear seats and 62.8 cu ft with them folded.

Which 2022 subcompact SUVs have the best warranty? The Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos both carry a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the longest in the segment.

Are subcompact SUVs good on gas? Yes — most return between 26 and 33 mpg combined, with the Nissan Kicks topping the group at about 33 mpg combined.

Bottom Line

The 2022 subcompact SUV class is deep, and the right answer depends on your priorities. For most buyers, the Honda HR-V is the smart default thanks to its space, safety, and proven low cost of ownership. Shoppers chasing the lowest price should grab the Nissan Kicks, while those who want a premium feel should test the Mazda CX-30.

If weather or trails are part of your life, the standard-AWD Subaru Crosstrek and Ford Bronco Sport stand apart, and value hunters who need cargo and warranty will love the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona. Cross-shop two or three from this list, confirm the EPA and price figures for your exact trim, and you will land on a small crossover that fits both your driveway and your budget.

Sources

• Car and Driver — 2022 subcompact SUV reviews and specifications.
• MotorTrend — 2022 Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Corolla Cross coverage.
• Edmunds — 2022 Ford Bronco Sport and Buick Encore GX features and specs.
• Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) — 2022 MSRP, value, and specification data.
• U.S. News & World Report — 2022 Mazda CX-30 review and rankings.
• Cars.com — 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer and Volkswagen Taos specifications.
• IIHS (iihs.org) — crashworthiness ratings for 2022 subcompact crossovers.
• EPA / fueleconomy.gov — official 2022 city, highway, and combined mpg figures.
• TrueCar — 2022 Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek pricing and trims.
• Autoblog — 2022 Ford Bronco Sport review and pricing.

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