When they were first introduced, subcompact crossovers were heavily marketed as SUVs, and that irked many purists. Subcompact crossovers were basically taller versions of “regular” cars, usually hatchbacks, and rarely had any real off-road chops, but today, the sense that a subcompact crossover is somehow a sell-out purchase has largely evaporated. In tight cities, and with fewer affordable and desirable hatchbacks and sedans to choose from than a decade ago, a subcompact crossover is a fantastic way of keeping costs down while still enjoying the prestige and perceived safety of a taller driving position and the practicality of an easy-to-access cargo area. And in 2027, they’re smarter, more stylish, more efficient, and more practical than ever, with some even purveying some rugged character.
Winner: Kia Seltos
Cole Attisha/Autoblog
I never believed I would consider a subcompact SUV “good-looking,” but the 2027 Kia Seltos is something handsome enough to drive on a night out and interesting enough to not feel overly mainstream – though its inevitable popularity will dampen the impact of the second impression. Fully redesigned for ’27, it sits on a new platform and gets a larger body styled to resemble the larger Tucson. Clearly, subcompact crossovers are still cosplaying as larger SUVs, but the changes are more than skin-deep, with a hybrid 1.6-liter powertrain expected to deliver economy figures around 50 mpg, with both FWD and e-AWD options. Alternatively, there’s a turbocharged 1.6-liter with 190 horsepower (AWD only with an 8-speed auto), and if you want something even simpler, the base naturally aspirated 2.0-liter remains with 147 hp (FWD or AWD, continuously variable transmission). In a nutshell, this covers all the bases for those seeking an efficient, stylish, and roomy crossover.
Cole Attisha/Autoblog
Inside, the 2027 Seltos gets a 12.3-inch driver info display alongside a touchscreen of the same size for infotainment. At the top end of the range, there’s also a 5.0-inch climate display, but we could do without that. Wireless smartphone integration and a six-speaker sound system are standard in a fabric-upholstered cabin, but leatherette finishes, heated and ventilated power front seats, climate control, and Harman Kardon audio are also available. Whatever you choose, the 39-inch rear legroom measurement means carrying passengers won’t be fraught with complaints. Pricing starts around $25,000 (and peaks at just under $33,000 before options), but be careful with the options list, or you’ll flirt with 40 grand. This is for the X-Line SX, which sounds off-road-capable but has no more than a snow mode. That’s all it needs at this price point.
Kia Seltos Pros
- Handsome new design makes the Seltos look premium
- Interior has class-leading interior and cargo room with better technology
- 10-year/100,000-mile warranty
- All-wheel drive is available
Kia Seltos Cons
- Base 2.0-liter takes 9 seconds to reach 60 mph, prioritizes economy over acceleration
- Top turbo and hybrid trims push toward $38,000 with options
Scores:
Value: 4.5/5
Practicality: 4.5/5
Efficiency: 4.5/5
Who’s It For?
Someone who lives in a dense urban environment and would prefer not to drive a bulky vehicle but still wants a stylish and practical daily driver. With AWD, it’s suitable for the coldest months of the year, too.
Recommended Trim
Our pick is the Seltos EX FWD, which starts at just $28,390. It gives you 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control (and its 5.0-inch touchscreen), imitation leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a few other upgrades. Adding AWD costs an extra $1,700, barely breaking the $30k mark.
Top Ranked: Nissan Kicks
Nissan
Think the Seltos is too edgy? The 2027 Nissan Kicks goes in a different direction, yet arguably looks just as cool. This starts at $22,730 (before destination), making it even more affordable than the Seltos, but there’s much less variety, too. Three trims are on offer, and all of them use a 141-hp 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder introduced with the attractive 2025 redesign, feeding the front wheels through a CVT as standard, with AWD available ($1,500 on base and top trims, $1,650 on the middle trim) through all variants: S, SV, and SR. We’re still waiting for a more rugged Rocks Creek version and/or an e-Power hybrid powertrain delivering more torque and gas mileage. In the meantime, all Nissan Kicks trims deliver best-in-class ground clearance. Whichever you get, the Nissan Kicks offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim, and like the Seltos, heated front seats (among other amenities for the cold) are optional.
Nissan
As standard, the S and SV pair a 12.3-inch touchscreen with analog gauges and a 7.0-inch driver info display, while the SR upgrades to a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Four speakers are standard, but the top trim gets a 10-speaker Bose Personal Plus system, along with a leather-wrapped steering weel, leatherette upholstery with cloth inserts, ambient lighting, and touch-sensitive climate controls, in addition to wireless phone charging and remote engine start from the SV. Importantly, all trims feature Zero Gravity front seats that are designed to reduce fatigue on longer drives. A panoramic moonroof, however, is optional to SV and SR buyers, but the point is that this is a safe, spacious, tall, and stylish crossover that gets those basics right, not trying to be something it’s not. At this price point, it’s hard to beat.
Nissan Kicks Pros
- Ground clearance of 8.4 inches is best-in-class for a subcompact crossover
- Up to 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats
- Standard Safety Shield 360 suite with adaptive cruise control on all trims
- 31 mpg combined (FWD)
- AWD available with snow mode
- Multi-link rear suspension
Nissan Kicks Cons
- CVT makes for a dull driving experience and noise under hard throttle
- Over 5 inches less rear legroom than Kia Seltos
- Heated seats require Cold Weather Package
- No power driver’s seat on any trim
Scores:
Value: 4/5
Practicality: 4/5
Efficiency: 4.5/5
Who’s It For?
Someone who wants a safe, simple, reliable, and easy-to-live-with subcompact crossover will appreciate the Kicks’ straightforward, affordable approach to mobility.
Recommended Trim
As usual, it’s the middle trim hat offers the best value. In this case, that’s the SV, which starts under $25,000. It gets bigger wheels, wireless charging, remote engine start, and premium clotch trim, and you can tick the Cold Weather Package and panoramic moonroof boxes.
Top Ranked: Chevrolet Trax
Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Trax looks like a rugged choice, but it’s only available wth front-wheel drive, and its 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder is far from potent with just 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque delivered through a six-speed automatic. It’s cheap and simple ($21,700 starting MSRP), though it looks expensive, and the crossover boasts space and practicality across all five trims, including RS trims that look sportier and ACTIV models that look tougher. Ground clearance maxes out at 7.3 inches, rear legroom is an impressive 38.7 inches, and there’s 25.6 cubic feet of volume behind those seats. Fold them, and you get up to 54.1 cubic feet.
Chevrolet
The cabin is ergonomically laid out, but tech and material quality varies by trim. At the lower end of the scale, LS and 1RS trims feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display, while LT, 2RS, and ACTIV trims get an 11-inch display and an 8.0-inch digital cluster. Wireless charging and an onboard WiFi hotspot are also available, but too many complications detract from the Trax’s selling point: affordability. This is a cheap crossover that looks more premium than it is, both inside and out, and few vehicles in this segment pull off that duality of purpose without compromising too heavily on either price or quality. It’s simple, it’s honest, and it looks good. If you don’t need AWD, it’s a home run.
Chevrolet Trax Pros
- Strong value
- Spacious rear seat and decent cargo volume
- Smooth six-speed automatic is more enjoyable than a CVT
- Optional 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital cluster on LT and higher trims elevate cabin
Chevrolet Trax Cons
- No AWD option
- Modest power makes highway overtakes tricky
- Cabin materials feel basic in lower trims
Scores:
Value: 4/5
Practicality: 4.5/5
Efficiency: 4/5
Who’s It For?
If you want a spacious cabin, intuitive tech, and a price that won’t scare your accountant, the Chevrolet Trax does what it always has: provide a user-friendly, affordable subcompact crossover solution that doesn’t get bogged down by novelty and frills.
Recommended Trim
We recommend the Trax in LT guise as it unlocks the fancier screens, uplifting the cabin without becoming as expensive at the upper-range style-focused trims. The sporty and rugged looks of the RS and ACTIV trims, respectively, write checks they can’t cash, and when the base Trax looks as good as it does, paying extra for more style cred seems pointless.
Honorable Mentions
Subaru Crosstrek
The crossover that looks least like an SUV is the one that pulls off the impression best. The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most off-road-capable offerings in the subcompact class, with up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance and standard AWD. Power comes from a 2.5-liter boxer-four producing 180 hp, but hybrids add electrical power to bring the total to 194 hp. Granted, there are compromises. The cabin is not as plush as some rivals, with cloth upholstery and hard plastics most obvious in the base model, which has dual 7.0-inch touchscreens with wired smartphone integration, while other trims get a single 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. But ignore the base model, and you’ve got a comfortable and seriously capable crossover with excellent gas mileage. Sure, it’s slow, the second row is fairly cramped, and some materials feel cheap, but you’ll be able to go places most rivals can’t.
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai
The 2027 Hyundai Kona is yet to be revealed, so we’ve pictured the 2026 model here. While the new version will look completely different, it’s expected to continue delivering great tech through a new PLEOS infotainment system, strong legroom and headroom, and amenities like ventilated front seats. Safety is a high priority for the Kona, as is a strong warranty. While the 2026 Kona looked very quirky, the 2027 model is much more stylish and will turn heads for different reasons. With the new Kona, Hyundai is making yet another subcompact look more serious than funky, but the price is expected to be just as light on the wallet as before.
Conclusion
With multiple options in the subcompact crossover space, there are now choices for every lifestyle and aesthetic preference, and none of them are a huge financial burden. Style, space, fuel economy, and affordability are present in all these crossovers, and each of them is good enough at something that justifying a purchase is easy, whatever option is chosen.
About the author
Sebastian Cenizo
Senior Editor, Autoblog