This is an odd, yet satisfying mix of tiny vehicles. These three distinctly different offerings top the list for the smallest vehicles that are currently on sale in the United States. I had to omit the Mitsubishi Mirage, as it is ending its lineup here with its 2024 model, but the remaining candidates all fit the bill for being unique, cool and fairly affordable.
Fiat
MINI
Mazda USA
The 154-inch long Mazda Miata, 152-inch Mini Cooper 2-door, and 143-inch long Fiat 500e are a lot of fun to drive, are fairly frugal, and give you a lot of car for the money. It just so happens that all three are very different and carry their own storied pedigree. All of these vehicles are less than 13-feet long, yet they are more utilitarian, or comfortable than you might think.
Let’s have a look at all three and expose their pros and cons. I firmly believe that small is the next big thing, and size isn’t everything.
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata: the 154-inch wonder
Mazda
To say that the Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the favorite fun cars for automotive journalists is no lie. Despite its tight interior for large people like me, I adore every minute behind the wheel. This little thing is a true driver’s car, with a perfect 50/50 balance that makes mundane drives exciting.
The base models weigh about 2,500 lbs, so the 181 horsepower, 2.0-liter engine is plenty. I found 0 to 60 times around the mid-five-second range to be consistent, even with the 6-speed manual. You can also get a quick-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, but gearheads will prefer the manual, which shifts beautifully.
Mazda USA
The EPA numbers are equally impressive, with 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. Prices start at just under $30,000 and hit about $44,000 for the hardtop convertible RF Club. That version gets you a limited slip rear differential, Brembo brakes, BBS wheels, and a Recaro seating package among other things.
While this little throwback to early British and Italian tiny sports cars is contemporary, its own history goes back over 35 years. Sadly, this car isn’t for everyone. It’s cramped, has limited trunk space, and very little extra space in the cabin. On top of that, the passenger’s footwell is terribly tight for most.
Still, it’s a hoot to drive, and it’s a cut above many fancy rides costing two to three-times the Miata’s price tag.
2025 Mini Cooper 2-door: the smile maker
All-new for 2025, the Mini Cooper 2-door is just 152.6 inches long, yet it is able to haul four average-sized adults around in relative comfort. It is a pure joy to drive, and a very easy vehicle to commute with. The new components make it much more competent on the highway, with an excellent UX system housed within a round touch screen that dominates the dashboard.
Two engines are available: the base model Mini Cooper with 161 horsepower, and the Cooper S, which makes 201 horsepower. Either way, that’s good power for something that weighs just over 3,000 lbs. The only transmission on offer is a dual-clutch 7-speed, with the manual transmission sadly being gone from every single Mini in the lineup.
Mini
The 2025 MINI Cooper S 2-door gets 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined. Unfortunately, the regular 2-door has yet to be rated, but it’s a safe bet that it’s even more efficient than the S. Pricing starts at about $29,000 for the base model two-door, and just over $32,000 for the Cooper S.
Even though this car is tiny, it feels refined on most surfaces. It’s far more settled than the previous models, which technically date all the way back to the 1960s. This is the best-riding, most comfortable Cooper yet, and the Cooper S is super sporty to drive. Unfortunately, not everyone likes the new infotainment system or the lack of overall choices.
Mini
Mini has streamlined the overall choices for the 2-door Cooper – which is hit and miss for some.
Fiat 500e EV: why cappuccino was invented
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The 2025 Fiat 500e is 143 inches long, making it the smallest new model vehicle for sale in the United States. Despite its diminutive size, the reintroduced 500e is very roomy for the driver and front passenger, making it an ideal commuter for folks who prefer an EV.
The Fiat 500e has one of the smallest batteries, at 37 kWh, with a maximum range of 141 miles and not-so-great DC fast charging rates of 85 kW. Its maximum horsepower is just 117 hp, but fortunately, it weighs just under 3,000 lbs. Thus, its off-the-line speed is pretty brisk: It can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 8 seconds.
Fiat
Although its heritage dates all the way back to the late 1950s as a car built for the masses, the modern Fiat 500e is a car built for a different class of people. It’s a mix of daily commuter that’s got a nifty fashion sense. Pricing starts at $37,595, and Fiat has excellent leasing programs that some of my friends have taken advantage of. You might be surprised how affordable leasing one of these is.
The purchase price, range and mediocre back seat comfort are problematic, but this car can be a lot of fun to drive. It oozes character, which few EVs do, and it is a perfect vehicle for the city. The ride is a bit stiff, but handling is good, and it’s a snap to park just about anywhere.
Fiat
Final thoughts
Hear me out: small cars can be the jam for your bread. If you’re sick of driving that hulking SUV, and you want to be a little more connected to your drive, these three tiny cars might be right for you. As fun as they all are, I’m inclined to look at the Mini Cooper S as a great daily driver here in Los Angeles. On the other hand, if you live in L.A. and have access to a place to power your EV, the Fiat 500e makes a compelling argument for itself.
Finally, if you love to drive and have access to mountain passes, road courses, or fun curvy roads, you can’t go wrong with an MX-5 Miata.
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About the author
Nathan Adlen
Contributing Writer, Autoblog