10 Best Small SUVs of 2022 and 2023

1. Volkswagen Taos
2. Chevrolet Trailblazer
3. Mazda CX 30
4. Buick Encore GX
5. Hyundai Kona
6. Subaru Crosstrek
7. Kia Soul
8. Mazda CX 3
9. Kia Seltos
10. Honda HR V

Volkswagen Taos

Best Small SUVs, Customers are demanding for more affordable crossovers and SUVs, and the new Volkswagen Taos that will be released in 2022 is another choice for them to consider. Even though it is smaller than the VW Tiguan, the subcompact Taos has a back seat that is surprisingly roomy and a wide cargo area. Because of its versatility, the editors at Motor Trend chose it as their vehicle of choice.

Even while it lacks the sophistication and ruggedness of some of its competitors, such as the Mazda CX 30 and the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the VW SUV with the smallest footprint and the lowest price is nevertheless rather appealing. It takes design cues from Volkswagen’s compact Tiguan as well as the company’s larger Atlas model. A brand new 4 cylinder engine that is turbocharged is available for the Taos, and 4 wheel drive may be added as an option. The 2022 Taos is a satisfying choice in a crowded market category, particularly because it offers a wide variety of desirable comforts and attractive driver aid features as optional extras.

The Taos 2022 is a totally new vehicle that can be seen at VW stores. In the weeks preceding up to its introduction to the general public, we gained knowledge about its engine specs and dimensions, as well as its beautiful appearance and several amenities that were made accessible.

Chevrolet Trailblazer

In general, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer is an endearing compact crossover that has a sophisticated exterior design and thoughtful packing. The subcompact ute’s underwhelming engines, which are proportioned to the somewhat smaller Trax and have a design that is inspired artistically by the mid size Blazer, are the vehicle’s most significant shortcoming. The Trailblazer is powered by two turbocharged 3 cylinder engines, one producing 137 horsepower and the other 155 horsepower. Neither of these engines has the guts to drive the vehicle swiftly, particularly on the highway.

It is a relief to report that it feels more responsive and agile around town owing to the fast steering and solid body control. Oh, how I wish the journey wasn’t quite so rough. Despite this, the Trailblazer’s interior is chic, with a wide back seat and an infotainment system that’s been thoughtfully outfitted with a variety of features. Even if the most costly versions contain the most features, the high price of such versions results in diminishing benefits. On the other hand, lesser trims might be well equipped and mainly enjoyable.

The Chevy Trailblazer lineup receives just minor improvements for the 2022 model year. The ACTIV and RS trims come equipped with a heated steering wheel as standard equipment, while the LT trim now offers a heated steering wheel as an available option. Roof rack cross rails and a trailering kit that comprises a trailer hitch, harness, and bezel are two of the new aftermarket accessories that may be fitted by the dealer. There are currently a variety of colors of metallic paint available, including Crimson, Blue Glow, Vivid Orange, and Mahogany Red.

Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Mazda CX 30 is positioned in the middle of the brand’s compact SUV portfolio between the CX 5 and the CX 50. It is reminiscent of a bigger and more robust version of the Mazda 3 hatchback. The CX 30 has an upscale appearance that is comparable to that of subcompact luxury crossovers like the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1, but its pricing is more comparable to that of mainstream subcompact SUVs like the Hyundai Kona and the Volkswagen Taos. This is due to the CX 30’s curving exterior design as well as its nearly premium interior.

The standard engine is a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder that has slow acceleration; drivers who need quick acceleration would choose the optional turbocharged 2.5 liter engine. The Mazda CX 30 has nimble handling, and its on road demeanor is reminiscent of Mazda’s sportier alternatives. Because of this, we think it’s a great vehicle overall, and we’ve awarded it with the Editors’ Choice title. Beginning with the 2018 model year, standard equipment includes an extensive amount of driver assistance and driver entertainment technologies, as well as 4 wheel drive.

In 2022, Mazda will make 4 wheel drive standard on the CX 30, and the company will also release a new Carbon Edition of the vehicle. The non turbo charged version of the CX 30 serves as the foundation for the Carbon Edition Mazda, which has black 18 inch wheels, Polymetal Grey paint, and red leather interiors similar to those found in earlier Carbon Edition Mazdas. Roof rails are now included as standard equipment on the Select trim level, and the color palette has been expanded to include Platinum Quartz Metallic.

Buick Encore GX

Consider upgrading to the 2022 Buick Encore GX, which is not only a little bit bigger but also more up to date compared to the standard Encore model. The Encore GX is offered with a choice of two different turbocharged 3 cylinder engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.3 liters in displacement. Both the acceleration and the brakes are adequate, but neither one will satisfy drivers who have a heavy foot. Both the ride and the handling are quite steady and smooth.

Depending on the equipment it has, the Buick Encore GX may compete with mainstream subcompact SUVs like the Mazda CX 30 and the Hyundai Kona, or it can go up against small luxury crossovers like the BMW X1 and the Mercedes Benz GLA class. The inside is roomy and well appointed, which helps it compete with crossovers that don’t belong to the luxury segment, but it doesn’t have the flair of German pickup trucks.

The Encore GX color palette was updated for the year 2022 with the addition of four new hues: Cinnabar Metallic, Sapphire Metallic, Rosewood Metallic, and Sunset Glow Metallic. Aside from those changes, the junior SUV offering from Buick will look exactly the same in 2022.

Hyundai Kona

When an SUV offers such a taut and engaging driving experience as the 2022 Hyundai Kona does, it’s difficult to get hung up on the conventional anti crossover sensation. As a result, we won’t. Simply put, the subcompact Hyundai Kona is a superb combo that blends car like on road behavior with a bold design, practicality, and a high driving position; There are two different types of 4 cylinder engines that can be purchased: one with a capacity of 2.0 liters that is admittedly a bit slow, and another with a capacity of 1.6 liters that is turbocharged and has a significant amount of power.

When it comes to standard features, the Hyundai Kona comes with a long list that only gets longer as you move up through the more expensive trim levels, the upper two of which are considered to be luxury levels. This is in keeping with Hyundai’s focus on providing excellent value. Because it is one of the most compact subcompact SUVs now available, the Hyundai Kona does not offer the same amount of space for freight or passengers as some of its larger rivals. we feel the Hyundai more than compensates for such limitations thanks to its small packaging and fun to drive attitude.

Actually, quite a bit. The exterior and interior styling of the Hyundai Kona have both been modernized for the 2022 model year, with the latter receiving a new front end treatment that is even more stunning than the one found on the 2021 model. A new wide mouth grille, new wheel designs, revised exterior lighting elements, and false front and rear skid plates are some of the new highlights that have been added to the vehicle’s appearance.

The dashboard of the Kona has been updated, and it now comes standard with a new digital gauge display, wireless smartphone charging, and heated rear seats, among other new optional features.The standard infotainment touchscreen, which was 7.0 inches in size, has been replaced with a new model that is 10.3 inches in size. On top of everything else, a sporty N Line grade with a 195 horsepower turbocharged 1.6 liter engine has been added to the inventory; however, there has been no word yet regarding the performance oriented N model, which is expected to be released soon.

Subaru Crosstrek

The Instagram influencer’s idea of what an SUV ought to be like was realized in the form of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, which has a rugged appearance and 4 wheel drive as standard equipment. This car based crossover will not be able to compete with Jeeps and Land Rovers on actual trails, despite the fact that its ground clearance is higher than that of a Subaru Impreza hatchback. Instead, it excels at things that those same influencers are likely to appreciate, so it attracts their attention.

Its roof rack is large enough to carry two kayaks, there is ample space behind the rear seat to store a box of yoga mats, and the interior is sturdy, albeit unremarkable, making it simple to clean after a muddy excursion. Driving enthusiasts, on the other hand, will be let down by the Crosstrek’s standard engine because it does not have nearly enough power. Thankfully, a quicker Sport model and an environmentally friendly plug in hybrid alternative are both on the market to choose from.

Since Subaru did not make any significant changes to the Crosstrek for the 2022 model year, this means that the company’s smallest SUV will retain the same exterior design, feature set, and powertrains as it did in the previous model year.

Kia Soul

The 2023 Kia Soul is endowed with a certain sense of whimsy as a result of its singular appearance, which resembles a stylized toaster, as well as its iconic marketing campaign, which features hamsters bopping out to dance music. Despite its compact size, the Soul’s cabin is surprisingly roomy, despite the boxy appearance of the vehicle’s exterior. There is plenty of space for passengers as well as their luggage, despite the Soul’s outwardly unique appearance.

A number of its rivals, including the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Jeep Renegade, and the Kia Seltos, all begin several thousand dollars more expensive than this one. The Soul is not the most exciting vehicle to drive, and its 147 hp 4 cylinder engine is only available with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front wheel drive, but it provides a comfortable ride and a number of qualities that make it a great companion for a variety of situations.

New designs for the grille and bumpers are coming to the boxy, small SUV version of Kia’s Soul model in the year 2023. New wheels measuring 17 and 18 inches in diameter are also available, in addition to redesigned headlights. Sadly, the turbocharged 1.6 liter 1.6 liter engine with 201 horsepower has been taken off the market, leaving only the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine with 147 horsepower as an option. The tough appearing X Line variant, which was also no longer produced, is also unavailable.

Mazda CX-3

The CX 3 is Mazda’s smallest sport utility vehicle (SUV), and it competes in the subcompact SUV market alongside the CX 30, which is somewhat larger and sells for a few hundred dollars more.

However, the fact that the CX 3 is so close in size to the CX 30 does not render it obsolete. Its upscale cabin, engaging driving dynamics, and cheeky exterior styling set it apart from other compact crossover vehicles and make it competitive in its segment. The Mazda CX 3 has a seating height that is very carlike, despite being slightly higher than the sedan and hatchback versions of the Mazda 3, and its eager chassis really comes to life when you’re driving on a winding road.

The power comes from a 4 cylinder engine with 146 horsepower; however, the engine is not very refined, and 4 wheel drive comes at an additional cost. Both the passenger and cargo space are restricted, which may dissuade some buyers from making a purchase; however, these customers can easily upgrade to the more contemporary and roomy CX 30 without having to spend an excessive amount of additional money.

Kia Seltos

In the lineup of SUVs offered by Kia, the subcompact 2022 Seltos is positioned between the Soul and the Sportage. It provides both fashion and functionality in a size that is just right. Because it is based on the same platform and uses the same powertrains as the more compact Hyundai Kona, the Seltos offers a driving experience that is both enjoyable and efficient.

The standard engine is a 4 cylinder displacement of 2.0 liters, but higher trim levels come with a 1.6 liter turbo charged engine that generates 175 horsepower. The Seltos’s other trims are more likely to satisfy modern SUV buyers with more features and a variety of accessible upgrades than the base LX model, which includes popular driver assistance systems and a decent range of standard entertainment technology. However, the LX model is the only trim level available.

The Seltos has an advantage over other subcompact SUV competitors like the Mazda CX 30 and the Nissan Kicks as a result of its slightly larger size, which results in more interior space.For its second model year, the Seltos receives a slew of new driver assistance technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beam headlamps. All of the trim levels, with the exception of the LX, now come standard with automatic climate control and remote start.

Additionally, the top tier SX model now comes standard with a flat bottomed steering wheel and a new Plum interior color scheme. This year’s Nightfall Edition is distinguished from previous iterations by the addition of one of a kind black painted 18 inch aluminum wheels and exterior trim that has been blacked out.

Honda HR-V

While many subcompact SUVs rely on unusual styling to attract customers, the 2022 Honda HR V appeals to pragmatists with its understated exterior and interior design, as well as its clever luggage hauling capabilities. This is in contrast to many other subcompact SUVs.

The Honda HR V is currently the company’s smallest car, but thanks to its one of a kind Magic Seat second row, it can fold down completely to create a wide space that is capable of fitting large items that larger crossovers may have trouble accommodating. Your trip will not be any more enjoyable as a result of the HR mediocre V’s 4 cylinder engine or its sagging chassis. If you want dynamic handling and turbocharged power from your mini SUV, some good options to look into are the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos, and the Mazda CX 30.