Every 2019 Subcompact Car Ranked from Best to Worst

a white 2019 subcompact honda fit

Subcompact cars are the smallest of the bunch. And, lately, they’ve been somewhat of a lost art. Buyers are instead opting for subcompact and compact SUVs, vehicle classes that didn’t really exist over a decade ago. In fact, many of these models are getting the ax next year in 2020, including the Toyota Prius C and the Ford Fiesta.

Even so, this class of small cars remains popular with first-time drivers and car buyers because of their budget-conscious prices. And there are some surprising high points in these cars that are most often overlooked by consumers. We rank 14 subcompact cars from best to worst depending on their driving performance, standard features, design, and value.

14. 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage

219 mitsubishi mirage

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About the only positive thing we can say regarding the 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage is that it’s one of the least expensive vehicles currently on the market. It will get you from point A to point B for the least amount of money possible (at least up front). The dated design and poor materials don’t even try to give you the illusion of purchasing upward, however. Yes, there are more expensive vehicles on the market, but, honestly, they are also simply better cars.

13. 2019 Nissan Versa

2019 nissan versa

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The 2019 Nissan Versa is the most affordable vehicle on the market. For that low price, you’ll be paying for cheap finishes and materials around the cabin. But on the positive side, the cabin is actually pretty spacious for a car this size. Also, this Nissan has good reliability ratings. Having said that, it is somewhat underpowered and is lacking some helpful safety features of more expensive Nissan models.

12. 2019 Chevrolet Spark

2019 chevy spark

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The Chevy Spark is sticking around, at least for now. But if future models fall near the bottom of the subcompact heap, like the 2019 Chevrolet Spark, then don’t expect it to stick around very long. It does come with some nice standard tech features. Yet, when compared to the competition, the cargo space and second-row seating aren’t as roomy as other vehicles in this class.

11. 2019 Fiat 500

2019 fiat 500

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Fiat has announced that it will discontinue production of the 500 in North America. The 2019 Fiat 500 fell to the bottom of our subcompact ranking due to its cramped seating space and low-quality materials. Even though it was cramped for passengers, drivers never had a problem finding (or squeezing into makeshift) parking spots on crowded downtown streets!

10. 2019 Volkswagen Beetle

2019 vw beetle

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The Volkswagen Beetle is another model on the chopping block. It’s the end of an era for this iconic design. Even with its storied history, the 2019 VW Beetle feel toward the back half of our rankings due to low fuel economy ratings compared to competitors and a high price tag for a car in this size class. The interior was comfortable, however, and you can’t argue with that instantly recognizable shape!

9. 2019 Chevrolet Sonic

2019 chevy sonic

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The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic performed better than its smaller sibling (the Spark), but even so, it’s around the middle of the pack. Like the Spark, the Sonic has some pretty good standard tech offerings. Where it fell short was in low fuel economy ratings and below-average cabin design. Having said that, it is a sporty little zipper.

8. 2019 Toyota Yaris

2019 toyota yaris

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The 2019 Toyota Yaris finishes middle of the road. It’s not the best, but it’s also not the worst. Is it underpowered? Sure. But it has great fuel economy ratings (something to be expected for small cars), and it has an intuitive cabin layout that doesn’t feel as cheap as the vehicle’s price might suggest.

7. 2019 Ford Fiesta

2019 ford fiesta

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The Ford Fiesta won’t be around much longer, and, honestly, we are pretty upset. Have you seen the revised Fiesta that Europe is getting? The 2019 Fiesta is sporty as always, and it has solid handling. The reason it falls near the middle of the pack is below-average reliability ratings and somewhat smaller cargo space.

6. 2019 Toyota Prius C

2019 toyota prius c

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The 2019 Toyota Prius C has stellar fuel economy ratings, which makes sense given that it’s a traditional hybrid electric vehicle. As is the case with many Toyota vehicles, the Prius C also has great reliability ratings. However, the interior design was not among our favorites.

5. 2019 Mini Cooper

2019 mini cooper

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The 2019 Mini Cooper scored most highly when it came to driving and handling. This little car is sporty and zippy. It will get you where you need to go, and you’ll have fun getting there along the wayWe also appreciate the incredible array of customization features to make the Mini uniquely yours. Our one gripe: trunk space.

4. 2019 Chevrolet Bolt

2019 chevy bolt

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When it comes to owner reviews, the Chevrolet Bolt has some of the highest consumer ratings of any car on the market. Its subcompact length might be a little hidden due to its hatchback design and higher seating position. This fully electric vehicle uses no gasoline and produces no emissions. It also has one of the longest ranges of any true EV on the road: an EPA-estimated 238 miles. Some drivers do find the front seats to be narrow, however.

3. 2019 Kia Rio

2019 kia rio

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The 2019 Kia Rio comes in third on our list. Like it’s South Korean cousin (the Hyundai Accent), the Rio comes with an array of standard features at prices lower than other competitors. A well-designed interior coupled with above-average handling place this subcompact among the best-performers!

2. 2019 Hyundai Accent

2019 hyundai accent

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The 2019 Hyundai Accent finish just behind the leader thanks to the incredible value that it offers buyers. It includes many standard features at lower prices than competitors. It also has great fuel economy and an intuitively designed cabin.

1. 2019 Honda Fit

2019 honda fit

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The 2019 Honda Fit is the king of the subcompact class. Its hatchback design gives it an open and spacious cabin that offers an array of flexible configurations. It’s also fun to drive thanks to a sporty engine and capable handling. The Fit should be on the top of your list if you’re looking for a car for new drivers.