Every 2023 Subcompact Car Ranked from Best to Worst

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, subcompact cars are slowly getting the ax. In recent years, the Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Sonic, and the class-leading Honda Fit ended production!

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 overlooked by most consumers. So, what are the best subcompact cars of 2023?

The Best Subcompact Cars of 2023

We ranked five subcompact cars from best to worst depending on their driving performance, standard features, design, and value.

5. 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage

(image via Mistubishi)

About the only positive thing we can say regarding the 2023 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 upfront). The dated design and poor materials don’t even try to give you the illusion of purchasing upward, however. At least this year, you’ll get a standard automatic transmission. Yes, there are more expensive vehicles on the market, but, honestly, they are also simply better cars. The starting MSRP is $16,245.

4. 2023 Mini Cooper

(image via MINI)

The 2023 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 way. We also appreciate the incredible array of customization features to make the Mini uniquely yours. Our gripes, however, are trunk space and more frequent-than-normal maintenance issues. The starting MSRP is $23,400. There’s also the pricier Clubman which starts at $29,900.

3. 2023 Nissan Versa

(image via Nissan)

The 2023 Nissan Versa is one of the most affordable vehicles on the market (starting at $15,730). 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.

2. 2023 Kia Rio

(image via Kia)

The 2023 Kia Rio is our subcompact car runner-up. 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! The Rio’s pricing starts just below the Accent’s at $16,550.

1. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt

(image via Chevrolet)

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 has long battery range for a true EV: an EPA-estimated 259 miles. The 2022 redesign upgraded the interior to be more modern and streamlined. The seats are more supportive this time around (an owner complaint from previous models). Additionally, Chevy has sorted out the battery problems that plagued the final year of the previous generation. The 2023 models are already on their way to dealers and Chevy lowered the price even more. Starting at $25,600 (before any state rebates), this is the best subcompact car of 2023!