Every 2021 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, these models are slowly getting the ax. Just this past year, 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. We rank 7 subcompact cars from best to worst depending on their driving performance, standard features, design, and value.
7. 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage
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About the only positive thing we can say regarding the 2021 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. Yes, there are more expensive vehicles on the market, but, honestly, they are also simply better cars.
6. 2021 Chevrolet 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 2021 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.
5. 2021 Mini Cooper
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The 2021 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.
4. 2021 Nissan Versa
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The 2021 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.
3. 2021 Hyundai Accent
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The 2021 Hyundai Accent finishes third 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.
2. 2021 Chevrolet 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 has one of the longest ranges of any true EV on the road: an EPA-estimated 259 miles. Some drivers do find the front seats to be narrow, however. But that is soon to be remedied on the upcoming 2022 redesign which is due out in the summer.
1. 2021 Kia Rio
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The 2021 Kia Rio is our newly crowned subcompact car leader. Like its 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!
