12 Very Small Cars on the Market

SUVs aren’t always the most practical choice for today’s drivers. With increased environmental consciousness, consumers are thinking bigger, by buying smaller.
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Not everyone needs a huge SUV to haul around their kids and their neighbor's kids. With gas prices on the rise, most consumers are looking for a little car that’s easy to maneuver in traffic and can snag narrow parking spots in the city. 
Check out some of the very small cars offered in
today’s market
.

Small cars with ample cargo space

Though previously thought to be cramped and unsafe, subcompact cars are reliable and easy to drive. According to
U.S. News
, we now have “modern options that offer spacious seating in both rows of seats and generous cargo areas thanks to hatchback body style...[and] can be fitted with the same advanced safety features as larger cars.”
The 2021 Nissan Versa is 177 inches long and starts at just $14,980. It’s larger than other subcompact vehicles on the market and has two rows that allow plenty of room for adults (as long as they’re not too tall). 
Made with high-quality materials, the Versa comes with tons of standard safety features. 
The auto includes front/reverse automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection. If you want the full monty, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a driver attention monitor are options as well. 
The 2021 Mini Cooper Clubman is 168.3 inches and starts at $29,900. Though it’s one of Mini’s longer hatchbacks, drivers will enjoy 47.9 cubic feet of precious cargo space. “The Clubman features two rear swing-out cargo doors that make loading large cargo into the back of the hatchback easy,” U.S. News notes. 
The Clubman sports a 189 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is perfect for daily use. However, if cranking out over 300 hp is more your style, you can opt for the John Cooper Works model that’ll give you that sporty feel you’re looking for. 
If excellent fuel economy is at the top of your list, the 2022 Hyundai Accent is a great option. It won’t give you powerful performance, but you will get about 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. And the starting price for this auto is just under $16,000.
At 172.6 inches, passengers will enjoy 42.1 inches of front legroom and 33.5 inches of rear legroom. The Accent is equipped with a 5-inch touchscreen, though a 7-inch screen is also available. The infotainment system also features four audio speakers, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and a USB port.
Other notable options include the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, and the 2021 Kia Forte.
 MORE: 4 Small Cars With Top Safety Ratings
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Small cars under 160 inches long

The sporty 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback is only 160 inches long and $16,990. Though it's tiny, the handling is engaging, peppy, and playful. The Rio features a 120 hp four-cylinder engine that may feel rather strained when trying to climb a steep hill or accelerate on the highway. 
With the seats folded down, the sedan has 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior is stylish, with textured plastics and an 8-inch touchscreen. Bluetooth, wireless smartphone capability, and six audio speakers also come standard. 
We can’t deny how cute the 2021 Mini Cooper is. The hardtop two-door is 151.1 inches long and starts at $22,400. Engine options range from 189 hp to 301 hp, and all Mini Coopers will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
According to U.S. News, “With precise steering and a taut suspension, the Mini Cooper is one of the most agile cars in the class.” The cabin is eccentric and fitted with high-quality materials, making it one of the most sophisticated cars in the subcompact class. 
If you’ve never rented a Chevrolet Spark, let’s just say you’re not missing out on the 2021 model. This very small car is only 143.1 inches long and has a low starting price of $13,400. Though its infotainment system is fully loaded, the car does not come without massive compromise.
According to U.S. News, “The Spark’s second row is small, the front seats are uncomfortable, and the performance is lackluster.” When the rear seats are folded, drivers only get 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Good luck fitting in all your checked suitcases on the way to the airport. 

Small rare cars that we love

The Mahindra e2o (formerly the Reva NXR) is an EV hatchback that’s just 129 inches long and 59 inches wide. According to
HotCars
, “It comes with an app that lets you unlock and pre-warm your vehicle.”
The Aixam Minauto is a light quadricycle that can actually be driven with a moped license. The two-seater is about 9 feet long and 5 feet wide and can reach up to 28 mph. As you can imagine, the auto can’t handle more than 1,500 pounds.
The cute Buddy Electric takes about six hours to recharge and gets a range of about 49 miles. It’s a Norwegian city electric car that originated back at the start of the 2000s. The EV is eight feet long and is mainly sold in
Norway
While it’s probably not the best car for a
long road trip
, three passengers can fit on a bench seat. Fun Fact: The Buddy Electric was featured in the Matt Damon movie, Downsizing, about a Norwegian scientist trying to shrink people for environmental reasons.
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