Everyone loves crossovers these days for their versatility, size, and more athletic looks—but they aren’t always the most ideal size. Drivers who want a crossover experience with a small appearance look to the subcompact SUV genre. These smaller SUVs are often the sensible option—for lifestyles and budgets.

Looking for a small SUV from Subaru? The subcompact Crosstrek is the most miniature model they offer, but that doesn’t make it the best. Luckily,

Jerry

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, is here to guide you through Subaru’s entire lineup of small SUVs—including the easiest way to save money on your

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What is the smallest SUV Subaru makes?

Subaru’s smallest SUV is the Crosstrek with 63.6 inches of height and 176.5 inches of length. It’s only an inch or two larger than Subaru’s compact Impreza sedan.

The Crosstrek has what no sedan could manage, though—that signature athletic Subaru styling. Crosstreks may handle like a car, but their rugged exterior and adventurous nature sets them apart from cars and their competitors. Don’t be fooled, though—taking the

Subaru Crosstrek off-roading

may not be your best option.

Despite its small stature, the

Subaru Crosstrek

manages a sizable amount of cargo space with 20.8 cubic feet, which is more than average for this class. This number jumps to 55.3 cubes with the back seats folded down, creating plenty of space for your camping gear or sports equipment. Even better, the 2022 Crosstrek earns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on highways, putting it near the top of the list for fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Crosstrek is offered in five different trims and three different powertrains, including a Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid. Here’s the bad news, though: the base 152-hp four-cylinder engine is pretty sluggish. You’ll want to upgrade to the 182-hp 2.5-liter engine to avoid being swallowed on the highways.

If your lifestyle fits that of a sedan more than a crossover but you can’t let go of that sporty SUV ideal, the Crosstrek may be the one for you. With a starting price of just $24,320, it’s not a bad investment, either.

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Why you should consider an SUV over a sedan

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Other small Subaru SUVs

Crosstreks may be Subaru’s most compact SUV on the market right now, but they aren’t the only compact SUV Subaru has on offer. Here’s how the Crosstrek stacks up to its family members.

Smallest: 2022 Subaru Crosstrek

Starting price: $24,320

Wheelbase: 104.9 inches

Seating capacity: Five

The 2022 Crosstrek blends the practicality and efficiency of a sedan with Subaru’s unique outdoorsy SUV styling. It performs well in nearly every category, but its lackadaisical base engine is its downfall.

Small: 2022 Subaru Outback

Starting price: $28,820

Wheelbase: 108.1 inches

Seating capacity: Five

As Subaru’s most popular SUV-wagon crossbreed, the

Subaru Outback

was the prototype for an SUV-like car long before the Crosstrek premiered. The 2022

Subaru Outback’s ground clearance

and its all-around rugged capability make the Outback every adventurer’s favorite vehicle.

As with the Crosstrek, the base 182-hp 2.5-liter engine won’t provide any thrills, but the upgraded turbocharged engine should fix that. The 2022 Outback model doesn’t skimp on the space, either, offering 1.4 extra inches of legroom than the last generation and33 cubic feet of cargo space.

Small-ish: 2022 Subaru Forester

Starting price: $27,070

Wheelbase: 105.1 to 107.9 inches

Seating capacity: Five

With the rise of sporty crossover SUVs, the

Subaru Forester

has made quite a name for itself in recent years. With a boxier style and standard all-wheel drive than other generations and models, the 2022 Forester delivers on Subaru’s ultra-sporty reputation—especially when it comes to taking your

Forester off-road

With generous cargo space, six trim options, refined handling, and plenty of features, the Forester provides more than enough for most drivers. As with Subaru’s other SUVs, though, the base engine isn’t the most exciting.

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The best alternatives to Subaru’s smallest SUV

If you’re open to other brands, the Crosstrek faces some strong competition in the subcompact crossover genre—specifically the Hyundai Kona, the Mazda CX-30, and the Honda HR-V.

Peppy and perky: 2022 Hyundai Kona

With a more affordable starting price of just $22,595, the

Hyundai Kona

is hard to beat.

The Kona’s available 195-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes the Subaru Crosstrek’s weak base engine look even more lackluster. The 2022 Kona boasts excellent fuel economy, a chic interior, and a wide array of standard features that require upgrades for most of its competitors.

The Hyundai Kona can also keep up with the Crosstrek’s athleticism when equipped with all-wheel drive.

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High class at a low cost: 2022 Mazda CX-30

If you’re searching for something a bit less rugged and more refined than the Crosstrek, the

Mazda CX-30

fits the bill. It may be Mazda’s smallest crossover, but the CX-30 looms large in the class with its luxe cabin and plentiful features—especially with its $23,725 starting price tag.

Similar to the Hyundai Kona—and unlike the Crosstrek—the CX-30 offers a turbocharged engine for those needing more horsepower. Despite this, the CX-30 tends toward a slower acceleration…but with the easy and lively handling, you’ll hardly notice.

Like the Kona, the CX-30 offers a solid lineup of infotainment and driver assistance features as standard. Unlike the Kona, however, the 2022 CX-30 comes with standard all-wheel drive on every trim.

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The common sense compact: 2022 Honda HR-V

Honda is known for their practical and reliable vehicles, and the subcompact

Honda HR-V

is no exception. While the other competitors in this class shine for their athletic handling and unique styling, the HR-V keeps it sensible down to the starting price of $24,320.

With its understated exterior, ample cargo space, and top-notch fuel economy, the HR-V is for subcompact drivers who value simple quality over any bells and whistles. The 2022 model offers 24.3 cubic feet of space behind the back row, but with the rear Magic Seat folded, you’ll have 58.8 cubic feet to work with.

Keeping with the theme in this class, the HR-V’s base engine is unimpressive, but that won’t bother most drivers—especially in light of its engaging driving experience.

How to shrink your car insurance payments

Driving a smaller SUV often means paying a smaller insurance premium—but that won’t just happen automatically. Just like comparing the ins and outs of all the subcompact SUV options, you’ll have to search for the best

car insurance

for your Subaru Crosstrek or one of its competitors.

If you don’t want to waste your precious time comparing policies and quotes from dozens of companies, though, just download the

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Once you make your pick, Jerry’s team of insurance geniuses will walk you through the sign-up process so you can start saving immediately!