The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek competes with a wide range of small crossover SUVs, including the 2022 Honda HR-V, the 2022 Mazda CX-30, and the 2022 Jeep Renegade.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a rugged and outdoorsy compact SUV, serving as a great option for anyone looking to drive from the city to the mountains. However, it’s just one available option in a diverse class of vehicles and thus competes with a long list of top-notch options.
Don’t just jump at the Crosstrek because it’s the first SUV you take out for a test drive—instead, use the personal broker
and car insurance
comparison app Jerry
’s handy guide to go through its top eight competitors so you can make an informed new vehicle purchase. 4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers 1. Honda HR-V
Starting price: $23,115 to $27,915
Selling points: Comfortable cabin and utilitarian cargo space
Weak spot: Weak, unrefined engine
The Honda HR-V
—the smallest vehicle in the Honda lineup—is a no-nonsense, classic-looking subcompact SUV, equipped with a practical cabin and impressive cargo space. Both front and rear seats have ample leg room and respectable headroom, while the rear seats fold flat so you can haul up to 22 carry-on suitcases. Unfortunately, the clunky four-cylinder engine won’t get your heart racing. In fact, it’s pretty sluggish and even generates a less-than-desirable sound. Be especially careful when driving over rough roads or handling sharp corners.
2. Mazda CX-30
Starting price: $23,725 to $35,925
Selling points: Impressive agility, lots of standard technology
Weak spot: An unimpressive base engine
Everyone loves the Mazda 3
hatchback, and the CX-30
looks like its taller, outdoorsy sibling. Plus, curvy exterior styling and a high-tech interior make this subcompact SUV look far more expensive than it really is. Standard features include an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, Mazda Connected Services that are compatible with the MyMazda App, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Plus, you’ll get to choose between an 8- and 12-speaker audio system, and/or add on available heated front seats, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, and more.
3. Jeep Renegade
Starting price: $26,290 to $32,740
Selling points: Potential for off-road capabilities
Weak spot: Lethargic engine and lack of storage
The 2022 Jeep Renegade
is the most affordable vehicle offered by the manufacturer and, oh man, is it cute! This subcompact SUV maintains the boxy appearance that Jeep is known for but in a pocket-sized package. Top trim levels come with impressive off-road capabilities—a unique feature on such a small SUV. Across trims, you’ll also enjoy a roomy interior, smooth ride, and plenty of standard technology.
Unfortunately, the Renegade’s pokey four-cylinder engine is anything but exciting. Don’t expect to accelerate quickly in either front- or all-wheel drive.
MORE: Does Jeep have a self-driving car?
4. Kia Seltos
Starting price: $23,885 to $29,385
Selling points: Impressively spacious cabin, exciting driving dynamics
Weak spot: Expensive to add on all-wheel drive
Slightly larger than the Soul
but smaller than the Sportage
is the just-right Kia Seltos
, a subcompact SUV with an impressively roomy cabin. Choose between a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, both of which deliver competitive fuel economy when paired with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive does make the Seltos more capable in various weather conditions, but it will cost you—plus, it’ll burn through your gas tank a little bit faster. Either way, the Seltos offers a firm and smooth ride, plus sharp and entertaining handling compared to common rivals.
5. Hyundai Kona
Starting price: $22,595 to $29,895
Selling points: Exciting turbo engine, lots of standard features
Weak spot: Cramped cargo space
The Hyundai Kona
is the perfect example of what a crossover is supposed to be—it handles like a car, looks like a boldly-styled SUV, and is a bit more practical and family-friendly in terms of interior space. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is a little bit sluggish, but the turbocharged 1.6-liter option is a worthwhile upgrade that’ll have you zipping down the highway with ease. A large list of standard features—like an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, a sunroof, automatic climate control, and leather upholstery—make even lower trims feel almost luxury.
MORE: Hyundai resale value
6. Buick Encore GX
Starting price: $27,095 to $21,620
Selling points: Luxury-like exterior, high value for the price
Weak spot: Unimpressive cabin, slow engine options
If you want a subcompact SUV that looks luxurious but doesn’t come with the luxury price tag, the Buick Encore GX
could be for you. It’s just a little bit larger than the regular Encore
, offering a roomy and comfortable cabin for multiple adult passengers. You’ll get to choose between either a turbocharged 1.2-liter or turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine, although neither boasts impressive pickup power. Nonetheless, you’ll enjoy a smooth ride and excellent fuel economy.
7. MINI Cooper Countryman
Starting price: $29,950 to $42,350
Selling points: One-of-a-kind aesthetics, plenty of room for personalization
Weak spot: Higher-than-average price tag
If you love the adorable and iconic MINI Cooper
but require a little bit more space, then the Countryman
may be for you. Even though it’s the most expensive option on our list, you’ll get to express yourself with ample personalization options, including a wide range of adorable details and bright exterior color combinations. Choose between three distinct power trains which are, admittedly, not as playful as the smaller MINIs, but still stand up to other luxury subcompact SUVs. And if fuel economy is a major concern, a plug-in hybrid option is available, offering a combined EPA rating of 73 MPGe.
8. Chevrolet Trailblazer
Starting price: $22,995 to $27,020
Selling points: Satisfying handling and plenty of passenger space
Weak spot: Unimpressive highway driving performance
Last but not least is the Chevrolet Trailblazer
, a responsive and nimble little SUV available in four diverse trims. Unfortunately, neither of these Chevy’s engines perform eagerly at highway speeds, but the adult-sized back seat and well-equipped affordable trims make up for it. We love the most fuel-efficient powertrain—the front-wheel-drive model with the larger 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine, which earns ratings of 29 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Although, if you live in a snowy climate, we recommend sacrificing a little bit of fuel economy by upgrading to all-wheel drive.
MORE: How do I get liability insurance for a financed car?
Subaru Crosstrek vs. the competition
If you’re overwhelmed by your options—don’t be! Take a look at this chart, which neatly compares the Crosstrek to its competitors:
| | | | | | Fuel economy (city/highway) |
---|
| | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine; 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | | | | |
| | 1.4-liter 4-cylinder; 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | | | | |
| | 1.2-liter 3-cylinder; 1.3-liter 3-cylinder | | | | |
2022 MINI Cooper Countryman | | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder; 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | | | | 29/38 mpg (or 119/100 mpg for the PHEV) |
2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer | | 1.2-liter 3-cylinder; 1.3-liter 3-cylinder | | | | |
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers MORE: The best type of car insurance to get if you don’t drive often
How to compare car insurance quotes in under a minute
Once you finally pick the perfect crossover for you, we doubt you’ll want to start the comparison shopping process all over again to pick a car insurance
policy. If you’d rather leave the hard work of gathering quotes to someone else, use Jerry
. The Jerry app can collect quotes from dozens of top insurance companies, like Travelers, Nationwide, and Progressive, in seconds! They can even help cancel your old policy once you’ve made your pick. This Jerry user was thrilled with their experience, giving the app five stars:
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