The best subcompact cars for 2023 and 2024 include a range of options that have been tested for comfort, safety, and technology.
Some of the top picks in this category are the Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Yaris.
These cars are known for their unbeatable fuel efficiency, affordability, and advanced features, making them popular choices for consumers.
Additionally, the Mazda CX-30 is highlighted as a top pick for an extra-small SUV, offering striking style, comfort, and plenty of standard features for its price.
2024 Nissan Versa
Starting at $17,530
EPA MPG 30–35 combined
The 2024 Nissan Versa is a good choice for budget-minded shoppers who are looking for a fuel-efficient and spacious subcompact car.
Engine and Performance
The 2024 Nissan Versa is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.
The base S trim level comes with a five-speed manual transmission, while the SV and SR trims come with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Front-wheel drive is the only drivetrain option.
The Versa is not a powerful car, but it gets the job done. The CVT helps to smooth out the engine’s roughness, and the car is relatively quiet on the highway.
Fuel Economy
The 2024 Nissan Versa is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. The CVT-equipped models are rated for up to 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
The manual transmission model is less fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
Interior
The 2024 Nissan Versa’s interior is surprisingly spacious for a subcompact car. There is plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
The seats are comfortable, and the cabin is relatively quiet. However, the materials used in the interior are not very high-quality, and the overall design is a bit bland.
Features
The 2024 Nissan Versa comes standard with several features, including air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port.
Higher trim levels add features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a rearview camera.
Safety
The 2024 Nissan Versa comes standard with several safety features, including airbags, traction control, and stability control.
Higher trim levels add features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
Starting at $19,055
EPA MPG 37 combined
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is a subcompact sedan that prioritizes affordability and fuel efficiency.
Exterior Design:
The Mirage G4’s exterior design is simple, with a rounded front fascia, swept-back headlights, and a slightly boxy silhouette.
While it won’t win any design awards, it’s clean and inoffensive. The 2024 model year adds two new color options: Jet Black and Sunrise Copper.
Interior:
The Mirage G4’s interior is surprisingly spacious for a subcompact car, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
The seats are comfortable, and the cabin is relatively quiet for its class. However, the materials used are not particularly high-quality, and the overall design is a bit bland.
Engine and Performance:
The Mirage G4 is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque.
It’s not a powerhouse, but it gets the job done for city driving and commuting. The engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that helps to smooth out the power delivery and maximize fuel efficiency.
Fuel Economy:
One of the Mirage G4’s biggest strengths is its fuel efficiency. It’s rated for up to 35 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class.
Features:
The Mirage G4 comes in four trim levels: ES, SE, Black Edition, and LE. The base ES trim level comes standard with air conditioning, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.
Safety:
The Mirage G4 comes standard with several safety features, including airbags, traction control, stability control, and forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection.
Higher trim levels add features such as lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.
Overall:
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is a no-frills, budget-friendly sedan that prioritizes affordability and fuel efficiency.
It’s not the most powerful or feature-rich car in its class, but it offers a comfortable ride, a surprisingly spacious interior, and excellent fuel economy.
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
Starting at $17,955
EPA MPG 39 combined
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is a hatchback version of the Mirage G4 sedan you just inquired about. While they share many similarities, there are some key differences to consider:
Body Style:
- Mirage: Hatchback with 5 doors and a cargo area accessible through the rear hatch.
- Mirage G4: Sedan with 4 doors and a trunk accessible through a separate lid.
Dimensions:
- Mirage: Shorter in length and height than the Mirage G4, but offers slightly more cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
- Mirage G4: Longer and taller than the Mirage, providing more legroom and headroom for passengers.
Features:
- Mirage: Similar trim levels and features as the Mirage G4, but some variations may exist.
- Mirage G4: Generally offers slightly more standard features in higher trim levels compared to the Mirage.
Engine and Performance:
- 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque.
- Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- Front-wheel drive.
- 0-60 mph in 10.6-10.9 seconds (estimated).
- Top speed of 100-105 mph (estimated).
Fuel Economy:
- 36 mpg combined, 33 mpg city, 41 mpg highway (estimated).
Interior:
- Spacious for its size, with comfortable seating for four adults.
- 17.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 47 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
- Standard features include air conditioning, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.
- Higher trim levels add features such as automatic climate control, heated front seats, and alloy wheels.
Safety:
- Standard features include airbags, traction control, stability control, and forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection.
- Higher trim levels add features such as lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.
Overall:
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is a budget-friendly hatchback that offers excellent fuel economy, a spacious interior for its size, and a long list of standard features.
It’s a good choice for city driving and commuting, but it’s not the most powerful or feature-rich car in its class.
