I'm looking for something a bit bigger than a hatchback (like the Honda Fit) but smaller than an SUV (like the RAV4 or CRV). So I've thought about getting a subcompact SUV.
What are your thoughts on sub compact SUV's in general? Are they problematic? Or are the car companies doing a good job matching the engine to the car bodies?
Which sub compact SUVs are best (make, model, and years)? Which ones are best to avoid?
From my research so far:
Honda HRV: I've seen some reports of it having an underpowered engine, unrefined powertrain, and below-average predicted reliability ratings. How true or untrue are those things in your experience?
Toyota CHR: It's got critics for having a weak acceleration and a noisy powertrain, with lower expected reliability
Mazda CX-30: I've seen that it has poor acceleration, and isn't super reliable
Mazda CX-3: I see things saying that the engine struggles at highway speeds, and is also not as reliable as the Honda or Toyota
Subaru Crosstrek: weaker engine, poor acceleration
It looks like the subcompact SUVs have weaker engines/acceleration/powertrains and are less reliable than the larger compact SUVs. So what are your thoughts on the engines and reliability of these cars?
Thanks!
Which is the most / least reliable? Are the subcompacts about as reliable as the compacts
Here's my ranking and opinion on the models you mentioned (current generation cars)
Very dependable:
1. Mazda CX-3 (1.5 / 2.0), a Mazda2 in SUV form.
- Positive: Old proven platform. No serious known issues with the 2.0 engine and 6 speed automatic.
- Negative: It's really small. The infotainment and driver assistance technologies are weak. Handling is very poor.
2. Toyota RAV4 (2.0 / 2.5), a Camry in SUV form.
- Positive: It's big, beautiful, comfortable, inexpensive for its size - a phenomenal car in all its configurations
- Negative: The engine has issues in cold climates. Non-hybrid tranny is mediocre but better than CVTs. Handling.
3. Toyota C-HR (1.8 / 2.0), a Corolla in SUV form.
- Positive: The ZR engines are bulletproof, comfortable, and overall good in all aspects.
- Negative: The styling is odd. slightly weak CVT. The rear seats and boot are better than CX-3/HRV but Medicare.
Almsot good:
4. Subaru Crosstrek (2.0), an Impreza in SUV form.
- Positive: It's a proven design, offers rugged looks.
- Negative: The engine is subpar. The Transmission is questionable. The interior is subpart. CVT is subpar.
The rest:
5. Mazda CX-5 (2.5 *), in previous generations it used to share a platform with the Mazda6.
- Positive: It's big but still sporty and has a touch of luxury.
- Negative: Has cylinder deactivation. a bit outdated. Turbocharged engines are not good at all
6. Mazda CX-30 (2.5 *), a Mazda3 in SUV form but lacks the engine choice.
- Positive: SUPER safe. super modern. Good looks. It's sporty and it has some luxury to it.
- Negative: Has cylinder deactivation. Too new to know much. Turbocharged engines are not good at all
7. Honda CR-V (1.5T outgoing), a Civic in SUV form.
- Positive: It's a popular car with a reasonably good interior.
- Negative: Engine issues. Not the best transmission. Is an outgoing model.
8. Honda HR-V (Outgoing generation), a Fit in SUV form.
- Positive: It's the only popular tiny SUV in North America as far as I know.
- Negative: TINY car. Engine issues. Widespread transmission issues. Is an outgoing model.
* does not apply to 2.0L engines, they're better - but are not available in all regions.
Thank you so much! This is incredibly helpful.
I'm surprised to see Mazda CX-3 at the top, above RAV4. I always assumed no one best Toyota reliability, so I've been totally overlooking the CX-3.
Is this a list ranked purely in terms of reliability, or in terms of what you like the most overall?
Regardless, this is a super informative list thanks so much again.
Also why is the CX-3 so much more reliable than the CX-30?
It’s only reliability, the CX-3 is higher than the rest cause it has a proven engine and a solid transmission - in today’s world that’s rare (shares the power train and tech with the previously generation Mazda3 and that was a wonderful car)
If the CX-30 would have been offered in North America with the same 2.0L engine than it would have been much higher, but the 2.5L with cylinder deactivation or a turbo has a lot of potential for things to go wrong.
If it would’ve been overall, the CX-3 would’ve been much lower on the list, cause it’s just minuscule.
Oh I see, thanks!
Can I ask, why does the HR-V rank at the bottom? I don't see much on carcomplaints.com and its a Honda. Could you share some more info about what you know about the HRV engine and transmission issues?
Mazda CX-3: I see things saying that the engine struggles at highway speeds, and is also not as reliable as the Honda or Toyota
It has the euro-Miata powertrain, and in most regions can be equipped with a 2.0 making it fast.
This one IS more reliable than competition
The only issue, it doesn't handle well in sharp turns and is small
Mazda CX-30: I've seen that it has poor acceleration, and isn't super reliable
What? 8.something seconds for the 2.5 non-turbo is not slow.
Toyota CHR: It's got critics for having a weak acceleration and a noisy powertrain, with lower expected reliability
8.2secs 0-60 when equipped with a 2.0 , even the 1.8L is not slow.
Subaru Crosstrek: weaker engine, poor acceleration
9.2 sec 0-60, not fast not slow.
Any of these would be fine, they're all good enough if equipped correctly.
Thank you! Which is the most / least reliable? Are the subcompacts about as reliable as the compacts (RAV4 and CRV and CX5)?
what happens when you make a sharp turn with the CX3?
(When looking at moose test look at the speeds)
In the case of the CX-3, Understeer.
In the case of the RAV4 hybrids, Oversteer
Here’s that compared to what I drive:
Unlike the one in the video, Mine has also been lowered at the factory by an inch and fitted with thicker tires making - it sticks like glue to the road although it’s a crossover SUV with a soft suspension.
But it’s unavailable in North America and it’s hard to find one with a good powertrain.
Honda HRV
Toyota CHR
Mazda CX-30
Mazda CX-3
Subaru Crosstrek
They’re all solid choices. Test drive them all extensively and make your own decision.
Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.
All the best & congratulations!
Hi there. Thanks. About half of those aren't available in my area because of the car shortage. So I'm kind of having to do some guess-work here.
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