Consumer Reports recommends quite a few subcompact SUVs in 2020. Others, not so much. If you are shopping for the best subcompact SUVs of the year, you might want to avoid this list of options. Here are the smallest SUVs with the lowest predicted reliability, according to Consumer Reports.
2020 Chevrolet Trax
Not many critics are huge fans of the Chevy Trax, and experts at CR aren’t very impressed by this model at all. The 2020 Trax has a few appealing qualities, one of them being that it’s easy to park. This crossover also looks pretty handsome from the outside, and its rear seat is surprisingly spacious. Despite these aspects, the cons for the Trax definitely outweigh its pros.
Here are the best subcompact SUVs for 2020. Mazda CX-30 — 4.7/5 — $21,900 The Mazda CX-30 is a newcomer to this competitive segment and this rookie rightfully earns the top spot on this list. 2021 Kia Seltos. Starting Price: $23,110 Rating 4.8 With class-leading cargo room and a nicely equipped interior, the all-new Kia Seltos tops all subcompact SUV rankings. 2020 Mazda CX-5 in a tie with Ford Escape – Highest Compact SUV in Customer Satisfaction According to Consumers! - Find the best Mazda deals! The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is a versatile 5-passenger compact SUV that benefits from added standard driver-assistance features for the model year.
The Trax features a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 138-horsepower. As CR notes, the Trax’s engine feels vastly underpowered, and its fuel economy isn’t that impressive either. CR also doesn’t like the Trax’s shortlist of standard features, and found its infotainment display screen to be “infuriating.”
CR’s low-reliability ratings for the Trax has to do with its past safety recalls. Previous trouble spots on the Trax include its suspension and engine major. Because of its lackluster qualities, the Trax isn’t the best choice to buy new or used.
2020 Jeep Renegade
The Best Subcompact Suv 2020
The Jeep Renegade consistently ranks among CR’s least reliable subcompact SUVs. However, the 2020 Renegade ranks slightly higher than in previous years. Instead of getting CR’s worst possible score, it gets the second-to-worst rating.
The most common problem areas for the Renegade include its brakes, climate system, and body integrity. At the time of this writing, the Renegade has two NHTSA safety recall actions. One relates to its brakes and the other for its backup camera.
Even though the Renegade isn’t the most reliable crossover out there, it’s still pretty popular. If you want a well-rounded crossover, you should look past the Renegade. But if off-roading capabilities are your top priority, then the Renegade is a great choice.
RELATED: Best Alternatives to the Jeep Renegade If You Don’t Care About Off-Roading
2020 Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X is one of the most charming crossovers to hit the streets. It has a ritzy cabin, and CR went as far as to describe the 600X as a “real-life Luigi from the movie Cars.” Other than its trendy style inside and out, the 500X doesn’t have much else going for it. The 500X shares many elements with its corporate cousin, the Jeep Renegade, so it’s no wonder CR isn’t a fan of this model. CR finds the 500X annoying, even when it sits idle.
The reviewers also describe the 500X as a “dreadful ride that beats you up with stiff shots to your kidneys.” And if that doesn’t sound like a terrible enough experience, the 500X noisy car cabin will attack your ears; its seats are cramped too. Based on its extensive testing, CR gave the 2020 500X a low road test and reliability score. But if you’re set on getting the 500X, CR suggests going with the Trekking trim.
Segments of compact and subcompact SUVs are real money makers for most companies. Therefore, it’s no wonder that production cycles are getting shorter and shorter. The upcoming year will bring numerous novelties in the segment, including several redesigns, as well as an introduction of several completely new models. Among the most interesting redesign, the new Nissan Just definitely deserves one of the leading positions. Also, we are about to see a couple of big comebacks, such as arrivals of models like Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender. Also, the VW Group will bring to us a couple of all-new models. Other manufacturers won’t offer redesigns, but many of them will still have plenty of new things to offer. The popular Honda CR-V is about to receive a facelift, while the recently-redesigned Porsche Cayenne is about to get a new Coupe version.
Check out some of the most interesting novelties for the next year:
2020 Nissan Juke
The 2020 Nissan Juke is one of the models that are coming completely new for the next year. The new model has been spotted on the road and it looks like it is in the final stage of development. Although a completely camouflaged, it definitely shows that there is no place for conventional styling solutions. Besides recognizably funky styling, it will also come with completely new mechanics, based on the new version of the well-known CMF-B platform. Practically, most parts will be shared with the recently redesigned Renault Clio, including powertrain. Therefore, count on two gasoline engines, 1.0- and 1.3-liter units, with 99 and 125 horsepower, respectively. Renault’s famous 1.5-liter dCi diesel should be in the offer as well. Finally, the new 2020 Nissan Juke should be available with a hybrid powertrain as well. That should be a system based on a 1.6-liter gasoline engine.
2020 Volvo XC40
After the last-year introduction, we expect that the 2020 Volvo XC40 won’t feature any important changes. The second production year will bring to us a familiar design, which includes an XC90-inspired styling, but lots of new design solutions as well. This crossover is definitely one of the best choices among subcompact luxury crossover. It offers powerful engines, amazing driving characteristics and even better comfort.
On the inside, this crossover features probably the nicest cabin in the class, full of hi-quality materials and latest tech features. All this clearly indicates that the 2020 Volvo XC40 is about to carry on in the same way. When it comes to the powertrain, base models are equipped with a three-cylinder unit, but bigger turbo-fours are definitely a better choice. In Europe, you can count on two diesel options as well.
2020 Honda CR-V
The current, fifth generation of this amazing compact crossover is getting close to the middle of its production cycle, so it won’t be a surprise if 2020 Honda CR-V comes with a palette of changes. Of course, that would be a typical facelift, with aesthetical changes in the focus. In practice, these facelifts are mostly about changes on the front fascia, grille, and bumper, but headlights could get some revisions as well. On the other side, the overall layout will definitely remain the same, though new color options are possible as well.
On the inside, the 2020 Honda CR-V is expected to carry on with its well-built cabin, which offers amazing overall quality. The aspect that is expected to receive a lot of updates is the list of standard safety features, which is currently very modest and includes a rearview camera only. Rivals are way ahead in this aspect, so Honda will have to do something for the next year.
2020 Land Rover Defender
After a short break, we are about to see a completely new 2020 Land Rover Defender. The iconic model was in production for decades. Despite several updates, it remained largely unchanged for all those years. Things are finally about to change, as the upcoming model is something completely new. It is in the final stage of development and the company promises it will be as rugged as the original.
On the other side, it will come with a completely new design, which will provide significantly better efficiency and completely new styling. While the famous boxy shape remains, the 2020 Land Rover Defender features the brands latest design language and takes a lot of inspiration from models like Discovery and Range Rover. It will come in two body styles in the offer, with either two or five doors. We are still waiting for some details about powertrain.
2020 Porsche Cayenne
After the recent complete overhaul, the second production year of the famous SUV is about to bring us a completely new version, which will come as the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe. As you may presume, the new version will come with a modern coupe body layout, which in practice mean sloping roof design. While the overall look will be more attractive compared to the regular model, it won’t be too practical and functional. Typically for coupe layouts, it will come with less headroom in the second row and with the significantly smaller cargo area. When it comes to the powertrain, things will be pretty much the same.
Base models will come with a familiar 3.0-liter V6 that delivers around 340 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. The Porsche’s famous 2.9-liter V6 will be in the offer as well, with a max output of around 440 horsepower. Finally, count on a 4.0-liter V8, which delivers around 550 horses.
2020 Ford Bronco
One of the biggest comebacks for the next year will be the new 2020 Ford Bronco. After decades of absence from the market, the famous SUV is coming back. This time, things will be a little bit different. The new model will compete in the segment of mid-size SUVs. It will come with a conventional body-on-frame platform, based on the Ranger pickup truck. Still, it will come with completely different aesthetics. The styling should be pretty distinctive and latest reports suggest that we are about to see both 3- and 5-door versions in the offer. The new model should be very off-road capable, while the range of engines will be wide as well. Count on a range of familiar EcoBoost units in the offer, but don’t be surprised if you see a diesel version in the offer as well.
2020 Jaguar I-Pace
Although it looks more like a hatchback than a crossover, the I-Pace competes among small SUVs and it is currently one of the kind, with its all-electric powertrain. It came recently as an all-new model and it has plenty of things to offer. Of course, the powertrain takes the main spot. There is a couple of electric motors, which ensures a combined output of almost 400 horsepower. Such numbers are enough to ensure amazing performances, which includes 0-60 time in just 4.5 seconds. The battery is pretty big, so it’s no wonder this crossover can make up to 240 miles on a single range, which sounds pretty impressive. Some reports suggest a new, extended-range version for the next year but we are still waiting to hear something from the officials. A couple of additions in terms of standard equipment is possible as well.
2020 Mazda CX-3
If we can rely on the latest reports, it looks like the Japanese carmaker is preparing bigger changes than we initially expected. Despite the fact that the current model is on the market for only four years, it looks like the 2020 Mazda CX-3 will come completely redesigned. The current model has often been criticized for its tight cabin, so the new model is about to become bigger. Count on more inches both in wheelbase and overall length. Of course, the new model will come with a new styling as well, based on the new Mazda 3. All in all, the new crossover will be prettier and more functional but should be more efficient as well.
Latest reports suggest that the 2020 Mazda CX-3 will come with the company’s new SkyActive X engine, which is expected to provide significantly better efficiency, which would in practice mean much more power and much higher mpg ratings.
2020 Jeep Renegade
Best Luxury Subcompact Suv 2020
The Renegade may be small, but it is a very capable SUV, which can handle even some pretty hard terrains. However, it is getting older every year, so constant updates are needed. After the last-year facelift, the company prepares another big novelty. Allegedly, the 2020 Jeep Renegade will come with a completely new, plug-in hybrid powertrain. This will be the first time to see one Jeep model with such powertrain, so expectations are pretty big. The current engine lineup will remain unchanged, so count on a plethora of gasoline versions, as well as on two diesel units, which are available in Europe. The current generation of this subcompact SUV is expected to carry on for several more years. Given all these updates, it looks like we won’t see a redesign soon.
2020 VW T-Cross
As one of the biggest carmakers in the world, VW definitely needs an entry-level crossover and it looks like the new 2020 VW T-Cross’ timing is perfect. We are getting ready for the new subcompact SUV, which is about to hit the market in about two months. As you may presume, it will be heavily based on the famous Polo hatchback, with familiar design language and the cabin that looks pretty much identical.
At this point, we are still waiting for a complete of engines in the offer. We know for sure that base models will come with a small 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with around 110 horsepower. A new 1.5-liter TSI will be in the offer as well. This one delivers around 150 horsepower. Of course, we count on a diesel version as well, probably with a 95-hp 1.6-liter TDI engine. A hi-performance version is expected in the future, probably in about a year.
2020 Skoda SUV
The Czech carmaker is also expanding its lineup and the next year is about to bring us another crossover. It will be the biggest we’ve seen from this company, a new flagship crossover. It will be based on the company’s familiar MQB platform and compete in the segment of mid-size SUVs. Skoda already promises several advantages compared to the competition. Among them, we count on a huge cargo area, as Skoda models traditionally have the biggest trunks their classes.
In terms of styling, the new model will be heavily based on the recent Vision X concept. On the other side, the powertrain lineup should consist of common VW engines, including 1.5- and 2.0-liter gasoline units, as well as 1.6-liter TDI oil-burner as well. The new 2020 Skoda SUV will have a premiere on the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.