The subcompact SUV class has gained traction in recent years because it caters to drivers who desire the versatility and practicality of an SUV but also value the compact size and maneuverability of a smaller vehicle. Subcompact SUVs offer a range of options that provide ample cargo space, a variety of seating configurations, and advanced features, making them attractive choices for small families or anyone who needs a little more space than a sedan can provide. 

In this article, we’ll compare the latest entries in the subcompact SUV segment: the Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, and Subaru Crosstrek. 

How does each model compare with respect to power?

Edmunds reports that the base Honda HR-V has a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder connected to a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. It can produce 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, and front-wheel drive comes standard.

Meanwhile, the Subaru Crosstrek has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. It can produce 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, and all-wheel drive comes standard.

The Kia Seltos comes with all-wheel drive standard and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable speed automatic transmission. This little SUV can deliver 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.

You can nitpick the stats a little bit, but in general, all of these SUVs are pretty evenly matched when it comes to power.

The fuel economy of each model

The Kia Seltos has a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, the smallest fuel tank of the models on our list. It has an EPA rating of 27 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. It gets a range of 356 miles in the city and 409 mileson the highway. 

The Honda HR-V has a 14.0-gallon fuel tank. It has an EPA rating of 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway Thanks to a slightly larger fuel tank, it has a range of 364 miles in the city and 448 miles on the highway. 

The Subaru Crosstrek has a 16.6-gallon fuel tank. It has an EPA rating of 37 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.  With the addition of a larger fuel tank, it has the most extensive range of our three models. It has a range of 448 miles in the city and 564 miles on the highway.

Seating and cargo capacities of each model

The Kia Seltos is a five-passenger SUV that offers one of the biggest cargo areas of any subcompact SUV. It has 26.6 cu-ft of space behind its rear seats and 62.8 cu-ft with these seats folded. The Honda HR-V can seat five passengers. It has 24.4 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats and 55.1 cu-ft with the second row folded down.

The Subaru Crosstrek has the smallest cargo space of all three models. It can accommodate five passengers, like the Kia Seltos and the Honda HR-V, and 19.9 cu-ft of room behind the second row and 54.7 cu-ft with the second-row seats folded. 

The Kia Seltos has a base MSRP of $24,390, the Subaru Crosstrek has a base MSRP of $24,995, and the Honda HR-V has a base MSRP of $24,100.  Both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Honda HR-V offer a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. The drivetrain warranty is five-year/60,000 miles.

However, the Kia Seltos has the best warranty with a five-year/60,000-mile basic and a ten-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty.

Is there a clear winner?

 If the numbers don’t speak for themselves, we can be the ones to tell you: these SUVs are all incredibly similar. In almost every category there is little to separate these models. This means the best route to go is to test drive each one for yourself.

There are little quirks and features on each model that could speak to you. The car-buying process is incredibly personal, and not everyone will feel the same about each car.

If forced to make a decision, from a strict value perspective we’d go with the Kia Seltos. The Seltos has the unique advantage of offering the best warranty.