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A subcompact car is a practical, easy choice for car shoppers looking to choose their next vehicle. They are small, typically fuel efficient, and in many cases, reliable. Still, not every subcompact car is created equal. Here are some of the best subcompact cars for this year, like the 2022 Hyundai Accent and the 2022 Nissan Versa.

  • Hyundai Accent
  • Nissan Versa
  • Mini Cooper

Is the Hyundai Accent the best subcompact car for 2022?

The Hyundai Accent tops the U.S. News list for the best subcompact cars in 2022. With a starting price of just $17,740, the Accent is a benchmark in cheap transportation. Also, with an industry-leading 5-year, 60,000-mile warranty, buying an Accent is sure to bring a little peace of mind. Furthermore, the 2022 Hyundai Accent gets commendable fuel economy, with 33 mpg city and 41 mpg highway.

The Hyundai Accent is a good option for subcompact car shoppers.
Hyundai Accent | Hyundai

However, the little Hyundai does have its issues. TrueCar says that the Hyundai Accent lacks some desired cargo space, a commodity that economy car shoppers are sure to want. Also, the Accent lacks blind-spot monitoring, a feature that the 2022 Nissan Versa offers.  

Is the 2022 Nissan Versa better than the 2022 Hyundai Accent?

The 2022 Nissan Versa tied the 2022 Hyundai Accent on U.S. News’ list of the best subcompact cars for this year. With a starting price of $16,675, the subcompact Versa is even cheaper than the 2022 Accent, a difficult price point to hit. The Nissan Versa offers a comfortable ride and more cargo space than the 2022 Hyundai Accent. The Versa also packs an extra two horsepower over the Accent, but a number that low is negligible. 

The Nissan Versa is a good alternative to the Hyundai Accent for car shoppers.
2022 Nissan Versa | Nissan

Still, the Nissan subcompact car lacks Hyundai’s impressive warranty coverage. Specifically, Nissan offers a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty for the Versa instead of Hyundai’s extended coverage. Also, the Versa doesn’t have the fuel economy that the Accent boasts. At higher trims, the 2022 Nissan Versa gets 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg at highway speeds.  

How much is the 2022 Mini Cooper?

The 2022 Mini Cooper has a starting price of $23,750, which is quite a bit more expensive than the Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent. However, the Mini Cooper makes up for it in ways other than the obvious. The 2022 Mini Cooper sports its familiar retro-inspired styling and a much more spirited ride than the other two. With horsepower figures up to 228 while still delivering up to 28 mpg combined, the Mini might just be an excellent balance for shoppers. 

However, the Mini is a bit more cramped and expensive than the Nissan and Hyundai. Also, TrueCar says that smartphone connectivity isn’t up to the standards of the Accent or the Versa. 

Which 2022 subcompact car should you buy?

If you want a recommended subcompact car for 2022, your choices come down to your own preferences. U.S. News awarded its top spots to the Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa, but they all offer different qualities. If you care more about warranty coverage and fuel economy, pick the 2022 Hyundai Accent. If you want a fun hatchback with pedigree and style, choose the 2022 Mini Cooper. 

Scroll down to the following article to read more about affordable cars!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).