7 Roomy Subcompact Cars and SUVs

Subcompacts aren't the cheap econoboxes they used to be (at least not always). We love them because they're easy to maneuver, easy to park, and just the right size for many young city dwellers and empty nesters. And a lot of them offer more space than you'd think. Read on to learn about seven subcompact cars and SUVs that are surprisingly roomy.

Honda Fit

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Although it's just a hatchback, the Honda Fit puts up a good fight against subcompact crossovers when it comes to cargo space and passenger volume. With a maximum 52.7 cubic feet of cargo room, you can fit a lot more than you'd expect just looking at it from the outside. It benefits from multi-configurable seats that allow you to store a bike, a small couch, or a surfboard. Plus, you can't ignore its excellent fuel economy, topping out at 33/40/36 mpg city/highway/combined.

Kia Soul

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Completely redesigned for 2020, the Kia Soul is enhanced by a stylish new design, good handling, and an improved chassis. Boasting 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down, this subcompact entry offers more luggage space than most cars one size up in the compact category. Passengers have plenty of room to stretch out in the back, and the driver will enjoy excellent visibility out the windows.

Subaru Crosstrek

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The Crosstrek is a well-rounded subcompact SUV, offering superior ride quality and great fuel economy. It's fun to rip around a corner, and it's capable when faced with mud, sand, rocks, and ruts off the beaten path. Passengers will find the rear seats accommodating, too. When there's no one back there, 55.3 cubic feet of space is at your disposal with the seats down. That's unless you opt for the Hybrid version, which shrinks your available cargo space to 43.1 cubic feet.

Honda HR-V

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Honda has mastered the art of interior functionality. There is plenty of space for rear passengers and gear in this pint-sized crossover. The seats can be folded in unique ways, allowing for the easy storage of long or tall items. Second-row seats can fold completely flat to reveal an outstanding 58.8 maximum cubic feet of space. Just keep in mind that rear headroom isn't as strong as some competitors.

Kia Niro

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There is a good amount of headroom and legroom even for tall passengers in the rear seats of this subcompact wagon that Kia markets as a crossover. With the seats up, the Niro offers a respectable 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space, but that turns into an excellent 54.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. If you go for the EV version, you'll find a similar amount of cargo room. You'll be surprised how much the Niro can fit when you stack items high in the back.

Jeep Renegade

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The Renegade can easily fit average-sized adults in the back seat. And as we found out in our long-term test, the Renegade makes a suitable camping car. A very healthy 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space is available when the rear seats are folded, or a decent 18.5 cubic feet with the seats up.

Nissan Kicks

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This subcompact SUV, starting at just $19,685, is a real value. It offers gobs of room in the rear seat, and 53.1 cubic feet in cargo space when the seats are folded. Plus, it boasts an impressive list of standard equipment on the base model, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, automatic headlights, and three USB ports.