Subcompact crossover SUV facts for kids
A subcompact crossover SUV is a type of car that mixes features of a regular car with those of a SUV. It's the smallest kind of crossover SUV, smaller than a compact crossover SUV. These cars are often built on the same base as small passenger cars, like subcompact cars.
These vehicles became very popular in the early to mid-2010s. More models were made, and sales grew quickly in places like North America and Europe. In 2019, about 22% of all SUVs sold worldwide were subcompact crossovers. They are especially popular in Europe, India, and Brazil. The Honda HR-V was the best-selling subcompact crossover in 2019, with over 622,000 sold globally.
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What Are They Called?
The name "subcompact crossover SUV" is mostly used in North America. That's where the terms "subcompact" and "crossover" first came from.
These cars are also known by other names. You might hear them called "B-segment SUV" or "small SUV." In some places, they might even be called "compact crossover" or "compact SUV." This can be a bit confusing, because a true compact crossover SUV is usually a size bigger. How a car is classified can change depending on the country. This is due to different rules, other cars available, and prices.
What Makes Them Special?
Subcompact crossovers usually share their basic structure with small hatchbacks or sedans. Some fancier models might even use parts from slightly larger compact cars. Most of these crossovers are not designed for serious off-road driving. Many come with front-wheel-drive, but some offer all-wheel-drive for better grip. They are typically shorter than 4.4 meters (about 14.4 feet) long.
People like these cars because they are often affordable to buy and run. They also have a cool, modern look. Drivers enjoy the higher seating position, which gives a better view of the road. Other benefits include more space under the car (called ground clearance), and it's easier to get in and out. They also often have more head and legroom than smaller hatchbacks.
Even though they use similar parts to smaller cars, people are willing to pay more for subcompact crossovers. For example, in Europe in 2021, subcompact SUVs cost more on average than small cars. This shows how much people value their style and features.
How They Started
The very first Honda HR-V came out in 1998. It was mainly sold in Japan and Europe. Many people see it as one of the first subcompact crossovers. It was about 4 to 4.1 meters (13.1 to 13.5 feet) long and offered all-wheel-drive.
However, the Nissan Juke, launched in 2010, really helped define this type of car. It was aimed at Europe and North America. Its release sparked a big increase in the number of subcompact crossovers being made.
Because these cars became so popular, car makers started to stop making some smaller hatchbacks and sedans. They replaced them with subcompact crossovers in many markets. This was because crossovers often bring in more money for the companies. It's now common for a car brand to offer several subcompact crossover models. They might have different prices and features. For example, Volkswagen offered three models in Europe in 2022: the T-Roc, T-Cross, and Taigo.
Where Are They Popular?
United States
In North America, people often like bigger cars. But subcompact crossovers are popular with city drivers. They are also chosen by people who want a smaller, more fuel-efficient car. While not as popular as larger compact crossovers, this group of cars has grown a lot in the U.S.
The Nissan Juke, released in 2010, was seen as the first main model in this group in the U.S. (besides the luxury Mini Countryman). Many other models appeared between 2013 and 2015. These included the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, and Jeep Renegade.
By 2015, there were 10 different subcompact crossover models in the U.S. They sold over 411,000 units. This was the first time they sold more than subcompact cars. In 2016, the Jeep Renegade was the first to sell over 100,000 units in a year. By 2018, sales had grown to over 784,000. This showed that subcompact crossovers were taking over from smaller cars. In 2019, the Hyundai Kona won the "North American Utility Vehicle of the Year" award.
Europe
Europe is a very important market for subcompact crossovers. They are often called "B-SUVs" there. The segment grew quickly after 2012. Many new models were launched, like the Dacia Duster, Ford EcoSport, and Renault Captur.
In 2017, Volkswagen joined the group with the T-Roc. Other new models like the Citroën C3 Aircross and Hyundai Kona helped sales grow even more. By 2017, B-SUVs made up 10% of the entire car market in Europe.
Many car makers have replaced their small mini MPVs with subcompact crossovers. This is because crossovers are much more popular. For example, the Citroën C3 Aircross replaced the Citroën C3 Picasso. In 2021, B-SUVs made up 37% of the SUV market in Europe. Most of these cars run on petrol.
India
In India, subcompact crossovers are very popular. They are often called "compact SUVs" or "sub-4 metre SUVs." This is because cars shorter than 4 meters (about 13.1 feet) get a lower tax.
Renault launched the Duster in India in 2012. It was very successful because there wasn't much competition. The market grew even more with the Hyundai Creta (2015) and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza (2016). The Ford EcoSport (2012) was the first popular sub-4 metre SUV. By 2021, there were 10 different models in this smaller group.
Brazil
In Brazil, subcompact crossovers are also very popular. They are often called "compact SUVs" or "light SUVs." The Ford EcoSport was one of the first popular models there, launched in 2012. It was a market leader for a while. By 2022, there were over 30 different models available in Brazil. It's the third-largest car group in the country.
Cars with Three Rows
Some subcompact crossovers offer three rows of seats. This means they can carry more people. For example, the SsangYong Tivoli XLV has a longer back part to fit a third row. The Hyundai Alcazar is a longer version of the Hyundai Creta, also with more seats. The Kia Sonet offers a third row in Indonesia, where cars with many seats are very popular. The Honda BR-V was designed from the start as a three-row, seven-seater SUV.
Luxury Versions
Many luxury car brands also make subcompact crossover SUVs. These are usually their smallest SUV offerings. They might be called "luxury subcompact SUV" or "premium small SUV." These luxury versions are often built on the same base as slightly larger compact cars. Some even use parts from mid-size cars.
Luxury subcompact crossovers are much more expensive. But they offer a smoother ride, fancier interiors, and more advanced technology. They also have more powerful engines and a feeling of prestige. Early examples include the BMW X1 (2009), Audi Q3 (2010), Mini Countryman (2010), and Range Rover Evoque (2011).
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The first-generation BMW X1
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The Range Rover Evoque
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Lexus UX
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Similar Types of Cars
Mini SUV
The term "Mini SUV" used to describe the smallest body-on-frame SUVs. These were often built for off-road driving with 4x4 systems. Today, the term "Mini SUV" is mostly used to describe subcompact crossovers.
Crossover City Car
A "crossover city car" or "A-SUV" is an even smaller type of crossover. They are often based on A-segment vehicles, which are very small city cars. These cars have crossover styling, like extra body parts and higher ground clearance. Examples include the Toyota Aygo X, Hyundai Casper, and Fiat Panda Cross. These are generally smaller than typical subcompact crossovers.
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