Subcompact crossover SUV facts for kids
Subcompact crossover SUV is an automobile segment used to describe the smallest segment of crossover SUV, a type of sport utility vehicle, below the compact crossover SUV. Subcompact crossover SUVs are usually based on a platform of a subcompact (also known as supermini or B-segment) passenger car, although some high-end subcompact crossover models are based on a compact car (C-segment). The segment started to gain traction during early to mid-2010s when the number of models and sales figures rapidly increased in major markets such as North America and Europe. In 2019, around 22 percent of SUV global sales were contributed by subcompact crossovers.
The segment is particularly popular in Europe, India, and Brazil where they account for 37 percent, 75 percent, and 69 percent of total SUV sales in 2018 respectively. In 2019, the best selling subcompact crossover was the Honda HR-V, recording 622,154 units being sold worldwide.
Contents
Terminology
The "subcompact crossover SUV" or "subcompact crossover" term is most commonly used in North America, where the "subcompact" and "crossover" terms originated from.
The segment is also known as "B-segment SUV", "B-SUV", "small SUV", or "subcompact CUV". It is also known with several other terms depending on the market, including "compact crossover" or "compact SUV", which differs with the more common definition of a compact crossover SUV, which is a class larger and belongs to the C-segment. Classification of a certain model may also vary between markets due to differences in regional definitions, competition and pricing.
Characteristics
Subcompact crossovers commonly use the same platform of similarly-sized subcompact/B-segment hatchbacks or sedans, while some high-end models may be based on a compact cars (C-segment). Crossovers in this segment typically have limited off-road capabilities with the majority adopting front-wheel-drive layout, although many subcompact crossovers offer all-wheel-drive. Depending on the market and the manufacturer, subcompact crossover SUVs typically have an exterior length under 4,400 mm (173.2 in).
According to IHS Markit, vehicles from this segment were considered by customers as cheap to purchase and run, offer a "desirable lifestyle styling" and higher seating position. Other advantages also include higher ground clearance, convenient ingress/egress, larger headroom, and larger legroom space compared to B-segment/subcompact hatchbacks.
Despite built on the same platforms as subcompact cars and using much of the same technology, customers are shown to be willing to purchase them with a higher price. A study by JATO Dynamics showed that average price of subcompact SUVs sold in 2021 in the European market was €26,366, compared with €20,699 for subcompact or small cars.
History
The first-generation Honda HR-V was released in 1998 mainly for the Japanese and European markets, and has been considered as one of the first subcompact crossover. Its exterior length stood between 4,000–4,110 mm (157.5–161.8 in), sold with either 3-doors and 5-doors, and was offered with an all-wheel-drive option. However, the release of the Nissan Juke in 2010 which was oriented towards Europe and North America was argued to have helped define and start the development of the almost non-existent segment at the time.
As the result of the increasing popularity of the segment, from mid-2010s, manufacturers began to phase out subcompact hatchbacks and sedans in favor of this segment in several markets since it offers higher profit margins, particularly in North America.
Due to its expanding market share, it is common in this segment for one brand to offer more than one model at different price points and segmentation. For example, as of 2022[update], Volkswagen offered three models in the segment in Europe, which are T-Roc, T-Cross, and Taigo.
Markets
United States
In the North American market where larger vehicles are preferred, the segment has been largely marketed to urban drivers and consumers looking to downsize to a smaller, more efficient vehicle. While not as popular as the larger compact crossovers, the segment has experienced major growth in the U.S. market in its brief history.
The Nissan Juke, which was unveiled at the 2010 New York International Auto Show to be sold for the 2011 model year was considered the first model in the segment, apart from the luxury Mini Countryman. Many other nameplates in the segment appeared between 2013 and 2015, which included the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax, Fiat 500X, Ford EcoSport, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, and Subaru Crosstrek.
In 2015, there were 10 subcompact crossover nameplates in the U.S., totalling 411,774 units sold or 2.4 percent of the overall market. In that year, subcompact crossovers outsold subcompact cars for the first time in history. In the following year, the Jeep Renegade was the first in the segment to cross the 100,000-sales threshold.
In 2018, the segment consisted of 16 nameplates and recorded 784,073 sales, capturing 12 percent of the U.S. crossover market and 4.5 percent of overall U.S. automobile market, according to the Automotive News Data Center. In comparison, the share of subcompact cars fell to 2.4 percent of the U.S. market in 2018 from 5.4 percent in 2010, while compact cars declined to 9.9 percent from 12.4 percent in the same period.
In 2019, the Hyundai Kona became the first subcompact crossover SUV to win the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. Around 50 percent of subcompact crossover SUVs sold in the U.S. in 2021 were produced in South Korea.
- "Top
-
The first-generation BMW X1 is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the 3 Series
-
The Range Rover Evoque was available with five-door, three-door and two-door convertible body styles
-
Lexus UX, built on the same platform as the compact (C-segment) Toyota Corolla
_%E2%80%93_Frontansicht,_7._Dezember_2014,_D%C3%BCsseldorf.jpg)
Related segments
Mini SUV
Mini SUV described the smallest class of body-on-frame SUVs, often engineered for off-road use with 4x4 drivetrain. At present, the term is mostly used to describe subcompact crossovers.
Crossover city car
The term "crossover city car", "city crossover", "urban crossover", or "A-SUV" has been used for either smaller subcompact crossovers and A-segment vehicles or city cars that are designed with crossover styling, which are smaller than typical subcompact crossovers. Examples include the Toyota Aygo X, Hyundai Casper, Suzuki Ignis, Renault Kwid, Suzuki Xbee, and the Fiat Panda Cross/City Cross. Meanwhile, JATO Dynamics defines the A-SUV class as SUVs with an exterior length between 3,900–4,100 mm (153.5–161.4 in).
See also
