Large SUVs are ideal for long-distance travel. But in the city? There aren’t that many.
That’s where subcompacts come into play. Fits anywhere. But when you wear them, they often remind you of sensible shoes: practical, reliable, and a little boring.
But now, more and more small crossovers are starting to channel their inner Christian Louboutin. stylish. Cheeky. And to make things interesting, add a little intimidation.
chevrolet trucks
$22,000
MPG: 28 city/32 highway
0-60mph: 9.1 seconds
Cargo space: 54.1 cubic meters. feet
Strong Points: Affordable price. Updated. It’s wider than expected.
Cons: Fair acceleration. There is no all-wheel drive. Some road noise.
The Chevrolet Trax has received a stunning redo. Longer. lower. Sharper. Especially in sportier trims like the RS, which gets more muscular and adds darker accents and a bit more attitude.
It’s like watching a substitute break out.
Under the hood is a 3-cylinder turbo. No, it’s not NASCAR material, but it’s perfectly adequate for everyday life. Around town, the Trax felt light, easy to maneuver, and surprisingly smooth. Although I wasn’t trying to track lap times like Brad Pitt in F1, this pint-sized SUV was comfortable enough to keep up with traffic.
Another benefit is that Chevrolet has retuned the suspension. Rough pavement becomes softer. It is also safe for long drives.
Inside, the dashboard is more premium than the price tag suggests. A large infotainment display dominates the center stack, and wireless smartphone connectivity is standard. The long wheelbase provides ample rear living space and plenty of cargo space.
It’s cheap, yes. And now it’s stylish enough to earn praise.
Mazda CX-30
$26,000
MPG: 24 city/31 highway
0-60mph: 8.0 seconds
Cargo space: 45.2 cubic meters. feet
Strong Points: Sexy look. A chic cabin. Sporty handling.
Cons: Rear visibility is limited. Small cargo area.
Mazda has mastered the art of making affordable cars feel expensive, and the CX-30 may be its best performance yet. carved curves. Dramatic fender. Rich paint colors that shimmer in the sunlight. When you park this crossover next to its competitors, it looks like it just wandered out of an upscale showroom.
The base four-cylinder engine is plenty lively. But the real fun begins with the optional turbo. Press the throttle and the CX-30 rockets forward, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. Suddenly, merging onto the freeway feels less like commuting and more like making a Lady Gaga-worthy entrance.
Handling is also excellent, with sharp steering, minimal body roll, and controlled cornering. For me, the CX-30 is one of the few small vehicles that truly rewards enthusiastic driving.
The interior of the car has a luxurious feel. Soft-touch materials, elegant stitching and a minimalist dashboard create a sophisticated atmosphere.
There are trade-offs. Rear seat legroom is less than some rivals, and the thick roof pillars can make it feel like outward visibility is limited.
But if you enjoy driving, really enjoy driving, the CX-30 is by far the best.
Volvo XC40
$40,000
MPG: 23 city/30 highway
0-60mph: 8.1 seconds
Cargo space: 57.5 cubic meters. feet
Strong Points: Euro style. High quality materials. The best safety equipment.
Cons: I feel a little uncomfortable with potholes. average fuel consumption.
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated look, there’s the Volvo XC40. clear lines. Upright posture. Signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights give an unmistakable presence to the front end.
Under the hood, the XC40 pairs a turbo four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive. The XC 40 may not be more than a true sports car, but it moves with purpose. Think about quiet confidence. Like Jodie Foster is in almost every movie.
The ride quality strikes a good balance between comfort and poise. Stiff enough to zig-zag through congested traffic, yet smooth enough to withstand long highway drives.
Inside the cabin, it’s modern, airy, and beautifully constructed. Volvo uses soft textiles, brushed metal and minimalist trim pieces to create an upscale atmosphere. The vertical touchscreen integrates Google apps like Maps and Assistant. Once you get used to it, the system feels intuitive and cutting edge.
Volvo is also smart and practical. The door pockets are huge. There’s also a removable garbage can in the center console.
The XC40 may be more expensive than its mainstream rivals, but it offers something you can’t quite replicate. Effortlessly cool.
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