The modern automotive market has a host of offers for interested buyers, the smallest of which is the space-saving subcompact car. They are unfortunately a dying breed in the US because of everyone’s obsession with crossovers, big trucks, and SUVs. There are only four cars left on the US market under the subcompact category. But what makes a subcompact car what it is? What sets them apart from compact cars, and what makes people who do buy subcompact cars want them?
Class Definition of the Subcompact Car
A subcompact car is defined by Merriam-Webster as an automobile that’s smaller than a compact car. In reality, they’re around the size of compact cars from a few years ago, measuring in at 157 to 165 inches long. US News defines subcompact cars as those with a combined volume of 85 to 99 cubic feet between their passenger and cargo areas. They can typically hold up to four passengers, but some subcompact cars can fit up to five. Even with their smaller interiors, many still allow you enough head and leg room to be comfortable.
Compact Vs. Subcompact Cars
Subcompact cars and compact cars still have some overlap, and it’s good to know the differences when picking which to purchase. Here are some fundamental differences and similarities you should take note of:
Affordability
Subcompact cars are typically more affordable than compact cars. They’re also cheaper to maintain, insure, and repair. Alongside pre-owned vehicles, subcompact cars are an excellent choice for buyers on a budget. However, that affordability comes at a cost in other areas.
Interior Space
Subcompact and compact cars are between mid-sized cars and mini-compact cars. As previously mentioned, subcompact cars typically have about 85 to 99 cubic feet of space between the cargo and passenger areas. Compact cars, on the other hand, have 100 to 109 cubic feet of space. According to the Automotive Science Group, compact cars have just a little less space than midsize ones.
In general, if you intend to carry a number of passengers or lots of luggage around, you might need the cargo space provided by compact cars or even bigger vehicles.
Gas Mileage
Oddly enough, in the case of subcompact vs. compact cars, the smaller size doesn’t always mean better fuel efficiency. Subcompact cars and compact cars often have similar fuel requirements. That means that despite being smaller, certain subcompact cars will cost you the same amount of gas to drive as a compact. Factors like weight, engine size, and transmission all affect fuel efficiency, so a lot of it depends on the make and model of the vehicle. Some compact cars are even more efficient than some subcompact cars. It’s best to do your research before committing to either.
Subcompact and compact cars still generally have better fuel efficiency than midsize and larger vehicles, but this again depends on the make and model.
Safety
Safety will always be a high priority for buyers. In this category, compact cars generally rank higher due to their larger size. That being said, modern advancements in automotive safety means both subcompact and compact cars now have safety measures in place that older models do not. Automatic emergency brakes, adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alerts, and other features are now on offer even for these vehicles.
Advantages of Subcompact Cars
Now that you know how they stack up against compact cars, let’s look at the specific advantages of subcompact cars.
Maneuverability
Subcompact cars are small and usually have short wheelbases (the distance between the front and rear wheels). This makes them more maneuverable. They’re able to turn more quickly in tighter spaces.
Price and Accessories
Subcompact car models are more affordable than midsize sedans, but you can add more features such as heated seats, turn-by-turn navigation, and other luxury additions if they’re available. While this will bring the price up, it will likely still cost less than the base model compact. It all comes down to whether you value space or additional accessories more.
Disadvantages of Subcompact Cars
Small cars in general have the following disadvantages:
Limited Space
Compact and subcompact cars are quite small, especially for a family of more than five people. These vehicles don’t have the same seating capacity and leg room as SUVs and trucks, so you can’t expect them to be comfortable when you’re cramped in one space.
Less Power
Small cars don’t have the space to accommodate monstrous engines, so they usually come with smaller ones with less horsepower.
Compact and subcompact cars might not be the best choice for those who like high-performance driving or for those who frequently tow heavy cargo.
Diminished Ride Comfort
When it comes to ride comfort, you can expect compact and subcompact cars to give off a firmer ride than other vehicle types. Driving over bumps and rough road surfaces with such vehicles can usually get a bit bumpy and uncomfortable.
Safety Issues
Modern vehicles are equipped with dozens of safety features一from air bags and SRSs to forward collision and lane departure warnings.
But when there’s a head-on collision between a small car and a big one, you can expect the former to take the brunt of the impact.
Small cars like compact and subcompact vehicles are usually at a disadvantage during these scenarios, mainly because larger vehicles are better equipped with heavy-duty collision parts.
Subcompact Cars Available in the US
At present, only four subcompact car models are still available in the US market. These models include the following:
In most cases, subcompact cars start well below $20,000, making them some of the most affordable vehicles for first-time owners.
A lot of subcompact models also come with a manual transmission and standard equipment. If you’re looking to get an automatic one, you can expect to shell out more.
The only outlier in the subcompact vehicle pricing is the Mini, which has a starting price of about $23,000. Upgrades for the Mini can jack up the price to up to $40,000.
What subcompact cars lack in size, they make up for in maneuverability and affordability. Now that you know more about them, you’re better able to gauge if the trade-offs are worth it for you. If you’re looking to buy a subcompact car, remember to do your research on the specific models available.
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