The main difference is the size; a subcompact SUV is smaller and more efficient although it can still carry up to five passengers.
Compact vs Subcompact SUV: Size, Space, and Key Differences
Narrowing down the perfect vehicle for your needs can be a daunting challenge. There are multiple manufacturers, an array of sizes and types, electric or gas power, and options in nearly every price bracket. One of the most popular segments is the compact SUV, essentially a one-size-fits-all vehicle that’s represented by nearly every manufacturer.
But shoppers looking for a lower-priced alternative that don’t mind giving up some space would be well served by the subcompact SUV, a vehicle that offers nearly all the same capabilities and features in a smaller package.
But shoppers looking for a lower-priced alternative that don’t mind giving up some space would be well served by the subcompact SUV, a vehicle that offers nearly all the same capabilities and features in a smaller package.
What Is the Difference Between a Compact and Subcompact SUV?
The compact SUV, despite the name, has grown larger over the years, with some encroaching into the mid-size space. Most are between 4,445 mm (175 in) and 4,700 mm (185 in) in length with cargo capacities between 800 and 1,100 litres behind the rear seats.
For some shoppers this can be a bit too much space. In a case like this, the subcompact SUV is a full size smaller falling between 4,064 mm (160 in) and 4,445 (175 in) in length with cargo capacities between 550 and 750 litres. The smaller footprint of a subcompact SUV means it is easier to maneuver and park, and typically more fuel efficient.
Regardless of the total volume on paper, clever packaging means both classes of SUV can fit five passengers with the main differences being length, cargo capacity, and wheelbase (space between the wheels).
For some shoppers this can be a bit too much space. In a case like this, the subcompact SUV is a full size smaller falling between 4,064 mm (160 in) and 4,445 (175 in) in length with cargo capacities between 550 and 750 litres. The smaller footprint of a subcompact SUV means it is easier to maneuver and park, and typically more fuel efficient.
Regardless of the total volume on paper, clever packaging means both classes of SUV can fit five passengers with the main differences being length, cargo capacity, and wheelbase (space between the wheels).
Size and Interior Space: How Much Room Do You Need?
Compact SUVs have greater cargo flexibility and more leg and kneeroom for rear passengers. While subcompact SUVs might not be the best option for those inclined to go on frequent road trips, they still seat five passengers and have a reasonably sized cargo area.
One of the easiest places to witness the difference is the rear seat. In a subcompact, you sit closer to the passenger for a more intimate experience, making them ideal for quick trips or commuting within the city. Compact SUVs have more passenger space, especially in the rear and are a better option for families and longer road trips.
Cargo Space
Most compact SUVs have a cargo capacity between 800 and 1,100 litres behind the rear seats, while subcompacts range from 550 to 750 litres.
The Mitsubishi RVR has space for up to five passengers but still has 614 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 1,402 litres with them folded down.
The Mitsubishi RVR has space for up to five passengers but still has 614 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 1,402 litres with them folded down.
The Outlander provides a more versatile solution for carrying cargo with 866 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,822 litres with them folded down. This compact SUV also has a standard third row that folds out of the cargo floor, able to seat two more passengers if necessary. The second row can slide forward to allow the third row more space.
Choose the subcompact RVR if you:
- Drive often in the city
- Rarely carry passengers
- Want a smaller vehicle that’s easier to park and manoeuvre
Choose the compact Outlander if you:
- Travel with family
- Take frequent road trips
- Need flexible cargo configurations
Performance and Efficiency: What Changes Between Segments?
One of the best reasons to choose a subcompact SUV is for increased efficiency. These are smaller and lighter vehicles with fuel efficient engines. The smaller footprint also means three-point turns, U-turns, and parallel parking are easier. Subcompact SUVs are the perfect runabout vehicles for errands around town but still offer enough flexibility for a longer drive if necessary. The Mitsubishi RVR is a nimble and fun-to-drive SUV with a 2.0 L four-cylinder MIVEC engine that returns excellent fuel efficiency. Exactly what you need if you commute within the city.
A compact SUV is larger with a longer wheelbase that gives it a more spacious cabin for passengers and cargo. While still efficient, a compact SUV has more powerful engines better suited to longer drives and carrying more passengers, while still balancing fuel efficiency. The extra length makes it more stable at highway speeds, and affords a more comfortable ride. Compact SUVs are great for road trips or if you typically carry family members or use child seats. The Mitsubishi Outlander has a third row of seats extending seating capacity up to seven passengers. Another standard feature on the Outlander is the excellent traction that Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) provides especially during the winter months
A compact SUV is larger with a longer wheelbase that gives it a more spacious cabin for passengers and cargo. While still efficient, a compact SUV has more powerful engines better suited to longer drives and carrying more passengers, while still balancing fuel efficiency. The extra length makes it more stable at highway speeds, and affords a more comfortable ride. Compact SUVs are great for road trips or if you typically carry family members or use child seats. The Mitsubishi Outlander has a third row of seats extending seating capacity up to seven passengers. Another standard feature on the Outlander is the excellent traction that Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) provides especially during the winter months
Compact vs Subcompact SUV: Price and Ownership Considerations
Subcompact SUVs often have lower starting prices than compact SUVs and are a budget-friendly alternative over a compact SUV. It makes them perfect for first time car buyers or just someone looking to get the most value for their money. Subcompact SUVs are also less expensive to run and maintain over time.
Buying a subcompact can save you money upfront, but the added cost for a larger and more versatile compact SUV can make sense in the long run with less need to upgrade due to lifestyle changes. Thanks to more passenger and cargo space, a compact SUV may be a better long-term investment even when considering increased fuel usage.
Buying a subcompact can save you money upfront, but the added cost for a larger and more versatile compact SUV can make sense in the long run with less need to upgrade due to lifestyle changes. Thanks to more passenger and cargo space, a compact SUV may be a better long-term investment even when considering increased fuel usage.
Deciding Between a Compact and Subcompact SUV
If you typically commute alone to or within the city where traffic is dense and parking is scarce, a subcompact SUV will provide all the vehicle you need. They are efficient, easy to drive and even easier to park, but if plans see you possible requiring more space in the next few years, it might be advisable to look at a compact SUV.
A compact SUV has more cargo space and is better suited to carrying passengers and longer road trips. It’s also a good investment if you require the extra space on a regular basis, especially for multiple car seats.
The Mitsubishi RVR is an excellent commuter, perfect for the city and easy to park, but its small size might not be suited to a growing family. The compact Outlander is a much better vehicle for that with seating for up to seven passengers and a spacious cargo area.
A compact SUV has more cargo space and is better suited to carrying passengers and longer road trips. It’s also a good investment if you require the extra space on a regular basis, especially for multiple car seats.
The Mitsubishi RVR is an excellent commuter, perfect for the city and easy to park, but its small size might not be suited to a growing family. The compact Outlander is a much better vehicle for that with seating for up to seven passengers and a spacious cargo area.
Compact vs Subcompact SUVs at a Glance
The biggest difference between a compact SUV and a subcompact SUV is the size. While both carry at least five passengers, subcompact SUVs are geared to efficient city driving and compact SUVs are better suited to carrying passengers and road trips. Subcompact SUVs are generally less expensive to buy as well.
Neither is better than the other, the choice depends purely on your needs and current/future lifestyle plans. Choose a compact SUV if you need the space for passengers or generally prefer something a bit larger. A subcompact is perfect for solo commutes or efficient driving within the city.
Check out Mitsubishi Motors’ lineup of award-winning SUVs, from the subcompact RVR to the versatile Outlander.
Neither is better than the other, the choice depends purely on your needs and current/future lifestyle plans. Choose a compact SUV if you need the space for passengers or generally prefer something a bit larger. A subcompact is perfect for solo commutes or efficient driving within the city.
Check out Mitsubishi Motors’ lineup of award-winning SUVs, from the subcompact RVR to the versatile Outlander.
Compact vs Subcompact SUVs
A subcompact SUV can work for a small family but a compact SUV is the better choice thanks to a more rear seat room and a larger cargo capacity.
A compact SUV has a longer wheelbase which provides more interior space, rear seat legroom and a more comfortable ride making them more suited to a longer road trip than a subcompact SUV.
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