Judging from the brands of automobiles on the market, there is no doubt that Japanese automakers are major players in the global automotive industry. Every year, industry giants like Toyota and Honda produce millions of cars at their various production plants worldwide. Owing to their growing popularity and the increase in demand for them, it's not surprising that compact SUVs account for a substantial part of that production.
Japanese auto brands are renowned for their practicality, efficiency, and reliability in the highly competitive market for compact SUVs. Compared to brands from Europe and America, Japanese cars are also very affordable - often offering the best value for money. Most of these underrated Japanese SUVs offer the same features found in more expensive rivals at unbelievably low prices. Here, we will reveal the various models that prove that Japan makes the best budget SUVs.
10 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport
For 2021, the Nissan Rogue Sport with a starting price of $25,335, is offered in three trim levels. Although rear legroom is on the downside, there is plenty of headroom for all occupants, while a high driving position ensures good outward visibility.
The Rogue Sport may not have the highest storage capacity in the segment, but it beats most of the competition. In addition to that, it offers a smooth ride, fuel efficiency, and advanced driver-assistance features - earning a reliability rating of 85 out of 100 by J. D. Power in the process.
9 2021 Subaru Forester
In its fifth generation and built on the Subaru Global Platform, the current Subaru Forester has five trim levels, starting from $25,845. Although not a class leader, the 2021 Foresta has a long list of good habits that ranks it among the best compact SUVs available.
The attractive interior features an easy-to-use infotainment system, outstanding room for five adults, and boasts an enviable maximum storage capacity. If you feel discouraged by the uninspiring engine, the Forester makes up for that with excellent gas mileage and standard all-wheel drive.
8 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
For 2021, the Crosstrek has been given a new flavor, the Sport model, plus a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine to solve the problem of sluggish acceleration. Though not as fun to drive as the Mazda CX-30 or as luxurious as the Hyundai Kona, the 2021 Crosstrek has more passenger and cargo space than the Toyota C-HR.
With the standard all-wheel drive and high ground clearance, you can take the Crosstrek to places where other subcompact SUVs can't go. The Crosstrek also offers excellent fuel economy, especially with the plug-in hybrid.
7 2021 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 may only be in its second model year, but it has gathered for itself a lot of great reviews. Like most Mazdas, it handles well and has an optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that takes it from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
Like most Mazdas, it handles well and has an optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that takes it from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It is also well-stocked with advanced infotainment and is well-stocked with advanced infotainment and safety/driver-assist features. Offered in 8 trims, the CX-30 gives buyers a plethora of options to choose from, with the top-end trim coming in at $35,225.inment and safety/driver-assist features.
6 2021 Toyota C-HR
While the small 2021 Toyota C-HR isn't the perfect SUV, there are several areas where it performs admirably well. The C-HR delivered an extraordinary fuel economy rating of 37 mpg in their real-world fuel economy tests.
For safety, it offers a wide array of driver-assist features: Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, and much more. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 86 out of 100 means that you will enjoy your 2021 Toyota C-HR for a long time.
5 2021 Mazda CX-3
Everything Mazda offers in the 2021 CX-3 is packaged in the Sport trim with a price tag of $21,965 or $23,140 for all-wheel drive. Under the hood lies a 146 hp 2-liter engine which makes up for its lack of power by offering one of the best fuel economy ratings in the segment.
Sharp and responsive steering combines with a class-leading athleticism to make the small Mazda a fun car to drive. Although cargo space is limited and the rear seat cramped, the interior is built with good quality materials.
4 2021 Honda HR-V
With prices ranging from $22,445 to $30,565, the 2021 Honda HR-V is one of the most practical subcompact SUVs in the market. It is a true champion in terms of cargo-hauling capabilities and can carry as much as a family needs for a vacation.
Fuel economy estimates are great, although the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine supplying power is unrefined and accelerates sluggishly. The 2021 HR-V offers a variety of driver-assist/safety technology, although most of them are not standard on the base trim.
3 2021 Honda CR-V
With a starting price of $26,575, the 2021 Honda CR-V is one of the best compact SUVs for the money. It offers adequate and comfortable passenger space, a cavernous cargo hold, and plenty of interior cubby storage for packages as a family-friendly SUV.
A 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 190 hp supplies power for the CR-V and gives impressive fuel economy ratings. The CR-V has a composed steering and responsive brakes, inspiring confidence while enjoying a comfortable and quiet ride.
2 2021 Mazda CX-5
With prices starting at $26,545, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 offers a well-packaged bundle of engineering excellence in seven trim levels. Although it hauls and tows less than competitors, it makes up for its inadequacies with a luxury interior, comfortable seats, and a well-endowed infotainment system.
Also on offer is an impressive lineup of advanced driver-assist features to ensure that every journey is stress-free for the driver and safe for everyone. As is typical in Mazda vehicles, the CX-5 provides a superb ride quality unmatched by key competitors.
1 2021 Nissan Kicks
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is an ideal companion for those who do most of their driving within the city. Despite its small size, the Kicks boasts a cargo capacity that is among the segment's best in addition to spacious accommodations for five passengers.
Power from the 122 hp engine it rides on is only adequate for cruising city streets, but its fuel economy is among the best in the segment. Although it scores a miserable 68 out of 100 according to J. D. Power's predicted reliability ratings, it is not a bad buy at $20,775.