Compact vs Subcompact SUV – What’s the Difference Between the Two?

When you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, you have a lot to take into consideration, including the size that will work for you. Over the past several years, the market for compact SUVs has continued to grow, and manufacturers are coming out with more and more of the relatively new category of subcompact SUVs. But what do these terms mean, and what’s the difference between the two? Here’s a comparison to help you navigate the increasingly popular small SUV market so you can see what you can expect from a compact SUV versus a subcompact SUV

What Is a Subcompact SUV?

The smallest SUVs on the market fit into the subcompact market. These are often the most affordable SUVs and are recommended for people who are on a budget and don’t need a lot of extra space. While these are small vehicles, the cabins often feel roomy, and depending on trim levels, they often come with lots of convenience features and infotainment technology.

The Buick Encore GX is an example of a subcompact SUV. It has room for five passengers and comes standard with stylish 18-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, and LED accented taillights. Inside, the versatile cabin has folding second-row seats and a cargo area that offers up to 48.4 cubic feet of storage space if you fold the rear seats down. You can stay connected and entertained on the road in the Encore with its 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android technology, and available Wi-Fi hot spot.

The Encore gets its power from a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine that puts out 138 horsepower, and it has a six-speed automatic transmission.

What Is a Compact SUV?

The compact SUV is one of the most popular sizes for SUVs. It’s larger than the subcompact but not as bulky as a midsize or full-size SUV. It offers more legroom than you get with a subcompact, and in some cases, you can even get a third row if you need extra seating.

The Buick Envision fits in the compact SUV market segment. This Buick also has two rows of seats and room for five. It comes standard with LED headlights and roof rails and offers upscale convenience features such as a hands-free liftgate. Inside, this compact SUV has heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with the option to add ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. It has more cargo space than the subcompact Encore, with 25.2 cubic feet of storage in the back with the rear seats up, which can increase to 52.7 cubic feet of cargo area when you fold the rear seats down.

The Envision has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 197 horsepower, and it also works with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Benefits of a Subcompact SUV

A subcompact SUV combines the best features of a small vehicle with some of the capabilities and features you get with a larger vehicle and puts it all into one small package.

Seating Position

You can enjoy the elevated seating position of an SUV for a better view of the road and what’s around you without the bulk of a large vehicle.

Fuel Efficiency

You’ll notice a difference at the gas pump when you choose a subcompact over a compact or a midsize SUV. The smaller size of a subcompact means it’s lighter than other vehicles on the road, which means it’s more fuel-efficient.

Precise Handling and Performance

Comparing a subcompact SUV vs compact SUV, you’ll find that a subcompact SUV is much easier to handle and maneuver than larger cars and SUVs. Subcompacts can zip around town and through city traffic whether you stay in Youngstown or travel to the larger cities of Pittsburgh or Cleveland. The small footprint of a subcompact SUV means it has a tight turning radius, which also means you can easily maneuver around parking garages or in crowded parking lots.

Even though a subcompact SUV is small in size, it has comparable levels of power to larger vehicles. You get the benefit of carlike handling and a comfortable ride with the performance of an SUV.

Budget-Friendly

A subcompact SUV is a budget-friendly option for drivers who want to get into an SUV.

Benefits of a Compact SUV

The benefits of a compact SUV are similar to those of a subcompact. These also offer a higher seating position for a better view of the road than you get in a hatchback or a sedan, and they provide carlike handling and a comfortable ride. Compact SUVs are larger than subcompacts, but they are also fuel-efficient. Most compact SUVs offer the option for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. If you choose a subcompact, in some cases you can only get it with front-wheel drive.

A compact SUV offers more versatility than you get with a subcompact. If you need room for people, they have comfortable rear seats with a good amount of legroom, and the cargo area offers extra space. If you have a family, a compact might be a better choice than a subcompact because of the larger cargo area.

Subcompact SUV vs Compact SUV – Safety

Both subcompact and compact SUVs come with the latest safety features. In many cases, subcompact SUVs offer the option for advanced driver aids while compacts make them standard. For example, the budget-friendly subcompact Buick Encore offers two safety packages for the higher Preferred trim, featuring safety features such as a blind-spot monitor, forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

In contrast, the compact Envision comes standard with Buick’s Driver Confidence Package. This means that every Envision, even the entry-level model, has forward collision warning with mitigation, the blind-spot monitor, automatic emergency braking, a safety alert seat, and rear cross-traffic alert.

If you want to find out more about the difference between a subcompact SUV and a compact SUV, or are looking for a comparison of bigger SUVs, give us a call at Cochran Buick-GMC. We can provide you with more details and set up test drives in the Encore, the Encore GX, and the Envision so you can get a feel for how each one drives.

SUVs have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a versatile and practical option if you’re considering buying one. They come in different sizes, with compact and subcompact SUVs being two of the most common categories. Subcompact SUVs are the smallest and often most affordable in their class. Compact SUVs are larger, offering more legroom and, in some instances, third-row seating, and are less bulky than midsize and full-size SUVs. In this article, we’ll take a look at the characteristics of compact and subcompact Buick and GMC SUVs to help you make an informed decision.

Compact GMC SUVs

GMC offers a compelling option in the compact SUV segment with the GMC Terrain. This stylish, well-equipped SUV boasts a spacious interior with room for up to five passengers and plenty of cargo space. The Terrain measures 182.3 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width, and 65.4 inches in height, providing ample space for your passengers and gear. With up to 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, it’s well-suited for weekend getaways or trips to the home improvement store.

The GMC Terrain is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Terrain offers respectable fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model.

The GMC Terrain is available in a range of trim levels, from the well-equipped base SL model to the luxurious Denali. Standard features on the Terrain include a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, and a suite of advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher trim levels add features, such as leather upholstery, a larger 8-inch touch screen with navigation, and a premium Bose audio system.

Subcompact GMC SUVs

Although GMC doesn’t have a subcompact SUV in its lineup, Chevrolet — another brand under General Motors — offers the Trax. This SUV measures 178.6 inches in length, 71.8 inches in width, and 61.7 inches in height, making it easy to navigate through tight city streets and crowded parking lots. Despite its compact dimensions, the Trax offers SUV seating for up to five passengers and a respectable 54.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.

The Trax is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The Trax has a surprisingly spacious, well-equipped interior. Standard features include an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a high-definition rear vision camera, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trim levels add features, such as heated front seats and a six-speaker audio system.

Compact Buick SUVs

If you want a more upscale option in the compact SUV segment, Buick offers the stylish Envision. This premium SUV boasts a sleek, modern design with flowing lines and a distinctive grille. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and offers smooth, responsive performance. The Envision also offers a range of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

The Buick Envision offers a premium interior, especially with the top-tier Avenir trim.  Notable features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The Envision also has advanced technology features, including an 8-inch or 10.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Bose premium audio system, and a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones.

Subcompact Buick SUVs

If you’re looking for a more compact, maneuverable Buick SUV, consider the Encore GX. This stylish subcompact SUV measures 171.16 inches in length, 71.39 inches in width, and 64.12 inches in height, making it ideal for urban driving. Despite its size, the Encore can seat up to five passengers and provides up to 50.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.

The Buick Encore is powered either by a 1.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque or a more powerful 1.3-liter engine that delivers 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The engine in the front-wheel-drive models is paired with a continuously variable transmission, while the 1.3-liter engine in the all-wheel-drive units is mated to a nine-speed automatic. The Encore offers excellent fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Choosing the Right Size

When it comes to choosing between compact and subcompact SUV sizes, there are a few key factors to consider. If you have a larger family or frequently need to transport bulky items, a compact SUV like the GMC Terrain or Buick Envision may be the better choice. These SUVs offer more interior space and cargo room, making them ideal for family road trips or weekend getaways.

If you live in a city or frequently navigate tight parking spaces, a subcompact SUV such as the Chevrolet Trax or Buick Encore may be the better choice. These smaller SUVs are more maneuverable and easier to park, making them perfect for urban driving. They also tend to be more cost-effective and fuel-efficient than their larger counterparts, which can save you money at the pump over time.

The choice between a compact and subcompact SUV will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like your daily driving habits, the size of your family, and your budget when making your decision.

Experience the Difference at Cochran Buick GMC Youngstown

If you’re in the market for a compact or subcompact SUV, be sure to visit Cochran Buick GMC Youngstown. Our knowledgeable sales team can help you explore the differences between these two popular SUV sizes and find the right vehicle to meet your needs in our vast inventory of new and pre-owned units. Contact us to learn more about our current finance offers, such as our sign-and-drive lease offers for the Buick Envision and Encore GX and lease and purchase offers for the GMC Terrain.