Subcompact crossover SUV
[2] The segment started to gain traction during early to mid-2010s when the number of models and sales figures rapidly increased in major markets such as North America and Europe.
Subcompact crossovers commonly use the same platform of similarly-sized subcompact/B-segment hatchbacks or sedans,[14][15][16] while some high-end models may be based on a compact cars (C-segment).
[18] Depending on the market and the manufacturer, subcompact crossover SUVs typically have an exterior length under 4,400 mm (173.2 in).
[19][6] According to IHS Markit, vehicles from this segment were considered by customers as cheap to purchase and run, offer a "desirable lifestyle styling" and higher seating position.
[22] The first-generation Honda HR-V was released in 1998 mainly for the Japanese and European markets, and has been considered as one of the first subcompact crossover.
However, the release of the Nissan Juke in 2010 which was oriented towards Europe and North America was argued to have helped define and start the development of the almost non-existent segment at the time.
[22] According to 2020 tests conducted in the UK by Which?, vehicles from this class returned an average of around 7 percent worse fuel economy and 7 percent higher CO2 tailpipe emissions than equivalent hatchbacks such as the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio, and was said to be marginally less efficient than the medium hatchback class such as the Volkswagen Golf.
[26] Many other nameplates in the segment appeared between 2013 and 2015, which included the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax, Fiat 500X, Ford EcoSport, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, and Subaru Crosstrek.
[4] In 2019, the Hyundai Kona became the first subcompact crossover SUV to win the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.
[32] Many other nameplates entered the market between 2012 and 2013, which included the Dacia Duster, Chevrolet Trax, Ford EcoSport, Opel Mokka, Peugeot 2008, Suzuki SX4 S-Cross, and Renault Captur.
[38] Several manufacturers have changed their product mix by introducing subcompact crossovers to replace mini MPVs in Europe due to the popularity of the former and the declining sales of the latter.
[22] According to JATO's data for Europe, seven European car brands that focused their efforts on developing SUVs, have seen their overall sales in the B and C segments fall dramatically between 2001 and 2021.
[55] The first mainstream sub-4 metre SUV to be launched in India was the Ford EcoSport (in 2012) which was a high-selling model due to the lack of competition,[56] followed by the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
[68] The Hyundai Alcazar introduced in 2021 is an extended Hyundai Creta, with longer exterior length and wheelbase, and has been marketed as a vehicle from a segment above,[69] while the Kia Sonet offered a third row seating in Indonesia, a market dominated by three-row vehicles, without extending the body.
While being significantly more expensive, they offer similar driving and convenience advantages as mainstream subcompact crossover SUVs, with larger exterior dimensions, more refined interiors, more advanced technologies, higher engine power and added prestige.
[73] Early nameplates include the BMW X1 (introduced in 2009), Audi Q3 (2010), Mini Countryman (2010) and Range Rover Evoque (2011).
According to IHS Markit, in 2007, when the segment was effectively made up of only the Land Rover Freelander, global sales stood at 64,500 units.
