Top 10 Smallest SUVs of 2025 With Surprising Interior Space

When you hear “small SUV,” you probably picture cramped back seats, barely-there cargo space, and city-friendly size that sacrifices comfort. But in 2025, the game has changed.

Automakers are squeezing more space into tighter footprints, giving urban drivers, small families, and first-time buyers the room they need without upsizing to a midsize SUV. These top 10 smallest SUVs may look compact from the outside, but their interiors tell a very different story.

We ranked them by total interior volume—a combo of passenger and cargo space—so you get a clear picture of what’s truly usable. Whether you’re hauling gear, kids, or just want your elbows to breathe, these models prove that small doesn’t have to mean cramped.

10. 2025 Buick Envista

Passenger Volume: 97.5 cu ft

Quick Specs:

The Buick Envista rewrites the small SUV rulebook with a sleek, fastback silhouette, luxury-leaning interior, and tons of space for the price. Despite its coupe-like profile, it still squeezes out nearly 98 cu ft of room inside.

• Interior Feel: You get stitched soft-touch panels, a dual-display dash, and a near-luxury vibe — all in a sub-$30K package. Front and rear seats offer adult-friendly dimensions.
• Cargo Note: While the sloping roof limits max cargo depth, there’s still decent space for everyday tasks. Its liftback-style hatch makes access easy.
• Surprise Factor: The ride quality is tuned for comfort, and features like heated seats, a flat-bottom wheel, and a digital dash come standard on many trims.
• Who It’s For: Buyers who want a stylish, well-equipped SUV that feels premium without the price tag — think first-time luxury shoppers or empty nesters.

9. 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Passenger Volume: 98.2 cu ft

Quick Specs:

Chevy’s Trailblazer balances bold design with a surprising amount of cabin space. With just over 98 cu ft of passenger room, it comfortably fits four adults, and the cargo area is strong for its size too.

• Interior Feel: Youthful styling and a wide dash layout make the Trailblazer feel sportier than most in this class. Standard wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and active safety tech keep it modern.
• Cargo Note: Its deep cargo floor and split-fold rear seats make hauling gear straightforward, whether it’s luggage, groceries, or music equipment.
• Surprise Factor: You can get an RS trim with blacked-out wheels and accents or an ACTIV trim with rugged-style upgrades — rare personality in a segment often focused solely on value.
• Who It’s For: Young professionals or students who want a stylish, affordable SUV that punches above its weight in both room and features.

8. 2025 Honda HR‑V

Passenger Volume: 98.7 cu ft

Quick Specs:

The HR‑V continues to surprise with just how spacious and refined it feels inside. Redesigned recently, the 2025 model offers nearly 99 cu ft of passenger space and a more premium interior than ever before.

• Interior Feel: Smooth lines, soft-touch materials, and generous second-row legroom give the HR‑V the feel of a more expensive vehicle. The wide center console and standard digital gauges elevate the experience.
• Cargo Note: It offers above-average cargo space for the class, and Honda’s signature flat-folding seats make it easy to expand the area for larger items.
• Surprise Factor: Though it’s on the quieter side performance-wise, the HR‑V handles curves confidently and rides with comfort you’d expect in a bigger SUV.
• Who It’s For: Ideal for new families, solo commuters, or retirees looking for a well-built, no-nonsense SUV that feels larger than it looks.

7. 2025 Volkswagen Taos

Passenger Volume: 99.5 cu ft

Quick Specs:

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos packs big space into a small footprint, offering near-compact SUV levels of room in a tidy, city-friendly body. With just under 100 cu ft of passenger volume, it’s one of the roomiest subcompacts you can buy.

• Interior Feel: The cabin impresses with clean design, ample legroom in both rows, and a squared-off roofline that maximizes headroom. You also get digital displays even on lower trims, giving it a modern, upscale feel.
• Cargo Note: Its 27.9 cu ft of cargo space beats several larger SUVs, and folding the seats opens nearly 66 cu ft — plenty for road trips, student moves, or weekend DIY hauls.
• Surprise Factor: VW offers its 4Motion AWD even on the small Taos, plus smart driver aids and optional features like wireless charging and ventilated seats that are rare in this segment.
• Who It’s For: Urban families, commuters, or downsizers who want serious interior space without sacrificing maneuverability or fuel economy.

6. 2025 Kia Seltos

Passenger Volume: 99.6 cu ft

Quick Specs:

The 2025 Kia Seltos continues to blur the line between subcompact and compact SUV with its smart use of space and upscale options. It’s slightly larger than the Soul, but with a more traditional SUV stance and available AWD, it feels more grown-up while remaining city-friendly.

• Interior Feel: The Seltos offers excellent headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Despite its compact dimensions, it feels upright and spacious inside, with a clean dash layout and intuitive tech controls.
• Cargo Note: With 26.6 cu ft behind the rear seats and up to 62.8 cu ft with them folded, the Seltos delivers some of the best cargo space in its class. The tall roof and squared-off tailgate make bulky item loading a breeze.
• Surprise Factor: It’s one of the few small SUVs that blends efficiency, affordability, and all-weather capability thanks to its available AWD. Even base models feel well-appointed, and higher trims offer a 10.25-inch screen and leatherette seating.
• Who It’s For: Drivers who want compact dimensions without sacrificing versatility or style — especially growing families, commuters in four-season climates, and tech-savvy buyers who love modern interiors.

5. 2025 Chevrolet Trax

Passenger Volume: 99.8 cu ft

Quick Specs:

Despite its compact footprint, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax packs a smartly laid‑out cabin and surprising cargo space for the price.

• Interior Feel: The upright seating, wide windows, and minimalist dash give a roomy vibe even with under‑100 cu ft of passenger space.
• Cargo Note: Offers 25.6 cu ft behind rear seats, expanding to 54.1 cu ft when folded—among the best in the extra-small segment.
• Surprise Factor: With a starting MSRP under $22K, you get wireless Apple CarPlay, smart safety features, and a turbo‑charged engine.
• Who It’s For: Budget-conscious urban drivers and commuters who prioritize utility and modern tech in a small crossover.

4. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek

Passenger Volume: 100.5 cu ft

Quick Specs:

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is a rare find in this size class: a genuinely capable small SUV that’s comfortable on the daily grind but built for weekend escapes. With standard all-wheel drive and a mild off-road persona, it continues to be a favorite for buyers who value versatility over flash.

• Interior Feel: You’d be surprised at how airy the cabin feels, despite its subcompact designation. Taller drivers will appreciate the spacious front row, and rear-seat legroom is better than average.
• Cargo Note: You get 19.9 cu ft behind the rear seats and up to 54.7 cu ft with them folded. The cargo area is wide and flat, making it super functional for gear-heavy lifestyles.
• Surprise Factor: Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite is standard, and the latest model includes a larger available touchscreen and improved interior materials — a big step up from earlier generations.
• Who It’s For: Drivers who live in snow-prone areas or enjoy hiking, camping, or skiing on the weekends. It’s practical, predictable, and easy to live with, without feeling too stripped-down.

3. 2025 Hyundai Kona

Passenger Volume: 101.2 cu ft

Quick Specs:

The 2025 Hyundai Kona is proof that you don’t need to compromise personality for practicality. With a bold, modern design and impressive standard tech, it offers more interior room than expected from such a city-sized footprint — especially in this new generation.

• Interior Feel: Hyundai stretched the Kona for 2024 and beyond, giving rear passengers more legroom and widening the cabin for better elbow space. It now feels like a true compact rather than a tight subcompact.
• Cargo Note: Behind the rear seats sits 25.5 cu ft of space — one of the best in the class — expanding to 63.7 cu ft when folded. The liftgate opens wide, and the load floor is low and flat.
• Surprise Factor: Even base models come loaded with features like wireless Apple CarPlay, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and smart cruise control. EV and hybrid versions are available as well.
• Who It’s For: Tech-savvy urban drivers, small families, or first-time SUV buyers who want space, style, and features without going up a segment or breaking the budget.

2. 2025 Genesis GV70

Passenger Volume: 103.6 cu ft

Quick Specs:

The 2025 Genesis GV70 is proof that a luxury SUV doesn’t need to be massive to feel indulgent. With its elegant styling, refined materials, and generous cabin space, it stands out in the compact luxury class — even edging out some larger competitors in comfort and practicality.

• Interior Feel: The GV70 feels like a high-end lounge. High-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a curved digital display elevate the driving experience. Despite its sleek, coupe-inspired design, rear passengers enjoy excellent legroom and supportive seating.
• Cargo Note: It offers 28.9 cu ft of space behind the second row and up to 56.9 cu ft with seats folded — ample for weekend getaways or airport runs. The power liftgate and flat-folding seats make it as usable as it is premium.
• Surprise Factor: With available AWD, a turbocharged engine, and one of the best warranties in luxury, the GV70 is both practical and thrilling to drive. It even includes driver assistance tech like Highway Driving Assist and forward collision avoidance as standard.
• Who It’s For: Buyers who want compact dimensions without compromising on upscale design, interior spaciousness, or everyday versatility. It’s especially great for young professionals, small families, or downsizers who still want comfort and performance.

1. 2025 Acura RDX

Passenger Volume: 104.0 cu ft

Quick Specs:

The 2025 Acura RDX sits at the top of this list not just because of its interior volume, but for how it blends space, sharp design, and an engaging drive. It’s one of the most well-rounded compact luxury SUVs — delivering both everyday comfort and a spirited character.

• Interior Feel: The cabin leans sporty with a driver-focused layout, sculpted seats, and premium materials. There’s ample room in both rows for adults, plus thoughtful touches like hidden storage under the cargo floor and a panoramic roof that enhances the sense of openness.
• Cargo Note: With 29.5 cu ft behind the second row and 58.9 cu ft with seats folded, the RDX has room for golf clubs, suitcases, or even light furniture. Its wide trunk opening and low lift-in height boost real-world usability.
• Surprise Factor: You get a turbocharged engine with quick-shifting 10-speed auto, optional SH-AWD for confident handling, and standard tech like wireless CarPlay, a 10.2-inch display, and AcuraWatch safety suite — no trim-stripping here.
• Who It’s For: Drivers who want a premium SUV that’s sporty, spacious, and well-equipped from the start. It’s especially appealing to those stepping up from a mainstream compact SUV and looking for more power and polish without going full luxury price tag.