2023 Best Selling Small Cars In the United States (All Models Ranked)
The small car segment, which includes subcompacts and compact vehicles, has experienced several notable trends and challenges over the past few years in the U.S. As with the broader passenger car market, the small car segment has felt the impact of consumers’ growing preference for SUVs and crossovers. This trend has been driven by the versatility, higher seating positions, and perceived safety benefits of these vehicles, even in the subcompact and compact SUV categories. Reflecting the above trend, sales of small cars have generally decreased. Many consumers who might have previously opted for a small car have chosen compact crossovers instead.
Due to the decreasing demand, some automakers have decided to discontinue their small car models in the U.S. For instance, Ford decided to stop selling the Fiesta in the U.S., and Chevrolet did the same with the Sonic. While the overall trend for small cars has been challenging, there has been a silver lining in the form of electrification. Small cars have become a popular platform for electric vehicles (EVs), given their city-friendly size and the decreasing cost of batteries. Cars like the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf have found a niche within this segment. Small cars continue to be more popular in urban areas where their size makes them advantageous for parking and navigating tight spaces.
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