2021 Best Selling Subcompact Cars In the United States (All Models Ranked)
The subcompact car segment in the U.S. caters to buyers looking for affordable, fuel-efficient, and sometimes first-time vehicles. While SUVs and crossovers have become increasingly popular in recent years, subcompacts remain a choice for urban dwellers, budget-conscious consumers, and those who prioritize simplicity and low operating costs. However, the subcompact segment has faced challenges in the U.S., with some manufacturers choosing to discontinue their offerings due to changing consumer preferences.
The Nissan Versa, available as both a sedan and formerly as a hatchback (Versa Note), is known for its affordability. Over the years, the Versa has seen improvements in interior quality and features. Recent models offer touchscreen infotainment, smartphone integration, and a suite of safety features. Geared more towards fuel efficiency and city commuting, the Versa isn’t sporty but offers competent performance for its segment.
The Kia Rio, available as a sedan and hatchback, balances affordability with a modern design. The Rio offers a straightforward infotainment system, safety features like a rearview camera, and in recent trims, advanced safety features like forward-collision warning.
The Hyundai Accent, closely related to the Kia Rio, is Hyundai’s entry in the subcompact segment and is available as a sedan. The Accent offers a comfortable interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and safety features comparable to others in the segment. It’s powered by a four-cylinder engine that provides adequate performance for city driving and commuting.
Here Are The Most Popular Subcompact Cars in the U.S for 2021
This data table looks at full year Subcompact Car sales volumes in the United States by model. We compare U.S market Subcompact Car model sales for the full year versus the full year last year.
| Model | Month | Month LY | Change | YTD | YTD LY | YTD Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat 500 | 11 | 5 | 120.00 | 51 | 674 | -92.43 |
| Hyundai Accent | 844 | 1,559 | -45.86 | 18,868 | 15,975 | 18.11 |
| Kia Rio | 2,800 | 2,052 | 36.45 | 31,362 | 23,927 | 31.07 |
| Chevrolet Sonic | 6 | 851 | -99.29 | 1,581 | 13,007 | -87.85 |
| Nissan Versa | 3,448 | 6,926 | -50.22 | 60,913 | 48,272 | 26.19 |
| ∑ = 7,109 | ∑ = 11,393 | ∑ = 112,775 | ∑ = 101,855 |
2021 New Subcompact Car Sales Data by Month in the U.S
This sales data table looks at monthly sales performance for the Subcompact Car segment in the United States on a month to month basis for the entire year. It includes all major Subcompact Car models sold in the U.S market and you can see that the monthly Subcompact Car sales trends clearly. Seeing the individual Subcompact Car model sales performance in this way gives you a good sense of the momentum (good or bad).
