Best small cars for road trips

Many are in favor of driving smaller cars than some bulkier SUVs. For some drivers, more compact sedans and smaller crossovers can make for a better choice given the smaller and more compact size. Below is a list of small cars we’d recommend as worthy of your consideration if you are perhaps going to do some occasional road trips, whether within the city or out on the open road. Notably, we’ve put into some considerations regarding a vehicle’s practicality, features, and of course, performance. So let’s proceed, shall we?

The Chery Tiggo 2 is currently the Chinese automaker’s most affordable model in its lineup. Given that this is a crossover, this subcompact boasts of extra ground clearance, 186 mm to be exact, therefore allowing you to traverse uneven roads or even speed bumps in confidence. Apart from having a spacious cabin that can comfortably fit five passengers and accommodate your stuff all thanks to its 420 liters of space, the Tiggo 2 also comes with high-tech features like an 8-inch infotainment system along with a 4-speaker setup for that much needed in-car entertainment experience. Under the hood is a small yet capable 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline motor with 4 cylinders. The said engine produces 106 hp and 135 Nm of torque.

The Ford EcoSport should be hailed as an urban warrior, given its well-packaged approach in the City. Apart from having such compact dimensions that should be easily maneuverable in tight spaces, the EcoSport also has a high ground clearance which should allow it to tackle unexpected obstacles. Being an urban warrior doesn’t necessarily mean that the EcoSport can’t conquer the open road, in fact, its EcoBoost engine offers enough power and punch to push this small wonder at highway speed.

The Kia Stonic is indeed one of the most affordable yet desirable subcompact crossovers in the market today. Notably, its entire variant range sits under the P1,000,000 boundary. Enthusiasts will surely be thrilled to know that the Stonic is made available with a manual option, apart from that, this subcompact crossover also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across its entire range. Apart from its youthful looks, this subcompact crossover also boasts in terms of practicality as complemented by its  325 liters of cargo space.

The MG 5 stands incredibly strong given its generous amount of practicality and features. All variants are run by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that could either be paired with a 5-speed manual or a CVT. Depending on the trim you purchase, the MG 5 could either come with an 8-inch or 10-inch touchscreen. Most importantly, safety is then complemented by airbags, ABS, EBD, Cornering Brake Control, and Brake Assist.

The Mazda2 is currently the smallest offering in the Japanese brand’s line of vehicles. This subcompact car can either be had in sedan or hatch form. Though it is worth noting that whatever body type you choose both shall come with that same Kodo design language. Under the hood, the Mazda2 is run by a 1.5-liter SkyActiv gasoline engine that is then paired with G-Vectoring Control Plus for that Jinba Ittai-driven experience. 

The Mitsubishi Mirage is compact and well-suited for those who have been wanting a small car that delivers superb fuel efficiency. This hatchback managed to return by up to 23 km/l during our test, which is indeed impressive and it should also save you time and money from visiting gas stations. 

The Nissan Almera is one of the most underrated cars in the local market, nowadays. Yet, it shines because of its immense interior space and fuel efficiency. Notably, it’s one of the few in its segment to have two extra vents in the back, therefore giving rear passengers that refreshing feel while on a cruise. 

The Suzuki Swift is the brand’s entry to the subcompact hatch segment. Now on its fourth-generation, the Swift still features that youthful vibes, therefore, attracting more buyers on a budget. Inside, this subcompact hatchback comes with a well laid out dashboard that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Notably, buyers will be pleased to know that the 7-inch touchscreen is standard on both the manual and automatic trim, a perfect feature that should enlighten the driver and its passengers throughout the trip.

Toyota has got to be one of the most popular vehicles in the market, especially to those who have been eyeing for their first car. The Toyota Wigo may be affordable, but it does come with a reasonable amount of equipment. Step up on the range-topping TRD trim and you get a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a much-needed feature that should allow you to seamlessly pair your mobile device on the car’s screen.

Like most VWs, the Volkswagen Santana looks clean and basic, and it’s not offending in any sort of way at all, in fact, designs like this should gracefully age over time. Going further its aesthetics, this subcompact sedan holds a number of pros such as its spacious and ergonomic interior, its fuel economy, and most importantly, it’s easy to drive. It is to be hailed as an affordable transporter that should give you a taste of that German flavor.