Chevrolet Trax
Noticed there have been only Japanese and Korean products features so far? That’s not a surprise in this category, but behold: an American model.
The Trax is included because it is a very good take on the subcompact crossover formula. First of all, it is one of the roomiest vehicles in the segment in terms of both occupant space and cargo room. Secondly, it looks very cool with its ultra-slim DRLs, optional dark wheels and swooping roofline. Thirdly, it gets a very efficient 1.2L 4-banger that still manages to punch out 127 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Fourthly, it is just a really well-adapted and spunky city driver.
Add wireless charging as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and you have a neat little package.
See: 2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS Review: Sneaky Good
See: Comparison: 2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2024 Kia Seltos
See: Car Specs Chevrolet Trax 2025 2RS
Volkswagen Taos
Speaking of non-Japanese and non-Korean entries, here comes the VW Taos, so named for a lil’ town in New Mexico where legend has it there’s a garage with a real VW-whisperer as a mechanic. At any rate, the Taos arrived in 2020 and effectively acted as a replacement for the Golf Sportwagen and eventually the Golf (the non GTI or R version).
That meant it had to walk a bit of a line. The Taos had to be able to transport folks and their wares like a CUV would, but also drive a little more like a hot hatchback.
We’re n 2025 (almost) and the little SUV’s mandate remains the same, so it gets a 1.5L turbo engine good for 174 hp, which is more power than prior. This new year also sees the Taos get a facelift, adding a smooth front fascia that brings it more in line with other vehicles in the lineup such as the ID.4 EV.
The Taos also gets a 8.0-inch infotainment display as standard, plus all models now get an 8-speed auto, replacing the 7-speed DCT the AWD versions got last year.
See: 2025 Volkswagen Taos: A New Era for the Compact SUV
See: Car Specs Volkswagen Taos 2025 Highline