10 Affordable SUVs with Remote Start (Small & X-Small)
Remote start is an essential feature for car owners who live in places experiencing extreme weather conditions. It allows starting the vehicle ahead of time to warm or cool the interior as long as the key fob is within range or digitally via an app.
The SUVs listed in this post are from the subcompact and compact crossover classes and can perform a remote start, although feature availability depends on the model year.
Subcompact SUVs with Remote Start
#1 Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota introduced the Corolla Cross subcompact SUV in 2022, modeled after the highly-popular Corolla sedan.
Although its performance won’t impress the more demanding drivers, the excellent fuel economy, massive cargo hold, and solid Toyota reliability will satisfy many shoppers in the affordable SUV segment.
Toyota is part of an increasing number of automakers that have transitioned to app-based remote vehicle management; Corolla Cross owners will need a Remote Connect subscription (trial or paid) to remote-start the SUV digitally.
The subscription service is available on a monthly or yearly basis.
The Japanese carmaker has several other SUVs with remote engine start in various size categories.
#2 Mazda CX-3
Mazda CX-3 is an extra-small SUV that the marque stopped producing after 2021.
In typical Mazda style, the little crossover suffers from cramped rear passenger space and a small cargo area. But still, its agility and sporty driving dynamics will win the hearts of those desiring an engaging drive.
Fob-based remote engine start is available in the 2016 to 2019 Mazda CX-3, while newer ones can fire up digitally through an app with an active Mazda Connected Services subscription.
Once inside the CX-3, after it has warmed or cooled sufficiently to counter the harsh weather, occupants will find a pleasingly attractive cabin that adds to the overall ride comfort.
| Model Years | Remote Start | Trim Levels |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | NA. | Via Connected Services. |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | NA. | Via Connected Services. |
| 2019 Mazda CX-3 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2018 Mazda CX-3 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2017 Mazda CX-3 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2016 Mazda CX-3 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
#3 Kia Soul
Kia Soul is one of the roomiest subcompact crossovers with its boxy design.
Besides the spacious interior, Kia Soul’s value-packed offering, low starting price, and generous warranty are attractive qualities that appeal to the budget-minded crowd.
While older Kia Soul subcompacts cannot start their engines remotely, the newer models since 2020 have the feature as optional.
Specifically, the Kia Soul EX and Turbo of 2021 and 2022 had the feature as standard.
#4 Hyundai Kona
Extra-small crossovers are filling the hotly contested segment, and the Hyundai Kona is a compelling pick among them.
This little SUV offers nimble handling and quick acceleration with its available turbocharged engine, making it one of the most fun-to-drive options in the class.
Except for 2018, most of 2019 to 2021 Hyundai Kona’s higher trims, like SEL, Limited, and Ultimate, can perform a remote engine start.
The remote start functionality became standard for the Hyundai Kona from 2022 onwards, so buyers of the latest model need not choose.
#5 Subaru Crosstrek
Crosstrek is the automaker’s smallest crossover and a popular choice for its standard all-wheel drive at a reasonable price.
Spacious seating, good ride quality, and above-average ground clearance are excellent reasons to opt for the Crosstrek.
Remote engine start has been optional for Subaru Crosstrek SUVs since 2016, with trims like Sport, Premium, and Limited sporting the feature.
For 2021 and newer models, the Subaru Crosstrek comes with a pre-installed remote-start port so owners can install the device themselves.
Crosstrek shoppers can choose a gasoline-only engine or plug-in-hybrid powertrain for some all-electric range.
| Model Years | Remote Start | Trim Levels |
| 2023 Subaru Crosstrek | Port installed. | Base, Premium, Premium SE. |
| 2022 Subaru Crosstrek | Port installed. | Base, Premium. |
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek | Port installed. | Base, Premium. |
| 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | Yes; Optional. | Sport, Premium. |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | Yes; Optional. | 2.0i Sport, 2.0i Premium. |
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2017 Subaru Crosstrek | Yes; Optional. | All, except for the base 2.0i. |
| 2016 Subaru Crosstrek | Yes; Optional. | All, except for the base 2.0i. |
Compact SUVs with Remote Start
#6 Hyundai Tucson
Value-for-money purchases in the small SUV segment don’t get better than the Hyundai Tucson.
Besides the Korean marque’s industry-leading warranty, the Tucson SUV offers many standard technology and safety features, a roomy cabin (rpd), and excellent ride comfort.
Hyundai Tucson models from 2011 to 2014 had optional remote engine start.
Between 2015 and 2018, only a few Hyundai Tucson SUVs could start remotely – the Limited trim in 2015 and 2016; SEL Plus in 2017; SEL Plus and Limited in 2018.
Hyundai Tucson SUVs started getting the remote start feature as standard in more trims from 2019 onwards, with nearly every model, except for the base SE, able to start the engine remotely.
Owners of Bluelink-equipped Tucson models can take advantage of the Connected Services’ Remote Package feature.
#7 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport differs from the Bronco, a midsize SUV.
Although relatively new in the compact crossover segment, the Bronco Sports offers the unique proposition as one of the most capable off-roaders in the class.
Since debuting in 2021, the convenience of remote-starting the Bronco Sport has been available in the pricier Outer Banks trim. However, the range-topping Badlands still gets the feature as optional.
Entry-level Ford Bronco Sport models have yet to gain that functionality.
| Model Years | Remote Start | Trim Levels |
| 2023 Bronco Sport | Yes; Standard | Outer Banks. Badlands (optional). |
| 2022 Bronco Sport | Yes; Standard | Outer Banks. Badlands (optional). |
| 2021 Bronco Sport | Yes; Standard | Outer Banks, First Edition. Badlands (optional). |
#8 Mazda CX-5
The Japanese marque has a newer small SUV called the CX-50, but the older CX-5 has long established itself as among the best in the class.
Engaging driving dynamics, upscale interior, and a quiet ride are Mazda CX-5 pluses, besides the available remote engine start.
The remote start capability has been available across the Mazda CX-5 range since 2013, although newer models can perform the function digitally through the Mazda app.
An active subscription to Mazda’s Connected Services allows users to:
- Remote start and stop.
- Lock and unlock the doors.
- Check fuel levels.
- Locate your parked vehicle.
- Receive alerts on periodic servicing.
| Model Years | Remote Start | Trim Levels |
| 2023 Mazda CX-5 | NA. | Via Connected Services. |
| 2022 Mazda CX-5 | NA. | Via Connected Services. |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 | NA. | Via Connected Services. |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 | NA. | Via Connected Services. |
| 2019 Mazda CX-5 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2015 Mazda CX-5 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2014 Mazda CX-5 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2013 Mazda CX-5 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
#9 Toyota RAV4
Few small SUVs are as popular as the RAV4 in America and globally.
With a comfortable ride quality, roomy cabin, and Toyota’s solid reliability record, few would argue against the RAV4 as the most popular yet safe choice.
It is one of the few in the small SUV class with gasoline-only, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid powertrains, further cementing its position as a leading model.
Toyota RAV4 models gained the remote engine start ability as early as 2008, allowing used SUV shoppers to enjoy the feature affordably.
Direct rivals to the RAV4 include the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.
| Model Years | Remote Start | Trim Levels / Remark |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | NA. | Via Remote Connect. |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 | NA. | Via Remote Connect. |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | NA. | Via Remote Connect. |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | NA. | Via Remote Connect. |
| 2019 Toyota RAV4 | NA. | Via Remote Connect. |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | Yes; Optional. | XLE, Limited, SE, Adventure. |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | Yes; Optional. | XLE, Limited, SE. |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | Yes; Optional. | XLE, Limited, SE. |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | Yes; Optional. | Limited. |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | NA. | – |
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 | Yes; Optional. | Limited. |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | NA. | – |
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | Yes; Optional. | Limited. |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | Yes; Optional. | Base, Sport, Limited (standard). |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | Yes; Optional. | All. |
| 2007 & earlier | NA. | – |
#10 Kia Niro
Kia Niro is a compact SUV available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric vehicle.
The slightly elevated ride height for enhanced visibility, agile handling, and feature-rich offering are excellent reasons to own a Niro crossover.
While pre-2021 models didn’t have the feature, newer Kia Niro SUVs had standard remote start capability at most trim levels, with only the base LX lacking the provision.
| Model Years | Remote Start | Trim Levels |
| 2023 Kia Niro | Yes; Standard | EX, EX Touring, SX, SX Touring. |
| 2022 Kia Niro | Yes; Standard | LXS, LXS SE, Touring SE, EX Premium. |
| 2021 Kia Niro | Yes; Standard | LXS, Touring, Touring SE, EX Premium. |
| 2020 & earlier | NA. | – |
Other Makes & Models with Remote Start
While the crossovers above can start remotely, car manufacturers offer the feature in many models, including midsize and large SUVs.
Depending on the size of your family, the following options are worth considering:
- Toyota SUVs with remote start.
- Honda SUVs with remote start.
- Mazda SUVs with remote start.
- Subaru SUVs with remote start.
- Nissan SUVs with remote start.
- Hyundai SUVs with remote start.
- Kia SUVs with remote start.
- Volkswagen SUVs with remote start.
- Ford SUVs with remote start.
- Chevrolet SUVs with remote start.
- Jeep SUVs with remote start.
References:
https://www.toyota.com/corollacross/
https://www.kia.com/us/en/soul
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/kona
https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/crosstrek.html
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/tucson
https://www.ford.com/suvs/bronco-sport/
