As large as vehicles have gotten these days, with the biggest SUVs looking more and more like monster trucks than ever, there is still a strong market — particularly among younger people and those who drive mainly in urban areas — for smaller and more maneuverable vehicles that don’t take up so much space.

That’s where vehicles like the 2022 Nissan Kicks — a subcompact crossover first introduced a few years back — come into play. WIth a no-frills approach that’s the polar opposite of the ultra luxury offerings available today, it’s focused mainly on offering an attractive, tech-savvy ride that is also affordable.

I recently tested the 2022 Nissan Kicks (in the top SR trim level), and I’m back with a full report of what it offers and how it compares to the myriad small SUV offerings available to today’s car-buying public.

As vehicles get larger and larger, fewer subcompact cars remain in the marketplace.

But they are not extinct yet.

While automakers have mainly given up on them, your options include the Hyundai Accent, Chevy Spark, Nissan Versa, and the car I recently tested — the 2021 Kia Rio.

Most recently redesigned back in 2018, the 2021 version of the Rio features some upgrades, including new styling on the front and rear portions of the vehicle, and an improved infotainment system with wireless phone connectivity.