The best small SUVs – driven, tested and ranked
Small SUVs are becoming increasingly common – so much so that they often dominate the UK’s best-selling cars charts.
The appeal? A commanding view of the road ahead, high levels of space and all the SUV looks – without the heft – or indeed cost – of traditional full-size Chelsea tractors.
Cars such as the Nissan Juke pioneered the class, but today it’s the Dacia Duster that leads the way. We rate it highly for space, value for money and for off-roading ability.
1. Dacia Duster
Pros Great valuePleasant to drive4x4 version has genuine off-road ability Cons Interior a little fussyFeels cheap in placesLow Euro NCAP score
Best for: Value for money
Some say the Dacia Duster is all the car you need and who are we to argue? Spacious and large, it has been much improved over the past few generations.
Its interior is large and practical enough to be classed as a family SUV, while the ride is soft and plush. It can even be used off-road.
The Duster offers a choice of three engines: a 1.0-litre bi-fuel triple, which runs on petrol and LPG, a 1.2-litre mild hybrid and a 1.6-litre full hybrid.
We would choose the 1.2-litre, and view the hybrid as an automatic option that doesn’t carry a fuel economy penalty.
Ultimately, the Duster is at least as good as a Hyundai Kona while costing a few thousand pounds less. And that’s hard to argue with.
Read our Dacia Duster review
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2. Nissan Qashqai
Pros Likeable interiorComfortable in all scenariosInfotainment is easy to use Cons Manual gearbox is hard workCVT can lead to ‘mooing’Infotainment feels dated
Best for: All-round ability
Right up until the end of its lifecycle, the old Qashqai stayed doggedly at the sharp end of the sales charts in this class, and so with its new, lighter chassis, more commodious dimensions and much-improved dynamics, you'd expect this new third-generation model to hit the ground running. And for the most part, it does.
There's little here for keen drivers, and both the 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol and novel e-Power hybrid are a little breathless, but what did you expect?
Performance and handling aren't what the Qashqai is about and, as one tester put it, "it's very thoughtfully designed for families, well equipped and costs peanuts to buy and run". If you must have a two-pedal version, we’d go for the hybrid, rather than the wheezy CVT petrol.
The interior doesn’t look as jazzy as some, but the materials are pleasing, it’s solidly built and it's very easy to use, thanks to plenty of real buttons.
All early Qashqais had a multimedia system that was easy enough to use but looked slightly dated. About two years in, higher trims got a new system that retains all the usability but looks a lot nicer.
A game-changing effort? Not any more, but it's a demonstration that Nissan knows its customers extremely well. It's difficult to beat among the non-premium ranks.
Read our Nissan Qashqai review
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3. Volvo XC40
Pros Wide range of engine optionsInterior ambienceBlend of ride and handling Cons Only so-so to driveNot as spacious as somePetrol engines can sound coarse
Best for: Luxury feel
The Volvo XC40, the Swedish car maker's compact sibling for its established XC60 and XC90 SUVs, has been a real success.
It's a model that offered instant kerbside appeal when it launched back in 2017, with a charismatic and alluring design that helped bring younger family buyers into Volvo showrooms.
In addition to its funky exterior, the XC40 also offers a cabin of laudable richness, comfort, usability and quality.
While it isn't the most practical car in the small SUV class, it certainly has plenty of luxury car ambience. Currently, the model is only offered with two mild-hybrid powertrains, but both are good options.
If an SUV's mission is to lift its driver above the hustle and bustle and filter out the pain from the daily grind, few do it better than the Volvo XC40.
Read our Volvo XC40 review
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4. Audi Q3
Pros PHEV is good valueCaptures some of the appeal of larger Audi SUVsAvailable in coupé form Cons Not as refined as you might expectInterior qualityNoisy diesel engine
Best for: Range of powertrains
Audi’s Q3 is a stalwart of the class and comes with a good range of powertrains: petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid.
There’s also the option of the slope-backed Sportback body style, although you’re better off maximising interior space with the regular version.
The Q3 is in general a strong contender, with slick drivability and plenty of space, but there are some quirks to the line-up. For one thing, the PHEV is surprisingly good value. For another, rolling refinement isn’t always as strong as it might be.
The powertrains are well-mannered enough, but just make sure you don’t overdo it on the size of the wheels and ruin the ride. The latest versions are also lacking just a touch in terms of that bulletproof interior feel.
Read our Audi Q3 review
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5. Hyundai Tucson
Pros Potentially very economicalStriking exterior designGrown-up interior Cons Sluggish automatic gearboxLacklustre driving dynamicsSome cheap plastics to be found
Best for: Interior layout
The arrival of the fourth-generation Tucson was something of a watershed moment for Hyundai.
Stylistically, it was a drastic departure from its handsome but slightly dull predecessors, and its cabin reaches new heights in terms of material appeal, too.
Hyundai has long been trying to rebrand itself as an upmarket contender in Europe, and the Tucson has helped move the firm much closer to the Germans.
Dynamically, it plays things pretty safe, with a handling balance that prioritises ease of use over out-and-out dynamism, but it's still enjoyable enough to pedal down a twisty road.
More so than ever before, this is an impressively polished small SUV that's absolutely worthy of your attention.
All of the Tucson’s powertrains are based around a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with mild and plug-in hybrids available.
Read our Hyundai Tucson review
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6. Mazda CX-5
Pros Good to driveExcellent interiorComfortable over distance Cons Straight-line performance not always up to snuffCan be loud at a cruiseLarger wheels give a firm ride
Best for: Diesel lovers
Like the XC40, the Mazda CX-5 is one of the senior citizens of this class, but it's easily one of the best-looking SUVs on the market.
Also spacious and well-packaged, the CX-5 boasts a solid, stylish and beautifully made interior, with the sort of usability that many other car makers could learn from.
It can also hold its own for driving dynamics, with a handling pep that has made it one of our favourite small SUVs.
All CX-5 grades (trim levels) come with a choice of mild hybrid petrol engines, but the unfashionable 2.2-litre diesel is our top pick, limited to the top-spec Takumi model.
Overall, the CX-5 offers a healthy mix of fun, frugality and family-friendly space, so it deserves serious consideration from buyers who want a car that does a little bit of everything.
Read our Mazda CX-5 review
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7. Kia Sportage
Pros Striking designNeat and appealing interiorBroad range of engines Cons Hybrid powertrain can be coarseRide and handling balance isn’t that sweetHead room on par with a hatchback
Best for: Hassle-free family life
The Kia Sportage is one of the UK's best-selling cars and it's easy to see why. Its design isn't for everyone, but it's a refined, grown-up and tech-laden package.
It's not quite as spacious as the best, but there's enough room for most family needs, plus there's a wide range of engines, from mild-hybrid petrols and diesels through to a BIK tax-busting plug-in hybrid.
It also comes loaded with standard kit, can be easily connected to your smartphone and is backed by Kia's market-leading seven-year warranty.
To drive, the Sportage is something of a mixed bag. The handling is safe and predictable, but it's fairly inert when you're pressing on, while poorly surfaced roads quickly upset its composure. It's reasonably refined but doesn't ride as well as many rivals, jostling occupants over even smaller bumps.
Overall, the Sportage is a smart, well-equipped and hassle-free family SUV, but those wanting a little emotional uplift should look elsewhere.
Read our Kia Sportage review
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8. Citroën C5 Aircross
Pros Comfortable and spaciousGood valueLaid-back ride comfort Cons Clunky multimediaPoor manual gearboxPretty slow by comparison
Best for: Ride comfort
It has taken Citroën’s entry to the small SUV class until middle age to feature in this list. Like a lot of Stellantis products, the C5 Aircross has wanted a really good engine – and now that’s exactly what it has received.
The familiar 1.2-litre three-cylinder has gained the help of an electric motor and has swapped its eight-speed automatic gearbox for a seven-speed dual-clutch unit.
If you’re tired of every car pretending to be sporty, the C5 Aircross is for you: soft, pillowy seats and pliant suspension combine to make quite a relaxing car. It’s roomy and decent value too.
The multimedia is quite clunky and around town, the ride can deteriorate. The entry-level manual is also vague, while the plug-in hybrid doesn’t have the punch its 221bhp promises.
Read our Citroën C5 Aircross review
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9. Range Rover Evoque
Pros Has taken sizeable steps on rolling refinementElectrified powertrain has great performance and smoothnessIt’s a heavy car but doesn’t handle or perform like one Cons It’s only a 33mpg car on the run when the battery’s flat2024-model-year update has significantly cheapened the interiorNeedlessly firm ride
Best for: Performance
The Range Rover Evoque was previously the best small SUV money could buy, and while it's not quite as good as it once was, it's still an option to add to your shortlist.
Its design still looks the part, but its trump card is its handling. It's more dynamic than the Qashqai and the Tucson – even in a plug-in hybrid form – and its powertrains are all slick and responsive.
The Evoque's cabin still feels luxurious, but it's let down hugely by its ride quality, which was needlessly firmed up as part of the model's update, which it received in late 2023.
Its interior has also taken a hit, with the previous well-considered combination of physical buttons and a touchscreen replaced by a singular central touchscreen.
That said if you're after a good small SUV, the Evoque is still a good option. It's just more middle-of-the-road than a class leader.
Read our Range Rover Evoque review
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10. BMW X1
Pros Sky-high perceived qualityPHEV has good EV rangeQuite roomy Cons Gearbox and steering aren’t up to BMW standardsPoor user interfacePHEVs are expensive
Best for: Interior quality
Like all of us, the BMW X1 has been getting larger as it gets older. In fact, the third-generation version, which made its debut in 2022, is now only a biscuit shorter than the original X3 – a car that's theoretically in the class above. Still, this swelling is good news for those with growing families, because it means you can fit more people and things inside.
Built on the same UKL platform as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer MPV, the X1 gets a wide range of engines, from mild-hybrid petrols and diesels through to a pair of plug-in hybrids and even an all-electric BMW iX1, complete with a handy official range of 272 miles.
Regardless of motive force, the X1 is a composed and capable steer but perhaps not the very embodiment of the 'ultimate driving machine' that BMW's marketeers would have you believe.
There's decent grip and body control, but the steering is mute and nervous unless you’re on the door handles – which isn't the way that most people will drive their family bus. It also doesn’t ride well enough to excuse the lack of handling panache.
What will take the most getting used to, however, is the multimedia system. BMW has got rid of its signature rotary controller in cheaper models like the X1 – and with it, a lot of other physical buttons have migrated to the screen. That wouldn’t be such a problem if it were logical to use, but sadly it isn’t.
Read our BMW X1 review
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How to choose the best small SUV
This article is a culmination of work among our staff. Collectively we have driven every small SUV on sale.
The judging criterion for this list includes design, interior, performance, ride & handling and value for money.
The article limits itself specifically to small SUVs, but doesn’t limit the choice by powertrain. Petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars are all eligible.
We update this list regularly and the order typically changes every few months.
HOW WE TESTED AND SELECTED
This article is a culmination of work among our staff. Collectively we have driven every small SUV on sale.
The judging criterion for this list includes design, interior, performance, ride & handling and value for money.
The article limits itself specifically to small SUVs, but doesn’t limit the choice by powertrain. Petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars are all eligible.
We update this list regularly and the order typically changes every few months.
FAQs
What is a small SUV?
A small SUV (sports utility vehicle) is a car that is larger than a hatchback, but more compact than a larger, more spacious SUV. They’re a popular option here in the UK thanks to their blend of versatility, efficiency, and practicality. They’re also big sellers because they’re slightly easier to park than traditional SUVs and can even offer similar fuel economy to regular hatches. The line blurs slightly when it comes to the difference between small SUVs and compact crossovers, but there is often an overlap.
What’s the best-selling SUV in the UK?
Small SUVs are incredibly popular in the UK, so it’s no surprise to see models from the segment take up half of the UK’s top ten best sellers list. The UK’s best-selling SUV (and small SUV, for that matter) is currently the Kia Sportage, but its rivals are hot on its heels.
Are small SUVs worse than hatchbacks?
Every car is different, but generally speaking, SUVs shouldn’t be considered worse to drive than hatchbacks. That said, both body styles have pros and cons, and it will entirely depend on what you need to use your car for. SUVs generally offer more space than hatchbacks, with larger boots, additional legroom and a higher driving position. These are all important if you’re ferrying around family members, going on holiday or collecting shopping. Hatchbacks, meanwhile, are often more economical than small SUVs due to their reduced weight. As they don’t possess such a boxy design as small SUVs, hatchbacks are often more agile too, which improves handling in the corners. They’re naturally easier to park than small SUVs, too.
Are small SUVs more economical than other cars?
Whether a small SUV is more economical than other cars depends on a variety of factors. SUVs are impacted by their increased weight and reduced aerodynamics, which often leads to lower overall fuel economy compared to hatchbacks and superminis. Small SUVs can however excel because they can be fitted with a variety of powertrains. Many on our list, including the Volvo XC40, the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson, use hybrid powertrains which are supposed to help drivers improve their fuel economy. Plug-in hybrids offer electric-only driving, which means you might not need to spend on fuel at all. That said, hybrids and plug-in hybrids are more expensive than pure combustion-engined models.