Best small SUVs to buy 2024
There's a huge range of small SUVs out there, so we’ve picked out the very best
Small SUVs are a very common sight on UK roads, with many drivers being attracted to the combination of practicality and low running costs that these cars offer. Due to their popularity, there’s now a very wide range of compact SUVs to choose from. To make your search easier, our expert road testers have picked out the best small SUVs to buy right now.
The best small SUVs
- Dacia Duster
- Hyundai Kona
- Volvo EX30
- Jeep Avenger
- Renault Captur
- Kia Niro
- Ford Puma
- Citroen C3 Aircross
- Toyota Yaris Cross
- Peugeot 2008
1. Dacia Duster
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- Prices from £20,500
Just like its predecessor, the latest Dacia Duster follows the brand’s proven recipe of combining simplicity, capability and affordability. The ace up the new model’s sleeve, though, is that it’s bigger inside than its predecessor, which means more passenger space and a substantial 517-litre boot.
For those who enjoy a spot of green-laning, the Duster still comes with the option of four-wheel drive to accompany its chunky styling. Despite its off-roading capability, It’s a perfectly pleasant to drive on the road, too, even if things are a little lacking in the driving fun department. The Dacia Duster offers so much for so little money that we named it our 2024 Small SUV of the Year.
2. Hyundai Kona
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- Prices from £26,000
The first-generation Hyundai Kona was already a decent small SUV, but the brand listened very carefully to its customers when designing the current second-generation model.
Inside, all Mk2 Konas are fitted with a more upmarket-feeling interior than the previous model, with higher-quality materials throughout. The dashboard also looks much more modern as it consists of two 12.3-inch screens which run up-to-date software that’s easy to use. There’s a lot more storage inside the latest Kona, too.
Hyundai has placed a greater emphasis on comfort and refinement with the Mk2 Kona. Rough surfaces and speed bumps did cause some disturbance during our testing, but the small SUV remained composed for the most part, particularly at lower speeds. Wind and road noise were also minimal.
3. Volvo EX30
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- Prices from £34,000
In the current market, the cheapest electric cars are mostly the smallest. The Volvo EX30 is a major exception to this rule, though, as it offers a decent helping of both space and luxuriousness for a very tempting price.
The 318-litre boot isn’t massive, but it should still provide a decent amount of space for a family of four’s luggage as well as the weekly shop. If your loved ones have the need for speed, they’ll be particularly happy as every version of this Volvo will accelerate from 0-62mph in under six seconds. In fact, the Performance model will complete the sprint in a mere 3.6 seconds.
It’ll cover plenty of miles between charges, too, as even the entry level Single Motor model has a claimed maximum range of 213 miles. Opt for the Long Range variant and this number increases to 293 miles. The EX30 is definitely one of the most tempting lower-priced EVs out there, but its over-reliance on the touchscreen for controlling basic functions can be rather frustrating.
4. Jeep Avenger
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- Prices from £24,500
The Jeep Avenger started out as a fully-electric car, but now buyers also have the option of petrol or hybrid power. Regardless of which one you choose, this is still a compact two-wheel drive SUV so you’d be forgiven for questioning if it’s a ‘proper’ Jeep. But cast aside your preconceived notions, and you’ll quickly realise that it’s worthy of its badge
Even though this Jeep is quite small, even by small SUV standards, it still feels roomy inside, plus it makes the car surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in and around town.
Inside, everything is pretty straightforward and logically placed, and the 10.25-inch infotainment system is a major improvement over the brand’s previous systems. The quality of materials used feel sturdy and should stand up well enough against any muck that finds its way in.
Perhaps most importantly to any prospective Jeep owners, the Avenger does have some off-road ability. You can choose between Mud, Sand and Snow drive modes, and a hill descent system is also fitted as standard. The Avenger is competent at dealing with slippery and rough terrain, but it’s important to remember that it’s not exactly a Wrangler.
5. Renault Captur
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- Prices from £21,000
- Best for practicality
Despite its compact dimensions, the stylish Renault Captur serves up a surprising amount of space inside, while its sliding rear bench adds an extra dose of practicality. The interior also packs a level of premium appeal, with a slick design, plenty of high-grade materials and its eye-catching portrait-style infotainment set-up.
It’s not as sharp to drive as some rivals, but the Captur’s supple suspension and strong refinement mean that it’s very comfortable and relaxing.
6. Kia Niro
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- Prices from £30,000
The latest Kia Niro scooped our Small SUV of the Year award when it first arrived in 2022, and it it’s still a top buy today. As well as having far more space than the previous model, the Niro also looks good, is well built and boasts loads of useful tech.
It’s under the skin where this small SUV really impresses, though, with buyers able to choose from full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully-electric power.
It’s the all-electric Niro EV that’s the certified star of the line-up, and its large 64kWh battery has an impressive claimed range of 285 miles. The EV also packs eager acceleration and strong refinement and, just like the other versions, it features accurate handling and a decent ride.
7. Ford Puma
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- Prices from £26,000
- Best driving experience
The Ford Puma is one of the best-selling cars in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you want to have fun behind the wheel or you need to carry your family and all their gear, the Blue Oval’s brilliant machine has it covered.
Fast steering and impressive agility make the Ford a real treat to drive, while the flagship Puma ST packs a 197bhp punch. The Puma’s interior is relatively roomy and well equipped, while hidden under the boot floor is the surprisingly useful 80-litre Megabox. Although the cabin doesn’t feel as upmarket as some rivals’, Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment delivers hassle-free connectivity.
8. Citroen C3 Aircross
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- Prices from £17,000
- Best value for money
Over several decades, Citroen has built a reputation as a builder of very comfortable cars and, true to its heritage, the C3 Aircross focuses on comfort over sportiness. The underpinnings aren’t exactly state-of-the-art as they trace their roots back to the Peugeot 206, but a number of tweaks over the years have made it into a surprisingly composed setup. Adding-in Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats only sweetens the deal.
Inside, a number of useful cubby storage areas and a 410-litre boot mean there’s a plentiful amount of space for luggage, although rear passenger headroom may be an issue for taller adults.
On-board kit is pretty generous, too, with creature comforts such as cruise control, air conditioning, and a seven-inch touchscreen screen fitted to all models.
9. Toyota Yaris Cross
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- Prices from £25,500
Tapping into the SUV sales boom, Toyota created an off-road-themed version of its Yaris supermini. Featuring a raised ride height and tough body cladding, the Yaris Cross certainly looks the part, while the availability of four-wheel drive means it reaches parts that many other small cars cannot.
The Yaris Cross gets the same 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and CVT gearbox as its hatchback sibling, which means claimed fuel returns of over 60mpg. While it’s not exciting to drive, the Yaris does handle accurately and is decently refined. If you need a cost-effective and compact all-weather runabout, then it should be on your shortlist.
10. Peugeot 2008
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- Prices from £25,000
Beyond its smart exterior, the Peugeot 2008 is mechanically identical to the Vauxhall Mokka. That means you get the same engine options, including an all-electric drivetrain.
Yet despite being so closely related, the two cars have very different characters. For starters, the softly suspended Peugeot serves up more comfort and slightly more engaging handling.
It’s slickly designed inside, but the i-Cockpit dash layout won’t suit all drivers. However, the Peugeot hits back with its Grip Control system that helps inspire confidence in slippery conditions.
Need something a bit smaller? Check out our list of the best crossover cars to buy..
