Buying an SUV doesn't mean putting up with a big, unwieldy vehicle. Our experts have compiled this list of the best small SUVs currently around.
The best small SUVs and crossovers now cover all the bases and are very popular with those downsizing from larger cars or as second cars to be used as a runabout. They include cars like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Volkswagen T-Cross.
Much of their appeal comes from being easier to park and drive (especially if you do most of your driving around town) than larger cars thanks to their more compact dimensions and raised driving position. They're generally cheap to run, too, with low tax, insurance and fuel costs.
Then there are slightly larger, more expensive models such as the Mazda CX-30 and BMW X1. As well as having extra space, their taller bodies make it easier to step in and out of, and to load kids into their child seats.
If you're ready to buy we've got over 30,000 used SUVs for sale, while if you want more choice, we have over 90,000 used cars for sale. If you're looking to finance a new car, check out our guide to the best PCP car deals.
Best small SUVs in 2025
1. Ford Puma
Just a brilliant little SUV
Pros
-
Peppy engines and sharp handling
-
Practical boot with impressive ‘megabox’
-
All versions are loaded with standard equipment
Cons
-
Not as spacious inside as some alternatives
-
A Skoda Kamiq rides better
-
Wind noise at higher speeds
The Ford Puma is one of the best small SUVs there is. It's a simply brilliant alternative to the Nissan Juke that can be picked up used for less than £12,000 on heycar.
Being a Ford, it's a lot of fun to drive, with handling akin to the now-defunct Ford Fiesta on which it's based. There's a superb mix of petrol engines on offer, including some with mild-hybrid assistance, EV power and even a hot Puma ST model.
But the Puma isn't just about darting along country lanes; it's pretty comfortable and refined everywhere else, and manages respectable fuel economy.
While it's not as big as some alternatives, the Ford Puma is still a very practical little car. Its party piece is the so-called 'Megabox', a deep, plastic-lined well underneath the boot floor, which even comes with a drain plug so you can use it for washing your wellies or cleaning the dog after a muddy walk. An impressively likeable crossover SUV.
"With frisky engines, sharp styling and impressive kit levels, the Ford Puma sits proudly at the top of the small SUV sector"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
2. Volvo XC40
Family-friendly premium SUV perfection
Pros
-
Stylish good looks
-
Excellent all-round performer
-
Decent value for money
Cons
-
Not a practical as some small SUVs
-
Now only available as front-wheel drive
-
Infotainment could be easier to use
You might associate Volvo with boxy old estate cars, but today it makes some of the sexiest SUVs on the market.
The XC40 is a good example: it's an uber-stylish small SUV that'll make you feel good about life every time you drive it thanks to its desirable image and plush interior.
The chunky-looking alternative to a BMW X1 or Audi Q3 has been available with a wide range of engines over the years, plus as a pure-electric model (this started life as the XC40 Recharge, but it's since been renamed EX40 to fit in with the naming convention of Volvo's other electric models). The XC40 is now only available with a pair of mild hybrid petrol choices. It's not the sharpest handling SUV, but it is composed and comfortable.
Of course, being a Volvo, one of the XC40's selling points is its safety record. Not only does it perform extremely well in independent crash tests, it's also available with a whole host of clever tech to prevent you from being involved in an accident in the first place. It's certainly one of the best small SUVs you can buy today.
"This is an SUV that does it all, with a welcome dose of style and upmarket luxury to boot"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
3. Skoda Elroq
A brilliant electric family car
Pros
-
Good range and great to drive
-
Plenty of space in the cabin and boot
-
Very competitively priced
Cons
-
Some unwanted tyre noise
-
Heat pump not standard
-
Limited choice of battery and trims at launch
The Skoda Elroq is the Czech brand's second all-electric SUV, behind the Enyaq, and it's the smaller of the two offerings.
It's no less desirable, though, being the first car to feature Skoda's new design language, which looks smarter and more modern than previous efforts.
The Elroq is offered with three battery/motor options with varying levels of power and range, but even the most modest of them will take you up to 232 miles on a full charge according to official WLTP figures, while at the top of the range, the Elroq is good for a range of 360 miles.
Otherwise, the Elroq is a case of Skoda doing what Skoda does best. There's plentiful space in the passenger compartment and a usefully large 470-litre boot. Skoda's trademark 'Simply Clever' features are present and correct, too, which genuinely do make everyday life a little bit easier.
And despite the Elroq's keen pricing, neither equipment nor quality have been scrimped on, so the car feels more luxurious that you might expect. Dynamic polish hasn't been sacrificed, either: the Elroq feels comfortable and controlled on the road, while the electric powertrains are punchy and refined.
4. Toyota Yaris Cross
Stylish yet frugal small SUV
Pros
-
Efficient hybrid power means it'll be cheap to run
-
Stylish exterior
-
Likely to be very reliable
Cons
-
A bit pricier than alternatives
-
Not the most spacious small SUV
-
Ride is a little firm
The Toyota Yaris Cross does exactly what it says on the tin: it takes the excellent Toyota Yaris supermini and instils some crossover-SUV design cues and a more practical body.
The Yaris is one of our favourite small cars, so it's no surprise the Yaris Cross makes the grade among small SUVs. Its stylish design hides a solid (if unexciting) interior, while being a Toyota, it should prove very reliable, and there's a warranty that could last ten years/100,000 miles if it's not.
The Cross is more spacious than the Yaris on which it's based, although the rear is still a little cramped and the boot isn't the biggest in this class.
A big part of the Yaris Cross's appeal is its standard hybrid powertrain. Using Toyota's self-charging tech, there's no need to faff about charging and over 60mpg is achievable without much bother. Although it's not huge fun, the rest of the driving experience is smooth and composed.
"It's fun to drive, has a solid interior and comes fully-loaded for the money"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
5. Dacia Duster
A value-for-money SUV that's greener and better than ever
Pros
-
Full-hybrid power option
-
Surprisingly good off-road ability
-
Keen pricing
Cons
-
Some cheap build elements
-
Pointless LPG version
-
Slow infotainment response
Ever since the original model's arrival in the UK in 2012, the Dacia Duster has represented exceptional value.
That's no different with the latest, third-generation version, with a starting price well under £20,000, and now it has a good sense of style to go with that bang-for-buck nature.
The latest Duster's chunky looks are enhanced by neat details such as Y-shaped daytime running lights and 'Starkle' recycled plastic used for some of the body cladding. With various wipe-clean surfaces inside, it's a car you don't need to worry about getting mucky, whether you're climbing aboard in muddy boots or your toddler is smearing the remains of a custard cream into the upholstery. Just be aware the Duster's low starting price does show in certain areas of the cabin.
Standard-fit equipment in the mid-spec Expression trim covers most bases, and if you want, a hybrid version is available. It's also better than most small SUVs if you do actually stray away from paved roads.
"The third-generation of Dacia Duster builds on the success of its predecessors, and admirably so"
Phill Tromans, Contributor
6. BMW X1
Stylish SUV represents little compromise
Pros
-
Spacious and upmarket cabin
-
Fun to drive with extensive engine range
-
PHEV models have great range
Cons
-
Can quickly get expensive
-
Infotainment isn't as easy to use as before
-
Some rivals have a comfier ride
The previous-generation BMW X1 was a popular and well-liked small SUV, but the latest version, which arrived on the market late in 2022, is even better.
It's really practical and bigger than you might expect, with lots of space in the front, sliding seats in the rear, and a boot big enough to deal with all family-car duties. The technology has come on quite a bit, too, as has the fit and finish of the interior, which is among the best of any premium small SUV.
You have a wide choice of engines, with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and even a fully electric model called the BMW iX1. This replaces the old BMW i3, ditching the quirky design but bringing a much more useful 272 miles of range on a charge.
To drive, the BMW X1 is just about the best-handling small SUV there is. If you're a parent who's not quite ready to totally give up on driver appeal, you'll love the way it gets down the road, although models with the sportier suspension and bigger wheels are firmer than some of the cars in this list.
"In three generations, the BMW X1 has transformed from a bit of a disappointment into one of the best small posh SUVs money can buy"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
7. Jeep Avenger
Fun and frugal electric SUV
Pros
-
Funky styling and cheerful attitude
-
Really good to drive
-
Decent value for money
Cons
-
Limited practicality
-
Too many low-rent cabin plastics
-
Poor safety rating
The Avenger is a great small SUV and it will never need to visit a petrol pump if you choose the electric version that we favour (it's also available as a hybrid).
While it may bear the Jeep badge, this isn’t an SUV made for true off-roading. Its diminutive frame is best suited to city streets, although it can also stretch its legs on the motorway when required.
A range of up to 244 miles means the Avenger can zip around town without any charging worries, and it’ll even cope with a few longer stretches, too, making it a highly practical EV. Stop at a fast charger and you’ll be able to replenish from 20% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes.
The Avenger impresses with its nippy driving style and elevated ride height, giving you a good view of the road ahead. There’s enough poke to keep you engaged around town, and if you do find yourself on less familiar surfaces, the Avenger comes with a suite of all-terrain modes and a hill descent system.
There’s a decent amount of kit in the entry-level Longitude model, but we’d opt for the mid-tier Altitude trim if budget allows, as it gets you 17-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, and a reversing camera among other goodies.
"The electric Jeep Avenger is a really impressive car, with excellent driving manners, perky electric performance and a competitive driving range"
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
8. Kia EV3
Premium feel and great styling without breaking the bank
Pros
-
Stylish exterior and interior design
-
Large battery
-
Spacious
Cons
-
Not that engaging to drive
-
Irritating ADAS
-
Heat pump only available on top-spec guise
Following in the wheel tracks of the EV6 and EV9, the Kia EV3 brings the Korean firm's electric vehicle knowhow to the small SUV segment.
A measure of how impressively good the EV3 is that it scooped the overall winner's medal in the UK Car of the Year Awards, so it's a worthy member of this list.
As with its larger siblings, the Kia EV3 is very easy to live with thanks to its funky yet functional cabin. It's also very sturdily made and well equipped whichever trim you opt for.
Power comes from a 201PS electric motor that's ideal for town and country driving, and it will happily pull on the motorway with next to no noise. The only slight point we'd raise is it's not as much fun to drive as a Peugeot e-2008, but then the Kia's potential 372-mile range is hard to argue against
Also, the Kia EV3 comes with great looks, easy-to-use tech, and an excellent standard warranty.
"The Kia EV3 is another impressive entry in the Korean brand's growing electric portfolio"
Matt MacConnell, Contributor
9. Alfa Romeo Junior
Great style and also good value
Pros
-
Feels like decent value for money
-
Distinctive styling will get you noticed
-
Entertaining yet comfy to drive
Cons
-
Rear seat space is on the cramped side
-
Mish-mash of interior finishes are disappointing
-
Dashboard screens layout needs a rethink
In the past, Alfa Romeo models have been allowed a little more leeway for some of their shortcomings because of their undeniable good looks and style. With the Alfa Romeo Junior, there are no need for such excuses or justifications - it's a very good small SUV, plain and simple.
Naturally, the Junior is one of the best looking cars in this segment, while beyond the skin deep attraction you'll find a choice of mild hybrid or full electric power options. With the EV model, you can pick from 156- or 280PS versions, while the 1.2-litre petrol engine for the mild hybrid turns out a more modest 136PS.
Moving from the hybrid to the EV version of the Junior ups your minimum spend by £5500, though for company drivers this will be more than worth opting for the battery-powered Alfa.
Either way, the Junior lives up to Alfa's reputation for fine handling cars, and it's also good for cabin and boot space. Only the slightly confusing dash design and some mediocre materials in the cabin hold the Junior back from a higher placing here.
"All the passion you want from Alfa Romeo coupled to common sense from hybrid and electric power options"
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
10. Hyundai Kona
Affordable SUV will turn heads
Pros
-
Great infotainment system
-
Spacious interior and good boot
-
Lots of standard equipment
Cons
-
Looks are divisive
-
Pretty average on the road
-
Some iffy cabin materials
Like a few other cars in this list, the latest Hyundai Kona is a car that's grown quite a bit in comparison to its predecessor, and is actually quite a bit bigger than you might think. That helps greatly on the practicality front, and makes the Kona a better family car than ever before.
It also looks like nothing else on the road these days, with a bold, futuristic design: love it or not, there's no denying it stands out. The interior isn't quite as interesting to look at, but it feels sturdily built and is stuffed with luxury kit.
The Kona is available with petrol power, self-charging hybrid power (there's no plug-in hybrid version, though), or as a fully electric car. The petrols are pretty flawed, unfortunately, but the hybrid is fine, while the electric version is the pick of the bunch, with eager acceleration and a smoother ride.
"The second-generation Hyundai Kona is a fantastic all-rounder that’s wrapped up in a body that looks like it’s from another planet"
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
The best small SUV on sale depends on your requirements. We reckon the Ford Puma is one of the best small SUVs, especially if you're looking for a car that's relatively affordable, looks stylish and is fun to drive. The Toyota Yaris Cross is an excellent alternative, particularly as it's a hybrid model with low running costs. Toyota has an extremely strong reliability record, too.
You should also look at VW Group small SUVs such as the Volkswagen T-Cross, SEAT Arona and Skoda Kamiq, all of which are impressive all-rounders that won't break the bank. Alternatively, consider premium small SUVs like the Volvo XC40, BMW X1 and Lexus UX.
The Toyota Yaris Cross is one of the most reliable small SUVs you can buy, along with the slightly bigger Toyota C-HR. Toyota is widely accepted to be one of the most reliable car manufacturers, regularly performing well in ownership surveys such as HonestJohn.co.uk's annual Satisfaction Index.
You should also look at Toyota's premium brand Lexus, particularly the Lexus UX small SUV. A Honda HR-V would be a good alternative, or the Mazda CX-30. Both are very reliable choices.
That rather depends on what you define as an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). The Suzuki Ignis and Toyota Aygo X are city cars with plenty of SUV design cues and raised seating positions, but whether or not they're genuine SUVs is a matter of opinion (although the Suzuki can be had with four-wheel drive). The Suzuki Jimny and Fiat Panda 4x4 are less Sport and more Utility Vehicles, but they certainly fit the bill as tiny off-roaders.
Find a Ford Puma for sale
Ford Puma1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV ST-Line 5dr DCT
20237,000 milesHybrid£307 mo£19,000
NP194QUFord Puma1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV ST-Line X 5dr
202312,063 milesHybrid£291 mo£17,795
NP194QUFord Puma1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV Titanium 5dr DCT
202217,164 milesPetrol£254 moor £16,400£17,500
£1,100 offLS197BZFord Puma1.0 EcoBoost Hybr mHEV 155 ST-Line Vignale 5dr DCT
20228,259 milesPetrol£355 mo£21,495
NP194QUFord Puma1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV ST-Line X 5dr DCT
20239,502 milesHybrid£334 mo£20,495
NP194QUFord Puma1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV ST-Line 5dr DCT
202317,534 milesPetrol£303 mo£18,345
NP194QUFord Puma1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV ST-Line X First Ed 5dr
202021,311 milesPetrol£234 mo£14,280
WV60PLFord Puma1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV 155 ST-Line Vignale 5dr
202155,500 milesPetrol£221 mo£13,295
NP194QU
Find a Volvo XC40 for sale
Volvo XC401.5 T3 [163] R DESIGN 5dr
202061,206 milesPetrol£265 mo£16,895
ST44FDVolvo XC401.5 T3 [163] R DESIGN 5dr Geartronic
202240,661 milesPetrol£350 mo£23,828
LS197BZVolvo XC402.0 B3P Core 5dr Auto
202225,527 milesHybrid£376 mo£25,450
BN236PJVolvo XC402.0 B4P Inscription Pro 5dr AWD Auto
202025,991 milesHybrid£396 mo£26,786
CF238RTVolvo XC401.5 T3 [163] Momentum 5dr Geartronic
201966,535 milesPetrol£251 mo£16,200
LS197BZVolvo XC402.0 B3P Plus Dark 5dr Auto
202223,911 milesHybrid£388 mo£26,640
LS197BZVolvo XC402.0 B4P Inscription 5dr Auto
202031,087 milesHybrid£346 mo£23,577
CF238RTVolvo XC402.0 B4P Plus Black Edition 5dr Auto
20251,628 milesHybrid£517 mo£36,450
BN236PJ
Find a Skoda Elroq for sale
Skoda Elroq210kW 85 Edition 82kWh 5dr Auto
20251 milesElectric£477 mo£35,000
LL319AYSkoda Elroq210kW 85 Edition 82kWh 5dr Auto
20254,000 milesElectric£438 mo£32,995
TN240GASkoda Elroq210kW 85 Edition 82kWh 5dr Auto
2025978 milesElectric£690 mo£33,000
ST57NLSkoda Elroq150kW 60 Edition 63kWh 5dr Auto
2025420 milesElectric£584 mo£28,000
ST57NLSkoda Elroq210kW 85 Edition 82kWh 5dr Auto
20251,462 milesElectric£422 mo£32,825
NP194SLSkoda Elroq150kW 60 Edition 63kWh 5dr Auto
20253,953 milesElectric£353 mo£27,841
KA89SXSkoda Elroq150kW 60 Edition 63kWh 5dr Auto
20253,000 milesElectric£355 mo£27,995
TN240GASkoda Elroq210kW 85 Edition 82kWh 5dr Auto
20255,036 milesElectric£416 mo£32,274
NP194SL
Find a Toyota Yaris Cross for sale
Toyota Yaris Cross1.5 Hybrid Design 5dr CVT
202215,371 milesHybrid£272 mo£20,695
GU478HAToyota Yaris Cross1.5 Hybrid Design 5dr CVT
202324,208 milesHybrid£280 mo£20,995
ME207UBToyota Yaris Cross1.5 Hybrid Design 5dr CVT
202230,851 milesHybrid£19,850
SS26XRToyota Yaris Cross1.5 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
20246,512 milesHybrid£307 mo£22,701
RG216YHToyota Yaris Cross1.5 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
20246,356 milesHybrid£310 mo£22,901
RG216YHToyota Yaris Cross1.5 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
202212,899 milesHybrid£241 mo£18,995
GU478HAToyota Yaris Cross1.5 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
20247,913 milesHybrid£288 mo£22,195
ME207UBToyota Yaris Cross1.5 Hybrid 130 Premiere Edition 5dr CVT
20241,612 milesHybrid£421 mo£29,650
DE143SZ
Find a Dacia Duster for sale
Dacia Duster1.0 TCe 90 Prestige 5dr
202226,300 milesPetrol£243 mo£13,295
TN240HBDacia Duster1.5 Blue dCi Comfort 5dr
201960,125 milesDiesel£154 mo£8,995
NR46ETDacia Duster1.6 SCe Prestige 5dr
201966,630 milesPetrol£7,999
GU11TBDacia Duster1.0 TCe 100 Bi-Fuel Essential 5dr
202242,570 milesHybrid£124 moor £8,629£8,901
£272 offHU130EGDacia Duster1.0 TCe 90 Expression 5dr
202311,639 milesPetrol£215 mo£14,495
DA26HHDacia Duster1.6 Hybrid 140 Extreme 5dr Auto
20253,500 milesHybrid£387 mo£25,017
PL71RFDacia Duster1.3 TCe 130 Extreme SE 5dr
202329,740 milesPetrol£226 mo£14,800
AB123ADDacia Duster1.5 Blue dCi Prestige 5dr
202136,577 milesDiesel£187 mo£11,722
NE616JN
Find a BMW X1 for sale
BMW X1xDrive 25e xLine 5dr Auto
202177,453 milesHybrid£226 mo£15,750
PE217QSBMW X1xDrive 20i xLine 5dr Step Auto
201822,742 milesPetrol£417 moor £18,450£19,250
£800 offBD48RUBMW X1xDrive 20i [178] Sport 5dr Step Auto
202115,169 milesPetrol£366 mo£23,950
BN236PJBMW X1sDrive 18d xLine 5dr Step Auto
202313,452 milesDiesel£424 moor £29,990£30,850
£860 offBD48RUBMW X1xDrive 25e Sport 5dr Auto
202239,263 milesHybrid£300 mo£19,500
S61TFBMW X1xDrive 20i [178] Sport 5dr Step Auto
202245,000 milesPetrol£362 moor £19,795£20,795
£1,000 offTN240HBBMW X1xDrive 18d M Sport 5dr Step Auto
202037,211 milesDiesel£20,400
WF104RJBMW X1sDrive 20i [178] xLine 5dr Step Auto
20226,063 milesPetrol£25,276
WF179BA
Find a Jeep Avenger for sale
Jeep Avenger1.2 Altitude 5dr
20247,848 milesPetrol£280 mo£18,995
LA95RHJeep Avenger1.2 Altitude 5dr
202420,413 milesPetrol£16,999
S419AJJeep Avenger1.2 Summit 5dr
20255 milesPetrol£22,995
S419AJJeep Avenger1.2 e-Hybrid Summit 5dr DCT
20251,237 milesHybrid£23,790
S419AJJeep Avenger1.2 Summit 5dr
20247,136 milesPetrol£20,493
S419AJJeep Avenger115kW Altitude 54kWh 5dr Auto
202510 milesElectric£22,795
S419AJJeep Avenger1.2 Altitude 5dr
202419,685 milesPetrol£16,790
S419AJJeep Avenger1.2 Longitude 5dr
20251,698 milesPetrol£18,995
S419AJ
Find a Kia EV3 for sale
Kia EV3148kW GT-Line S 81.4kWh 5dr Auto
202510,678 milesElectricor £35,000£36,000
£1,000 offAB421BNKia EV3148kW GT-Line 81.4kWh 5dr Auto
20254,246 milesElectric£32,995
CT11YYKia EV3148kW GT-Line 81.4kWh 5dr Auto
20251,163 milesElectric£544 mo£34,991
SO302WAKia EV3148kW GT-Line 81.4kWh 5dr Auto
20257,340 milesElectric£529 mo£33,991
SO302WAKia EV3148kW GT-Line 81.4kWh 5dr Auto
20254,230 milesElectric£32,989
DH78ABKia EV3148kW Air 81.4kWh 5dr Auto
20252,475 milesElectric£499 mo£31,991
SO302WAKia EV3148kW GT-Line 81.4kWh 5dr Auto
202550 milesElectric£629 mo£37,990
HP111BHKia EV3148kW Air 81.4kWh 5dr Auto
20252,305 milesElectric£29,999
PO64RW
Find a Hyundai Kona for sale
Hyundai Kona1.6 GDi Hybrid Premium 5dr DCT
202218,726 milesHybrid£269 mo£17,495
LA95RHHyundai Kona1.6 GDi Hybrid Ultimate 5dr DCT
20228,257 milesHybrid£19,900
WF179BAHyundai Kona1.0T GDi Blue Drive Premium SE 5dr
201942,505 milesPetrol£11,595
BR87QDHyundai Kona1.6 GDi Hybrid SE Connect 5dr DCT
202223,679 milesHybrid£16,395
DA26DQHyundai Kona1.6 GDi Hybrid Ultimate 5dr DCT
202121,550 milesHybrid£281 mo£17,495
PE304NBHyundai Kona1.6 GDi Hybrid N Line S 5dr DCT
202414,243 milesHybrid£389 mo£25,495
NR46ETHyundai Kona1.0T GDi Blue Drive SE 5dr
201851,439 milesPetrol£209 mo£9,295
NR46ETHyundai Kona1.0 TGDi 48V MHEV N Line 5dr
202122,067 milesHybrid£246 mo£14,950
M169SF
Car deals
Whether you're looking for a great PCP deal or looking for a car on 0% finance, we've got the car deal for you
More SUV guides
Whether you're looking for advice on what SUV to buy or looking to find your next SUV, we've got the answer
