Compare the best small SUVs
High quality compact SUVs from rated and reviewed dealers
Best compact SUVs of 2023
The arrival of the SUV, or sports utility vehicle, about 30 years ago, was as seismic as the the rise of the hatchback three decades or so prior to that. Offering the high ride height, large luggage area and increased presence of an off-roader, but with a driving experience and running costs similar to a conventional car, buyers flocked to SUVs from the word go.
As SUVs' popularity grew, car makers diversified their offerings, with coupe-SUVs being one example of this, and small, mini SUVs another. A small SUV, as its name suggests, does everything a larger one does but on a reduced scale: reduced passenger and luggage space, sure, but also lower running and purchase costs.
With mini SUVs in such high demand, though, buyers in the market for this type of car might understandably feel daunted by the sheer amount of choice on offer from manufacturers. To help with that, we've scoured through our road tests to bring you 10 of the best small SUVs on the market right now.
Each one of our entries has been thoroughly assessed by our road-test team, who factor in everything from passenger space and handling manners, to styling and efficiency when awarding each car its wowscore.
1. Volvo XC40
Volvo XC40 review
Battery range up to 26 miles
The XC40 is a bit of a masterclass in how to make a small SUV. It looks brilliant for a start, and the upright, square-edged styling cleverly makes it look bigger and more imposing than it really is. The cabin design is great, too, while the seats are as comfortable as the suspension, and the overall driving experience is about as relaxing as you can get before stepping up to a true luxury car. Passenger and boot space are generous, too, while Volvo's image blends prestige with subtlety to great effect.
Negatives? Well, there aren't any major ones. The infotainment isn't as slick as newer systems, and if you really hunt for them a few cabin materiels could feel slightly nicer. But as an all-round small SUV package, the XC40 is hard to beat.
2. Volkswagen T-Cross
Volkswagen T-Cross review
We like the T-Cross because even though it’s a small SUV, it tries to look square and tall, like a ‘proper’ one. Plus, it’s based on the Polo, so you get a high-quality cabin and it’s not bad to drive, either. The boot’s a good size, too and the back seat is roomy for this class.
The 1.0-litre 95hp engine is plenty powerful enough, but if you're going to cover big distances the 1.5-litre unit makes the T-Cross that much more relaxing on the motorway, where you'll also find refinement is impressive.
3. Peugeot 2008
Peugeot 2008 review
Peugeot is really acing it in design terms at the moment, and the 2008 is in the vanguard of that, with its scowling headlights, flat roof, and faceted wheel arches. Inside, it’s just as dramatic, with imitation carbon-fibre and that small hexagonal steering wheel, which is designed to be looked over, rather than through, when viewing the driver information display.
The 2008 is good to drive too, especially the 155hp GT version, though whichever model you choose you can expect impressively low running costs. The e-2008 electric varient is a good choice, although a touch short-ranged.
4. Skoda Karoq
Skoda Karoq review
Yes, the Karoq is a bit sensible-shoes, but you know what? Sometimes sensible shoes are just what you need. The Karoq is really well built, hugely spacious and versatile (the boot can take up to 588 litres), comfortable, and quite nice to drive.
Default engine choice is possibly still the 2.0-litre diesel, but don’t discount the base 1.0-litre petrol, while the 1.5-litre petrol (as mentioned above in our T-Cross rundown) could be a worthwhile upgrade for longer distance drivers who don't want to use the black pump when refilling.
5. Skoda Kamiq
Skoda Kamiq review
The Karoq’s smaller brother is also resolutely sensible, with plenty of space in that big, boxy body and a very roomy 400-litre boot. It’s well-built, and pretty affordable too, plus the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is all you’ll ever need. All it lacks is a sense of character.
If you're torn between the Kamiq and VW T-Cross - which are effectively the same cars wearing different suits - you may not be helped by starting prices, which are much closer than you think. The best thing to do is work out which brand appeals more, then compare equipment levels based on which trim you pick - just click the 'specs' tab on each car's review to see which features each car comes with.
6. Renault Captur
Renault Captur review
Battery range up to 28 miles
The Captur is a really good looking car, taking the styling cues of the Clio hatchback and stretching them up and out. It’s roomy inside as a result, with decent boot space and a reasonably roomy rear. The hybrid version is quite pricey, so stick with the basic 1.0-litre TCE petrol.
Cabin quality and design are real Captur highlights: there's more pizazz than you'll find in some small SUVs, with knurled-metal-effect heating controls with in-built digital displays being one example of this. Sure, the infotainment could be a little slicker, but this is about the only real gripe.
7. Citroen C3 Aircross
Citroen C3 Aircross review
We really like that the Citroen C3 Aircross doesn’t try to conform to the current SUV template, in that it doesn't try to be sporty with stiff, uncomfortable suspension and mean, angular looks.
Instead, Citroen has given it soft, squashy suspension, and equally soft and squashy seats, so it’s wonderfully comfortable on a long journey. Both of these aspects combine with the friendly, contoured styling, for an overall experience that is warm, rather than austere. The C3 Aircross is also roomy, and the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine has both good poke and economy.
8. Volkswagen Taigo
Volkswagen Taigo review
The Taigo is basically a coupe version of the T-Cross, which in some ways makes it kind of a slightly bigger Polo. It’s certainly stylish thing, while its small dimensions make it easy to place on the road around town, yet this is blended with reasonable practicality.
It's slghtly more expensive than the more conventionally styled T-Cross, but this is the way with coupe-SUVs, even small ones, and if you like the look of the Taigo, its neat handling and clean interior design only add to the appeal.
9. Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai Kona Electric (2018-2023) review
Battery range up to 301 miles
A perfect example of how far Hyundai has come in the past decade, the Kona Electric mixes striking styling on the outside with some of the best electric car performance underneath. There’s a (realistic) 300-mile range on a charge, and it’s smooth to drive. The only problem is that the cabin feels a bit too cheap in places for a car costing over £30,000, but then the Kona electric is more affordable than many electric SUVs.
10. Mazda CX-30
Mazda CX-30 review
There are a number of areas where Mazda generally excels: its cars tend to be more attractively styled than many rivals are; the handling characteristics of its models are often a cut above the competition; and Mazda interiors are typically attractively designed, built from high-quality materials and feature logical controls for the infotainment and heating.
All of this applies to the CX-30, making it easy to overlook the fact that the rear seats could be a little more spacious, and the two 2.0-litre petrol engines that comprise the range could be slightly smoother.
Browse all SUVs
Sell your car for what it's really worth
The free, easy way to get 4,000+ dealers all over the UK bidding on your car
Learn how to
sell your car
with carwow
Advice about small SUV cars
Compact SUVs FAQs
SUVs by make
Browse other car types
- 4x4 Cars
- 7-Seater Cars
- Automatic Cars
- Cheap Cars
- Convertible Cars
- Coupe Cars
- Crossover Cars
- Electric Cars
- Estate Cars
- Executive Cars
- Family Cars
- First Cars
- GT Cars
- Hatchbacks
- Hot Hatches
- Hybrid Cars
- Luxury Cars
- MPVs
- Medium-sized Cars
- Most Economical Cars
- Motability Cars
- SUVs
- Saloon Cars
- Small Cars
- Sports Cars
- Superminis