Best small suvs

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Most models are based on supermini underpinnings but boast the raised driving position and extra flexibility that many motorists crave. This combination of lower running costs and more space allows these small SUVs to not only appeal as viable supermini alternatives, but also as rivals to more traditional family cars. First-generation cars like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur set the benchmark for small SUVs, and today, the market has rapidly evolved with a huge number of manufacturers now trying to appeal to buyers. One of the biggest criticisms of the original Kona was its limited rear cabin space and luggage capacity. This time however, the Kona is closer in size to a crossover rather than a supermini, making it more suitable for family use. Passenger head, knee and legroom have all increased and the boot can now carry up to litres of stuff.

Best small suvs

When it comes to sales volumes, these small SUVs have become the engine rooms for their respective makers. It isn't difficult to appreciate why. Compact SUVs provide a commanding view of the road ahead, only without the cumbersome footprint of full-size family SUVs from a class or two above. Purists may disagree, but the best-selling cars chart doesn't lie. Pros Wide range of engine options, interior ambience, blend of ride and handling. Volvo's first attempt at a compact sibling for its established XC60 and XC90 SUVs is a real success, and in the XC40, the Swedish marque has given us a car with instant kerbside appeal. With a design sufficiently charismatic and alluring to bring younger family buyers into Volvo showrooms, the XC40 backs up its funky exterior with a cabin of laudable richness, comfort, usability and quality. While this isn't the most practical car in the small SUV class, it certainly has plenty of luxury car ambience, not to mention all the in-car technology you'd hope for. The XC40 has been around since and in that time the model line-up has shifted. There used to be manual, diesel, four-wheel-drive and plug-in hybrid options, but for , only a pair of front-wheel-drive automatic petrols and a pair of XC40 Recharge EVs remain. Rather than chasing other premium brands for driver appeal, the XC40 is happy to play the comfortable, refined, convenient and easy-to-use option - and it's an effective one.

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It used to be the case that these small SUVs were perceived as a fad, back when hot hatches became vehiculum non grata in the early s — the likes of the Suzuki Vitara and Toyota RAV4 filled the void; painted in pastel colours and questionably accessorised, they seemed destined to join the coupe-convertible in the scrappage scheme of history. Yet the small SUV grew up, quit its job at the surf shack and settled down in suburbia. Suddenly, here was a mainstream alternative to the top hatchbacks or estates. And guess what? Its inherent dynamic limitations scarcely seemed to matter.

Over the past decade, compact crossovers and SUVs have displaced midsize sedans as the American family vehicle of choice. The popularity of compact crossovers and SUVs five of the top best selling vehicles in America are represented on this list also means that buyers are spoiled for choice, with manufacturers offering serious adventuremobiles Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco Sport , fuel-sipping hybrids and PHEVs Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4 and lots of different styles and driving personalities to choose from. We rank similarly-sized luxury models of which there are many separately, so this list focuses on affordable, family-friendly and popular-brand machines. These are the best compact SUVs available for , and they also include some models that are still on sale. The Sportage may not use quite the same materials as a Bimmer, but it comes with things the Germans charge extra for, like adaptive cruise control. Kia offers three good powertrains to choose from, although as with the Tucson the base, horsepower 2. The turbocharged hybrid 1. Inside, the cabin is not only tech heavy and pretty to look at, but hugely roomy too.

Best small suvs

Reviewed By. Smaller machines also tend to have lower prices, and subcompact models are the most affordable SUVs on the market. As their sales have spiked, so too has the quality and variety of entries in this small class, and sees the debut of an all-new Kia Niro while aging entries like the Chevy Trax and Ford EcoSport have fallen away. In calendar year Toyota will also unveil a hybrid Corolla Cross , a model that was new in Some models have also gotten larger. Because of supply chain shortages and late model changeovers, our list also includes models from and , and some model-year vehicles will remain on sale for several more months. Of course, small vehicles and affordable ones often skimp on space, comfort or features, which highlights the challenge of making what is small also good: what does the shrimpiest subcompact need in order to gain acceptance from buyers? This list is grounded in the principle that small is inherently good. But to avoid the penalty-box problem, subcompacts must also wow potential buyers with a comfortable and feature-rich interior, a pleasant drive, baseline standard safety tech, and an acceptable amount cargo space—a tall order for the tiniest of vehicles.

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Rather than chasing other premium brands for driver appeal, the XC40 is happy to play the comfortable, refined, convenient and easy-to-use option - and it's an effective one. The Kia Soul EV offers great performance, along with decent levels of refinement, comfort and tech. You can unsubscribe via any email we send See our full privacy notice for more details. Inside, all Konas are fitted with a more upmarket-feeling interior than the previous model, with higher-quality materials throughout. Then make sure you read our rundown of the top 10 cars in this booming sector — plus, find out which ones we'd avoid. Join the debate. Kia has gone bold with its latest Niro. 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. For a more in-depth look read our Volvo XC40 review. Published 20 January Used car deals.

Don't park a behemoth of an SUV in your driveway if you don't need it. A small or compact SUV can suit many people. If you need more space than a car but also want to save money, compact SUVs are a much more affordable alternative to larger-sized vehicles.

In contrast to the T-Roc at the top of this list, the Skoda Kamiq puts you quite low to the ground; in fact, its driving position is barely any more elevated than that of the Skoda Scala family hatchback. Leg and headroom are perfectly acceptable, and taller passengers will be able to travel in comfort, although the middle seat of the rear bench is more suited to children. What will take the most getting used to, however, is the multimedia system. We recommend Geneva motor show What Car? Fast steering and impressive agility make the Ford a real treat to drive, while the flagship ST packs a bhp punch. Hyundai SUVs and Crossovers. Weaknesses Rear space is adequate rather than outstanding Visibility could be better Volkswagen T-Roc is more comfortable and quieter. The quality of materials used feel sturdy and should stand up well enough against any muck that finds its way in. But, in many a case, a regular hatchback would prove more practical, better to drive, and less expensive to run. Featuring a raised ride height and tough body cladding, the Cross certainly looks the part, while the availability of four-wheel drive means it reaches parts other small cars cannot. Find out which make our top 10 list. Toyota SUVs. The latest versions are also lacking just a touch in terms of that bulletproof interior feel. You can unsubscribe via any email we send See our full privacy notice for more details.