Best small SUVs 2025 and the one to avoid – tried and tested
Thinking of buying a new small SUV? Then make sure you read our rundown of the top 10 cars in this booming sector – plus, find out which one we'd avoid...
So far in 2025, eight of the top 10 best-selling new cars have been SUVs, and of those, a good number are small SUVs. And it's easy to see why lots of buyers are flocking to own them, because with their go-anywhere looks and potential for low running costs, these could be the ultimate companion for growing families.
Plenty of small SUVs offer the kind of high-up driving position which lots of buyers look for, but the best are also good to drive and family friendly. Plus, there are a growing number which offer electric or hybrid power alongside traditional combustion options. And with more options to choose from than ever before, finding the best small SUV could be a hard task.

Or at least it would be if our experienced team of toad testers weren't here to help – fortunately, they are, and they've spent countless hours testing every small SUV on the market, looking at everything from performance to practicality, and reliability to running costs. We've tested each small SUV not only on public roads, but also back-to-back against key rivals at our private test track.
In this list, then, you'll find our picks for the best small SUVs you can buy, and you can find out more about each model by clicking the links through to our in-depth reviews. You can also see the latest discounts via our free New Car Deals service. We've also named the small SUV which we think you should avoid, and answered some of the most commonly asked questions about small SUVs at the bottom of this page.
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Our pick: 1.5 Premium Plus 5dr E-CVT
Strengths
- High-quality interior
- Efficient hybrid system
- Very well equipped
Weaknesses
- Fidgety low-speed ride
- Tight rear seat space
We thought the Lexus LBX was so good back when it first launched in 2024 that we named it as our overall What Car? Car of the Year – and even a year on from winning that accolade, it remains the very best car of its kind.
Key to the LBX's lasting appeal is its ability to save you money. You see, it's a hybrid, meaning that it has an electric motor as well as a petrol engine, and can drive at lower speeds on electric power alone. And that adds up to upwards of 50mpg in real-world conditions, potentially saving you a small fortune at the pumps.
While it's not the most fun small SUV to drive, the LBX strikes a good balance between agility and comfort, while its ride does a good job of soaking up lumps and bumps in the road.
It's family friendly, too. A couple of tall passengers will be perfectly happy on the rear bench, while the boot should have no trouble in swallowing your holiday suitcases. It's worth noting, though, that the Volkswagen T-Roc can carry more still.
That's all before you factor in Lexus' reliability record, which is nothing short of stellar, or the fact that, despite its premium billing and fuel-sipping technology, the LBX isn't any more expensive to buy than other comparable petrol SUVs.
"Not only is the LBX’s interior beautifully screwed together, but it also features a more appealing mix of materials than any of its rivals. In our recommended Premium Plus model, for example, I like the squidgy leather which sits atop the dashboard." – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth Lexus LBX review
Our pick: 148kW Air 58.3kWh 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Attractive entry price
- Long range (especially in the, er, Long Range)
- Comfortable ride
Weaknesses
- Rivals have more versatile rear seats
- Not very agile
- Monthly PCP repayments are fairly high
Earlier this year we named the Kia EV3 as our Small Electric SUV of the Year, meaning that if going electric fits in with your lifestyle and budget, it's absolutely the car you should choose.
While you can pay for a Long Range model which offers an impressive 375 miles of range, we think the Standard Range version, with its 270-mile official range, will suit most people just fine. The single 201bhp electric motor which powers the front wheels offers plenty of punch, and allows for a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.5sec.
Most versions deal well with lumps and bumps around town, and although no version of the EV3 feels especially agile to drive, it does at least handle predictably so long as you don't put your foot down all the time.
It's also a cracking choice for your family, with more space for rear passengers than in the rival Jeep Avenger Electric or Mini Aceman. Plus, the boot is only slightly smaller than that of the Kia EV6 from the class above – in our tests, we managed to fit six carry-on suitcases below the load cover.
"I like having somewhere to store my charging cables, and in the EV3, that's in a dedicated storage area underneath the bonnet. That means I don't have to go rummaging for them in the main boot, which might be full of luggage." – Doug Revolta, Head of Video
Read our in-depth Kia EV3 review
Strengths
- Comfortable ride and quiet on the motorway
- High-set driving position for a small SUV
- Good boot by class standards
Weaknesses
- Touch-sensitive controls can be fiddly
- Upper trims and engine options are too pricey
- Unexciting handling (the Ford Puma is a sharper drive)
While all of the cars in our top 10 impress, it's the Volkswagen T-Roc that's the small SUV to choose if comfort is your top priority. What's more, this goes double if you specify your car in entry-level Life trim; this brings comparatively small 16in alloy wheels shod with high-profile tyres, which are ideal for absorbing lumps and bumps in the road surface.
You won't be left wanting for kit, either because Life trim still comes with automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, adjustable lumbar support, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
And the driving position is another strength, with the T-Roc sitting you higher than many rivals. Just bear in mind that its interior is nowhere near as plush as the LBX's, even though a mid-life refresh saw soft-touch materials added to the surfaces you touch most often.
"If it was me, I'd not only specify the T-Roc in the entry-level trim, but also with the cheapest engine, because this turbocharged 1.0-litre unit is surprisingly gutsy." – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor
Read our in-depth Volkswagen T-Roc review
Strengths
- Good to drive
- Excellent interior space
- Smart and sturdy-feeling interior
Weaknesses
- Seat Ateca is more fun to drive
- VarioFlex seats no longer standard
- No hybrid options
If you want to get the most bang for your buck from a small SUV, then the Skoda Karoq should be near the top of your shortlist.
Not only is the Karoq keenly priced against rivals, but it also comes loaded with kit. Indeed, even entry-level models give you 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and automatic lights and wipers. And upgrading to our preferred SEL trim, with its larger wheels and more adjustable rear seats, won't cost much either.
Skoda's mid-range petrol engine, badged as the 1.5 TSI 150, is our pick of the range, because with 148bhp it never feels out of puff, yet it should still keep your running costs in check. As a bonus, the Karoq's ride is much more comfortable than that of the closely related Seat Ateca.
"One of the reasons why I'd recommend Karoq's SEL trim is because it brings Varioflex rear seats that can slide and recline independently of one another, and even be removed entirely." – Dan Jones, Reviewer
Read our in-depth Skoda Karoq review
Strengths
- Great driving position
- Well-equipped
- Slow depreciation
Weaknesses
- Limited boot space
- So-so fuel economy and emissions
- Land Rover’s reliability record
If you want to feel like you're in a large SUV but still keep the dimensions of a small one, then the Range Rover Evoque could well be the car for you.
You sit higher than you would in most cars from the class above, meaning you have a great view over the traffic ahead. Plus, everything you touch feels suitably premium and built to stand up to the rigours of family life.
You can opt for plug-in hybrid power in the Evoque, or a traditional petrol or diesel engine – the latter being especially useful if you plan on towing a caravan. But whichever you choose, ride comfort impresses, and the Evoque can take you farther off the beaten track than the rival Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
"Leather might be associated with Range Rovers these days, but the original 1970 car actually had fabric upholstery, and the Evoque harks back to those days by giving you the option of plush wool seats." – Steve Huntingford, Editor
Read our in-depth Range Rover Evoque review
Our pick: 200kW Premium 66kWh 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Good to drive
- Smart interior
- Great safety rating
Weaknesses
- Slightly choppy low-speed ride
- Efficiency could be better
The #3 is the second five-star electric SUV from the reborn Smart brand, and takes everything that we love about its Smart #1 sibling and packages it into more of a stylish package, blurring the line between SUV and coupé.
You can choose between two versions of the #3 – most models receive a single 268bhp electric motor which drives the rear wheels, resulting in nippy acceleration that'll get you up to motorway speeds faster than an entry-level Tesla Model Y. If you want more thrills, then the Brabus model adds a second electric motor, giving the #3 four-wheel drive and a heady 422bhp. The Smart's official range is up to 283 miles, depending on which version you choose, and we think that'll be enough for the needs of most families.
You sit lower to the ground in the #3 than you do in the #1, and whether you think that's a good thing or not will come down to how you prefer to sit, but there's no arguing with the Smart's impressive interior quality, because most surfaces are coated in soft-touch materials, and the switches and buttons feel nicely damped.
"For the times when I'm towing a trailer, the #3 is a good companion, because despite being a relatively small electric car, it can still tow up to 1600kg." – Dan Jones, Reviewer
Read our in-depth Smart #3 review
Our pick: 200kW Premium 66kWh 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Great to drive
- Plush, high-quality interior
- Great safety rating
Weaknesses
- Small boot
- Slightly choppy low-speed ride
- Efficiency could be better
The #1 is very different to the electric Smarts of old, which offered pitiful real-world ranges and felt completely out of their depth once you left the city limits behind.
Instead, the Smart #1 has a 62kWh battery that's good for an official range of up to 273 miles, depending on version. The standard model comes with 268bhp, which means you won't have any trouble getting up to motorway speeds, or you can opt for the hot Brabus version, which drops the 0-62mph sprint time to just 3.9sec – that's as fast as the Audi RS3 hot hatchback.
Inside, the #1 doesn't place you as high up as some rival small SUVs, but you can see out of it very well, thanks to upright and slender windscreen pillars. What's more, that interior has an upmarket yet modern feel that's reminiscent of a product made by Apple.
"The steering wheel of the #1 is the perfect size and thickness, plus I like the way its design is reminiscent of the one in the old Smart Roadster." – Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor
Read our in-depth Smart #1 review
Our pick: 200kW Single Motor Plus 51kWh 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Good to drive
- Smart interior – particularly in Ultra spec
- Competitive entry-level price against rivals
Weaknesses
- Rear space isn't great
- Efficiency could be better
- Interior controls could be more user-friendly
The Volvo EX30 is the brand's first bespoke electric car, and one that's remarkably easy to drive, thanks to well-judged pedal responses that make for smooth and predictable acceleration and braking.
Volvo has also managed to strike a superb balance between ride comfort and handling; indeed, the EX30 is slightly better than the closely related Smart #1 in both areas.
You get more standard kit with the #1, though, plus it has a more user-friendly dashboard layout than the EX30 and a roomier interior.
"Make sure you specify the optional 'flax decor' dashboard. I think it really lifts the EX30's interior." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor
Read our in-depth Volvo EX30 review
Our pick: 1.6 GDi Hybrid Advance 5dr DCT
Strengths
- Impressive range
- Plenty of space for occupants and their luggage
- User-friendly dashboard layout
Weaknesses
- Steering wheel short on reach adjustment
- Not much fun to drive
- Some motor whine around town
While some electric SUVs are designed to look just like their petrol-engined counterparts, the Hyundai Kona Electric practically shouts about its green credentials.
To go along with its space-age looks, the Kona Electric gets up to 215bhp, depending on which version you go for, and an official range of up to 319 miles. What's more, we found it to be a relaxing car to spend a long journey in, helped by soft suspension which takes the sting out of most road imperfections. Just bear in mind that there's a flip side: the Kona Electric isn't much fun to drive.
Lots of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel mean that most drivers should have no trouble finding their perfect setup. And your rear-seat passengers will have more room to stretch out than in the rival Jeep Avenger or Peugeot e-2008.
"While it's not up there with the plushest options in the small SUV class, I think the Kona Electric's interior is a nice place to be. Most of the materials you touch regularly feel like they'll stand up to the challenges of family life, and I like that all of the major controls fall close to hand." – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor
Read our in-depth Hyundai Kona Electric review
Our pick: 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr
Strengths
- Comfortable ride
- Surprisingly spacious interior
- Cheap running costs
Weaknesses
- Rivals are more fun to drive
- So-so interior quality
- Reliability could be better
If you’re after something that’s stylish, comfortable and practical, the Volkswagen Taigo could be a great option for you, because it blends the space of an SUV with the svelte shape of a coupé.
True, it's not as fun to drive as some rivals, but that’s forgivable given its superb ride, generous rear passenger space and the fact that you get plenty of toys with evens the entry-level version. Indeed, our recommended Life models come with 16in alloy wheels, LED headlights and adaptive cruise control.
There are no hybrid or electric options, but the entry-level 1.0-litre TSI 95 petrol engine we recommend shouldn’t cost you a lot to run. Indeed, it should average more than 50mpg according to official figures. If you'd rather something faster, then the 1.5 TSI 150 can get you up to motorway speeds faster than the equivalent Ford Puma.
"I'd recommend sticking with the Taigo's manual gearbox over the automatic, because the latter can be rather slow to respond." – Oliver Young, Reviewer
Read our in-depth Volkswagen Taigo review
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And the small SUV to avoid...
The Renegade has its merits: it’s roomy and has genuine off-road ability, plus there's the option of a fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid. However, it's comparatively expensive to buy, the ride is unsettled and refinement is woeful. Read our review
How we choose the best small SUVs
Through ongoing testing and reassessment, our list of the best small SUVs is continually updated and is the definitive guide to the very best you can buy.
Our verdicts are also informed by our annual reader survey, through which more than 20,000 drivers provide us with unique insights into what’s really important to them when they choose a new car.
As a result, while we look at every aspect of small SUVs during our testing, we place particular emphasis on the following factors:
More than 20,000 readers contributed to the latest What Car? Reliability Survey and this exclusive data underpins the reliability rating that we give each small SUV.
Here, we ensure that the steering wheel, seat and pedals align comfortably, and that there’s a wide range of adjustment. Seat support is considered, and we use laser technology to measure the height of the seat from the road. We also rate the ergonomics of the dashboard, including major controls for functions such as the infotainment and air-con.
Our testers assess equipment fitted as standard and as optional extras, then make comparisons with rival models. Models with features fitted across the range receive higher, marks than if you have to pay extra for it, or if those features are available only on more expensive versions.
Our comprehensive testing regime doesn’t end there. Our how we test cars feature outlines the dozens of tests, measurements and assessments which every car goes through before being given a What Car? rating.
FAQs
The best small SUV to drive is the Ford Puma, because it feels agile and composed through corners and has steering that gives you a far better sense of connection to the front wheels than you get in most rivals. Although it's out-classed as an all-rounder by the models within our top 10 list, the Puma remains a brilliant choice if driving enjoyment is your top priority.
The Skoda Karoq is the most practical small SUV on sale, offering plenty of space for five occupants and their luggage. With 521 litres of boot space – rising to 588 litres if you choose Skoda's VarioFlex seats, the Karoq has one of the largest boots in the small SUV class. In our tests, it managed to swallow an impressive nine carry-on suitcases.
We reckon the Ford Puma is the best used small SUV on sale, because it offers the same mix of practicality and driving fun as a new Puma, but looks much better value relative to rivals. And despite not costing the Earth to buy in the first place, used versions of the Puma represent fantastic value – indeed, used prices start from a tempting £10,000, though you'll need to budget closer to £12,500 if you want our preferred ST-Line models.
Lots of buyers like small SUVs because you don't need to stoop down to get into them in the way that you do with a family hatchback. However, while most of the small SUVs in our top 10 score strongly in this respect, the Volkswagen T-Roc is notable for its wide doors and the fact that its generous rear leg room gives you lots of space to manoeuvre your legs in.
The Mini Countryman is the most reliable small SUV on sale, according to the real-world data collected in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, with a score of 99.7%. At the other end of the scale, the 2019-present Nissan Juke was rated the least reliable small SUV by owners, with them reporting numerous electrical faults, as well as issues with the brakes, bodywork and steering; it scored 50%.
One of the perceived benefits of buying a small SUV is the visibility you get from sitting high up. But while some make you feel like you're the King or Queen of the road, others disappoint in this area. The Range Rover Evoque offers a particularly lofty driving position, while the Skoda Kamiq places its driver barely any higher than a regular family hatchback would.