The 10 cheapest SUVs you can buy

Version 1.0 TCe 100 Bi-Fuel Essential | List price £17,295 | Target Price £17,049

The Dacia Duster is the cheapest new SUV you can buy, and that's pretty impressive considering it's one of the more spacious cars on this list.

Despite that, the Duster is still pretty cheap to run (and offers better fuel economy than the 1.5-litre MG ZS). That's helped by the fact that this Bi-Fuel version can run on both unleaded and liquified petroleum gas (LPG), which should help to lower your running costs if you live near a fuel station that stocks it.

Mind you, it's not all good news; there are compromises in the form of poor handling, a cheap interior and a three-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Read our in-depth Dacia Duster review

Version 1.2 Puretech 110 You | List price £17,470 | Target Price £16,609

Essentially a higher-riding version of the Citroën C3 hatchback, the C3 Aircross is a practical and well-priced option in the small SUV class. It isn't the most comfortable or fun to drive, but it does have a lofty driving position that many people look for in an SUV. 

Despite its stylish-looking interior, this entry-level 'You' trim is quite sparsely equipped, although it does come with a 7.0in touchscreen, rear parking sensors and tinted rear windows as standard.

Read our in-depth Citroën C3 Aircross review

Version 1.5 VTi-Tech Excite | List price £17,820 | Target Price £16,305

MG is currently one of the fastest-growing car brands in the UK, and that's partly because it makes a range of cars that are good value. Unlike some value-driven cars, the ZS has substance to back up the price with a relatively classy interior, decent handling and roomy rear seats.

However, the ride can be rather unsettled at higher speeds and fuel economy isn't great with this entry-level 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Read our in-depth MG ZS review

Version 1.2 Dualjet 12V Hybrid SZ-T | List price £17,949 | Target Price £17,604

The Suzuki Ignis is one of the smallest SUVs on sale, but it still comes with a high driving position and is more spacious inside than you might think. For those who want a little more ruggedness and go-anywhere ability, there's also a four-wheel-drive version.

However, the model quoted here is the entry-level two-wheel-drive car in SZ-T trim. We think it's the one to go for, because it keeps the price low while getting you plenty of standard equipment.

Read our in-depth Suzuki Ignis review

Version 1.5P Ventura | List price £20,245 | Target Price £19,673

The Tivoli is one of the cheapest cars on this list, but it's outclassed by the likes of the Ford Puma, Seat Arona and Skoda Kamiq when it comes to space, efficiency and comfort. Indeed, the 1.5-litre petrol engine sounds course under acceleration, plus the ride is overly soft and not very well controlled over dips and crests.

That said, Ventura trim does at least get you some niceties, including heated door mirrors, heated seats and leather-effect upholstery.

Read our in-depth Ssangyong Tivoli review

Version 1.0T GDi 99 2 | List price £20,720 | Target Price £19,485

The Stonic is Kia's smallest and cheapest SUV, and it's a decent car that comes with a punchy yet efficient 1.0-litre engine. In fact, during our time with one we averaged more than 40mpg. No matter which version you go for, it's generously equipped, and all Stonics come with lots of safety kit and a seven-year warranty.

Rivals (such as the Skoda Kamiq and Seat Arona) are more spacious and practical, though, and the ride is a little firm.

Read our in-depth Kia Stonic review

Version 1.0 T-GDi 100 SE Connect | List price £21,570 | Target Price £20,541

The Bayon not only sits below the Kona in the Hyundai model range, but you also sit lower in it, because it has a surprisingly low driving position for an SUV. This might put some buyers off, but the Bayon still makes a spacious and comfortable small SUV. It's also good value, and this 1.0-litre engine offers decent performance considering it's the entry-level option.

Read our in-depth Hyundai Bayon review

Version 1.5 ELX | List price £22,190 | Target Price £21,365

Like some of Ssangyong's other cars, the Korando majors on space and value. That means you get a lot of car for the money, but the downside of that is it's outclassed by nearly all of its family SUV rivals, especially when it comes to comfort, pace and efficiency. ELX trim is at least well equipped, with automatic wipers and power-folding door mirrors being standard.

Read our in-depth Ssangyong Korando review

Version 1.0 TSI SE | List price £22,450 | Target Price £19,340

The Arona makes a great choice if you're looking for a small SUV that's fun to drive. It may be loftier than the Seat Ibiza on which it's based, but it still retains that car's agile handling. The Ford Puma is undoubtedly the cornering king, but the Arona is much cheaper and still comes with a decent amount of kit as standard. This entry-level SE trim, for example, comes with digital dials, automatic headlights and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

Read our in-depth Seat Arona review

Version 1.0 TCe 90 Evolution | List price £22,495 | Target Price £20,401

It might be one of the more affordable small SUVs, but the Renault Captur doesn't feel like it. The interior is pleasingly plush in places, with more soft-touch plastic than you get in the Dacia Duster and Seat Arona. Evolution trim is also well equipped, and comes with keyless entry, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and automatic emergency braking (AEB) as standard. A gutless entry-level engine and cramped rear seats do let the side down, though.

Read our in-depth Renault Captur review

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