Renault Captur

Skoda Karoq

Volkswagen Taigo

Toyota Yaris Cross

Volkswagen T-Cross

Seat Ateca

Audi Q2

Ford Puma

the-best-small-suvs-in-2024-and-the-one-to-avoid

best-small-suvs-2024-and-the-ones-to-avoid-–-tried-and-tested

<p dir="ltr">Small SUVs are among the most popular types of car on sale, and with their&nbsp;combination of rugged looks and low running costs,&nbsp;it’s not hard to see why.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In many cases, they’re also among the smallest cars to provide the sort of high driving position that many drivers seek, so&nbsp;can be a great buy, regardless of whether you’re commuting, ferrying the family around or simply need a fuss-free model that can do it all.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Here we've named the 10&nbsp;small SUVs that are worth a place on your shortlist. Plus, we've called out the model&nbsp;that's best avoided.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile</strong></em></p>


Best small SUVs 2024

Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.</p>


SKODA

KAMIQ

<p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/kamiq/hatchback/review/n19999">Skoda Kamiq</a> puts you quite low to the ground; in fact, its seats are&nbsp;barely any more elevated than that of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/scala/hatchback/review/n19190">Skoda Scala</a>&nbsp;family hatchback which might disappoint those looking for something with a higher seating position.&nbsp;However, in almost every other respect it's a fine choice, with a supple, well-controlled ride and a remarkably spacious interior being particular highlights. That interior feels classier than that of the Volkswagen T-Cross, too, but not the T-Roc.</p>

<p dir="ltr">If you’ll mainly be driving alone in town, then the entry level 94bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine is peppy enough and keeps costs down, but if you’re going to be filling every seat and driving farther regularly, then you’ll appreciate the extra power of the 108bhp 1.0-litre option.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"All Skodas have an array of 'Simply Clever' features that are designed to make live easier, and the Kamiq is no exception; they include an ice scraper which is stored on the inside of the fuel filler flap, and a window washer reservoir that opens to reveal a built-in spout." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a></em></p>


10: Skoda Kamiq

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Remarkably roomy rear seats</li>
	<li>Huge boot by class standards</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>No sliding or reclining rear seats</li>
	<li>Not especially well equipped</li>
	<li>Other small SUVs have a higher driving position</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.</p>


VOLKSWAGEN

TAIGO

<p dir="ltr">If you’re after something that’s stylish, comfortable and practical, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/taigo/hatchback/review/n23908">Volkswagen Taigo</a>&nbsp;could be a great option for you, because it blends&nbsp;the space of an SUV with the svelte shape of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/coupes/n17019">coupé.</a>&nbsp;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.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There are no&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric</a>&nbsp;options, but the entry-level 1.0-litre TSI 95&nbsp;petrol engine we recommend shouldn’t cost you a lot to run. Indeed, it should average more than 50mpg according to official figures.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"While the Taigo was launched in Europe in 2021, it actually has a South American sister – called the Volkswagen Nivus – that went on sale a year earlier –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a></em></p>


9: Volkswagen Taigo

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Surprisingly spacious interior</li>
	<li>Cheap running costs</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Rivals are more fun to drive</li>
	<li>So-so interior quality</li>
	<li>Reliability could be better</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.</p>


FORD

PUMA

<p dir="ltr">Thanks to agile handling and surprisingly nippy acceleration, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n20838">Ford Puma</a> will put a bigger smile on your face than any rival; it's the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-best-small-suv-to-drive/n25397">best small SUV to drive</a>. However, it’s also a car that you can buy with your sensible hat on, thanks to its excellent real-world fuel economy, which comes courtesy of clever&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild hybrid</a>&nbsp;technology.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The interior is mostly good, too, featuring&nbsp;an infotainment system that's easier to get along with than the one in the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/juke/hatchback/review/n45">Nissan Juke</a>. And the Puma's boot is amazingly practical, with&nbsp;an 80-litre storage box hidden beneath the floor – it even has a plug in the bottom so you can hose it out. Rear seat space is only so-so, though, and Puma prices have risen significantly over the years, so it's not the bargain it was when we named it Car of the Year, back in 2020.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"Even the entry-level Ecoboost 125 engine delivers nippier acceleration than you get from most other&nbsp;small SUVs, but I'd go for the gutsier Ecoboost 155, because it doesn’t cost that much more and lets you really make the most of the Puma’s handling." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a></em></p>


8: Ford Puma

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great fun to drive</li>
	<li>Remarkable blend of performance and fuel economy</li>
	<li>Big and cleverly designed boot</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Rear space is adequate rather than outstanding</li>
	<li>Visibility could be better</li>
	<li>Volkswagen T-Roc is more comfortable and quieter</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.</p>


HYUNDAI

KONA ELECTRIC

<p dir="ltr">While some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUVs</a>&nbsp;are designed to look just like their petrol-engined counterparts, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/review/n18164">Hyundai Kona Electric</a> practically shouts about its green credentials.&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;there's a flip side:&nbsp;the Kona Electric isn't much fun to drive.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Lots of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel mean&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jeep/avenger/hatchback/review/n25706">Jeep Avenger</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/2008/estate/review/n20552">Peugeot e-2008</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"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&nbsp;of the materials you touch regularly feel like they'll&nbsp;stand up to the challenges of family life, and I like that all of the major controls fall close to hand."&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/darren-moss/n1005">Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor</a></em></p>


7: Hyundai Kona Electric

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Impressive range</li>
	<li>Plenty of space for occupants and their luggage</li>
	<li>User-friendly dashboard layout</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Steering wheel short on reach adjustment</li>
	<li>Not much fun to drive</li>
	<li>Some motor whine around town</li>
</ul>


Estate

<p dir="ltr">Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.</p>

<p dir="ltr">After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.</p>

<p>The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.</p>


VOLVO

EX30

<p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/ex30/estate/review/n26262">Volvo EX30</a> is the brand's&nbsp;first bespoke&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a>, and one that's&nbsp;remarkably easy to drive, thanks to&nbsp;well-judged pedal responses&nbsp;that make for smooth and predictable acceleration and braking.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/volvo">Volvo</a>&nbsp;has also managed to strike a superb balance between&nbsp;ride comfort and handling; indeed, the EX30 is slightly better than the closely related Smart #1 in both areas.</p>

<p dir="ltr">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.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"Make sure you specify the optional&nbsp;'flax decor'&nbsp;dashboard. It really lifts the EX30's interior." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a></em></p>


6: Volvo EX30

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great to drive</li>
	<li>Smart interior – particularly in Ultra spec</li>
	<li>Starting price undercuts many rivals</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Rear space isn't great</li>
	<li>Efficiency could be better</li>
	<li>Fiddly touch-sensitive controls on steering wheel</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.</p>

<p dir="ltr">If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.</p>


LAND ROVER

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

<p dir="ltr">If you want to feel like you're in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/large-suvs/n17006">large SUV</a>&nbsp;but still keep the dimensions of a small one, then the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/4x4/review/n109">Range Rover Evoque</a> 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,&nbsp;everything you touch feels suitably premium and built to stand up to the rigours of family life.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You can opt for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;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&nbsp;Evoque can take you farther off the beaten track than the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q3/4x4/review/n43">Audi Q3</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x1/estate/review/n25006">BMW X1</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"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&nbsp;option of plush wool seats." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/steve-huntingford/n1018">Steve Huntingford, Editor</a></em></p>


5: Range Rover Evoque

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great driving position</li>
	<li>Well-equipped</li>
	<li>Slow depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Limited boot space</li>
	<li>So-so fuel economy and emissions</li>
	<li>Land Rover’s reliability record</li>
</ul>


KAROQ

<p dir="ltr">If you want to get the most bang for your buck from a small SUV, then the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/karoq/estate/review/n118">Skoda Karoq</a>&nbsp;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&nbsp;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.</p>

<p dir="ltr">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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ateca/estate/review/n111">Seat Ateca</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"One of the reasons why I'd recommend&nbsp;SEL trim is because it brings Varioflex rear seats that can slide and&nbsp;recline independently of one another, and&nbsp;even be removed entirely."&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a></em></p>


4: Skoda Karoq

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good to drive</li>
	<li>Excellent interior space</li>
	<li>Smart and sturdy-feeling interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Seat Ateca is more fun to drive</li>
	<li>VarioFlex seats no longer standard</li>
	<li>No hybrid options</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.</p>

<p dir="ltr">On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.</p>


SMART

HASHTAG 1

<p dir="ltr">The first fully&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUV</a>&nbsp;to feature on this list is a very different animal to electric Smarts of old, which offered&nbsp;pitiful real-world ranges and felt completely out of their depth once you left the city limits behind. Instead, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/smart/hashtag-1/hatchback/review/n25016">Smart #1</a>&nbsp;(pronounced hashtag one) 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 ups power to 422bhp, and drops the 0-62mph sprint time to just 3.9sec – that's as fast as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs3/hatchback/review/n175">Audi RS3</a>&nbsp;hot hatchback.</p>

<p dir="ltr">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&nbsp;has an upmarket yet modern feel that's reminiscent of a product made by Apple.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"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&nbsp;Smart Roadster." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor</a></em></p>


3: Smart #1

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great to drive</li>
	<li>Plush, high-quality interior</li>
	<li>Great safety rating</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Small boot</li>
	<li>Slightly choppy low-speed ride</li>
	<li>Efficiency could be better</li>
</ul>


T-ROC

<p dir="ltr">While all of the cars in our top 10 impress,&nbsp;it's the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/hatchback/review/n17376">Volkswagen T-Roc</a> 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&nbsp;brings&nbsp;comparatively small 16in alloy wheels shod with&nbsp;high-profile tyres, which are&nbsp;ideal&nbsp;for absorbing lumps and bumps in the road surface.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You won't be left wanting for kit, either because Life trim still&nbsp;comes with automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, adjustable lumbar support, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a>&nbsp;smartphone mirroring.</p>

<p dir="ltr">And the driving position is another&nbsp;strength, with the T-Roc&nbsp;sitting you higher than many rivals. Just bear&nbsp;in mind that its&nbsp;interior is nowhere near as plush as the LBX's, even though a mid-life refresh saw soft-touch materials added to&nbsp;the surfaces you touch most often.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"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&nbsp;is surprisingly gutsy." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a></em></p>


2: Volkswagen T-Roc

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Comfortable ride and quiet on the motorway</li>
	<li>High-set driving position for a small SUV</li>
	<li>Good boot by class standards</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Touch-sensitive controls can be fiddly</li>
	<li>Upper trims and engine options are too pricey</li>
	<li>Unexciting handling (the Ford Puma is a sharper drive)</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.</p>


LEXUS

<p dir="ltr">Think Lexus only makes big, expensive cars? Well, think again, because the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/lbx/hatchback/review/n26399">Lexus LBX</a> is a small SUV with a comparatively small price tag. Yet despite this, there’s nothing cut price about how it looks, feels or drives. The interior is the classiest you’ll find in any small SUV, even if it’s a little tight in the rear seats, and there’s plenty of equipment fitted as standard. The LBX is&nbsp;good to drive, too, with well-weighted steering and a grippy front end. And because it's a hybrid, it can run near-silently on electric power at low speeds.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Fuel economy is another strength, with the LBX&nbsp;officially capable of&nbsp;65.7mpg. Plus, Lexus has topped our table of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">most reliable car makers</a>&nbsp;for the last seven years.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>"Not only is the LBX’s interior beautifully screwed together, but it&nbsp;also features a more appealing mix of materials than any of its rivals." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a></em></p>


1: Lexus LBX

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>High-quality interior</li>
	<li>Efficient hybrid system</li>
	<li>Very well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Fidgety low-speed ride</li>
	<li>Tight rear seat space</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.</p>


JEEP

RENEGADE

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jeep/renegade/4x4/review/n138">Jeep Renegade</a> has its merits: it’s roomy and has genuine off-road ability, while the diesel engines sip fuel. However, it's comparatively expensive to buy, the ride is unsettled and refinement is woeful.</p>


And the small SUV to avoid: Jeep Renegade

The best small SUVs in 2024 - and the one to avoid 

Best small SUVs 2024 and the ones to avoid – tried and tested

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Running costs that won’t break the bank </li> <li>Generous kit</li> <li>Pokey engine and tidy handling</li> <li>Spacious interior</li> <li>Boot big enough to cope with family life</li></ul>

<p>The car-buying public has fallen in love with small SUVs, or crossovers as they’re often called, with thousands turning away from conventional hatchbacks in favour of something that rides that little bit higher.</p>

Small SUV

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

LATEST DEALS:

The best small SUVs in 2024 - and the one to avoid

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...

Best small SUVs 2024 and the one to avoid – tried and tested

Skoda Kamiq long-term test

New Lexus LBX vs used BMW X1

What is a mild hybrid car and should you buy one?

2025 Fiat Grande Panda: small SUV gets mild hybrid and electric power

Volkswagen T-Roc long-term test: report 11

Real MPG: most economical small SUVs

Used test: Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen T-Cross

Deal of the Day: Save £2474 on a new Volkswagen T-Roc

Also consider

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information