What Car? Personal Shopper: best high-set SUV for less than £25,000
Want a new car but don't know where to start? Just send us your criteria and we'll give you our top new and used car choices, and even tell you how much we can save you...
Buying new
- Our recommended choice: Hyundai Kona 1.6 T-GDi Blue Drive Premium GT 4WD DCT
- List price: £25,445
- What Car? Target Price: £23,988
It's best to think of the Kona as a jacked-up version of Hyundai's i20 hatchback, but in its transition into an SUV, the Kona has gained the high-set driving position and rufty-tufty looks that buyers in this market are looking for.
The only version of the Kona on which you can get four-wheel drive is the 1.6-litre petrol, but if you plan on venturing off road regularly, or perhaps even towing, its extra low-down grunt compared with the 1.0-litre petrol will be welcome. The good news, too, is that this engine comes with four-wheel drive and a smooth-shifting automatic gearbox as standard.
Getting your driving position spot on shouldn't be difficult, because there's a good amount of adjustment in the Kona's seat and steering wheel, and height adjustment is standard, so you can raise yourself up if need be.
This Premium GT version of the Kona is loaded with kit, including automatic emergency braking, a head-up display and full LED headlights, as well as luxuries such as heated seats and keyless entry and start.
Prices for the Kona in 1.6 TGDi Blue Drive Premium 4WD DCT form start at £25,445 What Car? can help lower that price, and latest Target Price deals bring that down to a more palatable £23,988 – and you could save even more by going through our New Car Buying service.
To find out more about the Kona, read our full 16-point review, or view our latest deals here.
- Also consider: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5 3 CVT 4WD
- List price: £25,920
- What Car? Target Price: £24,794
The Eclipse Cross is spacious inside and comes well equipped, and you can choose from a refined range of petrol engines. It doesn't feel as agile as some family SUV rivals, though.
Read our full Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross review or see our great deals.
- Also consider: Ssangyong Tivoli 1.6D ELX 4x4 auto
- List price: £21,695
- What Car? Target Price: £21,288
The Tivoli is roomy inside and interior quality is decent. It's also well priced, but compromises include average handling and a fidgety ride.
Read our full Ssangyong Tivoli review or see our great deals.
Next: our recommended used car choice >
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