From about 15 options making up 7 per cent of the market in 2014 to more than 20 small SUV models now accounting for more than 12 per cent of overall sales, there’s been a dramatic shift in what’s available to buyers.
And the shift towards small SUVs is continuing, with the share of the market growing further in 2024.
Many buyers are coming out of small hatchbacks, with the distinction between those traditional five-doors and the small SUVs often more blurred than ever.
Go shopping for a small SUV and you’ll also notice a vast range of choices, from budget-priced alternatives from fledgling brands to seriously upmarket models from the big names in luxury.
In this guide we’ve covered the entire market to try to give new car shoppers the ultimate guide to the burgeoning small SUV segment.
Prices were correct at the time of publication, but keep in mind that unless it’s otherwise stated, on-road costs need to be added to the prices listed below, something that typically adds around 10 per cent.
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Best overall under $40K: Kia Seltos, from $29,850
Getting hold of a Kia Seltos has been challenging in recent years due to its popularity and a lack of supply, something that created lengthy waiting lists.
But that is now less of an issue making it easier for buyers to get behind the wheel of what is a terrific small SUV that kicks off below $30,000. Having the back-up of a seven-year warranty – two years longer than most – is a bonus.
The entry-level 2.0-litre engine is nothing special, although a CVT auto helps makes the most of its modest outputs.
The 1.6-litre turbo teamed to an all-wheel drive system makes for a slicker drive and teams with great dynamics to make the Seltos among the more engaging of the small SUV contenders.
The more you look, the more there is. It can tow upwards of 1100kg, has a full-sized spare on all but the base car, and picks up a swag of safety gear that includes driver monitoring, front and rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, tyre pressure sensors and an exit warning to prevent occupants from opening the doors in front of other road users.
While there are other excellent alternatives – the Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona among them – the value focus and substance in the Seltos make it a standout.
Best overall over $40K: Volvo XC40, from $54,990
There’s no shortage of premium offerings in the small SUV category with some great contenders, including the recently arrived new Mini Countryman. The largest Mini ever made mounts a solid SUV case, especially if you like to customise your cars with interesting finishes and colours.
Those wanting a suave small SUV should also check out the Lexus LBX (terrific car but tiny back seat) and BMW X1 (also great but edging up in price).
But the car that stands tall among the $40K-plus options is the Volvo XC40.
Sure, the XC40 may be getting on in life – the current generation first hit Australian roads in 2018 – but various updates have built on its solid core.
Chief among its standout attributes are its practical body and decent space. It’s a small SUV on the outside, but it doesn’t feel like one in the cabin.
The Volvo also delivers on safety and a uniquely Scandinavian flavour to the cabin.
While it plays in the premium space it also packs plenty of gear in for the money.
And it drives nicely, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine pulling strongly in the middle revs. Being available in all-wheel drive adds to its talents in slippery conditions. And on any road the XC40 finds a nice balance between comfort and control.
Best hybrid: Honda HR-V, from $39,900 drive-away
The Honda HR-V has always had a terrific hybrid system, but it’s been expensive. The arrival of an updated model not only saw prices slashed but the addition of a more affordable hybrid model variant. The HR-V e:HEV X now sells from $39,900 drive-away.
The 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor produces a modest 96kW but the 253Nm of torque provides pulling power where it’s needed.
And with claimed average consumption of 4.3 litres per 100km it’s impressively frugal, able to get upwards of 800km from its 40-litre fuel tank.
The HR-V also does a good job dealing with corners and bumps, creating a polished all-around performer.
Its interior presentation is also towards the pointy end of the small SUV range, with quality plastics and the occasional upmarket highlight.
And whereas entry-level versions of the Toyota Corolla Cross – also an excellent hybrid – look built to a price in some areas (the plastic steering wheel is one example), the HR-V seems to try that little bit harder.
It’s not all good news. While the rear ‘Magic Seats’ fold beautifully to help accommodate bikes and other tall items, the overall seating capacity is limited to four, with just two seats in the rear.
If that’s not an issue, the HR-V hybrid makes terrific small SUV buying for those wanting to slash their fuel bills.
Best for low running costs: Toyota Yaris Cross, from $30,900
Electric cars have made determining the cheapest car to run something of a challenge; whereas the price of petrol is fairly consistent, electricity can range from free for those with home solar to expensive for those fast charging on a road trip.
Either way, though, there are some excellent electric alternatives that will keep your running costs down. The BYD Atto 3 and Renault Megane E-Tech are two, helped in part by low servicing costs – and long service intervals.
But the small SUV that really keeps your running costs low is Toyota’s smallest SUV, the Yaris Cross.
It isn’t the most convincing to drive, in part because it has a three-cylinder engine with a modest 85kW of power – and also because it’s not as quiet as some. But performance is helped by its hybrid system, which keeps claimed average fuel use to just 3.8 litres per 100km if you choose the front-wheel drive version.
The all-wheel drive model uses a tad more fuel (4.0L/100km) but each is more economical in the suburbs, using the electric motor to keep fuel use respectably low.
it’s officially classified as a light SUV, the tall-ish body of the Yaris Cross means occupant space is thoroughly acceptable, even for those in the rear.
Boot space isn’t as accommodating – 390 litres in the front-drive or 314L for the all-wheel drive with its higher boot floor – but for singles and couples there should be enough.
The Toyota also looks after the hip pocket when it comes time for a check-up, too. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km and the Yaris Cross has servicing capped at $250 for the first five services.
Best for towing small loads: Nissan Qashqai, from $34,390
Utes and large four-wheel drives are the chosen weapons for towing heavy loads.
But some small SUVs are rated to haul a decent sized trailer, even if their engines may be working hard to get the job done.
Many of those load luggers are from Europe, where families will regularly hook up a small caravan to an equally small car.
Compact SUVs from Asian countries tend not to have the same capacity.
So, if you really want to carry something heavy, some variants of the Mini Countryman, BMW X1 and Audi Q3 can tow 2000kg.
Each comes with a sizeable price tag, one reason we’ve shaved half a tonne off that to come up with the Nissan Qashqai as a more value-focused alternative – and one that tops our list.
With a capacity of up to 1500kg for most models (the e-Power hybrid is rated at 750kg), the Qashqai will easily deal with camper trailers, small boats and box trailers.
Its 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo engine also has decent torque – up to 250Nm – produced very low in the rev range, which is exactly where you need it when towing.
When unladen, the little Qashqai is also a sweet car to drive, although the CVT automatic transmission can occasionally stumble on take-offs.
Keep in mind, too, that while it’s relatively frugal, using a claimed average of 6.1L/100km, the Qashqai needs to be filled with premium unleaded.
Best for families: Toyota Corolla Cross, from $36,480
The Corolla Cross was once available with just a petrol engine, but these days it’s hybrid only. And the latest generation of Toyota’s hybrid system is a terrific drivetrain. Between the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors it makes 146kW of power, which is plenty in a compact SUV.
Throw in impressively low fuel use – as little as 4.2L/100km according to the government cycle – and the Corolla Cross makes loads of sense.
And it’s not particularly small, either, setting itself up as a good alternative for small families. At almost 4.5 metres long it has one of the more spacious cabins among its rivals, along with good visibility front and rear.
Equipment levels aren’t overly generous for the price, especially in the entry-level GX. But stretch the budget to a GXL and you get a larger central infotainment screen (10.5-inch versus 8-inch), dual-zone ventilation, a surround view camera and partial leather trim.
In short, the Corolla Cross is a compact SUV that nails the basics. And what it lacks in flashing lights and sexy extras it makes up for with a practical body, great driving experience, low running costs and a reputation for reliability that should lead to years of fuss-free motoring.
Families should also check out the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona and Skoda Kamiq, the latter bringing some Euro flair to the affordable end of the category.
Best for safety tech: Volvo EX30, from $59,990
Volvo’s smallest car and its most affordable EV is also one of its most advanced vehicles in terms of crash avoidance.
The EX30 is brimming with safety gear, including a vibrant 360-degree camera, driver attention and fatigue monitoring, speed sign recognition, auto braking in forward and reverse and tyre pressure sensors to warn of a leak. There’s also adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and front and rear cross traffic alert. The rear cross traffic alert is terrific for backing out of parking spots where side visibility is limited, while front cross traffic alert does the same but when poking the nose out of side streets or obscured parking spots.
The auto braking also detects vulnerable road users – such as cyclists and pedestrians – and there’s an airbag between the front seat occupants to prevent head clashes. The EX30 also gets an emergency call system that allows users to press an SOS button to alert emergency services.
Besides its safety kit, the EX30 is also a terrific SUV for zipping around the suburbs. It’s available in a range of interesting colours inside and out and has lots of recycled materials as part of the environmental focus.
Even the entry-level single motor car pulls strongly and there’s a playful driving dynamic that reinforces the fun factor.
Best small electric SUV: BYD Atto 3, from $44,499
According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, the BYD Atto 3 is classified as a medium SUV. Yet there are 11 small SUVs longer than it and another three wider than it. Blame it on the curious matrix of data that determines the categories of cars.
Either way, we’re slotting it into the compact category for the purposes of this guide.
From a pricing perspective it certainly holds up well, sliding in below $50K – and another thing the Atto 3 has in its favour is interior space.
Being designed from the outset as an electric vehicle means the architecture doesn’t compromise to fit in an engine or gearbox.
As a result, the flat floor in the rear makes for excellent foot space, in part making up for modest back seat legroom.
And the floating centre console between the front seats adds to the generous odds-and-ends space elsewhere.
Throw in good driving manners and Tesla-rivalling tech – including a 15.6-inch screen that rotates through 90 degrees and the ability to use your phone as the key – and the Atto 3 mounts a compelling small SUV case, even up against hybrids.
If the budget stretches further, the EV versions of the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro are worth a look. Those on a budget could also check out the Chery Omoda E5 – the only electric SUV with a full-sized spare tyre – although some annoying infotainment quirks and below-par driving manners let it down.
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