The small SUV market has become one of the most popular and competitive in the UK, and for good reason. These vehicles offer a compelling blend of a hatchback's easy-to-drive nature and a larger SUV's practicality, all wrapped up in a compact, city-friendly package. With their raised driving position providing a better view of the road and interiors that often cleverly maximise space, they are an ideal choice for small families, couples, or anyone needing more versatility than a traditional car can offer. Whether you're navigating tight urban streets, embarking on a weekend adventure, or simply doing the weekly shop, a small SUV is designed to handle it all with ease.
The sheer variety available in 2025 means there is a small SUV to suit almost any need or budget. The market ranges from value-focused models like the Dacia Duster, which provides incredible space for the money, to premium offerings such as the Lexus LBX, which packs big-car luxury into a smaller footprint. Powertrain options are just as diverse, with efficient petrol engines, economical self-charging and plug-in hybrids, and fully electric models like the Kia EV3 and Ford Puma Gen-E becoming increasingly common. This guide will help you navigate this crowded class to find the perfect all-rounder for your lifestyle.
Our recommendations are the result of a comprehensive selection process that combines three key areas. We start with the detailed real-world testing and expert ratings from our team of automotive journalists. We then factor in user reviews from real UK owners who live with these cars every day, providing insight into long-term satisfaction. Finally, we analyse CarGurus UK market data to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good or great deals, ensuring our top picks represent not just great cars, but also smart purchases.
The Best Small SUVs 2025
- 2025 Ford Puma
- 2025 Skoda Karoq
- 2025 Citroen C3 Aircross
- 2025 Hyundai Kona
- 2025 Volkswagen T-Roc
- 2025 Dacia Duster
- 2025 Lexus LBX
- 2025 Vauxhall Frontera
- 2025 Volkswagen Taigo
- 2025 Kia EV3
1. 2025 Ford Puma
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 3.9 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.1% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very practical, especially the big boot | Rear headroom could be more generous |
| Generous standard equipment | Short new-car warranty |
| Petrol and electric options | Other electric SUVs have longer ranges |
The Ford Puma proves that a small SUV doesn’t have to be dull. It’s the best-selling car in the UK for a reason, blending the fun-to-drive character of the old Fiesta it’s based on with the practicality modern families demand. Whether you choose the fizzy 1.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine (with 123bhp or 153bhp) or the all-electric Puma Gen-E, you get a car that’s genuinely enjoyable on a twisty road. Its real party trick, however, is the boot. Petrol models get a huge 456-litre space, but the star is the 80-litre waterproof ‘MegaBox’ under the floor, complete with a plug for easy cleaning. In the electric Gen-E, this grows even larger, contributing to a massive 523-litre rear load space and 43 litre 'frunk' that embarrasses most rivals. Value for money is another of the Puma’s strong suits.
The 2025 facelift introduced a smart 12-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the range, so even the entry-level Titanium model feels modern and is packed with kit. For running costs, the mild-hybrid petrols return an impressive 48-52mpg, while the 165bhp Puma Gen-E boasts an official range of up to 259 miles and is a fantastic choice for company car drivers thanks to its low tax rates. Ford’s ‘Power Promise’ for the Gen-E, which includes five years of free servicing and a free home charger, makes it one of the most affordable electric family cars to run, cementing the Puma’s status as a brilliant all-rounder.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Puma really is a breath of fresh air, being fun to drive yet still practical thanks to the enormous boot space." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Ford Puma review
2. 2025 Skoda Karoq
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 26.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very roomy and practical | Slightly bland styling |
| Pleasant interior | Some issues with 1.5 petrol engine |
| Comfortable on the road | Some rivals are more fun |
The Skoda Karoq is a superb all-rounder that puts family-friendly practicality at the forefront of its design. It fits between the smaller Kamiq and the larger Kodiaq in Skoda's SUV line-up, offering excellent headroom and legroom for all passengers. The cabin is not only spacious but also brilliantly versatile, especially on models fitted with the optional Varioflex seating. This system allows the three rear seats to slide, fold, or be removed entirely, expanding the already generous boot from a variable 479-588 litres to a massive 1,810 litres. Even in models with standard fixed rear seats, the 521-litre capacity easily surpasses rivals like the Nissan Qashqai.
While a SEAT Ateca might offer a more engaging drive, the Karoq’s composed handling and smooth ride are perfectly suited to family duties. There is a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, with the 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI petrol being a popular and capable choice for most situations. For those who prefer diesel power, the four-wheel-drive 2.0-litre TDI diesel is the star performer, achieving between 47.6 and 49.5mpg.
The CarGurus Verdict: "As an all-rounder, the Karoq is about as good as family SUVs get." - David Motton, contributor
Read our full Skoda Karoq review
3. 2025 Citroen C3 Aircross
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent ride quality | Optional third-row seating is cramped |
| Smart dashboard design | Engine can get noisy in petrol versions |
| Great value | Not particularly involving to drive |
Sister car to the Vauxhall Frontera, the latest Citroen C3 Aircross has been cleverly repositioned to maximise its appeal to families on a budget. By lengthening the car, Citroen has carved out a seriously practical boot; in its standard five-seat configuration, you get a generous 460 litres of space. While a seven-seat option is available, making it one of the cheapest seven-seaters you can buy, the third row is extremely cramped and best avoided. For those who don't need the extra seats, the five-seat model is a brilliant small family car, offering an impressive blend of space and comfort for a starting price of just over £20,000.
As with the Frontera, buyers can choose between a 99bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol, a more powerful 134bhp mild-hybrid version, or a 111bhp electric model. While none of these options make the C3 Aircross particularly fast, they are more than adequate for daily driving and offer low running costs. The hybrid, for example, should return between 47.3-57.4mpg, making this charming and characterful SUV an easy car to live with.
The CarGurus Verdict: "In five-seat form, the C3 Aircross is a brilliant small family car, offering a winning blend of practicality and comfort for a bargain price." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Citroen C3 Aircross review
4. 2025 Hyundai Kona
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Roomy, practical cabin | Merely so-so to drive |
| Great infotainment system | Cabin could feel posher |
| Generous standard equipment | Should be more comfortable |
The second-generation Hyundai Kona boasts a roomy cabin and a generous 466-litre boot, regardless of which powertrain you choose. This makes it a much more compelling option for small families than the previous model. Inside, you're greeted by a high-tech dashboard with twin display screens and a fantastic infotainment system. Even the entry-level Advance models come generously equipped with features like dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and a full suite of infotainment options including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While the Kona scores high on practicality and tech, its driving experience is average. The ride can feel unsettled over imperfect surfaces and the steering is light and vague. Powertrain choices are varied, with a 99bhp 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 135bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol. For those prioritising low running costs, the 127bhp self-charging hybrid is the star, with fuel economy figures north of 60mpg. If you want a full EV, the Kona Electric has a 65.4kWH battery and an official WLTP range of 319 miles.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It’s a very decent all-rounder, and if space, practicality, equipment and value are more important to you than dynamic polish, it’s certainly worth considering." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Hyundai Kona review
5. 2025 Volkswagen T-Roc
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.1 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Roomy boot | Lacklustre interior quality on pre-facelift cars |
| Comfortable ride | Rear seats lack flexibility |
| Engaging handling | Not the most fun to drive |
The Volkswagen T-Roc sits between the smaller T-Cross and larger Tiguan as a stylish, Golf-sized crossover. One of its best features is practicality, with all models boasting a 445-litre boot that's more spacious than a Golf hatchback. The driving experience is another highlight, thanks to a comfortable ride that handles bumpy roads with ease. While the entry-level 114bhp 1.0-litre engine is surprisingly capable, the 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine is a great all-rounder, offering a noticeable boost in performance.
In terms of running costs, both petrol engines are respectably economical, with the official figures for all specs achieving 47mpg. While rivals like the Skoda Karoq offer more space and the Ford Puma is more fun to drive, the T-Roc stands out as one of the best all-rounders in the small SUV class.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The cabin is roomy, the ride is comfortable and all trim levels are reasonably well equipped. The engines balance performance and economy, and the T-Roc is satisfying to drive." - David Motton, contributor
Read our full Volkswagen T-Roc review
6. 2025 Dacia Duster
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great value compared to similarly sized rivals | Refinement still falls short of mainstream competitors |
| Thoughtful practicality with generous boot space | Interior materials remain utilitarian |
| Efficient hybrid powertrain option | Engine noise intrusive with hybrid powertrain |
The Dacia Duster has carved out a niche as the undisputed value champion of the small SUV class. While rivals like the Ford Puma and Nissan Juke have moved upmarket, the Duster continues to offer incredible bang for your buck, undercutting them all on price. Its practicality is its trump card. For a car of this size, the boot is enormous, offering a class-leading 517 litres in front-wheel-drive petrol form. Even the hybrid model, which loses some space to its battery, provides a very generous 430 litres. It’s the smart, no-nonsense choice for families who prioritise space and running costs over a premium badge and plush interior plastics.
There are three key engine choices: a 1.0-litre Bi-Fuel model, a 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol with 130bhp, and a 1.6-litre full hybrid with 139bhp. The full hybrid is the most efficient, capable of around 50mpg, but its engine can be noisy when driving around town. For many, the quieter and cheaper 1.2-litre mild hybrid will be the better all-rounder, as long as you’re happy with a manual gearbox. Unusually for this class, the Duster is also available with a proper four-wheel-drive system, giving it genuine off-road credentials that most of its city-focused rivals simply can't match.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2025 Dacia Duster has grown up without losing its identity. It maintains the value proposition that made the original so popular but delivers it in a significantly more sophisticated package." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Dacia Duster review
7. 2025 Lexus LBX
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 17.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Plush-feeling interior gives a premium image | Rear seats are quite cramped |
| Low running costs | Ride can be fidgety |
| Quite agile and entertaining to drive | Looks rather expensive for its size |
The Lexus LBX is the brand's much-anticipated entry into the small premium SUV class, and it makes a strong case for itself. Based on the dependable Toyota Yaris Cross, the LBX uses a 134bhp 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid powertrain that delivers exceptionally low running costs. Real-world fuel economy can easily top 55mpg (official figures are 56.4-62.7mpg), making it one of the most affordable premium cars to fuel. In terms of practicality, the front-wheel-drive model offers a respectable 402 litres of boot space, which is competitive for the class. However, be warned that rear passenger space is tight and more akin to a supermini than a family-focused SUV.
What truly sets the LBX apart from its mainstream rivals is the genuinely upmarket feel of its cabin. The materials are classy, and the interior design gives it the ambience of a much larger, more expensive Lexus. It comes well-equipped, too, with even entry-level models getting a 9.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a suite of advanced safety aids. While the ride can feel a little choppy on less-than-perfect roads and the engine can get noisy under hard acceleration, the LBX is mostly a quiet and comfortable cruiser. Its nicely weighted steering and agile handling make it feel confident and easy to drive in town and on the motorway.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Lexus LBX makes a lot of sense in today’s market. A compact, posh SUV-ish car that’s cheap to run, yet can also be specced up to have big-car luxuries, and even all-weather four-wheel drive if that’s useful to you." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Lexus LBX review
8. 2025 Vauxhall Frontera
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Looks like great value for money | A bit so-so to drive |
| Practical for its size | Interior isn't the poshest |
| Well equipped as standard | Refinement could be better |
Where the Frontera really stands out is on value. Unusually, the fully electric model is priced significantly lower than the mild-hybrid petrol, making it a relatively affordable entry into EV ownership. Whichever powertrain you choose – the efficient 1.2-litre, three-cylinder mild hybrid (with 109bhp or 143bhp) or the 111bhp electric – the focus is on comfort, with a soft ride that does a pretty good job of soaking up bumps. All versions are also very well-equipped from the entry-level Design trim, through to GS and top-spec Ultimate, featuring a smart dual 10-inch screen setup, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even a wireless phone charger as standard.
For a car of its compact size, the 460-litre boot in five-seat models is generous, offering a usefully square shape and a standard adjustable floor for extra versatility. It’s more than enough for weekly shops, pushchairs, and family holiday luggage. While a seven-seat version of the hybrid is available, we’d recommend sticking with the five-seater; the third row is very tight and eliminates almost all boot space when in use. Inside, rear passengers get plenty of headroom, making it a comfortable space for two adults or older children on longer journeys.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The electric version particularly impresses, not necessarily because it’s better than the petrol model, but because it is so much cheaper to buy." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Vauxhall Frontera review
9. 2025 Volkswagen Taigo
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top-spec engine impresses | Some interior quality issues |
| Generous standard equipment levels | Expensive compared with more practical T-Cross |
| Spacious, with a particularly large boot | Not that much fun to drive |
The Volkswagen Taigo is a coupe-styled small SUV that shares its mechanical parts with the popular Polo hatchback and T-Cross crossover. Despite its sleek, sloping roofline, it's surprisingly practical, with more rear legroom than some rivals and a useful 440-litre boot. The cabin is well-equipped across the range, with even entry-level models getting an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and adaptive cruise control. However, while the layout is sensible, the interior quality is a letdown, with plenty of cheap-feeling plastics that feel out of place given the car's price.
On the road, the Taigo delivers a smooth ride that soaks up most bumps, making it an easygoing companion for daily driving. The top-of-the-range 148bhp 1.5-litre engine feels sweet and lively, but the smaller 1.0-litre engines can feel underpowered. While it’s a competent and comfortable car, the light steering offers little feedback, meaning rivals like the Ford Puma are much more fun to drive on a twisty road.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you want a spacious and comfortable car with reasonably striking looks and the undoubted appeal of a VW badge, then the Taigo ticks a lot of boxes." - Matt Rigby, contributor
Read our full Volkswagen Taigo review
10. 2025 Kia EV3
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extrovert styling | Unsettled ride |
| Loads of space for a car of its size | Too many touch-sensitive controls inside |
| Long range | Some cheap-feeling interior plastics |
With extrovert styling straight out of a sci-fi movie, the Kia EV3 is a small electric SUV that stands out from the crowd. Inside, the cabin is light and welcoming, with a vast amount of leg and headroom for rear passengers, making it a great choice for small families. Practicality is a strong point, thanks to a generous 460-litre boot and an extra 25 litres of storage under the bonnet for stashing the charging cables. While there are lots of clever storage solutions, some of the interior plastics feel a bit downmarket for a car at this price point.
All versions of the EV3 come with a single 201bhp electric motor, which provides brisk acceleration. Buyers can choose between a standard 58kWh battery, offering a real-world range of around 200 miles (270 miles official WLTP range), or a larger 81kWh battery that boosts range to a very useful 280 miles in real-world driving (375 miles WLTP figures). While the EV3 has solid grip and controlled handling in corners, the trade-off is a ride that can feel unsettled and jiggly over bumps.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Kia EV3 isn’t quite the home run its larger sibling, the EV9, was. But this is still a solid, desirable and distinctive electric SUV with a lot of practicality." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most practical small SUV? For ultimate practicality, the Skoda Karoq is a top contender, especially when fitted with its optional Varioflex seating that allows the rear seats to slide, fold, or be removed completely. The Ford Puma is also exceptionally practical, thanks to its large boot and innovative 80-litre waterproof 'MegaBox' for extra, easy-to-clean storage.
Which small SUV is the most fun to drive? For our money, the Ford Puma is the most enjoyable small SUV to drive. Based on the agile (and now discontinued) Ford Fiesta, it offers sharp handling and a lively feel that makes it genuinely fun on a twisty road, proving that a practical car doesn't have to be boring.
Are there any good electric small SUVs? Yes, the choice of excellent electric small SUVs is growing. The Kia EV3 offers standout styling and a long-range battery option capable of a real-world 280 miles. The Ford Puma Gen-E combines the standard car's fun handling and practicality with zero-emission driving, while the Hyundai Kona Electric is a strong all-rounder with a generous 319-mile official range and plenty of standard tech.
What is the best budget-friendly small SUV? The Dacia Duster is the undisputed champion for value, offering the space and capability of a family SUV for a price that rivals much smaller cars. The new Citroen C3 Aircross and Vauxhall Frontera are two other fantastic budget-friendly options, providing a practical interior for a starting price of just over £20,000.
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The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in December 2025. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.