CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: N/A
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 39.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.6 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 111
Average Price: Around £11,300

DS 3 Crossback (2019-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Stylish good looks	Unsettled and uncomfortable ride
Fun to drive	Short on space for passengers and luggage
Flamboyant cabin design	Expensive to buy

Quick Summary

The DS 3 Crossback is a stylish compact SUV that immediately catches the eye with its distinctive design, featuring wibbly-wobbly headlights, shark-fin side window lines, pop-out door handles, and chubby-cheeked rear quarters. Its flamboyant interior boasts one of the most interesting-looking cockpits of any new car, with diamond motifs applied throughout the air vents, switchgear, and digital displays. The range includes nippy-yet-economical petrol and diesel engines, plus an all-electric E-Tense variant with a 212-mile WLTP range. However, beneath the eye-catching aesthetics lie some significant drawbacks that undermine its appeal.

Space is at a premium, with cramped rear seating and a small boot that loses out to more practical rivals. The ride is unsettled and uncomfortable, whilst handling, though perky around town, cannot match sportier alternatives. The infotainment system is fiddly, with touch-sensitive buttons requiring firm prodding and climate controls integrated awkwardly into the screen. Fuel economy is reasonable—expect around 55mpg for the diesel and 40-45mpg for petrol versions—and servicing costs are competitive for a premium brand. However, timing belt replacement (£400-500) is required on conventional engines. At its high price point, the DS 3 Crossback is difficult to recommend when better compact SUVs exist for both style and practicality.

Best for: Buyers prioritising distinctive styling and eye-catching design over practicality, and those seeking a fun-to-drive compact SUV for urban environments.

Not ideal for: Families needing rear passenger space or boot capacity, drivers seeking a comfortable ride on poor road surfaces, or those wanting value for money at this price point.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the DS 3 Crossback if: You prioritise distinctive styling and eye-catching design over practicality, and seek a fun-to-drive compact SUV for urban environments.

Consider alternatives if: You need rear passenger space or boot capacity, want a comfortable ride on poor road surfaces, or require value for money at this price point.

Competitive Position: The DS 3 Crossback struggles against its rivals in this competitive segment. Whilst its stylish design and flamboyant interior are genuinely distinctive, the Vauxhall Mokka, Audi Q2, and MINI Countryman all offer superior overall ratings and better user satisfaction. The Mokka and Countryman particularly excel in user ratings (4.8/5 and 4.6/5 respectively), whilst the Audi Q2 matches the DS 3 Crossback's expert rating of 4/5 but with better user feedback. At its high price point and with significant compromises in space and ride comfort, the DS 3 Crossback is difficult to recommend when better-rounded alternatives exist.

Read our full DS 3 Crossback Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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