What is there to write about a small SUV that has not been written about before?
These small compact regular SUVs are selling very well, and it’s easy to see why. Offering chunky looks, enhanced practicality and ideally a higher driving position, all in a more manageable and attractive package, it’s clear why the UK can’t get enough of them. They are also much cheaper to run than regular SUVs, and they are also less expensive to purchase.
What are the best used small SUVs? There is more good news because there are a lot of different models to choose from, from all the major manufacturers. So, without further ado, we thought we’d compile a collection of the top 10 best used small SUVs from our favorites.
Which one will you go to with your keys?
Ford Puma
Used Small SUV Buying Recommendation: Based on the best-selling Ford Fiesta hatchback, Puma has the solid foundation it needs to be a winner in the small SUV market. It also looks important, and the gizzly appearance gives it an edge over the more gentle methods of its competitors.
Even better, the entry-level Puma Titanium comes with advanced features such as smart 17-inch alloy wheels, projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, cruise control, power-folding heated door mirrors, automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, Quickclear heated windshield, Ford SYNC 3 navigation with DAB, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
If you’re worried about practicality, 456 liters more trunk space than the Ford Focus’s practical and reliable hatchback, 81 liters.
If you want a complete cake and wrap, then the top-of-the-line ST model is the one for you. Offering almost the same performance as the Fiesta ST hot hatch, the Puma ST takes just 6.7 seconds from 0 to 62 mph, making it a great, ultra-popular, ultra-practical small thermal SUV.
Peugeot 2008
In recent years, the Made in France logo has really pushed the limits of its SUV design, and now it’s easily some of the best-looking on the market. The 2008 follows the standards set by its larger 3008 sibling, offering similar style, technology, and wow factor, just in a smaller, more compact package.
It boasts 434 litres of boot space and offers a flexible loading area. This is most likely less than the 308 hatchback, which offers 470 liters, but the folding seats and 2008 show its flexibility, offering 1,185 liters compared to the 1,467 liters of the 308.
What sets the 2008 apart from other small SUVs is Peugeot’s stunning iCockpit, which blends a small, driver-centric steering wheel into a cocoon-shaped digital cockpit for a truly impressive interior experience and atmosphere. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time while driving, then 2008 is sure to offer one of the best interiors on our list.
Renault Captur
Best Used Small SUV Collection: As one of the original small SUVs, the Captur is similar to the Ford Puma, with its roots coming from siblings. In this case, the basis used by the Captur is the popular Renault Clio hatchback. This ensures familiarity and low running costs, characteristics that make small SUVs super popular.
This second-generation Captur is also more sophisticated than the model it replaces, offering sleeker styling and better overall driving dynamics. Practicality is also very good, as the Captur offers 404 litres of boot space, which increases to 536 litres thanks to a trick sliding rear seats – giving it an edge over the other SUVs on this list.
Standard features are also impressive, with the entry-level Play model coming with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as adaptive cruise control. Upgrade to the Iconic model and take advantage of the sat nav and rear parking sensors.
Captur may be an original in the small SUV game, but it’s still one of the best.
Volkswagen T-Roc
What are the best used small SUVs? At Volkswagen, you always feel the quality and sophistication. The cars tend to have a lot of ergonomic details and have a style that allows them to not look out of place when parked in a supermarket parking lot or a luxury hotel – a trait that is known for the Golf GTi. Even though the T-Roc is very similar, it looks the most mature and refined compared to the other SUVs on this list – of course some will like this one and others not so much.
In addition to being sophisticated, the T-Roc offers a wide selection of models to suit different budgets and tastes. There’s even the T-Roc Convertible, or if you like performance, there’s the top-of-the-line R version – which happens to be the fastest combined small SUV on our list, going from 0 to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds.
A decent 445-litre boot space means the T-Roc is very practical, although you do lose 53 litres in the R thanks to all-wheel drive. It’s also worth noting that the T-Roc R is one of the few models on this list that also offers all-wheel drive.
Nissan Juke
Used Small SUV Buying Recommendation: As the first to launch another small SUV on the market, the Juke’s unique appearance is loved by many people.
This second-generation model borrows from the rigid rules of small SUVs and perfectly plays the card of more refinement and enhancement. The old model is unique, while the new generation model looks more elegant. Interestingly, the Juke is based on the Renault Clio that is part of the Nissan/Renault alliance, which means that, like the aforementioned Captur, this Juke offers a nice, improved driving experience.
The hatchback luggage ensures a cute, aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-access loading area with 422 litres of competitive space. The interior is much more complex, although unlike many of the models on this list, Juke doesn’t offer a fully digital dial. Although, it uses an analog dial, which is partly a small digital screen, but it works well and reads very clearly.
Vauxhall Mocha
Another more refined second-generation small SUV, the Vauxhall Mokka surpasses its first-generation sibling in terms of style, execution, and technology.
The “visor” front end is sharp to say the least, and takes the Mokka’s design ethos to a whole new level – something that all future Vauxhall models will emulate, which is undoubtedly good news for attracting new buyers.
The 350-liter boot is small compared to the other models on the list, and actually 10 liters less than the model it replaces – but 10-liter space is a small sacrifice considering the better look, technology, and ambiance of this small SUV.
You won’t worry too long, though, as the Mokka interior gets top marks for its stunning 12-inch digital instrument cluster and 7- or 10-inch infotainment “pure panels.”
Volvo XC40
Best Used Small SUV Collection: A manufacturer known for its safety, but recently Volvo has made a big move with their design language, and arguably their design is one of the most striking on the market.
The XC40 offers a pretty generous 460-liter boot space, making it one of the most practical trunk spaces on our list, and the interior also feels pretty premium thanks to the eye-catching digital instrument cluster and fun portrait infotainment screen.
Make sure all the boxes are ticked correctly, and the XC40 is also available as a plug-in hybrid as well as an all-electric version. Interestingly, the electric version is also the fastest, going from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds – making it the fastest small SUV on our list.
Of course, all this technology and speed also means that it’s also one of the most expensive small SUVs on our list.
Skoda Kamik
Skoda is another brand that has dabbled in the small SUV game, and on the surface, they have all the key ingredients for success. The unique exterior, modern interior, and plenty of space mean it ticks all the boxes.
Skoda is also part of the Volkswagen Group, which means that technology and fundamentals are also important, and the Kamiq has received a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, giving families complete peace of mind.
Inside, a striking infotainment screen is complemented by a digital instrument cluster for higher-spec models. There is also a large boot that also has room for 400 liters.
The Kamiq drives like a hatchback rather than an SUV and has a choice of petrol and diesel engines, offering decent economy from 41 to 56mpg and decent running costs. Unfortunately, there are no hybrid or electric versions available from other SUVs on our list.
Hyundai Kona
What are the best used small SUVs? In small SUV games, you need something to set you apart from your competitors, and Kona does that by offering a unique style, further complemented by a choice of petrol, hybrid, and electric engines.
Euro NCAP’s five-star safety rating ensures that safety is nothing to worry about either, and with 374 litres of boot space, it still offers decent practicality.
The all-digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen ensure that the Kona feels ultra-modern, and the best standard package is also impressive. That’s because the entry-level SE Connect model comes with smart 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, cruise control, automatic headlights, and even a handy rearview camera.
As a Kia, there’s the added benefit of a five-year warranty, which means it’s likely that the used example still retains some of the original manufacturer’s warranty, ensuring a more reassuring experience.
Toyota C-HR
Used Small SUV Buying Recommendation: Attractive looks, hybrid engines, and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating ensure that this small SUV has all the ingredients of a decent small SUV. The fact that it’s a Toyota ensures that you don’t have to worry about reliability either.
Most buyers of the C-HR will opt for a petrol hybrid, which uses a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, further complemented by an automatic CVT transmission. This ensures that the model is able to reach 55 to 60mpg with ease. The C-HR also has 377 litres of boot space, offering decent practicality with lower running costs.
Appearance is the main attraction of the C-HR, and in a world similar to bulky SUVs, this particular Toyota looks like no other. The sharp, sleek lines and coupe-like body set it apart from the competition. The only downside may be the interior, as unlike most of the examples on our list with new digital watch faces, the C-HR still has an analog setup.
Summary of the best used small SUV collection
Looking for your own small SUV? Browse our selection of used cars today to see if you can find the perfect example, or if you like a brand new car feel, why not search for our brand new car deals.
