The best small SUVs – driven, tested and ranked

Best for: Electric ownership

The Elroq is one of the best small SUVs on sale and the number-one electric option. 

Its strength of performance is clear, yet there is no compromise on efficiency, range, drivability or ride comfort. It’s intuitive and pleasant both to drive and to interact with.

Matt Saunders, Road test editor

This EV marks a step forward in Skoda's design philosophy, with a sharper and tougher look that stands out far more than many of its rivals. 

Several different battery sizes and powertrain options are offered too. Drivers will get 232 miles of range from the Elroq in its most basic form, rising to 360 miles from the largest available battery. 

Inside, the Elroq is a thoroughly pleasant place to sit, with decent material quality and an intuitive infotainment system. There's a good mix of grainy fabrics and harder plastics, plus several different storage compartments tucked away. 

Prices start from £31,510, which is competitive, but you will need to spend a bit more to have the best Elroq experience. 

Best for: All-round ability

With its lighter chassis, more commodious dimensions and much-improved dynamics, you would expect the latest Qashqai to do well. And for the most part, it does.

The Qashqai remains true to the safe, predictable and rational formula of the models released before it.

Sam Phillips, Staff Writer

There's little here for keen drivers and both the 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol and novel e-Power hybrid powertrain are a little breathless, but what did you expect?

Performance and handling aren't what the Qashqai is about and, as one tester put it, "it's very thoughtfully designed for families, well equipped and costs peanuts to buy and run".

If you must have a two-pedal version, we would go for the hybrid, rather than the wheezy CVT petrol.

The interior doesn’t look as jazzy as some, but the materials are pleasing, it’s solidly built and it's very easy to use, thanks to plenty of real buttons.

All early Qashqais had a multimedia system that was easy enough to use but looked slightly dated. About two years in, higher trims got a new system that retains all the usability but looks a lot nicer.

A game-changing effort? Not any more, but it's a demonstration that Nissan knows its customers extremely well. It's difficult to beat among the non-premium ranks.

Best for: Luxury feel

This little sibling to Volvo's established XC60 and XC90 SUVs has been a real success.

In its pragmatic, comfort-orientated, functionality-focused way, the XC40 is a classic Volvo to its core.

Matt Saunders, Road test editor

The XC40 was a model that offered instant kerbside appeal when it was launched back in 2017, with a charismatic and alluring design that helped bring younger family buyers into Volvo showrooms.

In addition to its funky exterior, it also offers a cabin of laudable richness, comfort, usability and quality. 

While it isn't the most practical offering in the small SUV class, it certainly has plenty of luxury car ambience. 

It currently offers only two mild-hybrid petrol powertrains (unless you count the electric EX40 too), but both are good options.

If an SUV's mission is to lift its driver above the hustle and bustle and filter out the pain from the daily grind, few do it better than the XC40. 

Best for: Keen drivers

The Fiesta-based Puma brought a refreshing level of dynamism and handling character to the small SUV class, while also remaining good value for money, practical and economical.

It’s remarkable how clearly this car stands apart from its rivals in a class that has until now struggled to produce anything genuinely appealing to drive.

Illya Verpraet, Road Tester

The facelifted version that arrived a few years ago retained all of its forebears desirable hallmarks but was more efficient, was more mechanically refined and had more intuitive interior technology. 

Dynamically it’s the leader of this class, and yet you don’t need the most powerful version to exploit its fun and rewarding chassis. Better still, an engaging drive does not come at the detriments of other important factors, such as practicality and comfort.  

It’s complete from a dynamic perspective, but a bit more rear leg room and a plusher materials inside would enhance its appeal more.

With the Fiesta gone, the Puma is the go-to for keener drivers.

Best for: Spacious interior

Kia's new small electric SUV is one of the finest on sale, offering a huge battery and great levels of performance. 

Although it’s not quite the game-changer it seems at first, the EV3 is still quite the achievement and is making the class that bit more competitive.

Illya Verpraet, Road Tester

Of the two battery options, it's the larger 81.4kWh pack that impresses most, producing a claimed range of 367 miles on a charge. 

Power comes from a 201bhp motor, making the car nippy enough, hitting 0-62mph in 7.6sec. That's more than enough poke for everyday and motorway driving. 

The EV3 is spacious too, offering a 460-litre boot (plus a tiny 20-litre frunk under the bonnet), which is easily accessible. Rear leg room is also on the more practical side compared with rivals such as the Jeep Avenger. 

Best for: Interior layout 

The arrival of the fourth-generation Tucson was something of a watershed moment for Hyundai.

The Tucson shows that Hyundai can do both style and substance.

Matt Saunders, Road test editor

Stylistically, it was a drastic departure from its handsome but slightly dull predecessors, and its cabin reached new heights in terms of material appeal.

Dynamically the Tucson plays things pretty safe, with a handling balance that prioritises ease of use over out-and-out dynamism. 

More so than ever before, this is an impressively polished small SUV that's absolutely worthy of your attention.

All of its powertrains are based around a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, among them mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. 

Best for: Retro style

It may not have the utilitarian character of the 1960s car that inspired it but, as electric crossovers go, the comfortable, efficient and easygoing Renault 4 is a very tempting option. 

All three trim levels come with a heat pump, which is nice, but it’s a shame you need to pony up for the top level to get heated seats

Murray Scullion, Digital editor

With useful passenger and boot space, the 4 is the more practical and roomier sibling of the 5, and while it’s not as vivacious to drive, it’s the better choice for those who regularly carry passengers and plenty of luggage. 

A seamless, comfortable drive is complimented by decent everyday efficiency and a suite of intuitive digital technology inside. 

Better still, the 4 qualifies for the UK government’s £3750 Electric Car Grant, which means prices start from a very competitive £23,445. Even the range-topping Iconic+ model slips under the £30,000 mark. 

Best for: Hassle-free family life

The Sportage was the UK’s second best-selling car last year and received a light refresh to bring more tech, better efficiency and styling in line with new Kia EV models. 

Spec advice? If you have taller passengers to think about, avoid the panoramic sunroof of the GT-Line and GT-Line S trims.

Illya Verpraet, Road Tester

Overall the update wasn’t that drastic, but the bold new front end helps the Sportage to stand out in a crowded segment. 

The 1.6-litre petrol Sportage will serve you well but if you want quieter, cleaner motoring, the hybrid is more frugal, albeit lacking a dynamic edge. It still balances ride and handling well, just don’t expect much verve or engagement. 

There's also a plug-in hybrid version, which should capture the attention of company car drivers with its lower BIK tax rate.