The small SUV market is booming in Britain, and for good reason.
With fuel prices climbing and city parking getting trickier, these clever vehicles offer the perfect balance of comfort, practicality and running costs.
Our 2025 guide cuts through the marketing jargon to help you find the perfect small SUV for your needs.
The numbers tell an interesting story - the UK's SUV market is set to hit £17.5 billion this year, with small SUVs leading the charge.
But it's not just about statistics. Whether you're navigating tight city streets or tackling the school run, these vehicles offer a commanding view of the road without the bulk of their larger siblings.
Motorfinity team have put each small SUV through its paces on real British roads - from tricky city streets to winding country lanes. We focused on what UK buyers care about most: true running costs, reliability, everyday practicality, and safety features.
Each recommended vehicle has been tested fully loaded, in typical British weather, and parked in actual supermarket spaces to ensure our advice reflects your real-world needs.
2025 Best Small SUVs for 2025
Lexus LBX
Retail Price: £29,995.00
Savings: £2,335.00
Motorfinity Price: £27,660.00
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The LBX brilliantly brings Lexus luxury to the small SUV segment.
Its refined hybrid system delivers an impressive 60+ mpg in real driving, backed by Lexus's comprehensive 10-year warranty.
Step inside and you'll find a genuinely premium cabin that outclasses rivals, featuring soft-touch materials and available Alcantara upholstery.
While the 402L boot is compact, clever space utilisation means comfortable seating for four adults, making it ideal for city living.
A perfect match for urban professionals and small families who want upmarket quality without the bulk.
The smooth hybrid drive and high-end tech make daily commutes a pleasure, while signature Lexus build quality ensures long-term satisfaction. It's the small SUV that proves luxury doesn't need to be large.
Volkswagen T-Roc
Retail Price: £29,045.00
Savings: £4,562.00
Motorfinity Price: £24,483.00
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The T-Roc stands out with class-leading comfort and refinement.
The entry-level 1.0 TSI engine delivers smooth progress with impressive real-world economy, while superior sound insulation makes it notably quieter than rivals on motorways.
Inside, you'll find improved interior quality with soft-touch materials and a practical 445L boot (392L in AWD) that swallows seven carry-on suitcases.
The raised driving position and spacious cabin offer excellent visibility and genuine family-friendly space, with good rear legroom for adults
Perfect for families seeking German build quality without premium pricing. While sportier rivals like the Ford Puma might offer sharper handling, the T-Roc's balanced approach to comfort, practicality and refinement makes it an excellent all-rounder
The sweet spot is the well-equipped Life trim, which brings all the essentials without pushing into premium pricing territory.
Toyota Yaris Cross
Retail Price: £26,155.00
Savings: £3,366.00
Motorfinity Price: £22,789.00
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The Yaris Cross excels in efficiency with a remarkable real-world 60.1mpg average, soaring to 103.3mpg in city driving.
Its hybrid system delivers smooth, quiet progress around town, making it perfect for urban adventures.
Inside, there's comfortable space for four adults and a practical 400L boot that accommodates seven carry-on suitcases.
The elevated driving position and excellent forward visibility make city navigation a breeze, while thoughtful touches like 40/20/40 split rear seats (from Design trim) add valuable flexibility.
The Yaris Cross's blend of exceptional efficiency, Toyota's top-tier reliability record, and impressive real-world practicality makes it a smart choice. Design trim hits the sweet spot with additional features while maintaining good value.
Mazda CX-30
Retail Price: £25,865.00
Savings: £4,012.00
Motorfinity Price: £21,853.00
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The CX-30 stands out with its premium interior quality that rivals luxury brands.
The cabin features soft-touch materials throughout and thoughtful ergonomics, with physical controls that are refreshingly easy to use.
Practicality hits the sweet spot for urban users, with a 430L boot handling six carry-on cases and excellent front-seat space.
While rear access is slightly tight through the small doors, clever space utilization ensures adequate room for adult passengers.
Perfect for professionals and small families wanting near-premium quality without the premium price tag. The refined engines and comfortable ride make it an excellent daily driver, though enthusiasts might prefer the Ford Puma's sharper handling.
The sweet spot is Centre-Line trim, adding key features like heated seats and climate control while maintaining strong value.
Peugeot e-2008
Retail Price: £34,400.00
Savings: £2,627.00
Motorfinity Price: £31,773.00
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The first EV in our list is the Peugeot 2-2008 and that too for all the right reasons. The e-2008 combines French style with practical electric motoring.
Its 50.8kWh battery delivers a real-world range of 183 miles, while efficient charging capabilities mean a 10-80% charge takes just 30 minutes at rapid chargers.
The interior impresses with its striking dashboard design and premium materials, though the unique small steering wheel setup won't suit everyone.
Space is decent with room for five carry-on suitcases in the boot, making it practical for daily family use.
Perfect for style-conscious drivers wanting an electric SUV without compromising on comfort. The smooth, quiet drive and comfortable ride make it an excellent urban companion, though rivals offer longer range.
The sweet spot is Allure trim, adding key features like front parking sensors and part-leatherette upholstery while keeping costs sensible.
Ford Puma
Retail Price: £27,250.00
Savings: £4,966.00
Motorfinity Price: £22,284.00
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The Puma stands out as our top pick for combining driving enjoyment with everyday usability.
Its 1.0-litre mild hybrid engines deliver impressive real-world economy (45.1mpg tested) while offering punchy performance - the 155hp version hits 0-62mph in just 8.7 seconds.
The Puma earns its place in our list by mastering several key pain points: Its innovative 'MegaBox' boot solution provides class-leading practicality with an additional deep storage well, bringing total capacity to eight carry-on cases.
The agile handling and responsive steering make it uniquely enjoyable among small SUVs, while strong residual values and competitive PCP deals address cost concerns.
A true all-rounder that stands out for: class-leading driving dynamics, clever practical touches like the washable MegaBox, strong real-world efficiency, and excellent value through competitive finance options.
While the interior quality isn't premium and rear space is merely adequate, it's the small SUV that best combines fun with functionality. ST-Line trim hits the sweet spot for value and equipment.
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Toyota CHR
Retail Price: £31,300.00
Savings: £6,164.00
Motorfinity Price: £25,136.00
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The Karoq earns its place in our list by excelling at core family SUV requirements. Its class-leading practicality shines with a huge 521-litre boot (expandable to 588L with optional VarioFlex seats) that accommodates nine carry-on cases - more than any rival in its class.
What sets it apart is its perfect blend of comfort and capability. The supple ride outclasses many premium alternatives, while the refined 1.5 TSI 150 engine delivers strong performance with reasonable economy.
The Karoq particularly impresses with its excellent visibility, thoughtful storage solutions, and generous passenger space - even tall adults fit comfortably in the rear.
Perfect for families prioritizing practicality and comfort over sportiness. The Karoq stands out for its superior build quality, clever features like removable VarioFlex seats (optional), and exceptional all-round visibility - rare traits in modern SUVs.
While it may lack hybrid options, the SE L trim with the 1.5 TSI engine offers the sweet spot of equipment and performance.
Audi Q2
Retail Price: £31,300.00
Savings: £6,164.00
Motorfinity Price: £25,136.00
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The Q2 earns its spot by offering true premium quality in the small SUV segment.
The cabin stands out with class-leading build quality and premium materials that put most rivals to shame, while the intuitive 8.8-inch infotainment system with rotary controller proves less distracting than touchscreen-only alternatives.
Performance impresses with the sweet-spot 35 TFSI engine delivering strong acceleration, while the composed handling strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control.
The 405L boot accommodates six carry-on cases, and though rear space is merely adequate, front passengers enjoy generous room and excellent seat comfort.
Perfect for urban professionals wanting genuine premium feel without excessive size. The Q2 particularly appeals to those prioritising interior quality, refined driving dynamics, and strong resale values.
While it commands a premium price, strong residuals and comprehensive standard equipment (including LED lights and Virtual Cockpit) help justify the investment. Sport trim offers the best balance of luxury and value
Jeep Avenger
Retail Price: £35,730.00
Savings: £7,231.00
Motorfinity Price: £28,499.00
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The Avenger breaks new ground as Jeep's smallest model since the original Willys. Its electric powertrain delivers a practical 249-mile WLTP range (200+ real-world) from its 51kWh battery, while the 154bhp motor provides decent 0-62mph performance in 9.6 seconds.
What earns its place is the clever blend of urban practicality and Jeep capability. The compact 4.08m length makes it perfect for city use, while 200mm ground clearance and protective body cladding handle both urban obstacles and light off-road duties.
The elevated seating position and boxy design aid visibility and maneuverability in tight spaces.
Perfect for eco-conscious urbanites wanting SUV versatility without the bulk.
The Avenger particularly impresses with its 230mm water fording depth and protective body design that shrugs off city scrapes.
While rear space is cozy for adults and some interior materials feel basic, it successfully combines Jeep toughness with electric efficiency for modern city living.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a Small SUVs
Small SUVs have become increasingly popular in the UK, offering an appealing blend of practicality, elevated driving position, and manageable dimensions.
With prices ranging from £20,000 to £35,000, these vehicles promise to combine the best aspects of traditional hatchbacks with SUV versatility. However, with such a wide variety of options available, making the right choice requires careful consideration of several key factors.
Key Considerations
- Running Costs - What's the true fuel economy? - How much is insurance and road tax? - What will servicing cost yearly?
- Space & Practicality - Can it fit your weekly shopping? - Will your family fit comfortably? - Is it easy to park in town?
- Performance & Value - Which engine suits your needs? - What features come as standard? - How well will it hold its value?
- Reliability & Safety - What's the safety rating? - Is the brand reliable? - How good is the warranty?
Remember that the perfect small SUV depends on your specific needs - whether you prioritize efficiency, space, or performance. Consider test driving several options and comparing them against your daily requirements before making a final decision.
Motorfinity
At Motorfinity, we provide exclusive discounts on brand-new small SUVs for our eligible audience. You can save on average £7,000 on all makes and models.
Searching for the best new car deals? Explore our comprehensive guide to top discounts of the month and start saving big today!
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