In a market flooded with options, finding the perfect small SUV can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Whether you're navigating the narrow streets of London or tackling the winding country roads of the Cotswolds, the right compact SUV needs to balance practicality, efficiency, and driving pleasure—all while fitting comfortably into your budget and lifestyle.
Our automotive experts have assessed each vehicle based on real-world driving performance, practicality, reliability, running costs, and value for money across various UK driving conditions.
We've focused on vehicles that deliver excellent value for money in the £25,000-£35,000 price bracket—the sweet spot for most UK buyers seeking quality without going out of their budget.
Each recommended model has been scored against our rigorous criteria to ensure we're highlighting only the very best options on the market today.
From nimble city runabouts to slightly more spacious family-friendly models, our selections cater to a wide range of needs and preferences, with particular attention paid to the concerns most frequently voiced by British drivers: reliability, efficiency, practicality, and driving dynamics.
2025 Best Small SUVs for 2025
Volkswagen Tiguan
Retail Price: £41,005.00
Savings: £7,007.00
Motorfinity Price: £33,998.00
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The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan strikes an excellent balance for UK small SUV buyers by combining generous interior space with manageable dimensions for urban driving.
With light steering, standard parking sensors and cameras, it remains easy to manoeuvre despite offering class-leading boot capacity (652 litres) that easily outshines rivals like the Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq.
Inside, the Tiguan impresses with its high-tech offering - a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen, digital instrument display and quality materials throughout.
While the starting price is higher than some competitors, it comes generously equipped even in base trim.
The upcoming plug-in hybrid with its impressive 62-mile electric range will appeal to eco-conscious drivers and company car users alike, offering significantly better electric-only capability than rivals
Lexus LBX
Retail Price: £32,845.00
Savings: £4,406.00
Motorfinity Price: £28,439.00
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The Lexus LBX offers UK small SUV buyers a premium hybrid option that addresses several key concerns without the traditional luxury price premium:
Its "plush-feeling, well-built interior" with "superb build quality" rivals the Audi Q2 while offering the advanced hybrid technology typically missing from premium competitors
The efficient powertrain delivers impressive real-world economy (51.3mpg in testing), significantly outperforming rivals and addressing running cost concerns.
The practical 402-liter boot accommodates six carry-on suitcases, matching the Audi Q2, while Lexus's outstanding reliability record (second out of 31 brands) provides peace of mind that budget brands can't match.
Toyota Yaris Cross
Retail Price: £28,595.00
Savings: £3,825.00
Motorfinity Price: £24,770.00
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The Toyota Yaris Cross addresses many key pain points that UK small SUV buyers typically experience, offering a compelling package that balances efficiency with practicality:
The Yaris Cross delivers exceptional fuel economy that few rivals can match, with real-world testing achieving an impressive 60.1mpg overall and an astonishing 103.3mpg in city driving.
This makes it particularly appealing for urban UK drivers concerned about running costs and emissions zones.
While not the largest 'small SUV', the Yaris Cross offers sufficient space for four adults, with its raised driving position providing excellent forward visibility - a key selling point for those transitioning from smaller hatchbacks.
Toyota's stellar reliability reputation (placing them second out of 32 manufacturers in the What Car? Reliability Survey) addresses a critical concern for UK buyers, complemented by a warranty that can extend to an impressive 10 years with regular dealer servicing.
Mazda CX-5
Retail Price: £33,750.00
Savings: £4,724.00
Motorfinity Price: £29,026.00
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The Mazda CX-5 stands out in the UK small SUV market by addressing many key buyer concerns while maintaining Mazda's reputation for driver engagement.
The CX-5 offers a more premium driving experience than many competitors, with a sporty and engaging drive that sets it apart from softer, less responsive alternative
Unlike many family SUVs that prioritise comfort over handling, the CX-5 delivers a more connected driving feel that appeals to those who still enjoy time behind the wheel.
The standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen with both touchscreen and rotary control functionality addresses tech expectations while remaining intuitive during driving.
It avoids the distracting all-touch interfaces.
For practicality, the CX-5 provides comfortable space for four adults and a 506-litre boot capacity that, while not class-leading, offers well-thought-out features like boot-mounted seat release levers and side storage trays.
Peugeot e-2008
Retail Price: £35,290.00
Savings: £6,644.00
Motorfinity Price: £28,646.00
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The Peugeot e-2008 makes a compelling case as the first electric vehicle in our list of best small SUVs for UK buyers, addressing key pain points while offering a stylish alternative to conventional petrol models.
In terms of daily usability, the e-2008 delivers impressive refinement with barely any whine from the electric motor and road noise that's really well suppressed creating a peaceful cabin environment that many UK buyers value.
Inside, the e-2008 distinguishes itself with a classy look and feel featuring a tactile blend of gloss plastics and dense-feeling textiles that rivals more premium offerings.
The practical 5-suitcase boot capacity and reasonable rear passenger space address the practicality needs of UK families.
The Peugeot e-2008 represents an ideal entry point for UK small SUV buyers ready to embrace electric motoring without sacrificing style or practicality.
Ford Puma
Retail Price: £29,280.00
Savings: £5,399.00
Motorfinity Price: £23,881.00
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The Ford Puma stands out as one of the most compelling small SUVs in the UK market, delivering a rare combination of driving enjoyment and everyday practicality that addresses key buyer concerns.
For UK drivers navigating both congested city streets and winding country roads, the Puma offers exceptional handling that's super-nimble by small SUV standards with steering that gives a far better sense of connection to the front wheels than competitors.
Performance concerns are addressed by the efficient yet punchy engines - even the entry-level 1.0-litre Ecoboost mHEV 125 accelerates from 0-60mph in just 9.6 seconds, significantly outperforming rivals like the Nissan Juke while delivering excellent real-world fuel economy (the higher-powered version achieved an impressive 45.1mpg in independent testing).
The Puma's practicality credentials are reinforced by its innovative Megabox storage system - a deep well beneath the boot floor that increases capacity to 456 litres and can even be hosed clean after storing dirty items.
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Toyota CHR
Retail Price: £35,646.00
Savings: £7,174.00
Motorfinity Price: £28,472.00
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The C-HR brings Toyota's renowned hybrid expertise to the small SUV segment, with both regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid options delivering impressive efficiency.
The regular hybrid achieved a real-world 48.8mpg in independent testing, while the PHEV offers a competitive 41-mile electric-only range - perfect for urban commuters concerned about fuel costs and emissions zones.
On the road, the C-HR delivers a generally smooth ride with relatively soft suspension that prioritises comfort over sportiness.
The availability of both regular hybrid and PHEV options provides flexibility for different driving patterns, making it particularly well-suited to urban and suburban use.
Seat Ateca
Retail Price: £35,510.00
Savings: £7,428.00
Motorfinity Price: £28,082.00
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The Seat Ateca delivers a compelling package that addresses many key concerns for UK small SUV buyers, particularly those seeking driving engagement without sacrificing practicality:
For drivers who value handling and performance, the Ateca stands out as one of the most engaging small SUVs available.
Its relatively firm suspension ensures you don't get too much body lean when cornering, while the precise and well-weighted steering creates a connected driving experience that's rare in this segment.
Its 510-litre boot outperforms popular rivals like the VW T-Roc and Toyota Yaris Cross, accommodating eight carry-on suitcases in testing.
Rear passenger space is similarly impressive, with plenty of leg room that allows even tall adults to sit comfortably - a significant advantage over more cramped alternatives.
Its responsive steering, composed handling and potent yet efficient engines create a driving experience that puts a smile on your face, while the spacious interior and generous boot capacity ensure it meets the practical demands of daily life.
Cupra Formentor
Retail Price: £35,510.00
Savings: £7,428.00
Motorfinity Price: £28,082.00
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The Cupra Formentor delivers a compelling blend of style and substance for UK small SUV buyers seeking something beyond the ordinary.
The Formentor's sleek coupé-inspired styling addresses the desire for a distinctive SUV while maintaining surprising practicality, with more rear passenger space than competitors like the Toyota C-HR.
Its 450-litre boot (in front-wheel drive models) easily accommodates family essentials without the boxy profile of conventional alternatives.
Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the Formentor's surprisingly agile handling with steering that offers better weighting and accuracy than rivals.
The diverse engine line-up ranges from the efficient and well-priced 1.5 TSI 150 to the exhilarating 333bhp version that rivals premium performance SUVs at a more accessible price point.
Hyundai Tucson
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The Hyundai Tucson excels in addressing key priorities for UK small SUV buyers through its exceptional combination of space and efficiency:
With its cavernous 620-litre boot (in non-hybrid models) and generous rear passenger accommodation that comfortably fits "two six-footers even with the front seats slid well back," the Tucson delivers class-leading practicality that growing families will appreciate.
The diverse powertrain line-up caters to different needs - from the efficient entry-level petrol to the full hybrid that achieved 44.4mpg in real-world testing and the PHEV with its impressive 43-mile electric range.
Recent updates have improved both ride comfort and interior quality, with a more controlled suspension setup and an intuitive dashboard featuring helpful physical controls.
The Hyundai Tucson stands out in the crowded small SUV market by prioritising what matters to UK families: exceptional space, comprehensive equipment, and flexible efficiency options.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a Small SUV?
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.
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 prioritise 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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