Best Small Used SUVs

SUVs are all the rage right now, but forget about big, bulky off roaders, it’s affordable, trendy and practical small SUVs that are taking the automotive world by storm.

Compact in stature and economical by nature, small SUVs provide all the nippy, frugal benefits of a small car but remixes it into a taller, chunkier package that offers commanding views of the road and more space inside.

Their popularity has led to a steady stream of different small SUV options in recent years, models that make excellent value used car purchases.

But which small used SUVs are the best? Allow Vertu to highlight our favourites…

Ford Puma

Comfortably established as the UK’s favourite new car, the top selling Ford Puma demonstrates that the buying public know a class act when they see one.

Picking up the baton left by the Ford Fiesta, the Puma is in many ways a reincarnation of the beloved small car, albeit in a trendier small SUV format that cuts a striking dash on the road, especially in sporty-themed ST trim.

Like the Fiesta, the Puma is entertaining to drive, the keen chassis complemented by the perky 1.0-litre EcoBoost engines.

As with most Fords, the Puma is generously equipped with even entry-level Titanium trim models getting alloy wheels, a heated windscreen, automatic headlights/wipers and navigation as standard.

Nissan Juke

Having set the tone for years to come with the Qashqai SUV, lightning struck twice for Nissan when it gave rise to the modern-day small SUV class with the Juke.

That was way back in 2009 but even more than 15 years later, few small cars cut a dash on the road quite like the quirky Nissan Juke with its bulging haunches and bug-like front-end.

The second generation launched in 2019 maintained the funky aesthetics, even if the sharpened edges and more rugged demeanour appealed to a wider demographic.

The second generation also represented a comfortable step forward under the skin, proving well built, engaging to drive and frugal when mated to a hybrid powertrain.

Toyota Yaris Cross

Just like the Puma surpassed the Fiesta as Ford’s most popular B-segment model, the Toyota Yaris Cross SUV now comfortably out-performs its Yaris hatchback sibling in the sales charts.

That’s of little surprise when you consider the Yaris Cross has taken elements of the similarly popular C-HR and blended it with the frugal sensibilities of the acclaimed Yaris to create a trendy model that has more than a hint of original RAV4 about it.

Understatedly stylish on the outside, reassuringly well built on the inside, it’s under the bonnet where the Yaris Cross’ party piece can be found.

Utilising the same self-charging hybrid set-up as the Yaris and Corolla, the Yaris Cross offers perky performance from its 1.5-litre engine, while the small electric motor helps to deliver plus-60mpg on a combined cycle.

Vauxhall Mokka

If you’re in the market for a small SUV, then you’ll have your pick of the models when it comes to Vauxhall.

For those eyeing a great value older model there is the Crossland and Crossland X, while families on a budget do well to consider a used Vauxhall Frontera, especially if they have a need for seven seats.

If you prefer to make a statement wherever they go, however, the Vauxhall Mokka is the undisputed choice for you.

While the bold design will do much of the selling, it’s worth noting that the Mokka is also refined to drive, well-equipped and offers impressive performance.

Hyundai KONA

Few small SUVs strike such a balance of qualities as impressively as the Hyundai KONA – and not just the latest generation model.

In its current form, the KONA has grown to become one of the ‘larger’ small SUVs out there, generous dimensions that translate to superior cabin space and a huge 466-litre boot.

However, for those chasing a bargain, the erstwhile KONA – with its more understated looks – offers excellent value and a solidly built interior, while it has earned an enviable reputation for reliability too.

Those who are keen on a small used electric SUV would also be good to look Hyundai’s way with both generation models offering an EV variant.

Renault Captur

While it took a while for the French to get to grips with the burgeoning SUV phenomenon, when Renault did eventually find its groove with the launch of the Captur, it nailed the objective.

Building on the popularity of the Clio, the Renault Captur successfully captured the finesse of its hatchback cousin and reappropriated it in an SUV format that has style in abundance.

While that was back in 2013, subsequent updates haven’t strayed too far from the original blueprint, even if the most recent overhaul has given the Captur a sharper new look.

Substance can be found with the style too, the Captur offering a plethora of engine – petrol, diesel and hybrid – options, plus various trims that strike a balance between value and luxury.

Peugeot 2008

If you take the sporty 208 hatchback and gave it a rugged spin, the result would definitely be the Peugeot 2008.

Indeed, while there is clearly a direct relation to its smaller brother, the 2008’s chunky bodywork and aggressive front-end design will leave you in doubt that this is the tougher member of the family.

The 2008’s distinctive design has certainly aged well and ensures that even older variants still cut a dash on the road, but there is plenty else to commend beyond the design.

The interior feels premium to the touch, while it offers a good mix of keen performance and generous fuel economy returns too.

Volkswagen T-Cross

With Volkswagen’s erstwhile small SUV entry – the T-Roc – growing sufficiently between generations to ascend it to the class above, the Volkswagen T-Cross has since arrived to fill that void.

On this occasion, the T-Cross adopts a more practical profile than the T-Roc, it’s boxy profile in-keeping with both style trends and ensuring generous interior space, including a 455-litre boot.

Being a Volkswagen, the T-Cross is typically accomplished to drive, feeling nimble at low urban speeds before maturing into a refined driving experience as the speeds increase.

If the T-Cross is a little too ordinary for you though, then there is also the sleeker, more coupe-inspired sister SUV, the Volkswagen Taigo.

MG ZS

The MG ZS earned its popularity on the back of a value-for-money pitch when new, an approach that therefore makes used examples a similarly attractive proposition.

Indeed, the ZS belies its competitive prices by offering class-leading levels of practicality and a generous specification that makes rivals feel stingy.

It’s also a model that has undergone several updates, both minor and major, since the nameplate was first introduced in 2017, so keep that in mind when searching for one.

Better yet, the MG ZS EV established itself as one of the UK’s favourite electric cars for a long spell, meaning there are more examples of this EV on the market than most other used electric options.

Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster has never disguised its intentions of putting value and space at the forefront of its appeal, so for those after a no-nonsense workhorse, it takes a lot of beating.

Bigger than other small SUVs in this ranking yet comfortably cheaper than all of them too, what the Duster might lack in sophistication it makes up for in sheer passenger and boot space.

Moreover, it’s one of the few remaining SUVs to offer the option of four-wheel drive, ensuring some versions of the Duster have genuine ability off-road.

Even the back-to-basics boxy styling has a certain charm about it…