Small SUVs are all the rage at the moment. Drivers love the rufty-tufty looks, small footprint, and high-up driving position.
But before we get onto our recommendations, you should check out some second hand cars for sale. Small SUVs have been around for long enough that they’re bursting onto the second hand market at good prices.
Right, back to the new stuff. Small SUVs are selling like hotcakes. Experts predict that the Ford Puma (more on that below) might outsell the Ford Fiesta in the UK this year. Big news. Relatively.
Below, we highlight the top small SUVs on the market right now.
Skoda Kamiq
We’ve gone head over heart with this choice. The Kamiq is a thoroughly sensible SUV that does nearly everything really well.
The engine range is spot on for what small SUV buyers want and need and it’s a comfortable companion too. Even on longer journeys at motorway speeds you won’t have a sore back or burst eardrums.
The thing to write home about with the Kamiq is its use of space. Leg room is good enough to worry medium size SUVs and the boot is larger than a VW Golf’s.
Ford Puma
In some respects, it’s not quite as polished as the Skoda Kamiq. You won’t find a vast amount of head or leg room, and the material quality isn’t as good.
But the Puma is the driver’s small SUV. It’s great fun to punt along a road you know. And there’s even a sporty version, called the ST. This has 197bhp and a manual gear change that will make you wonder why anyone buys an automatic.
It also has a Megabox. This is a box that sits in the boot that has a drain plug in it. Great for muddy boots or filling it with ice and beer.
Peugeot 2008
Definitely one of the prettier small SUVs out there. Especially good in bright colours too. The interior is pretty flash, with twin digital displays and an altogether high-tech vibe.
There’s a good range of petrol engines (the 155bhp motor is particularly perky) and the automatic is smooth and quick-witted.
Rear space isn’t the best-in-class mind you.
Hyundai Bayon
Interestingly futuristic-looking small SUV that keeps things simple. There’s only one engine (in two power outputs) both of which are pokey and quiet.
It’s comfortable too, especially so at urban speeds. It’s great if you’re a city dweller nipping in and out of 30mph zones all the time.
Comes with a five-year warranty, which is better than the industry standard three years.
Some of the interior trim feels a bit cheap, though.
Renault Captur
If you value boot space over everything else, the Captur is the small SUV for you. It’s huge in the back, thanks to the rear seats. They can slide backwards and forwards to make room for large items.
More expensive versions have dead posh interiors with nice feeling materials all-round.
There’s a plug-in hybrid available if you want something with a bit of electric-only range too.
