The best small SUVs to buy in 2025
Take a look at our top picks for the best small SUVs on the roads this year
By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 13 August 2025
What are the best small SUVs?
The best small SUVs are the ones that suit your needs the most. But how do you know which one is best for you?
With a seemingly endless list to choose from, our motoring editor Sam Sheehan has selected five of the best used small SUVs for you to consider.
Whether you're a dog owner, a parent doing the school run, or a daily commuter, there's a small SUV to meet your needs.
In the video above, Sam tests each of the cars for interior quality and practicality, infotainment and technology, boot space for luggage and boot space for dogs.
We’ve added some extras to this list that might take your fancy as well.
Take a look at the best small SUVs below.
Best small SUVs
Dacia Duster
Ford Puma
Volkswagen T-Roc
BMW X3
Range Rover Evoque
Nissan Juke
Kia EV3
Toyota Yaris Cross
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Dacia Duster
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One of the most budget-friendly SUVs you can buy is the Dacia Duster, known for its rugged looks and strong Renault backing.
Its standout features include chunky wheel arch extensions, roof rails for active folk, and kerb-proof tyres to protect you from any supermarket car park mishaps.
You’re not short on space either, with a 517-litre boot that will fit a push chair, wheelchair or a few suitcases.
Despite its affordable price, you get all the bells and whistles you'll need, from cruise control to A/C.
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Ford Puma
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If you're a Fiesta fan, the Ford Puma crossover is ideal if you want more interior space and a higher driving position.
It's more engaging to drive (especially in ST form) and it's great for up to five people.
You also get a 410-litre boot with a secret 'Megabox' compartment to store ice for a BBQ or muddy boots, with a plug to drain any unwanted liquid afterwards.
The most economical engine is the 125hp, getting up to 52.3mpg with its 1.0-litre engine and mild hybrid tech.
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Volkswagen T-Roc
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Like its Golf relative, the Volkswagen T-Roc is a great car to live with, offering lots of interior tech and a compelling selection of engine options.
What we like most about VW's crossover SUV is the amount of head and legroom throughout, making it ideal for larger families.
And if you're after an automatic gearbox, the optional one in this is sublime. It’s a dual-clutch set-up that’s available across the range of 1.0-litre and 2.0-litre engines.
Plus, there’s a new T-Roc for 2025. So keep your eyes peeled for when they start to appear on the used market.
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BMW X3
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If you want to add a touch more class to your daily commute or school run, the BMW X3 is the one to have.
Its interior quality rivals the likes of Audi and Mercedes, and the iDrive infotainment system is one of the best in the business.
Heated and optional massage seats are a dream, and the 570-litre boot is perfect for travelling with pets or fitting in push chairs.
We’d recommend the entry-level 20 xDrive model for most motorists, with its 2.0-litre engine and 208hp.
The M50 is ideal if you want to push the boat out at the top end, with 398hp and a 0-62mph of just 4.6 seconds.
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Range Rover Evoque
 "Range Rover Evoque")
Despite being the 'baby' in Range Rover's lineup, don't disregard the Evoque just yet.
This plush SUV comes in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) forms, making it versatile and able to fit anyone's needs.
Its interior has a bit more pizzazz and a lot more theatre than the X3, offering a full-size Range Rover-esque feel for much less money.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, said: “The Range Rover Evoque is one of those rare cars with a popularity base comparable to its major rivals.
“It’s genuinely enjoyable to drive, with punchy petrol and diesel engines up front, quick steering and suspension that’s firm enough to give the car nimble responses but not so firm that it’s uncomfortable.”
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Nissan Juke
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The Nissan Juke has to be one of the best small SUVs, as demonstrated by the sheer number of them we see on the roads.
Its unique look was polarising when it first arrived on the market, but its blend of sharp angles and bubbly shape have gained a real fan club.
There have been plenty of petrol and diesel engine options, but we’d encourage picking the 1.6-litre hybrid for fuel efficiency.
All models are a comfortable drive, but the Juke Hybrid is a step above, feeling firmer on the road when compared to the smaller-wheeled, standard trim levels.
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Kia EV3
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Not only is the Kia EV3 one of the best small SUVs you can buy, it’s also one of the most affordable electric SUVs.
The Standard Range model can cover up to 270 miles on a single charge, and the Long Range model can get a bit further with 375 miles of range.
You get instant torque because of the electric power train, which automatically makes the EV3 feel nippy, while 201hp from the Long Range model proves it’s powerful on paper.
The EV3 is more than most people will need from a modern SUV, and the 460-litre boot means you can pack up anything else essential.
Toyota Yaris Cross
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You can’t go wrong with a Toyota Yaris, and a Toyota Yaris Cross offers everything great about the Yaris on an SUV scale.
Only available as a hybrid, the Yaris Cross can get up to 63mpg from the 116hp model. That’s seriously impressive from a practical SUV.
Meanwhile, the 130hp model gets a slightly lower - but still superb - 58.9mpg. However, adding all-wheel-drive to either model drops those figures to 55.4mpg.
Boots differ between the two- and four-wheel drive models, offering 397 and 320 litres respectively.
Choosing the best small SUVs
When it comes down to it, the best small SUV is the one that ticks all of your boxes. Whether you want power, a big boot, plenty of tech or great fuel efficiency, there’ll be a model that suits your needs.
Choosing a used SUV is a good way to make some big savings as well, and you can often find flashier trim levels at lower prices.
Take a look at our full range of used SUVs to find the best models for you.
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