Top 10 best small SUVs and crossover cars to buy 2023

There's a huge range of crossovers and small SUVs on the market today. These are our top ten picks

Best Small SUVs and Crossovers - header image

Small SUVs, also known as crossovers, are big business for carmakers. Most models are based on supermini underpinnings but boast the raised driving position and extra flexibility that many motorists crave. This combination of lower running costs and more space allows these small SUVs to not only appeal as viable supermini alternatives, but also as rivals to more traditional family cars.

First-generation cars like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur set the benchmark for small SUVs, and today, the market has rapidly evolved with a huge number of manufacturers now trying to appeal to buyers.

There’s a small SUV for just about everyone, so whether you prioritise comfort, practicality, sportiness or style – or any combination thereof – there’s bound to be something to suit you.

Our list only scratches the surface of what’s available on the small SUV market, but we reckon the models in our top 10 are the best of the current bunch.

1. Kia Niro

Kia has gone for bold with its latest Niro. Blending head-turning style with cutting-edge electrification, the Korean machine scooped Small SUV honours in our annual New Car Awards ceremony earlier this year. Built on a new platform, this most recent Niro offers more space than ever, while its stylish interior looks good, is well built and packs loads of useful tech.

Yet it’s under the skin that the compact crossover really impresses, with buyers able to choose from self-charging and plug-in hybrid versions, the latter providing up to 40 miles of zero-emissions running.

However, it’s the all-electric Niro EV that’s the certified star of the line-up, with its large 64kWh battery delivering an impressive claimed range of 286 miles. It also packs eager acceleration and strong refinement, and as with the other versions, it features accurate handling and a decent ride.

Factor in attractive pricing, loads of standard kit and the brand’s trademark seven-year warranty, and the Niro won’t fail to warm the cockles on a cold winter’s day.

2. Renault Captur

If you want style and substance in your small SUV, then look no further than the Captur. The family-friendly machine is a former New Car Awards winner. And while it was knocked off the top spot by the Kia Niro this year, the Renault remains hugely desirable.

Despite its compact dimensions, it serves up a surprising amount of space inside, while its sliding rear bench adds an extra dose of practicality. The interior also packs a level of premium appeal, with slick design, plenty of high-grade materials and its eye-catching portrait-style infotainment set-up.

It’s not as sharp to drive as some rivals, but the supple suspension and strong refinement mean that it’s more comfortable and relaxing. Plus, unlike most in the class, the Renault offers a powerful and efficient plug-in hybrid edition that delivers 158bhp and a claimed electric range of 30 miles.

3. Ford Puma

The Puma is currently the second best-selling car in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you want to have fun behind the wheel or you need to carry your family and all their gear, the brilliant Blue Oval machine has it covered.

Fast steering and impressive agility make the Ford a real treat to drive, while the flagship ST packs a 197bhp punch. The Puma’s interior is relatively roomy and well equipped, while hidden under the boot floor is the surprisingly useful 80-litre Megabox. Although the cabin doesn’t feel as upmarket as some rivals’, Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment delivers hassle-free connectivity.

4. Kia Soul EV

The Kia Soul EV offers great performance, along with decent levels of refinement, comfort and tech. The high list price might prove to be a sticking point for some, but it brings the benefits of low running costs, zero road tax and no congestion charges to worry about.

Practicality is pretty good, with 315 litres of boot space, while there's a huge 1,339 litres if you fold the rear seats down. You also have the option of lowering the boot floor to free up a bit more room. Leg and headroom are perfectly acceptable, and taller passengers will be able to travel in comfort, although the middle seat of the rear bench is more suited to children.

There's plenty of power available to ensure swift and smooth progress – a single electric motor sends 201bhp and 395Nm of torque to the front wheels, fed by a 64kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. The 0-60mph benchmark is achieved in 7.6 seconds and, on paper at least, the Soul EV will return 280 miles of range from a single charge.

5. Toyota Yaris Cross

Tapping into the current SUV sales boom, Toyota has created a rugged, off-road-themed version of its Yaris supermini. Featuring a raised ride height and tough body cladding, the Cross certainly looks the part, while the availability of four-wheel drive means it reaches parts other small cars cannot.

The Yaris Cross gets the same 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and CVT as its hatchback sibling, which means claimed fuel returns of over 60mpg. And while it’s not exciting to drive, the Yaris handles accurately and is decently refined. If you need a cost-effective and compact all-weather runabout, then it should be on your shortlist.

6. Skoda Kamiq

The Kamiq may be the entry point to Skoda’s stellar SUV line-up, but it’s a small car that likes to think big. It’s based on the same platform as the SEAT Arona and VW T-Cross, but clever packaging means there’s a little more space for occupants inside, as well as a larger boot.

As with other models from the Czech brand, the interior looks and feels smart, plus it gets all the tech you’ll need. The Skoda is also a more relaxing choice than its VW Group stablemates, thanks to softer suspension settings, although it’s not quite as sharp to drive.

However, it gets the same range of petrol engines, including a lively 1.0-litre TSI that’s the pick of the bunch.

7. Volkswagen T-Cross

Volkswagen’s offering in the small-SUV class is one of the best. The T-Cross is broadly similar to the Skoda Kamiq, but adds a little more style and desirability to the mix over its Czech cousin.

The T-Cross is also a great choice if you want all the benefits of the VW Group’s MQB A0 platform but want to express your individuality: Volkswagen offers a range of design packs, each of which adds a unique look to the already-handsome SUV.

A familiar line-up of engines covers all the bases, with the more powerful of the 1.0-litre petrol units providing a particularly good blend of performance, economy and refinement. The Volkswagen SUV drives well, feeling agile and grippy but stopping short of providing real excitement, while the light steering is great around town and in tighter spots. Overall, the T-Cross is easy and relaxing to drive.

It’s broadly similar to cheaper cars from sister brands Skoda and SEAT, but if you’re willing to pay a little more for the privilege, the T-Cross is a great choice. It’s not all about extra brand kudos and customisation scope, though, because the Volkswagen brings a sliding rear bench for improved flexibility, plus marginally better residual values than its Skoda and SEAT rivals.

8. Peugeot 2008

Beyond the smartly styled exterior, the 2008 is mechanically identical to the Vauxhall Mokka. That means you get the same engine options, including the all-electric drivetrain.

Yet despite being so closely related, the two cars have different characters. For starters, the softly suspended Peugeot serves up more comfort and slightly more engaging handling.

Inside, it’s slickly designed, but the infotainment is fiddly and the i-Cockpit dash layout won’t suit all drivers. However, the Peugeot hits back with its Grip Control system that helps inspire confidence in slippery conditions.

9. Citroen C3 Aircross

Blending family-friendly versatility with a healthy dose of French design flair, the C3 Aircross is one of our favourite small SUVs. Clearly designed to focus on practicality, the cabin is surprisingly spacious and features a handy sliding rear bench, plus a big boot. And while the touchscreen infotainment is fiddly and some materials feel low rent, there’s lots of standard kit.

The Citroen isn’t that fun to drive, but the squishy seats and soft suspension make it comfortable, plus the petrol and diesel engines are efficient and eager. One highlight is the optional Grip Control system that allows the two-wheel-drive C3 to head further off the beaten track than you might imagine.

10. Dacia Duster

Dacia has quickly gained a positive reputation in the UK for its low prices, so if you’re willing to forgo the latest and greatest tech and some creature comforts, the Romanian brand’s range offers value that few other manufacturers can match.

The Duster is an interloper from the class above, it’s a mid-sized SUV that can be secured for a lower price than many of the smaller, supermini-derived models on the market. Refreshingly, it’s a ‘proper’ SUV, too; with its tall suspension and optional four-wheel drive, the Duster is a genuinely capable off-roader that has found favour with those whose car needs to cope with farm tracks, bad weather or the odd jaunt over a field.

It may not be the most exciting model to drive, nor the safest or best-equipped, but the Duster is simply impossible to ignore thanks to its sheer bang for the bucks.

Keyword: Top 10 best small SUVs and crossover cars to buy 2023