Though they may have started as a small part of the SUV landscape, small SUVs have quickly become a very popular purchase for buyers across the UK. In fact, a lot of manufacturers have ditched their traditional hatchbacks and superminis in favour of this car type as more and more people flock towards them.

It means that picking the best used small SUV can be tricky, but we’ve got some of the very best options available via Motors today.

The Best Small SUVs to Buy

We’ve got a range of cars here that all fall under the category of small SUV, with a number of different engine setups and fuel types on offer. Put short, if you’re wanting a used small SUV then we’ve got you covered with this excellent shortlist of popular models.

1. Ford Puma (2019-present)

The Puma has been a sensation for Ford. While many wept as the name of a classic Blue Oval model was revived on a compact SUV, the majority of the UK’s car-buying public can’t get enough of this high-riding yet good-to-drive model. The Puma is based on the now-discontinued Fiesta and while it retains the compact proportions of its hatchback cousin, this upright compact SUV manages to pack in more spaciousness.
How? Well, a lot of that comes down to the Puma’s clever MegaBox storage area. It’s a 90-litre space under the boot floor which is covered in hard-wearing plastic and features a drain port, so you can hose it down after you’ve used it to store muddy wellies or football kit. But as well as this practicality, the Puma remains just as good to drive as the agile Fiesta.

Best Features

  • Cleverly packaged interior.
  • Good range of efficient engines.
  • Interior feels robust and made to last.

Things to consider

  • Rear-seat space can be tight for taller passengers.
  • Ride can be firm on cars with larger alloys.
  • No diesel option available.

2. Audi Q2 (2016-present)

Audi’s big-hitter SUVs are usually thought to be cars like the Q5 or Q7, but the Q2 – which is the smallest SUV that the firm offers – accounts for a lot of its sales as well. There’s good reason for this popularity too, as with its premium design and well-made interior the Q2 really feels like a shrunken full-size Audi, rather than a budget-friendly model.

Thanks to efficient engines, the Q2 won’t command the running costs of its larger siblings while plentiful in-car tech means that it still feels current today.

Best Features

  • All cars get plenty of equipment as standard.
  • Good range of specifications to choose from.
  • Engines are efficient and reliable – range-topping SQ2 will cost more to run, mind you.

Things to consider

  • Q2 can feel a bit fidgety at low speeds due to large wheels.
  • Black upholstery makes the interior of the Q2 feel very dark – the windows aren’t that large.
  • Rear-seat space will be tight for taller passengers.

3. Skoda Kamiq (2019-present)

You might think of large estates or spacious saloons when Skoda is mentioned, but in recent times this Czech manufacturer has been far more concentrated on its range of SUVs. At the top sits the seven-seater Kodiaq, while on the more compact end of the scale is this – the Kamiq. It’s the same basic car underneath as the Volkswagen T-Cross or Seat Arona but in typical Skoda fashion has a more value-focused approach than its two Volkswagen Group cousins.

The Kamiq is well-made inside and more than robust enough to cope with family life, while its range of compact and fuel-efficient engines ensure that this is one SUV that won’t cost the earth to run

Best Features

  • Interior is solidly made and feels built to last.
  • Plenty of equipment for the money.
  • Engines are efficient yet refined.

Things to consider

  • Some interior plastics feel a bit cheap.
  • The manual gearbox on the Kamiq can feel a bit baggy.
  • Cabin of the Kamiq might be a bit dull-looking for some.

4. Peugeot 2008 (2019-present)

Peugeot might have an impressive back catalogue of hatchbacks, but its series of modern SUVs have been just as successful. The 2008 is its most compact high-riding model and packs in some edgy looks with plenty of technology and a user-friendly design.

In fact, it was this new look which completely differentiated this new generation of 2008 from its predecessor, which offered a somewhat lacklustre design. This sharp new SUV brought a variety of powertrain options, too, including compact and efficient petrols, diesels and even a fully electric setup – ideal for those drivers looking to make the switch to a battery-powered model.

Best Features

  • Looks great and turns heads on the road.
  • Lots of equipment as standard.
  • Plenty of engine options – electric version is particularly good and cost-efficient.

Things to consider

  • Teeny-tiny steering wheel takes some getting used to.
  • Not the most spacious inside.
  • Electric version will require you to think about charging options.

5. Dacia Duster (2018-present)

Dacia’s presence in the UK has expanded rapidly over recent years and a lot of this is down to the Duster. This no-nonsense SUV has been a refreshing antidote to the tech-heavy rivals that it faces up against, offering robust build quality and a value-orientated approach that is so lost by others in the market.

In more recent times it has, in truth, grown a little more upmarket than before. But even with the addition of climate control and a central infotainment system on some models, this is still a very cost-effective way of entering the small SUV segment – and with its rugged looks and go-anywhere appeal, the Duster remains a very characterful option.

Best Features

  • The Duster offers tremendous value – it’ll undercut many of its rivals by several thousand pounds.
  • Four-wheel-drive versions can go up against proper full-size off-roaders when it comes to go-anywhere ability.
  • Interior is made for adventures and feels robust and hard-wearing.

Things to consider

  • The Duster’s budget nature means that some interior plastics do feel cheap.
  • Not as refined as others when travelling at higher speeds.
  • Low as-new price means that used proposition isn’t quite as attractive.

6. Vauxhall Mokka X (2016-2019)

Vauxhall’s Mokka X is the kind of the car that gets the job done. Sure, it may not have the eye-catching styling of others on this list, but it’s a car with a very user-friendly driving experience that ensures motorists of all experiences can quickly get accustomed to life behind the wheel.

It’s a well equipped car, too, with lots of must-have features inside such as a seven-inch infotainment system and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring systems. Plus, light steering makes the Mokka X an absolute breeze to drive around town while used prices remain very competitive. The Mokka X is a good option if you’re looking for a cheap used small SUV, that’s for sure.

Best Features

  • All versions of the Mokka X get lots of equipment.
  • Soft suspension makes the Mokka X reasonably comfortable.
  • Light steering makes the Mokka X great for around-town drivers.

Thing to consider

  • Rivals offer a little more in terms of space and practicality.
  • High-speed refinement isn’t as good as others on this list.
  • Diesel engines can be a bit clattery.

7. Nissan Juke (2019-2021)

It’s hard to travel on a road in the UK without seeing a Nissan Juke. This pint-sized SUV has proven immensely popular and, thanks to this, there’s plenty of availability in the used market. As a result, it’s a great second-hand buy and one which brings a whole load of plus-points.

The Juke has a quirky approach to styling which still looks fresh today, while two petrols and one diesel ensure that there’s a good spread of engine options. It might be a bit small inside, but the Juke’s compact size means that it’s ideal for inner-city driving. Just watch out: rearward visibility is quite compromised by the Juke’s styling, so make sure you’re happy with this before buying.

Best Features

  • Lots of availability in the used market.
  • All models come well equipped.
  • Compact size makes the Juke great for around-town drivers.

Things to consider

  • Interior of the Juke isn’t the most spacious.
  • Automatic gearboxes can be jerky and unresponsive.
  • Ride feels quite firm at slow speeds.

8. Mini Countryman (2010-2017)

The Mini Countryman may fly in the face of the ethos of the original and teeny-tiny classic, but it’s a car which, for many people, more than fits the bill.

It’s got the retro-infused styling which has made the modern Mini such a success, yet has more space to offer than the standard hatch. As a result, it’s a far better fit for families or buyers after a little extra roominess from their next Mini. A number of engine choices are available for the Countryman, too, and somehow Mini managed to instil some of the great handling characteristics from the standard hatch into this higher-riding model – so the Countryman is still great to drive on your favourite twisty road.

Best Features

  • Keeps the classic Mini look with tasteful styling
  • Maintains the responsive driving experience of smaller Minis
  • There’s a range of engine options to choose from

Things to consider

  • Optional extras can increase the cost of used examples significantly
  • Overall driver visibility not as good as some rivals
  • Road noise is noticeable at motorway cruising speeds

9. BMW X1 (2015-2021)

While BMW may have had a strong heritage of sports cars and saloons, these days its line-up is dominated by SUVs. The X1 is the most compact of these, bringing the high level of build quality that you’d expect from a BMW in a smaller and easier-to-live with package.

This second-generation X1 finessed the formula, making this compact SUV better to drive and more pleasant inside without losing the easy-to-park dimensions that had made it such a hit in the first place. The X1 ditched usual rear-wheel-drive BMW convention and switched to front-wheel-drive instead, though you can look for xDrive all-wheel-drive versions if you’re after a little extra traction in poor conditions.

Best Features

  • All cars get lots of equipment including satellite navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity,
  • Interior looks and feels special.
  • Despite being front-wheel-drive, the X1 delivers the driving experience you’d expect from a BMW.

Things to consider

  • Can be more costly to purchase than rivals.
  • Expect higher repair and maintenance costs.
  • Large tyres generate quite a lot of noise at speed.

10. Hyundai Kona (2017-2023)

Hyundai took a multi-pronged approach with the Kona when it launched in 2017. This used small SUV was released with regular hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric setups when it first hit the road, meaning that there’s sure to be something for everyone.

It’s backed up by quirky looks and a well-made interior which feels robust enough for daily life but hardly boring. Opt for the big-battery electric version and you’ll get a range of around 300 miles, too, which is impressive for this size of car. However, with two other fuel-sipping powertrains to choose from, there’s still an option for those drivers that still want a Kona but don’t want to dive into full EV ownership just yet.

Best Features

  • Great build quality and loads of standard features.
  • Has that high driving position people are after.
  • Hyundai’s great reliability record means the Kona shouldn’t cause too many headaches.

Things to consider

  • Can feel a bit plain inside in lower spec cars.
  • Electric version will require you to think about charging – can you get a wallbox installed at home?
  • Styling might not be for everyone.

What should you consider when buying a small SUV?

Remember that with a used small SUV you are getting a more compact vehicle. Though they might have the raised ride height and more commanding driving position, a lot of the cars on this list don’t offer a massive boot – so it’s worth thinking about this. You might want to step up to a mid-size SUV in order to get a larger boot or more interior space – they just won’t be quite as easy to park as the cars in this line-up.

Why should you buy a small SUV?

Small SUVs fit the bill for all types of drivers. Naturally, the raised seating position in this cars gives a lot of motorists a little extra confidence behind the wheel, so you might find that if you’re feeling a bit low down in a traditional hatchback, that a small SUV could be a great alternative.

If you’ve got mobility issues, then getting in and out of a small SUV can be much easier than dropping down into a more ‘normal’ car, while buyers with young kids will find it far simpler putting car seats into a small SUV as these vehicles are at a more accessible height.

Ford

Ford’s success in this small SUV market is all down to the Puma. It’s a common sight on the UK’s list of monthly most-popular models and, in fact, was the UK’s best-selling car of 2023 with just under 49,500 examples registered across the country. It’s a common sight on the roads, as a result, but this popularity also means that the Puma is readily available in the used segment.

Skoda

Skoda may be best known for its ever-present range of saloons and estates, but this Czech firm’s range of SUVs is actually what accounts for a lot of sales these days. Things top out with the large and luxurious Kodiaq, with the smaller Karoq placed in the middle above the compact Kamiq. They all benefit from Volkswagen Group technology, which is repackaged and delivered with a more value-focused slant.

Audi

These days Audi is a loud-and-proud SUV manufacturer with its range of high-riding models expanding, it seems, with each passing day. You’ve got the high-end Q7 and Q8 models at the top, with the ever-popular Q5 sitting somewhere in the middle and the Q2 at the smaller end of the spectrum. However, all get the same tip-top build quality and plentiful equipment that you’d expect from Audi.

BMW

BMW’s range of SUVs have a typically driver-orientated approach, meaning that though they might ride higher than its more traditional models, they’re still engaging to drive. The X1 and X2 reside as BMW’s smallest SUVs, but both have lots of big-car features such as large infotainment screens and heated seats.