The Best Used Crossover SUVs to Buy

There can be no better option for a value-orientated crossover buyer than the Dacia Duster. Routinely one of the cheapest new cars available in the UK, the Duster makes for a compelling used purchase due to its robust build quality and chunky, go-anywhere looks.

The Duster’s boxy shape means that it’s able to offer plenty of headroom inside, too, while a reasonably sized boot can take up plenty of luggage. It’s available with both two- and four-wheel drive as well, so if you’re in area prone to mud, snow or ice then the added security of four driven wheels could make the Duster untouchable in this company.

Diesel-engined Dusters will be the cheapest to run in the long term, but the petrol variants won’t cost the earth either. There’s also a quirky ‘bi-fuel’ model which combines petrol and LPG gas to provide a frugal alternative to the norm.

We couldn’t talk about the best crossovers in the UK without mentioning the Nissan Qashqai. It’s actually the car which is touted as the originator of the segment and one of the key drivers behind its huge explosion in success.

As it has matured over the years, the Qashqai has become ever more ‘premium’ with improved materials and better technology introduced in the process. We’re big fans of the second-generation Qashqai – built between 2014 and 2021 – as it’s got loads of interior space and a robust interior that’ll stand up to family duties without breaking a sweat.

It’s available with both petrol and diesel engines, as well as the choice of either manual or automatic gearboxes. All versions get loads of must-have features, too, such as air conditioning and cruise control – though higher-spec versions gain kit such as larger alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof.

Renault’s Captur delivers on the crossover formula perfectly. It’s one of the best small crossover SUVs, bringing a relatively compact footprint that makes it easy to park and live with in town. However, it also benefits from an upright design which means you get a slightly elevated and confidence-inspiring view of the road ahead.

It shares a lot of its makeup with the Clio, but brings that crucial increase in ride height. Like the Clio, the Captur has a pleasant interior and a driving style that really feels at home in urban areas with light steering and good visibility.

Practicality is also top-notch in the Captur. It’s got a well-sized boot and you can slide the rear seats forward and back, allowing you to prioritise either rear-seat legroom or boot space depending on the situation.

The Kamiq delivers everything you’d expect from Skoda. It’s well-made, is packed with loads of helpful features and is quiet and refined too. It’s the smallest crossover SUV that Skoda currently offers, so it’s ideal for people who want a spacious car that doesn’t feel overly large or intimidating to drive.

Skoda has made a name for itself with its ‘Simply Clever’ range – a variety of features which make everyday life a bit easier – and they’re all present on the Kamiq. There’s a funnel on the windscreen washer fluid bottle to help prevent spillage, for example, while a handy clip on the windscreen is ideal for keeping parking tickets safe and displayed.

But cool features aside, it’s the Kamiq’s comfortable, efficient and quiet driving experience which really shines through.

The Kia Sportage has been absolutely instrumental in changing this brand’s perception here in the UK. It’s a well-priced and attractively-styled car which manages to feel far more premium inside than you might expect, while good levels of standard equipment make it a really good value proposition – particularly for families.

We really like how well the Sportage drives, too, but it’s all helped by the knowledge that Kia’s impressive seven-year warranty could still be available on some used models. It just means there’s a safety net should something go wrong – though Kia’s cars have a great reputation for reliability anyway.

There’s loads of equipment included as standard on the Sportage including must-have features such as air conditioning and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. Higher-spec versions add in great features such as bi-xenon headlights and sportier design packages too.

Mazda is one of those car manufacturers that doesn’t scream and shout about its presence. It just creates attractive, good-to-drive cars that are built to last.

That’s particularly evident with the CX-5. It’s one of Mazda’s largest SUVs but it drives like a much smaller car with handling which feels inspired by the famous MX-5 sports car and that’s what makes it one of our best crossover cars. But – and what’s important for this list – it’s practical and very nicely finished inside. We also like that the CX-5 has brilliantly intuitive controls for the heating and ventilation – they feel familiar even if you’ve never driven a Mazda before.

This generation of CX-5 boasts impressive onboard technology, and it’s well-priced despite having plenty of equipment. All versions get climate control, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control, for example.

Volvo has really pivoted away from its traditional estate car background to become a leader in the SUV market. In fact, it has recently announced that it will no longer sell new estate cars in the UK, bringing an end to a long heritage of practical Swedish load-luggers.

But the XC40 is an example of how good Volvo has become at making SUVs. It’s a compact model but has acres of space inside, with the XC40’s boxy yet stylish design meaning that it’s got more headroom than you might expect.

It’s also available with a range of efficient engines, while a fully electric version is also available. While these might command a bit more money than a regular petrol or diesel-powered XC40, they’re a stylish way of getting behind the wheel of a used electric crossover. They’re quite a bit quicker than you might expect, too.

When you think of SEAT, it’s likely that you’ll imagine cars like the Ibiza or Leon. These days, however, the brand is a big believer in SUVs and crossovers, with its most compact model – the Arona – being a great example of what it can do when it comes to raised-up models.

The Arona is actually based on the same platform as the Ibiza, which means that it’s not overly large and could be ideal for someone new to the crossover segment. But despite this compact footprint, it still gets the slightly raised-up driving position that gives an elevated view of the road ahead.

Plus, with efficient engines and low overall running costs, the Arona isn’t going to be as costly to live with as other crossovers. There aren’t any hybrid or electric options, however – though the petrol engines are pretty efficient anyway.

Though Volkswagen might be best known for cars like the Golf and Polo, these days it’s the German manufacturer’s range of SUVs that are the more popular options.

The T-Roc serves as the middle-ground in Volkswagen’s range of SUVs, sliding in between the compact T-Cross – which is the same as SEAT’s Arona – and the larger Tiguan. You could argue that because of this it provides the best of both worlds.

It’s certainly got the looks on its side, with a premium-feeling exterior that looks a step above the rest of the pack. The interior is well-made, too, while a large boot is a surprising bonus for such a compact car. Plus, at the top of the range sits a performance ‘R’ version which can rival a lot of sports cars with its rapid acceleration. It has four-wheel drive, too, and there’s even a convertible version.

The Citroen C3 Aircross is a great example of a crossover that doesn’t need to cost the earth. It’s quite classically ‘Citroen’, too, as it’s comfy over poor surfaces and robust enough inside to deal with family life.

We also like the somewhat quirky design of the Aircross, with early versions coming with distinctive ‘Airbumps’ which not only gave this high-riding C3 a more eye-catching look but also helped to protect it from car park dings. They’re cheaper to replace than metal, after all.

Underneath the bonnet of the C3 Aircross you’ll be able to find a range of efficient petrol engines and while diesel versions were available, they weren’t as commonly bought as new cars so will be harder find on the used market. Inside, there’s a good amount of space and a surprisingly large boot too.