While not always a strictly necessary purchase, SUVs are the dominant vehicle type in the Australian new car market, and small SUVs have seemingly overtaken hatchbacks and sedans as the car of choice for singles and young families.
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A whopping 181,197 small SUVs were sold in 2024, a four per cent increase over the year before and nearly double the small car sales tally.
Manufacturers are well aware of our insatiable demand, so much so that there are 41 different models available in the current market. There truly is a small SUV for everyone.
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At the lower end of the price spectrum, the MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, and GWM Haval Jolion all command favour among budget-conscious buyers.
The Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and BMW X1 will all be familiar to fans of European luxury motoring. That's not to mention the countless options that fit somewhere in between.
But which small SUV nails the formula best? And which is worthy of a spot on your driveway? We asked the CarExpert team, and here's what they came up with.
Let us know your pick in the comments below!
Marton Pettendy: Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai has long been my pick in the small SUV segment, and now it's about to get even better.
A comprehensive mid-life makeover will soon make it sharper looking and higher-tech, and I expect pricing to remain competitive with key rivals that are mostly smaller and less practical, less ergonomic and less refined.
The clever, punchy and efficient e-Power hybrid system is another reason the Qashqai is more popular than most of them in Europe, and it deserves more fans in Australia too.
The Mazda CX-30 comes a close second for me, but the facelifted Qashqai looks better and should continue to offer a more polished ride and handling package than most small SUVs, and its intuitive multimedia and safety technologies won't drive you crazy.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
James Wong: Nissan Qashqai
I often bemoan the increasing number of car-based compact crossovers because they're usually just slower, less efficient and less dynamic versions of the passenger vehicles they're based on.
Unlike the other cars on this list, the Nissan Qashqai doesn't have an equivalent small car that I'd be inclined to recommend over it, and it continues to straddle segments in dimensions and practicality as well as general design and refinement.
It's larger and more practical than most of its direct rivals, and has enough premium cabin appointments to make some of the entry-level premium German SUVs sweat a little. The available e-Power hybrid drivetrain is another point of difference, with a smooth, punchy and relatively efficient alternative to a Toyota hybrid or Chinese EV.
With the new facelifted version, we're expecting a revision to the spec list to make the Qashqai as good value as ever. It sells its bumpers off in the UK and wider Europe, and there's no reason why our more European-leaning tastes in Australia aren't seeing more sold Down Under.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
Jack Quick: Hyundai Kona Hybrid
After loving the new Peugeot 3008 Hybrid recently, I look forward to seeing how the new mild-hybrid engine goes in the forthcoming 2008 Hybrid. It could take this to the top of my list.
In the meantime however, my pick in the small SUV segment is the Hyundai Kona Hybrid. It's incredibly fuel efficient around town, and when the petrol engine starts revving it doesn't produce an annoying CVT droning sound. Yes, I'm looking at you Toyota Corolla Cross.
Sure the Kona Hybrid isn't overly punchy on the highway and the petrol engine needs to sometimes rev out, but its cabin feels contemporary and high-tech. There's also so much more space inside compared to the previous-generation Kona.
Unlike some hybrid small SUVs, the Kona is also pretty competitively priced. You can get ones dressed up in the sporty N Line kit if that's your style.
If you're not ready to go for a hybrid yet, however, I'd urge you to consider the Mazda CX-30 because its cabin feels so plush and premium for the price tag.
Interested in buying a Hyundai Kona Hybrid? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Hyundai Kona
William Stopford: Volkswagen T-Roc
The head says Hyundai Kona Hybrid, but the heart says Volkswagen T-Roc.
I'm going to give it to the heart this time. The small SUV segment is full of utterly sensible, practical but thoroughly uninspiring choices, and it's against this rather drab backdrop that the T-Roc looks more interesting.
Even though it's at the very end of its lifecycle, it's still a handsome, dynamically poised machine that looks and feels more like a hatchback than an SUV. With its mid-life update, Volkswagen also fixed the cheapo interior.
If your budget can't stretch to a Cupra Formentor, the T-Roc is the next best thing. It's not cheap itself though, as a mid-range T-Roc costs more than a top-spec Kia Seltos. That's where the value proposition starts to come undone for the Volkswagen, even if it is the more Euro-chic option.
A special mention goes to the Skoda Karoq which is a frumpier but more practical cousin to the T-Roc.
Interested in buying a Volkswagen T-Roc? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
Josh Nevett: Nissan Qashqai
This topic left me torn, as there are some excellent small SUVs on the market right now.
I have to give honourable mentions to the Skoda Kamiq and Cupra Formentor, both of which tick plenty of boxes for two different types of buyer.
But neither blends style and substance quite like the Nissan Qashqai. The updated Qashqai is due to arrive in Australia soon, and it not only looks a little more modern inside and out, but it also boasts meaningful enhancements on the technology front.
If the overseas version is anything to go by, we can expect Nissan's slick 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen to take pride of place on the dash, bringing with it wireless smartphone mirroring.
And hopefully the best attributes of the pre-update Qashqai remain – the powertrains are smooth and efficient, while there's space for full-sized adults in the second row.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
Max Davies: Mazda CX-30
Mazda remains one of the best-selling brands in Australia, and models like the CX-30 are a big reason why.
The SUV was Mazda's fourth best-seller last year, coincidentally the same position it achieved in the small SUV segment behind only the MG ZS, Hyundai Kona and GWM Haval Jolion.
Behind the CX-30 is a brand with a strong reputation built off a long and successful history, which means you know you'll be getting behind the wheel of something well-built and sturdy.
You get two different powertrains, all of which are priced at less than $48,340 before on-road costs. Though there are no hybrid options, its pricing places it well against rivals like the Kona and front-wheel drive-only Qashqai.
Fuel economy is decent even in all-wheel drive CX-30s, and you'll find there's more space both in the second row of seats and the boot despite its unassuming exterior proportions.
All that – plus the fact there are a massive 10 distinct variants to choose from alongside numerous options – makes the CX-30 hard to ignore.
Interested in buying a Mazda CX-30? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Mazda CX-30
Jordan Mulach: Hyundai Kona
There are few vehicles as versatile in Australia as the Hyundai Kona, available with petrol, hybrid and electric power to cater for all segments of the market.
It's also one of the newest models in its category, has bold looks (which I've personally warmed to) and a fresh interior.
The sharp N-Line package is also attractive, making it stand out among relatively bland competitors.
Interested in buying a Hyundai Kona? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Hyundai Kona
Sean Lander: Nissan Qashqai e-Power
I spent a few months driving the current spec Qashqai e-Power and of all the options in the category, it would be my top pick.
The Subaru Crosstrek would be a close second, but the packaging, technology and equipment the Qashqai e-Power offers, it's too hard to pass up.
Plus, you'll likely be able to find a great run out deal on them in the very near future.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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