Top five light SUVs of 2024

Do you need an SUV, but don’t want it to be too big? There are plenty of options, but it can be difficult to know where to look.

We look back on our year of evaluations and compile lists of our top-rated vehicles from different segments. This time around, light SUVs are in the spotlight, and while the scores may not be as high as other segments, there are still some good cars to dive into.

This list focuses on the vehicles listed in the light SUV category on the VFACTS sales charts. Since it is not a densely populated segment, these cars all occupy the same space and are within each other’s ballpark in terms of price.

Some of these models have been rated multiple times this year, so we’ve only featured the variant that achieved the highest rating.

Prices are before road transport unless stated as drive away service (D/A). Where drive-away prices are quoted, they are based on each manufacturer’s configurators using a Victorian postcode to provide a representative estimate of what the average Australian buyer will ultimately pay.

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Click on the car name in the table above to go directly to the information on the page, or scroll further to the full article.

Volkswagen T-Cross

The Volkswagen T-Cross received an update in 2024 and a comprehensive review by senior contributor Matt Campbell awarded the series an 8.4 out of 10.

We believe the base T-Cross Life offers excellent value as an opener to the range, and we maintained our view that it felt more mature than some of its rivals.

The interior presentation was a major contributor, while we were impressed by its practicality thanks to the sliding second-row seat. The T-Cross’s driving dynamics also proved quite good, and we felt it served its purpose well.

Being a light SUV, it is physically small, and we realized that some might not be able to work with its small size. It was also disappointing that there were no directional rear vents to be found across the range.

The 85TSI engine’s performance wasn’t great either, while we said it was “laggy” in some situations. Overall, we felt that the updates brought solid improvements across the board.

You can read our full review of the Volkswagen T-Cross here

Interested in buying a Volkswagen T-Cross? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Volkswagen T-Cross

Suzuki Jimny

The largest version of Suzuki’s baby off-roader remains a quirky offering, and our August review gave it a square 8.0.

Despite the five-door equipment, we liked that its small stature aided maneuverability around town. We were also impressed with its off-road capabilities, and found there wasn’t much to upset it while driving.

As always, we love how unique the Jimny is, as it sits in its own niche area among the competition. While we acknowledged that the stats don’t look incredible on paper, we can certainly see the appeal of a likeable car like the Jimny.

It’s not perfect, though, with the main drawback being the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and the distinct lack of power across the rev range. Despite the basic drivetrain, we also found maintenance to be expensive.

Some of the technology also left us disappointed, such as the reversing camera reminiscent of an aftermarket unit. While we prefer the manual alternative, our experience with the automatic proved to be enjoyable – although we’d recommend tempering your expectations before getting behind the wheel.

You can read our full review of the Suzuki Jimny XL here

Do you want to buy a Suzuki Jimny? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Suzuki Jimny

Jeep Avenger

Jeep’s first electric vehicle (EV) and Australia’s first electric light SUV impressed us, with editor-in-chief Marton Pettendy giving the range a 7.9 rating.

We love the Avenger’s unique styling and the quirky Easter eggs scattered throughout the car, like the small Jeep grille logo at the front and the mountain emblem on the rear window that references the titular Summit variant.

It drives well, too, and we found the drivetrain offers appropriate levels of performance without being too noisy. The interior technology is also excellent, and we appreciated the claim for efficiency.

We didn’t like the way some key safety features, such as blind spot monitoring, lane centering and traffic jam assist, weren’t included in the base specification, while the absence of AEB rear airbags, knee and center airbags in the three-variant range left something to be desired. disappointing.

As is typical of electric cars, there’s no spare wheel either, but overall it’s a compelling package let down by outrageously expensive prices.

You can read our full review of the Jeep Avenger here

Interested in buying a Jeep Avenger? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Jeep Avenger

Toyota Yaris Cross

The Yaris Cross is Toyota’s smallest SUV, and after being driven by senior employee Matt Campbell, the top-spec GR Sport variant received a 7.9 rating.

While we were surprised that Toyota would give the decidedly unsporty Yaris Cross the GR Sport treatment, we found it was actually a well-packed car with plenty of useful technology to keep its occupants entertained.

We also liked how efficient the hybrid powertrain was, a reassuring fact considering the entire range is now hybrid-only. In terms of exterior aesthetics, we also think it looks quite sharp with the GR Sport bits fitted.

That said, there are no real performance improvements that warrant wearing the GR badge. It’s underpowered, which is acceptable in a normal Yaris Cross, but the GR badges feel slightly out of place on this car.

Despite being a relatively new model, the interior is also starting to look old, but aside from the questionable use of the GR name, it’s still a solid, light SUV.

You can read our full review of the Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport here

Interested in buying a Toyota Yaris Cross? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Toyota Yaris Cross

Renault Captur

The Captur may be Australia’s best-selling light SUV on sale all year, but it scored a respectable 7.8 after being driven in top-spec Intens guise by marketplace editor James Wong.

We appreciated the turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers a healthy kick of power when you accelerate. It’s also a sharp-looking car inside and out, with the interior benefiting from a chic presentation.

That interior also proved to be practical, and we liked the ride and ride comfort, even if they weren’t quite up to the same level as some other cars in this segment.

We weren’t too fond of the dual-clutch transmission, which we found clunky at times – although that feature is typical of such transmissions. The infotainment also looks sharp, but we were disappointed by its laggy tendencies.

Fuel economy wasn’t incredible either, but it still turned out to be a decent car. Australia will receive the facelifted Captur early next year, meaning the model we reviewed is now finally on the market.

You can read our full review of the Renault Captur Intens here

Interested in buying a Renault Captur? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Renault Captur