Although it is not always a strictly necessary purchase, SUVs are the dominant vehicle type in the Australian new car market, and small SUVs apparently caught up with hatchbacks and sedans as the car of choice for singles and young families.
No fewer than 181.197 Small SUVs were sold in 2024, an increase of four percent compared to the year before and almost double the number of small car sales.
Manufacturers are well aware of our insatiable demand, so much so that there are 41 different models available on the current market. There is really a small SUV for everyone.
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At the bottom of the price spectrum, the MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and GWM Haval Jolion All Command Gunst under budget -conscious buyers.
The Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class and BMW X1 will all be known to fans of European luxury driving. Not to mention the countless options that fit somewhere.
But which little SUV nails the formula best? And which is worth a place in your driveway? We asked the Carexper Team, and this is what they have come up with.
Let us know your choice in the comments below!
Marton Petsendy: Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai has long been my choice in the small SUV segment, and now it will get even better.
An extensive mid-life make-over will soon make it sharper and higher tech, and I expect prices to remain competitive with important rivals that are usually smaller and less practical, less ergonomic and less refined.
The smart, spicy and efficient e-power hybrid system is another reason that the Qashqai is more popular than most of them in Europe, and it also deserves more fans in Australia.
The Mazda CX-30 comes a good second for me, but the facelifted qashqai looks better and has to continue to offer a more polished stage and handling package than most small SUVs, and the intuitive multimedia and safety technologies will not make you crazy.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Contact one of the trusted dealers of Carexpert here
More: Everything Nissan Qashqai
James Wong: Nissan Qashqai
I often regret the increasing number of cars-based compact crossovers because they are usually simply slower, less efficient and less dynamic versions of the passenger vehicles on which they are based.
Unlike the other cars on this list, the Nissan Qashqai has no equivalent small car that I have recommended about it, and it remains segments in dimensions and usability, as well as general design and refinement.
It is larger and more practical than most of its direct rivals, and has enough premium cabin programs to make part of the gums of German SUVs sweat a bit. The available e-power hybrid powertrain is a different difference, with a smooth, spicy and relatively efficient alternative to a Toyota hybrid or Chinese EV.
With the new facelifted version we expect a revision in the spec list to make the Qashqai as always as always. It sells its bumpers in the UK and wider Europe, and there is no reason why our more European tendent flavors in Australia are no longer sold under.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Contact one of the trusted dealers of Carexpert here
More: Everything Nissan Qashqai
Jack Quick: Hyundai Kona Hybrid
After recently loved the new Peugeot 3008 Hybrid, I look forward to seeing how the new Mild-hybrid engine is going in the coming Hybrid from 2008. It can bring this at the top of my list.
In the meantime, however, my choice in the small SUV segment is the Hyundai Kona Hybrid. It is incredibly economical in the city, and when the gasoline engine starts to raise, it does not produce an annoying CVT drunk sound. Yes, I look at your Toyota Corolla Cross.
Of course the Kona Hybrid is not overly spicy on the highway and the gasoline engine sometimes has to rise, but the cabin feels contemporary and high -tech. There is also so much more space inside compared to the previous generation of Kona.
In contrast to some hybrid small SUVs, the Kona is also pricing pricing. You can get the ones dressed in the sporty N -line kit if that is your style.
If you are not yet ready to go for a hybrid, I would encourage you to consider the Mazda CX-30 because the cabin feels so plush and premium for the price tag.
Interested in buying a Hyundai Kona Hybrid? Contact one of the trusted dealers of Carexpert 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 my heart this time. The small SUV segment is full of completely sensible, practical but thoroughly non-inspiring choices, and it is against this rather boring background that the T-Roc looks more interesting.
Although it is completely at the end of his life cycle, it is still a handsome, dynamically balanced machine that looks more and feels like a hatchback than like an SUV. With its mid-life update, Volkswagen has also solved the cheapo interior.
If your budget cannot extend to a Cupra forementor, the T-Roc is the next best. However, it is not cheap itself, because a T-Roc from the middle range costs more than a top speck Kia Seltos. That is where the value proposition is undone for the Volkswagen, even if it is the more Euro chic option.
A special mention goes to the Skoda Karoq, a Frumpier but more practical cousin of the T-Roc.
Interested in buying a Volkswagen T-Roc? Contact one of the trusted dealers of Carexpert here
More: Everything Volkswagen T-Roc
Josh Nevett: Nissan Qashqai
This topic let me torn because there are now a number of excellent small SUVs on the market.
I have to give honorable mentions to the Skoda Kamiq and Cupra Forentor, both of which ticks many boxes for two different types of buyers.
But none of them combines style and substance such as the Nissan Qashqai. The updated Qashqai will soon arrive in Australia, and it will not only look at it inside and out, but it also has meaningful improvements in the field of technology.
If the overseas version is something to enter into, we can expect that Nissan’s slick 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen will make a pride on the dashboard, which means that the mirroring of wireless smartphones with wireless smartphones entails.
And hopefully the best attributes of the pre-update qashqai will remain over-the drive lines are flexible and efficient, while there is room for adults in full size in the second row.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Contact one of the trusted dealers of Carexpert here
More: Everything Nissan Qashqai
Max Davies: Mazda CX-30
Mazda remains one of the best-selling brands in Australia and models such as the CX-30 are a big reason why.
The SUV was Mazda’s fourth bestseller last year, coincidentally the same position he reached 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 that is made up of a long and successful history, which means that you know that you will come behind the wheel of something good and firm.
You get two different drive lines, all of which are priced at less than $ 48,340 before the on-road costs. Although there are no hybrid options, the prices place well against rivals such as the Kona and only front -wheel drive Qashqai.
The fuel consumption is even decent in CX-30s CX-30s, and you will find that there is more space, both in the second row of seats and the boot despite its modest outdoor relationships.
That all-plus the fact that there are a huge 10 different variants to choose from in addition to countless options make the CX-30 difficult to ignore.
Interested in buying a Mazda CX-30? Contact one of the trusted dealers of Carexpert here
More: Everything Mazda CX-30
Jordan Mulach: Hyundai Kona
There are few vehicles as versatile in Australia as the Hyundai Kona, available with gasoline, hybrid and electric electricity to provide all market segments.
It is also one of the latest models in its category, has a bold appearance (for which I personally heated) and a new interior.
The Sharp N-Line package is also attractive, making it striking at relatively boring competitors.
Interested in buying a Hyundai Kona? Contact one of the trusted dealers of Carexpert here
More: Everything Hyundai Kona
Sean Lander: Nissan Qashqai E-Power
I spent a few months with the current Spec Qashqai e-Power and all the options in the category, it would be my best choice.
The Subaru Crosstrek would be a good second, but the packaging, technology and equipment that the Qashqai e-power offers, it is too difficult to leave.
Moreover, you can probably find a great Run deal for them in the very near future.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Contact one of the trusted dealers of Carexpert here
More: Everything Nissan Qashqai
