Which small SUV should you buy in 2025?
While not always a must-have purchase, SUVs are the biggest player in the Aussie new car market, and small SUVs have seemingly taken over from hatchbacks and sedans as the go-to vehicle for singles and young families.
A massive 181,197 small SUVs were flogged in 2024, a four per cent jump from the year before and nearly double the number of small cars sold.
The manufacturers are well aware of our constant need for new models, which is why there are 41 different ones available in the market right now. There's a small SUV to suit everyone's tastes.
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All of the products listed have been a favourite among price-conscious buyers.
That's not to mention the countless options that fit somewhere in between, which will all be familiar to fans of European luxury motoring.
The team and here's what they came up with.
Have your say in the comments below!
Marton Pettendy: Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai has been my top choice in the small SUV market for a while now, and it's just about to get even better.
A thorough mid-life revamp is on the way, which will give it a sleeker appearance and more advanced technology, and I anticipate the price will remain in line with the key competitors that are mostly smaller, 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 here in Australia as well.
The Mazda CX-30 is a strong contender, but the facelifted Qashqai takes the cake for me. It looks even better and is likely to provide a smoother ride and handling that's better than most small SUVs. Its user-friendly infotainment and safety features won't be a hassle to use.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
James Wong: Nissan Qashqai
I'm often lamenting the growing number of compact crossovers based on cars, as they're typically slower, less fuel-efficient and less engaging than the passenger vehicles they're derived from.
Unlike other cars on this list, the Nissan Qashqai doesn't have a smaller equivalent that I'd recommend over it, and it keeps a balance between different segments in terms of size and practicality, as well as overall design and refinement.
It's bigger and more practical than most of its direct competitors, and has enough high-end cabin features to make some entry-level luxury SUVs from Germany a bit envious. The available e-Power hybrid drivetrain is another standout feature, offering a smooth, punchy and relatively efficient alternative to a Toyota hybrid or an electric vehicle from China.
With the updated version, we're expecting changes to the list of standard features to make the Qashqai as good a deal as ever. It sells its bumpers well in the UK and across Europe, and there's no reason why our more European-style tastes in Australia wouldn't result in more sales here.
Thinking of buying a Nissan Qashqai? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
Jack Quick: Hyundai Kona Hybrid
Recently, I'm keen to see how the new mild-hybrid engine goes in the upcoming 2008 Hybrid. It might just bump this to the top of my list.
In the meantime, though, my pick in the small SUV market is the Hyundai Kona Hybrid. It's incredibly fuel-efficient in the city, and when the petrol engine kicks in, it doesn't produce an annoying CVT droning sound. Yes, I'm looking at you, Toyota Corolla Cross.
Fair dinkum, the Kona Hybrid isn't exactly a ripper on the highway and the petrol engine needs a bit of revving at times, but the cabin feels as modern as can be, all high-tech and whatnot. There's heaps more space inside compared to the old Kona, too.
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 reckon you should give the Mazda CX-30 a fair dinkum look because its cabin feels as plush and premium as you'd expect from a more expensive car.
Interested in buying a Hyundai Kona Hybrid? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealerships here
William Stopford: Volkswagen T-Roc
The head says Hyundai Kona Hybrid, but the heart says Volkswagen T-Roc.
I'm going to give it a fair go this time. The small SUV market's chock-full of sensible, practical but pretty dull options, and it's against this rather ordinary background that the T-Roc stands out.
Even though it's at the end of its life cycle, it's still a good-lookin' machine that's well-balanced and looks more like a hatchback than an SUV. With its mid-life update, Volkswagen also sorted out the dodgy interior.
If your budget can't stretch to a Cupra Formentor, the T-Roc is your next best bet. It's not exactly a cheap option itself, though - a mid-range T-Roc is pricier than a top-spec Kia Seltos. That's when the value appeal starts to break down for the Volkswagen, even if it's the more stylish Euro option.
The T-Cross is a more laid-back 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 particular topic has me a bit divided, as there are some top-notch small SUVs available in the market at the moment.
both of which tick plenty of boxes for two different types of buyers.
But nothing 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 bit more modern inside and out, but it also boasts pretty significant improvements on the technology front.
If the overseas version is anything to go by, we can expect Nissan's sleek 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen to be the standout feature on the dashboard, with wireless smartphone mirroring at its disposal.
And hopefully the best qualities of the pre-update Qashqai stay the same – the engines are smooth and efficient, and there's enough room for full-sized adults in the back seat.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Get in contact with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
Max Davies: Mazda CX-30
Mazda is still one of the top-selling car brands in Australia, and models like the CX-30 are a major factor in this success.
The SUV was Mazda's fourth top seller last year, coincidentally the same spot it secured in the small SUV market, behind only the MG ZS, Hyundai Kona and GWM Haval Jolion.
Behind the CX-30 is a brand with a solid reputation built on a long and successful history, which means you can trust that you'll be getting behind the wheel of a well-made and robust vehicle.
You get two different powertrains, all of which come in under $48,340 before on-road costs. Although there aren't any hybrid options, its pricing puts it in a good spot compared to rivals like the Kona and the front-wheel drive-only Qashqai.
Fuel economy is pretty good even in all-wheel drive CX-30s, and you'll find there's heaps of room both in the second row of seats and the boot, despite its unassuming exterior dimensions.
All that, plus the fact there's a massive 10 different models to pick from, along with heaps of options, makes the CX-30 hard to overlook.
Interested in buying a Mazda CX-30? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealerships here
Jordan Mulach: Hyundai Kona
There are few vehicles as versatile in Australia as the Hyundai Kona, available with petrol, hybrid and electric power to suit all sorts of buyers.
It's also one of the latest models in its class, with a bold design that I've taken a liking to, and a fresh interior.
The sharp N-Line package is a real showstopper, setting it apart from its fairly unexciting rivals.
Interested in buying a Hyundai Kona? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
Sean Lander: Nissan Qashqai e-Power
I spent a few months behind the wheel of the current spec Qashqai e-Power and out of all the options in the category, it would be my number one choice.
It'd be a close second, but the packaging, technology and gear the Qashqai e-Power offers, it's too hard to give up.
You'll probably come across a fantastic bargain on them in the not-too-distant future.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Get in contact with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here
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