In the past 20 years SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) have come to dominate the UK car market, with almost every major manufacturer now producing multiple variants.
In fact, a quick look at the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) best-selling list shows the UK’s ongoing appetite for SUVs, with models such as the Ford Puma, Kia Sportage, Jaecoo 7 and Nissan Qashqai regularly featuring in the top ten.
Manufacturers now produce SUVs in a wide range of sizes, from compact models to large seven-seaters, much like clothing sizes, as not every driver requires a full-size family vehicle.
Against that backdrop, automotive journalists at WhatCar? have compiled a ranking of the best small SUVs currently available in the UK, ultimately identifying what they consider the top model on the market.
After extensive testing, they concluded that the Volkswagen T-Roc was the winner. With a starting price of £31,620, the German model was once again placed at the top of its class.
The publication praised it for its spacious boot, strong petrol engines with hybrid assistance, and its premium feel without the premium price tag.
They said: “The previous Volkswagen T-Roc was one of our favourite options in the small SUV class, so this latest version had quite the challenge to live up to it. Fortunately, it does so and then some, resulting in what we think is the best small SUV you can buy.”
Deputy editor at WhatCar? Darren Moss added: “I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the entry-level T-Roc feels inside, with its padded fabric on the dash and door cards – it helps this small SUV to feel a cut above the competition."
However, the Volkswagen was not without flaws, with reviewers noting that its touch-sensitive controls were somewhat “fiddly” and that higher trim levels became “costly”.
In second place was the Kia EV3, an electric SUV with a starting price of £33,055, which was also named WhatCar?’s small electric SUV of the year. It was praised for its strong standard equipment and impressive range in its long-range version.
However, it was criticised for not being especially “agile”, being more expensive than some rivals, and having less “versatile” rear seating.
Completing the podium was the £29,995 Lexus LBX, which was previously named the publication’s overall car of the year. It was praised for its high-quality interior, efficient hybrid system and strong running costs.
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However, drawbacks included an “unsettled” ride at low speeds, limited rear space, and infotainment systems that were less intuitive than those of rival models.
Despite its compact dimensions, reviewers noted that even taller passengers could still sit comfortably in the rear seats.
