Top 10 SUVs and small crossovers worth buying in 2022

There are three variations of Niro – a mixture, Dip into the mixture and fully electric model – and each offers its own pros and cons in areas such as efficiency, running costs and ride quality.

However, whichever Niro you choose, will prove to be a reasonable, affordable car given its impressive level of cabin and luggage space. It will also offer all of this while also being easy to drive and park. Admittedly, it’s not the most fun car to drive, but as a dependable family car that won’t break the bank, the Niro is hard to beat.

Boot space varies depending on your chosen powertrain, but all models should prove spacious for a small family. Massive amounts of on-board technology have also been updated instantly – connectivity is great, and the two displays inside boast high-quality graphics and quick response times.

2. Renault Captur

Original Captur was a resounding success for Renault, and its successor has done an excellent job in continuing this legacy. Simply put, Captur is better than ever. Based on excellence Renault Clio hatchback, the Captur is a stylish and comfortable SUV that has earned the top spot in this fiercely competitive segment.

We tested it at home and abroad and loved what we found. Standout features include a well-designed and built interior, a large trunk and plenty of equipment; A range of petrol and diesel engines with excellent published economic figures also helps the Renault cause.

The Captur will appeal to drivers who want a bit of refinement from their small SUV. The Renault looks and handles well, with precise handling and controlled ride comfort that make it great value for money in this segment.

Renault has also made the second-generation version more refined and comfortable than the previous model, so the Captur is now a much more viable option for longer journeys.

3. Ford Puma

Like Renault Captur share its platform with Clio, Ford Puma based Fiesta supermini, and this is very good news.

When Ford announced that it was re-using the Puma name on an SUV, it ruffled some feathers, but Ford did a great job in ensuring its new SUV lives up to its original sporting heritage. car. The new Puma is one of the best drivable cars in its class thanks to its excellent steering, honed chassis and smooth six-speed transmission; It feels like a taller, more spacious Fiesta.

Inside, all will be familiar to Fiesta owners in terms of design and quality: it’s not quite the best in its class in both respects but performs fairly solidly, while the driving position and seats are solid. particularly comfortable. Elsewhere, a 456-liter trunk and good rear passenger space help establish Ford’s family car cred.

The Puma makes a lot of sense if you’re after a fun, practical small SUV that fits your business with a dash of flair. It offers a great all-round package and is second only to the award-winning Captur.

4. Kia Soul EV

The Kia Soul EV offers excellent performance, along with a good level of refinement, comfort and technology. The high list price can be a pain point for some, but it offers the benefits of low operating costs, zero road taxes, and no worries about congestion fees.

Practicality is decent, with 315 liters of trunk space, while that’s a whopping 1,339 liters if you fold the rear seats down. You also have the option of lowering the boot floor to free up a bit more space. Legroom and headroom are perfectly acceptable, and taller passengers will be able to travel comfortably, although the middle seat of the rear bench is more suitable for children.

There’s plenty of power available to ensure quick and smooth progress – a single electric motor sends 201bhp and 395Nm of torque to the front wheels, powered by a 64kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. The 0-60mph benchmark is achieved in 7.6 seconds, and at least on paper the Soul EV should return 280 miles of range from a single charge.

5. Toyota Yaris Cross

Following the success of four generations Yaris superminiToyota has now introduced Yincurred Crossover SUV within its scope.

The Yaris Cross shares the same single-wheel drive system as its supermini sibling, a 114hp, 1.5-liter three-cylinder hybrid petrol unit mated to a CVT continuously variable automatic transmission. While this won’t make the Yaris Cross drive fast, it does mean low CO2 emissions and over 50mpg fuel economy.

When it comes to family duties, move to the rear of the Yaris Cross and you’ll soon realize that it’s not the most spacious car on this list. The space in the back seat is more suitable for children than adults. When it comes to boot space, the front-wheel drive model offers 397 liters, while the all-wheel drive version drops to 320 liters.

However, this more compact size has its advantages and they make the Yaris Cross easy to drive and park – it even handles quite well in corners.

6. Skoda Kamiq

The Kamiq probably Skoda’s The smallest SUV, but it’s roomy, practical and powered by a range of efficient, tried-and-tested engines. It shares most of its mechanics with Volkswagen T-Cross and SEAT Arona elsewhere on this list, but outperforms both of these models in value for money.

You’ll be able to easily tell the difference between the Kamiq and its cousins ​​- especially thanks to the inferior interior plastic material up front – but it’s still well-built and reasonably well-equipped. Top-spec cars have a fantastic 9.2-inch infotainment system that pairs beautifully with Skoda’s Virtual Cockpit display, while SE models get an 8-inch system with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay function.

The Kamiq drives as well as the T-Cross, rides comfortably and feels almost great inside. It lacks VW’s sliding rear seats but has ample legroom in the rear and decent load space with the seats folded. The Skoda is a talented, practical car and pretty hard to beat.

7. Volkswagen T-Cross

Volkswagen’s offers in the small SUV segment are among the best. The Cross widely similar to Skoda Kamiqbut adds a bit more style and desire to the mix than its Czech cousin.

The T-Cross is also a great choice if you want all the benefits of the VW Group’s MQB A0 platform but want to express your own individuality: Volkswagen offers a range of design packages, each All packages add a unique look to the already handsome SUV. .

A familiar engine lineup covers all bases, with the more powerful 1.0-litre petrol offering a particularly good combination of performance, economy and refinement. The Volkswagen SUV drives well, feels agile and athletic but doesn’t offer any real excitement, while the light steering is great for getting around town and tighter places. Overall, the T-Cross is easy to drive and relaxing.

Overall, it’s similar to cheaper cars from sister brands Skoda and CHAIR, but if you’re willing to pay a little more for the privilege, the T-Cross is a great option. However, it’s not all about the additional branded kudos and range of customization, because Volkswagen brings in the sliding rear bench for improved versatility, plus slightly better residual values ​​than that. its Skoda and SEAT rivals.

8. Peugeot 2008

Achieve a lot of success related to SUV for Peugeot with it 3008 and 5008less 2008 is now following the trend of its larger siblings.

Share its background with the latest one Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa2008 offered with internal combustion engine or electric – e-2008 It is an all-electric variant.

Both cars are worth considering, and the ICE car in particular stands out from its rivals. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is excellent (especially in the 128bhp form) and the car feels solid, precise and comfortable on the go. It may be more expensive than some of the competition, but it ticks a lot of the boxes.

9. Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen likes to do things its own way and offering small SUVs is no exception. As some rival manufacturers focus on performance and driver engagement, C3 Aircross is relaxing.

The Aircross’s engine is powerful and offers respectable economy, and while it’s not exactly sporty or precise, the Citroen is largely refined and comfortable. However, its soft suspension can easily be overwhelmed by mid-corner bumps and the steering is a bit lifeless.

However, some of the biggest reasons to choose the C3 Aircross over its more well-rounded competitors are the amount of interior space and practicality offered. The Citroen boasts sliding rear seats, a large trunk and plenty of space for passengers to travel comfortably.

10. Dacia Duster

Dacia has quickly gained a positive reputation in the UK for its cheap price, so if you are willing to forgo the latest and greatest technology and some creature comforts, then the Romanian brand’s range offers great value. value that few other manufacturers can match.

The Duster As an interloper from the upper class, it is a mid-size SUV that can be secured at a lower price than many of the smaller, supermini-derived models on the market. To put it mildly, it’s also a ‘proper’ SUV; With high suspension and optional four-wheel drive, the Duster is a truly capable off-road vehicle for those with a need for a vehicle to deal with farm tracks, weather bad or odd actions in the field.

It may not be the most fun car to drive, nor the safest or best equipped, but the Duster is simply not to be missed thanks to its sheer bang for the buck.

Need a little more space? Check out our list of the best mid-size SUVs…