Small SUVs are the perfect combination of practicality and style. If you're looking for a reliable yet stylish set of wheels, then WhichCar has you covered. We've compiled a comprehensive list of the best small SUVs for sale in Australia.
Volkswagen T-Roc
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a relative newcomer to the small SUV segment, yet it has quickly established itself as one of the best contenders in its class.
First launched in Australia in 2020, the T-Roc’s key attributes include handsome styling, sporty handling, and a broad mix of engines despite a relatively simple three-tier model range.
Toyota Corolla Cross
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a crossover set to bring SUV practicality to the brand’s most popular passenger car.
Launched in 2020 overseas, it’s designed so that it is visually distinctive from either of its range neighbours – looking a little less futuristic than the C-HR and less rugged than the RAV4.
Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos small SUV arrived in 2019 to fill a notable hole in the company’s otherwise diverse line-up.
Despite its crossover-like appearance, the model offers a combination of generous boot and cabin space, coupled with 1.6-litre turbo power and all-wheel drive at the pointy end of the range.
Small SUV Reviews
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Reviews2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid Edition review
All-wheel drive R power for less than a Golf GTI? VW’s T-Roc Grid Edition leaps straight to pole position
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Reviews2023 Kia Seltos review: Sport+ 1.6T AWD
The updated Kia Seltos Sport+ 1.6T AWD features more tech and an improved automatic transmission – but a few oddities let it down
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Comparisons2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs Mazda CX-30 comparison review
Toyota’s new Corolla Cross has arrived, but is it good enough to take down one of our favourites – the Mazda CX-30?
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ComparisonsBest small hybrid SUV review: 2023 HR-V v Corolla Cross v Niro v CX-30 (petrol)
The increasingly important small SUV category has been crying out for new under-bonnet tech and better interior packaging. Are these four up to the task?
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2022 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure review: A good first car?
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2023 Kia Seltos review: First Australian drive
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2022 Honda HR-V vs 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross comparison review
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2023 BMW X1 review: Australian launch
About Small SUVs
The small SUV is the most affordable entry into the world’s favourite vehicle type.
In Australia they are classified officially in the industry as either a Light SUV or a Small SUV, though there is often plenty of pricing overlap between these sports utility vehicles that are, respectively, typically based on city cars or small cars.
Some small SUVs are not especially practical for families, though many are more adept at fitting parents, kids and all their gear than you might imagine. The Kia Seltos, Skoda Kamiq and Volkswagen T-Cross are good examples of small SUVs that are a genuine option for families looking for a roomy vehicle but can’t stretch their budget to a midsized SUV.
Such is the popularity of SUVs that several brands feature two compact SUVs. Stablemate pairings include the Kia Stonic and Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-30, Toyota Yaris Cross and Toyota C-HR, and Volkswagen T-Cross and Volkswagen T-Roc.
Petrol power dominates the segment, though electrification is gradually working its way into the segment. There are petrol-electric offerings available from Toyota’s Yaris Cross and C-HR and the GWM Haval Jolion, plug-in hybrids such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, while fully electric options include the BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Kona EV, and MG ZS EV.
Petrolheads aren’t neglected, though. The Hyundai Kona N and Volkswagen T-Roc R are both relatively affordable performance SUVs. Audi has the SQ2 and RSQ3, while the Mercedes-AMG GLA45 is one of the fastest compact SUVs in the world.
Many luxury brands also offer compact SUVs. These include the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Jaguar E-Pace, Lexus UX, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40.
Two of the aforementioned SUVs have won the prestigious Wheels Car of the Year award. The Volvo XC40 won in 2019 and the Mazda CX-30 won in 2021.