Small cheap SUV options for 2024

Finding your next small cheap SUV can be a daunting task. With all the choices, it can be hard to know where to begin.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 affordable small SUVs to help you make the right decision.

Small cheapest SUV picks:

• Nissan Juke

• Ford Puma

• Peugeot 2008

• Renault Captur

• Dacia Duster

• Skoda Kamiq

• SEAT Arona

• Citroen C4 Cactus

• MG ZS

• Citroen C3 Aircross

Nissan Juke

The Nissan Juke is the Qashqai’s baby brother, offering everything you’d find in the mid-sized SUV but in a much smaller form.

It’s packed with excellent in-car tech and is practical enough for most people’s daily tasks.

Model ranges include the Nissan Juke Visia, Acenta and the range-topping Tekna+. These are available with a couple of different engines, from a small 1.0-litre petrol to a larger 1.6-litre hybrid.

It may not be the flashiest model on the market, but this used Nissan is stylish, has plenty of space for up to four adults, and a respectable boot space of 422 litres. It's one of the best affordable SUVs on the market.

Ford Puma

The old Ford Puma from 1997 is now an automotive icon, so when the new one launched in 2019, it had some large boots to fill.

Now a small crossover SUV instead of a sleek coupé, the used Ford Puma is a fine family vehicle that’s practical and comfortable to live with.

Engines include a 1.0-litre petrol and a larger 1.5-litre EcoBoost that benefits from mild hybrid technology.

It also comes with solid tech including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though Ford’s SYNC infotainment system is fab. It's one of the cheapest SUVs that still packs plenty of tech.

Peugeot 2008

The Peugeot 2008 sits between the 208 hatchback and larger 3008 SUV, making it the ideal practical SUV on a budget.

The early Peugeot 2008s from 2013 weren’t all that great to drive, with light steering and poor suspension, but modern examples are much better.

The upgraded suspension is much better on bumpy roads, and the petrol or diesel engines are smooth and reliable.

Move to the rear of this used Peugeot and you’ll find a 434-litre boot that offers plenty of space for most people’s daily needs and weekly food shops.

Renault Captur

If you’re familiar with the Clio, the Renault Captur shouldn’t feel all that alien as it sits on the hatchback’s chassis.

This special formula has led to the Captur being one of Renault’s best-selling cars and was even the best-selling SUV in all of Europe at one point.

The Captur offers some great engine options, including a self-charging hybrid that’s the most efficient option.

There’s also a very functional interior that’s got all the mod-cons you’d ever need, from air-conditioning to sat-nav and more.

Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster’s assignment is simple: be reliable and robust on a budget.

Dacia’s SUV is so popular because it offers so much for the price. Doing the school run? Done. Fancy a day of off-roading? Easy. Going on a shopping spree? No worries. There really isn’t anything you can throw at the Duster that it can’t do.

On top of its versatility, it also comes with a solid choice of engines including petrol and diesels.

Despite being on the cheaper end of the small SUV spectrum, the Duster is still very reliable and safe thanks to its Renault backing.

Skoda Kamiq

Skoda realised it was falling behind in the small SUV market, so launched the Kamiq – a car that fits the bill and exceeded expectations.

In many ways, it’s a baby Karoq but with a hatchback feel to make it easier to drive and park in tight spaces.

This used Skoda can be had with either a 1.0-litre petrol engine or a larger 1.5-litre with 150hp. The latter is the one to go for if you want that extra power, and both automatic and manual gearboxes are available.

At the rear, you get 400 litres of boot space that increases to 1,395 litres when the rear seats are folded flat, meaning you can carry large items around if needed.

SEAT Arona

Sharing its platform with the Ibiza, the Arona handles and behaves much like the supermini, which means it’s playful yet easy to drive.

Whether you’re in need of a small family car or a practical runaround, the SEAT Arona won’t let you down.

You can choose from a wide range of models, such as manual or automatic gearboxes and a few different petrol engines.

Inside, the cabin is very straightforward and logical, with plenty of tech. Plus, there are a few different trim levels to pick from.

Citroen C4 Cactus

Citroen has always been a brand that isn’t afraid of innovating and being different, and the C4 Cactus lives up to this.

It stands out from the crowd thanks to its hatchback-like styling with higher suspension and the unique Airbumps that line its flanks.

We should mention that the Airbumps aren’t just to look quirky – they serve a purpose. They’re designed to stop your doors from getting damaged when a careless person flings their door open in a car park.

When behind the wheel, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the performance from the small petrol engines, and the higher driving position is very welcome too.

MG ZS

MG has had a long history of making cars, having started back in 1930, so modern examples such as the ZS are predictably very impressive.

There are two different petrol engines on offer, both of which are reliable and perfectly suited to the ZS.

There’s also the all-electric ZS EV, which has a range of up to 370 miles and produces 154hp, making it ideal for city dwellers. It’s worth noting, however, this is more expensive than the petrol variant.

Despite being a ‘basic’ SUV, the ZS still has high levels of tech and great interior finishes.

Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroen C3 hatchback is funky, but look at the C3 Aircross SUV and you’ll notice even more quirks.

Being taller, this model has much more interior space and a larger boot that measures in at 410 litres, adding to its SUV appeal.

In terms of engines, you can have it with either a petrol or diesel engine. This, mated to supple suspension, makes for a perfect all-rounder.

As you’d imagine from a Citroen, the C3 Aircross has a very modern interior, with a large central infotainment screen and minimal buttons for a clean look.