Top 7 best small SUV's of 2023
Top 7 best small SUV's of 2023
Looking for a small and/or cheap SUV in 2023? Check out the top 7 best small SUVs on this page.
A small SUV is hugely popular among consumers, leading every automaker to develop a crossover/small SUV. Rather, it has become a replacement for the small compact car. Think of the Volkswagen Golf, which used to be hugely popular as a small car. Now the popularity for a Volkswagen T-Cross or T-Roc has become much greater.
In this article we are only going to share with you the BEST small SUV's, these are not exactly the cheapest cars. Also, we only show SUV's that are available through the mycarena car search engine.
Herewith a summary of this article:
1. Overview of the small SUV segment
A small SUV is a compact sport utility vehicle that combines the versatility and spaciousness of a traditional SUV with the smaller size and more manageable handling of a compact car. Small SUVs have become increasingly popular mainly due to the coolness factor - they just look bigger, nicer and give a safer feeling to be in.
So, one of the key features of small SUVs is their size.They are not bigger inside than a small hatchback, while they look bigger from the outside - the inside is just as tiny compared to an equivalent hatchback.
Let's do a quick comparison on size with the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen T-Roc.
T-Roc (left) vs Golf hatchback (right)
Length: 4.236mm vs 4.284mm
Width: 1.789mm vs 1.819mm
Height: 1.456mm vs 1.573mm
Obviously, the height of an SUV will be more compared to the hatchback. However, the distance between the ground and the body is also increased. So the headspace inside the SUV would be a minimal difference to a hatchback.
What is noteworthy is the length difference, the Golf is 5cm longer compared to the SUV. That 5cm might be crucial for an IKEA furniture box, so while the T-Roc looks bigger - it's actually not. The difference in width is 3cm, but that is due to the larger wheelarches.
So generally speaking, if you really want more space. You will not buy an SUV, because in theory it gives just as much or sometimes less space than the equivalent hatchback/sedan/estate. Also in terms of fuel economy, the T-Roc will do worse compared to the Golf. The less aerodynamic body design and added body weight works against the engines fuel efficiency.
In this exercise, if you really want a lot of space. Instead of the Volkswagen T-Roc you should buy the Volkswagen Golf Variant. The same price, while being 4.633mm long. That's easily 20cm longer than the T-Roc SUV.
The major reason a small SUV is superior to a hatchback is seating position. You not only sit higher, the seating position is upright like on a traditional chair. This sits more comfortable, especially for your legs. Also getting in and out of a compact SUV is easier.
Overall, small SUVs are an attractive option for those looking for a versatile, practical, and especially stylish vehicle that is easy to maneuver and affordable to own. With so many great models to choose from, there is sure to be a small SUV that meets your needs and fits your budget.
2. Top 7 best small SUV of 2023
How did we define our top 7?
As a car search engine focusing on presenting car buyers the best deal possible. We have ranked this top 7 based on their cheapest available price through the mycarena car search engine.
We believe that all cars in this list are great options. The more you pay, the more features you will get. So in the end, the top 7 for yourself is based on how much you are able to afford.
Eitherway, we hope this list gives you a better idea of what is available today through the mycarena car search engine.
1. Hyundai Bayon
The Hyundai Bayon is our #1 best small SUV of 2023.
The reason why we have picked this as our very best small SUV is very simple. As a car search engine that is focusing on presenting car buyers the best online deal, we believe that the Hyundai Bayon gives the most amount of car for the price.
With a price of just over 20.000€ for a nicely equipped Bayon Air, you get a lot of kit. It is a well presented car in terms of features compared to the premium brand segment in this price range.
Some standard, yet high-tech features are:
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA),
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA),
- Light sensor.
The only downside may be the futuristic design. If you like to have a more understated design, you should wait for the next car in our list.
2. Seat Arona
The Seat Arona is a stylish small SUV that is based on the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Seat is the cheapest brand option in the Volkswagen Group. With a starting price for a new Seat Arona of 21.900 euro, you get german engineering in combination with an affordable yet stylish Spanish interior and exterior design. The more expensive Arona versions end up around 30.000 euro.
But what do you get in the cheapest Seat Arona Move! trim?
- Apple Carplay/Android Auto,
- Rain Sensor,
- Light Sensor,
- Navigation system,
- Park Sensor Rear,
- Cruise control.
Compared to the Hyundai Bayon, the Seat is only missing Lane Keep Assist. This technology helps you keep the car in lane by adjusting the steering direction slightly on the highway. The Assist level on this budget of cars is less advanced compared to more high-end vehicles, so the Lane Assist really is a gimmick - you are better off paying attention to the road.
Overall the Seat Arona has everything you may need in a small SUV and definitely earns it's number two spot in our list of best small SUV's of 2023.
3. Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is a really attractive, sporty and nicely equiped small SUV that definitely earns the third spot.
It's ranking third in our list due to the price in comparison to the Seat Arona, while not delivering more value. The Hyundai Kona is however a much more fresh design compared to the Seat Arona that hasn't changed much in design since 2018. The Kona we are reviewing here is the 2021 model, there is a new 2024 model Kona that will be available later this year.
The Hyundai Kona starts from 24.000 euro, which is fairly expensive compared to the Seat Arona.
The Seat Arona is a current model that we are reviewing. The Hyundai Kona shown here is already an older model. So this will affect the value of the car the newer models are seen on the road.
However, the Hyundai brand is accelerating ahead in the (small) SUV market. It is bringing out compelling packages, while offering very high reliability with their 5 year warranty.
4. Volkswagen T-Cross
The Volkswagen T-Cross is the original Seat Arona.
As you may be aware. The Volkswagen Group consists of several brands that share engineering/platforms across the different brands. So instead of each brand within the group develop a completely new car, they use a modular platform to build their own design on top of it. Underneath however, one platform is shared between different models and brands.
The T-Cross platform is used on the Seat Arona and the Skoda Kamiq.
So the Volkswagen T-Cross is the best small SUV you can buy in terms of interior quality. Compared to the Skoda and the Seat - the Volkswagen is finished in better quality materials. Although the difference is very minimal, it does give an overall higher value.
So how much more would you pay for a T-Cross in comparison to the cheaper alternative with the Seat Arona? You pay 3.000 euro more.
Is it worth the extra price? In fact, it really is. The T-Cross comes with a lot more features compared to the much cheaper Seat Arona.
Some nicer features in the cheapest T-Cross that you don't get in the cheapest Arona:
- Adaptive Cruise Control,
- Traffic Sign Recognition,
- Volkswagen branded Umbrella.
Obviously, as mentioned before. The more money you spend on a small SUV, the more features you will get. They are all great cars, but the choice usually all depend on the amount of money you are ready to spend.
5. Volkswagen Taigo
The Volkswagen Taigo is also based on the Volkswagen T-Cross platform. Although it's slightly larger, despite the less practical sport coupé body design. The Taigo also has much fresher interior design.
In terms of pricing, both models are nearly identical. Although if you match both specifications, the Taigo will be slightly more expensive.
6. Skoda Kamiq
Skoda is one of the brands within the Volkswagen Group. As mentioned before, the Skoda Kamiq is based on the Volkswagen T-Cross platform.
The Skoda brand positions itself in the group as the best choice in terms of pricing and quality. It's the most "clever" option to go for. However, in our research we find that the cheapest Skoda Kamiq started over 25.000 euro for the cheapest small SUV for sale by the brand.
What we can learn here from the Volkswagen Group, is that Seat is guarenteed to be the cheapest option. While Volkswagen and Skoda are similar priced (so more expensive to Seat). But Skoda should technically have more value compared to the equally priced Volkswagen T-Cross in this case.
Is that the case? Apart from the different design, we were unable to find the extra value on paper. We even doubt that the materials used in the Skoda will be of same quality compared to the Volkswagen. In this example, the Skoda is of worse value to a Volkswagen. So always be ware of a brands positioning and what it really offers.
We highly recommend testing out the different small SUV's by Seat, Volkswagen and Skoda to experience the differences in real life.
7. Peugeot 2008
The last small SUV in our top 7 list is the Peugeot 2008!
Why last you may ask?
The Peugeot 2008 is a brilliant looking car, it's super stylish and well designed. The recent Peugeot design language across all models has been very good. This also translates with their great sales figures, especially in Belgium they have been performing very well.
Because of a good product, they do ask a lot of money for their smallest SUV the Peugeot 2008. With a starting price of 27.500 euro for the cheapest Peugeot 2008 on sale through the mycarena search engine. We believe the price is way too much for a car this size.
In terms of value, it's actually not good. The cheapest Peugeot 2008 has nearly no option and comes in very basic. In comparison to other cars in this list, you are much better off with other models.
The most expensive Peugeot 2008 on sale that we could find on the mycarena search engine is 50.000 euro. That is an electric version of the 2008 in the GT trim. This gives you an idea what level of car you are showing interest in.
3. How fuel efficient are small SUV's?
The best way to compare fuel efficiency of a small SUV is by giving you a theoretical comparison as advertised by the manufacturers itself.
The Volkswagen T-Cross and Volkswagen Polo are both identical underneath mechanically. They are based on the same suspension, engine and transmission. The biggest difference is the bodywork and increased ride height. Both changes work against fuel efficiency, so theoretically the SUV should do worse. Let's see.
For the comparison, we have picked the 1.0 TSI 70 kW (95 hp) engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox, available in both the T-Cross and Polo.
The Volkswagen Polo does 5.2L/100km and has a CO2 emission of 118g/km.
The Volkswagen T-Cross does 5.8L/100km and has a CO2 emission of 131g/km.
So in comparison, the T-Cross is less efficient with 0.6L/100km and 13g/km more.
We can definitely conclude that an SUV shaped car is definitely less fuel efficient in comparison to a regular hatchback.
4. How practical is the interior of a small SUV?
The difference in practicality is almost non existent.
If we again compare the Volkswagen Polo and T-Cross, we can determine no difference in the interior.
The only major difference is head space and the seating position. The headspace in the T-Cross is slightly more, while also sitting more upright. You have a slightly higher visibility, but not much more.
So how practical are small SUV interiors in comparison to a regular hatchback? Just as practical with almost no difference.
5. Are small SUV's safer than regular small cars?
To understand the safety of a passenger car, we will have to rely on NCAP.
NCAP stands for New Car Assessment Program, which is a European organization that conducts independent safety tests on new vehicles. The organization was founded in 1997 to help consumers make more informed choices about the safety of the vehicles they are considering buying.
NCAP provides safety ratings based on a set of standard crash tests that measure a vehicle's performance in different collision scenarios. These tests include front, side, and rear impacts, as well as pedestrian protection and safety assist technologies such as lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.
The ratings provided by NCAP are expressed in stars, with a maximum of five stars awarded to vehicles that perform well in all tests. A five-star rating indicates that the vehicle provides excellent protection for occupants and other road users, while a one-star rating indicates that the vehicle provides minimal protection.
For a compact SUV, a good NCAP rating is particularly important, as SUVs are often used as family vehicles and are expected to provide a high level of safety for occupants. A high rating from NCAP can provide peace of mind to consumers and help to distinguish a compact SUV from its competitors in a crowded market.
It's worth noting that NCAP updates its testing criteria periodically to reflect changes in vehicle technology and safety standards. Therefore, it's important to check the date of the rating to ensure that it's based on the most up-to-date testing criteria. Additionally, it's always a good idea to consider other factors such as reliability, fuel economy, and overall value for money when making a purchasing decision.
Let's start the comparison of the Volkswagen Polo (left) vs the Volkswagen T-Cross (right)
Passenger safety: 96% vs 97%
Child safety: 85% vs 86%
Pedestrian safety: 76% vs 81%
Safety assists: 59% vs 80%
The T-Cross was scored better in all aspects compared to the Volkswagen Polo.
6. How to get the best price on a small SUV?
Here are a few tips for getting the best deal on a new car:
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Research the car's market value and compare prices from different dealerships to get an idea of what is a fair price.
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Negotiate the price with the dealership, and be prepared to walk away if the dealer is not willing to meet your desired price.
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Consider financing options and shop around for the best interest rates and loan terms.
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Look for any available incentives or promotions from the manufacturer or dealership, such as cashback offers or free maintenance.
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Be willing to consider different makes and models to find the best value for your budget.
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Don't forget to factor in the cost of taxes, registration, and insurance when determining the overall cost of the car.
...or skip all these steps and go to the mycarena car search engine to immediatly find the best deal for a new small SUV!