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The most and least economical small SUVs
What Car?'s real-world tests reveal the real fuel economy figures you can expect from a car. Here we reveal the best-performing small SUVs we've ever tested.
Darren Moss
Updated: 29 September 2026
The average price for a litre of petrol across the UK is currently 173.32p per litre, and that price is only expected to go one way in the coming weeks – up.
That means fuel economy is still a huge consideration to many new car buyers, and the gap between the most and least efficient models is wide indeed.
That's why we independently test the fuel economy of cars as part of our in-depth road tests. Our results reveal the kind of fuel economy you can expect from any car you're interested in buying, without resorting to any unrealistic driving techniques or 'hypermiling'.
In this article, we’re looking at the most fuel-efficient small SUVs, ranked in order of the average fuel economy they returned during our tests. Remember that if you want to learn more about any of the cars mentioned here, you can follow the links through to our in-depth reviews.
At a glance – the most economical small SUVs we've tested
Make and modelWhat Car? ratingList priceTest MPG resultPCP deals****Leasing dealsToyota Yaris Cross4£27,44561.9mpgBest PCP dealsCars available nowRenault Captur4£22,49556.7mpgBest PCP dealsBest leasing dealsSkoda Kamiq4£25,53552.3mpgBest PCP dealsBest leasing dealsLexus LBX5£35,69551.4mpgBest PCP dealsBest leasing dealsSeat Arona4£23,80549.6mpgBest PCP dealsBest leasing deals
The most economical small SUVs for you
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the most efficient car we've ever tested, combining frugal hybrid power with a surprisingly spacious interior. It's also enjoyable to drive.
The latest Renault Captur is well worth considering, too. You get plenty of kit as standard, and it's a comfortable option for longer journeys. Plus, you get sliding rear seats for extra practicality.
If space is a top priority for you, then the Skoda Kamiq should be on your shortlist. It's one of the roomiest options in the small SUV class, but also one that's highly efficient.
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Toyota Yaris Cross
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- Very fuel efficient
- Smooth driving manners
- Uncluttered dashboard is easy to use
Weaknesses
- Could be more spacious in the back seats
- Not as fun to drive as the Ford Puma
- Not all safety kit is available on all trims
Year tested 2022 | Test MPG result 61.9mpg | Official MPG 62.8mpg
Not only is the Toyota Yaris Cross the most economical small SUV here, but it's also the most economical car we've tested full stop. Plenty of that frugality comes from being a hybrid, meaning that the Yaris Cross has a small electric motor and battery to go alongside its 1.5-litre petrol engine. You can drive at slower speeds – such as around town – using electric power, before the petrol engine joins in at higher speeds.
While it may be exceptionally economical, the Yaris Cross isn't the last word in speed, with the 129bhp setup delivering a 0-62mph sprint time of just 10.7 seconds, and even more for models fitted with four-wheel drive. Still, the ride is very comfortable, and the Yaris Cross is almost as adept at dealing with battered British Tarmac as the Skoda Kamiq.
Despite leaning more through bends than a Ford Puma or Volkswagen T-Roc, the Yaris Cross still feels capable along a flowing country road, inspiring confidence with its well-weighted steering and good body control.
Inside, the Yaris Cross feels nicer than a Ford Puma or Renault Captur, and everything feels well put together. A Nissan Juke is classier still, though.
There are plenty of handy storage cubbies inside the Yaris Cross and I found the wireless charging pad well positioned and easy to use.
Read our full Toyota Yaris Cross review >>
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Available now from: £27,075
RRP from: £27,445
Nearly new deals
From £22,980
Leasing deals
From £248
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Toyota Yaris Cross
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 36 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £247.78 Initial payment £2,973.36
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£3,218 total upfront (£2,973 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 36 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Renault Captur
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- Keen starting price
- Sliding rear seats
- Quiet cruiser
Weaknesses
- Cheap-feeling interior on lower trim levels
- TCe 115 petrol is quite slow
- No adjustable lumbar support
Year tested 2024 | Test MPG result 56.7mpg | Official MPG 60.1mpg
Versatility is the name of the game with the Renault Captur. You see, unlike most other small SUVs, its clever rear seats allow you to choose between prioritising boot space or rear leg room as you choose, because the whole rear bench slides forwards and back. Even with them all the way back, the room available to your passengers is decent rather than amazing, but with the seats slid all the way forwards, the Captur has one of the largest boots in the class.
This version of the Captur is a hybrid, just like the Toyota Yaris Cross above. Here, the combination of 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor produces 156bhp, and that power is channeled through an automatic gearbox. The Captur will beat the Yaris Cross in a sprint to 62mph, as well as the Nissan Juke Hybrid, but some small SUVs are quicker still.
Along bouncing country roads, the Captur's relatively soft suspension helps to make it one of the most comfortable small SUVs around. And while the Captur's light steering makes weaving in and out of city traffic a doddle, the fact that it doesn't build up weight as you drive faster means that you're never as confident on twisty roads as you would be in, say, a Ford Puma.
Touchscreen infotainment systems are distracting to use but in my experience the Captur's is easier to navigate around than the Ford Puma's.
Lawrence Cheung, new cars editor
Read our full Renault Captur review >>
New car deals
Best price from £21,495
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £21,495
RRP from: £22,595
Nearly new deals
From £16,477
Leasing deals
From £262
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Renault Captur
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 48 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £261.97 Initial payment £3,143.64
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£3,389 total upfront (£3,144 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 48 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
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Skoda Kamiq
Best buy: 1.0 TSI SE Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 9.7 sec
MPG/range: 52.2 mpg
C02 emissions: 122 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 400 litres
Insurance group: 15E
Reliability
Safety
Costs
Quality
Performance
Strengths
- Remarkably roomy rear seats
- Huge boot by class standards
- Comfortable ride
Weaknesses
- No sliding or reclining rear seats
- Not especially well equipped
- Other small SUVs have higher driving positions
Year tested 2020 | Test MPG result 52.3mpg | Official MPG 51.8mpg
That the Skoda Kamiq is an exceptionally frugal small SUV is just the cherry on top of what is already a very tempting cake. You see, the Kamiq is among the most practical options in this class, with noticeably more rear leg room than you'd find in the Ford Puma, a frankly ridiculous amount of head room, and a boot which managed to swallow seven carry-on suitcases during our tests. That's the same number as the Volkswagen T-Roc, and more than the Lexus LBX, Nissan Juke or Renault Captur could manage.
Sure, the Kamiq isn't among the sportiest small SUVs to drive. Although efficient, the 1.0-litre TSI 95 isn't the last word in performance, but the Kamiq can strill sprint up to motorway speeds in about the samr time as a Seat Arona or VW T-Cross fitted with similar engines. The Kamiq is built for comfort rather than thrills – it handles well enough, but its strong suit is ride comfort, where it's one of the the most comfortable options in this class.
It's something of a shame that you sit relatively low down inside the Kamiq, meaning you miss out on the raised driving position which most SUV buyers are looking for. That said, the driving position itself is sound, with plenty of adjustment in both the seat and steering wheel. And while the interior isn't up to the same level as an Audi Q2 or Lexus LBX, it still feels well put together, and the quality of materials has improved a fair amount since the Kamiq's original launch.
The Kamiq's floor-mounted storage box for the rear-seat occupants is a really handy addition, and I also liked the wireless phone-charger, which can keep your mobile cool as it tops up.
Read our full Skoda Kamiq review >>
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Best price from £20,790
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The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £20,790
RRP from: £25,730
Nearly new deals
From £16,000
Leasing deals
From £229
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Skoda Kamiq
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 36 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £228.79 Initial payment £2,745.48
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£2,990 total upfront (£2,745 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 36 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Lexus LBX
Best buy: 1.5 VVT-iE Premium Plus E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 9.2 sec
MPG/range: 61.4 mpg
C02 emissions: 103 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 332 litres
Insurance group: 24E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- High-quality interior
- Efficient hybrid system
- Very well equipped
Weaknesses
- Slightly unsettled low-speed ride
- Tight rear seat space
- Rivals have a more intuitive infotainment system
Year tested 2024 | Test MPG result 51.4mpg | Official MPG 61.4mpg
Back in 2024, we named the Lexus LBX as our overall Car of the Year, and while it's no longer quite the class leader it once was, it remains a thoroughly recommendable small SUV – especially if you're looking to cut your running costs. You see, the Lexus LBX uses the same running gear, motor and petrol engine as the Toyota Yaris Cross which tops this list. That means it's similarly gutsy and similarly economical, returning more than 50mpg in real-world conditions.
And while the Yaris Cross doesn't have much of a premium sparkle inside, that's not something you can say about the LBX. Every surface is coated in high-quality materials, and it all feels built to stand the test of time. We like the clean, uncluttered layout of the dashboard, and the fact that there are proper physical buttons to control the air conditioning.
The rival Volkswagen T-Roc feels airier inside, but there's still plenty of space in the front of the Lexus LBX for a couple of six-footers to get comfortable. Things are tighter in the back, where your passengers will begin to feel a bit cramped over long journeys. Go for a front-wheel drive version of the LBX – as most buyers will – and you'll get a boot with a respectable 402 litres of storage space, which is about the same as an Audi Q2 offers. In real terms, that means there's enough space for six carry-on suitcases.
The Lexus LBX offers less rear leg room than you get in a Toyota C-HR, but it’s not too bad and there was still plenty of room for my feet.
Read our full Lexus LBX review >>
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Best price from £30,106
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £30,106
RRP from: £30,995
Nearly new deals
From £26,699
Leasing deals
From £228
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Lexus LBX
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 36 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £228.28 Initial payment £2,739.36
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£2,984 total upfront (£2,739 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 36 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
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Seat Arona
Best buy: 1.0 TSI SE Technology DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 9.9 sec
MPG/range: 51.4 mpg
C02 emissions: 126 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 400 litres
Insurance group: 14E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- Tidy handling
- Spacious and user-friendly interior
- Competitive list price
Weaknesses
- Some rivals have a bigger boot
- Doesn’t have a sliding rear bench
- No hybrid option
Year tested 2026 | Test MPG result 49.6mpg | Official MPG 50.9mpg
This 94bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine is the baby of the Seat Arona range, and while it feels a little sluggish at low revs, it's perfectly fine once you get moving – plus, as our real-world fuel economy results prove, it's pleasantly efficient.
The Arona handles well, and offers a more agile and entertaining drive than either its Citroën C3 Aircross or Renault Captur rivals. It does a good job of soaking up the lumps and bumps of British roads, too – especially if you stick with the smallest 17in alloy wheels. Indeed, as you go further up the Arona's trim range and unlock larger wheels, the ride suffers. Still, no version of the Arona is uncomfortable.
While not up to the standards of the Audi Q2 inside, the Arona features soft-touch materials in the places you're likely to touch regularly inside, and everything feels built to last. The driving position is comfortable, with plenty of adjustment in both the seat and steering wheel, and it places you fairly high up inside the car, so you get a more commanding view over the road ahead than you would in a Skoda Kamiq.
The Arona's air-conditioning controls are positioned quite low down, but this isn't a major problem. They're so simple that I found I didn't actually need to look at them to use them.
Lawrence Cheung, new cars editor
Read our full Seat Arona review >>
New car deals
Best price from £16,790
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £16,790
RRP from: £23,805
Nearly new deals
From £14,750
Leasing deals
From £167
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Seat Arona
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 24 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £166.99 Initial payment £2,003.88
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£2,249 total upfront (£2,004 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 24 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Toyota C-HR
Best buy: 1.8 VVT-h Design CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 9.9 sec
MPG/range: 60.1 mpg
C02 emissions: 107 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 388 litres
Insurance group: 20E
Reliability
Safety
Costs
Quality
Performance
Strengths
- Efficient hybrid engines
- Should prove very reliable
- PHEV has a competitive electric-only range
Weaknesses
- Expensive
- Rivals are much more practical
- Not much fun to drive
Year tested 2024 | Test MPG result 48.8mpg | Official MPG 57.7mpg
The Toyota C-HR is credited with giving Toyota a younger and edgier image, thanks to its focus on sharp styling and cost-cutting hybrid frugality. It's certainly the latter, returning upwards of 48mpg in real-world conditions. And while looks are subjective, it's hard to deny that the C-HR will turn plenty of heads.
You can have your C-HR with either a 138bhp 1.8-litre or 193bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, and both come with an electric motor and battery, turning them into hybrids. There's also a plug-in hybrid variant, which mates the 2.0-litre engine with a larger battery, but that's not the version we're focussing on here. No, its the 1.8-litre version which we think will suit most drivers the best. And while it's no speed demon – we clocked the 0-62mph sprint in a fairly sluggish 10.2 seconds – it has enough pep for everyday driving.
Thanks to relatively soft suspension, the C-HR delivers a generally smooth ride, but stick with the smaller wheels for the best experience. Range-topping versions come with 19in alloys which, while not uncomfortable, do send more thuds back into the car. As for handling? The C-HR is best described as competent rather than exciting. That is to say that it feels well balanced and agile enough, but it won't raise a smile in the way that a Ford Puma might.
The driver's seat of the C-HR is comfortable, but you don't sit as high up as you do in some rival small SUVs. Elsewhere, the quality of the C-HR's interior is pretty plush, and we like that there are proper physical climate controls.
The C-HR's standard-fit panoramic glass roof helps to make the rear of the car feel a bit less drab and dark, but I don't think it's a cure-all by any means.
Read our full Toyota C-HR review >>
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Best price from £31,695
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £32,195
RRP from: £31,695
Nearly new deals
From £24,760
Leasing deals
From £282
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Toyota C-HR
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 60 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £282.10 Initial payment £3,385.20
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£3,630 total upfront (£3,385 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 60 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
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Ford Puma
Best buy: 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV ST DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 7.4 sec
MPG/range: 47.9 mpg
C02 emissions: 135 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 456 litres
Insurance group: 21E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- Great fun to drive
- Remarkable blend of performance and fuel economy
- Big and cleverly designed boot
Weaknesses
- Rear space is adequate rather than outstanding
- Interior quality could be better
- There are more comfortable and quieter rivals
Year tested 2024 | Test MPG result 48.2mpg | Official MPG 52.3mpg
The Ford Puma is the second overall What Car? Car of the Year to feature on this list, having taken our top accolade back in 2020. And while it's no longer the best small SUV you can buy, it remains the go-to choice if driving fun is your top priority.
That's because no other small SUV can match the Puma's alluring blend of performance and agility. The Ecoboost 125 model we're focussing on here is the baby of the range, but it's peppy, pulling well from low revs and overtaking easily on faster roads. And because it comes with mild hybrid technology, it can also help to lower your fuel bills – contributing to its excellent real-world fuel economy.
On a country road, the Puma's nimble handling and natural, well-weighted steering gives you the confidence to press on in a way that no other small SUV can match.
As a small SUV, the Puma is also pretty practical. A couple of six-footers sitting in the rear seats will find that they're missing a few centimetres of leg room compared with a Skoda Kamiq or Volkswagen T-Cross, but they should still be fairly comfortable. And if you manage to fill the boot, the Puma has a trick up its sleeve in the form of a hidden well below the boot floor. You can use this for more storage space, or for carrying muddy boots – it even has a drainage plug so it can be hosed out afterwards.
Out of all the option packs, I’d definitely spec my Puma with the Winter Pack. It’s the most affordable and the heated seats and steering wheel will be most appreciated in the colder months.
Read our full Ford Puma review >>
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Best price from £21,228
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £21,228
RRP from: £27,145
Nearly new deals
From £11,990
Leasing deals
From £282
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Ford Puma
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 48 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £281.66 Initial payment £3,379.92
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£3,625 total upfront (£3,380 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 48 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Volkswagen Taigo
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- Comfortable ride
- Surprisingly spacious interior
- Cheap running costs
Weaknesses
- Rivals are more fun to drive
- So-so interior quality
- Reliability could be better
Year tested 2022 | Test MPG result 46.8mpg | Official MPG 51.5mpg
The Volkswagen Taigo is often overlooked in favour of the excellent Volkswagen T-Cross, but with its coupe looks, it offers a dose of style to rival the Ford Puma. But while the Ford could only muster an average of 45.1mpg in our tests, the Taigo easily returned more than 50mpg.
We recommend the 113bhp version of the Taigo's 1.0-litre petrol engine if you reguarly drive on the motorway, but if you don't need its extra turn of speed or just value efficiency over energy, the 94bhp version tested here is the one we'd go for. And we're not saying this version is slow, either – indeed, it does an admirable job of keeping pace with faster traffic.
It's easy to get comfortable inside the Taigo, with lots of adjustment in the seating position and steering wheel. And while you won't have to look far to find hard, scratchy plastics, there are some pleasantly soft materials used in the places you touch frequently. If interior quality is more important to you than efficiency, then we'd point you in the direction of the Audi Q2 or Mini Countryman instead.
While it's not good for agility, the steering's fairly slow rate of response helps the Taigo feel relaxing when cruising at speed. If I had a long motorway commute, I'd definitely consider one.
Read our full Volkswagen Taigo review >>
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Best price from £21,976
Nearly new deals
From £17,299
Leasing deals
From £218
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Volkswagen Taigo
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 36 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £218.21 Initial payment £2,618.52
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£2,864 total upfront (£2,619 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 36 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
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Nissan Juke
Best buy: 1.0 DIG-T N-Connecta Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 10.7 sec
MPG/range: 48.8 mpg
C02 emissions: 133 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 422 litres
Insurance group: 13E
Reliability
Safety
Costs
Quality
Performance
Strengths
- Smart interior
- Good safety rating
- Lots of toys on our recommended trim
Weaknesses
- Choppy ride
- Claustrophobic in the rear seats
- Poor reliability record
Year tested 2023 | Test MPG result 46.5mpg | Official MPG 58.2mpg
The Juke is one of the most popular small SUVs on UK roads, and it's mostly deserving of that popularity. We say mostly, because while there's plenty to like, there are also some downsides to consider.
The hybrid engine we're looking at here combines a 141bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. The result isn't especially fast – the 0-60mph sprint takes 10.4 seconds – but it's still peppy enough for every day driving.
It's a shame that the Juke isn't more comfortable over undulating roads. The hybrid version comes with suspension that's even firmer than that of the already-firm petrol versions, which means you feel more lumps and bumps. And if you go for the largest 19in wheels, the issue is even worse.
At least it's easy to get comfortable behind the wheel of the Juke, thanks to lots of adjustment for both the steering wheel and driver's seat – though it's worth noting that you don't get adjustable lumbar support on any version. The interior feels pleasant in terms of quality, with materials which feel higher in quality than what you'd find in a Ford Puma.
Rear-seat space is pretty good, with plenty of leg room but head room which is only mediocre by the standards of this class. When it comes to the boot, hybrid versions of the Juke lose out on some space due to their hefty batteries, but there should still be enough for five carry-on suitcases.
Our favourite N-Connecta trim can be had with the optional Heat Pack that includes heated front seats and a steering wheel. Add that and I reckon you have all the kit you’d need.
Read our full Nissan Juke review >>
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The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £17,999
RRP from: £23,635
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From £12,590
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From £224
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Nissan Juke
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 60 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £223.78 Initial payment £2,685.36
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£2,930 total upfront (£2,685 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 60 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Hyundai Kona
Best buy: 65.4kWh Advance Auto 5dr
0-62 mph: 7.8 sec
Range: 319 miles
Seats: 5
Boot: 466 litres
Insurance group: 31D
Reliability
Safety
Costs
Quality
Performance
Strengths
- Low CO2 emissions (Hybrid)
- Generous standard kit
- Strikes a fine balance between comfort and handling
Weaknesses
- None of the engines offers class-leading performance
- Boot could be bigger
- Depreciates faster than rivals
Year tested 2024 | Test MPG result 46.1mpg | Official MPG 60.1mpg
This hybrid version of the Hyundai Kona is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, producing a total of 139bhp when they work together. That makes for punchy performance and the ability to drive around town for short distances using electric power alone – explaining the stellar figure of 63.7mpg around town. It’s also good on rural roads, as the 52mpg result attests, but a disappointing 39.7mpg on motorways prevents it from moving up our list.
It's worth noting that the Kona has been facelifted since our test, but the hybrid remains the most frugal option in the line-up barring the all-electric Kona Electric. Like the pre-facelift model, the Kona isn't especially inspiring to drive – for that, look at the Volkswagen T-Roc – but it's not uncomfortable and is pleasantly hushed even at motorway speeds.
If you regularly ferry around tall passengers, then they'll thank you for choosing the Kona, because it offers more rear leg room than most rivals, including the Ford Puma, and there's no shortage of head room either.
I found the Kona’s polished ride and quiet cruising manner a real boon for long-distance trips.
John Howell, deputy reviews editor
Read our full Hyundai Kona review >>
New car deals
Best price from £25,900
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RRP from: £27,290
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Leasing deals
From £279
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Hyundai Kona
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 48 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £279.44 Initial payment £3,353.28
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£3,598 total upfront (£3,353 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 48 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
And the least efficient small SUVs...
Peugeot 3008 1.6 Hybrid
Year tested 2020 | Test MPG result 32.8mpg | Official MPG 222.3mpg
The previous-generation Peugeot 3008, while uneconomical in this form, still has plenty going for it as a used buy – it's spacious, comfortable and comes with lots of kit.
Read our review
Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 TSI 150
Year tested 2024 | Test MPG result 37.9mpg | Official MPG 46.3mpg
There's nothing wrong with the Volkswagen T-Roc per se – indeed, it's our top small SUV choice if comfort is your primary concern – but there's no denying that the 1.5-litre petrol-engined version we tested here will cost you a lot to run, especially if you mainly drive in town.
Read our review
Citroen C3 Aircross Puretech 110
Year tested 2021 | Test MPG result 39.1mpg | Official MPG 47.1mpg
This previous-generation version of the C3 Aircross offers lots of practicality and good comfort, but it's only so-so to drive.
Read our review
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