Every SUV rated

Thinking of buying a new SUV? Here we give our verdict on all of them, from small through to luxury, plus the hybrid and electric options...

SUVs small and large

There was a time when SUVs were expensive to run and crude to drive, but today the best combine efficiency with style and are as comfortable as they are spacious. What’s more, with so many brands recognising their popularity – and the potential for attracting new customers – there’s now a huge variety of models to choose from.

Here’s the paradox, though: while this means there’s more chance that someone is selling exactly what you want, it can also make it harder than ever to find. So, in this article we’ve not only rated every SUV available, but also looked more closely at the current class leaders and exactly what they offer. It should make finding your ideal SUV a lot easier. And we start with small SUVs.

Every small SUV rated

Ford Puma front - LHD

Our pick 1.0 Ecoboost mHEV 155 ST-Line X
For Great fun to drive; remarkable blend of performance and economy; big, clever boot
Against Rear space is adequate rather than outstanding; visibility could be better
What Car? rating 5/5

Four little words. That’s all that’s needed to tell you the extent to which we’ve been dazzled by Ford’s new small SUV contender. So what are they? Here we go: Car. Of. The. Year.

The What Car? Car of the Year Award is the most coveted prize in motoring. Not only is the Puma our 2020 champ despite being up against an incredibly strong field of contenders, but the decision wasn’t even difficult. That speaks volumes.

From the first moment, the Puma is a joy to drive, being super-nimble for a small SUV, while the ideally weighted steering gives you a real sense of connection with the front wheels. These are things you’ll appreciate no matter how quickly or slowly you’re driving, and just as impressively, the Puma’s agility doesn’t come at the expense of a comfortable ride.

Ford Puma interior

The engines deserve praise, too. Coming in 124bhp and 153bhp guises, the 1.0-litre turbo petrol units provide strong urge from low revs but thrive even more on being revved harder. Fitted with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, they deliver incredible efficiency, helping to keep ownership costs down – as do the Puma’s keen pricing and strong resale values.

And although rear seat space is only so-so, the Puma is also surprisingly practical, thanks to a big boot with a height-adjustable floor, and a huge recess underneath that lets you carry two sets of golf clubs vertically.

On top of all this, the Puma is well equipped, strong on safety and decent on quality, plus it has an excellent driving position. It may be the new cat in town, but it’s already top dog.

Save money on a new Ford Puma with What Car? >>


Suzuki Ignis

2018 Suzuki Ignis Adventure review – price, specs and release date

Our pick 1.2 Dualjet SHVS 2WD SZ5
For Real-world economy is excellent; spacious and practical; lots of standard kit.
Against Unsettled ride; noisy on the motorway; there are only four seats.
What Car? rating 3/5

Volkswagen T-Roc front

Our pick 1.0 TSI 115 Design
For Good ride and handling balance; well equipped; long safety kit roster.
Against Interior feels cheap and the rear seat arrangement could be more flexible.
What Car? rating 5/5

Save money on a new Volkswagen T-Roc with What Car? >>


Mini Countryman

Mini Countryman front - 19 plate

Our pick 1.5 Cooper Sport
For Keen handling, spacious boot and a good-quality interior.
Against The ride is unsettled, refinement is poor and optional extras push the price up.
What Car? rating 3/5

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Skoda Kamiq

Skoda Kamiq driving

Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE
For Spacious inside, with a big boot, comfortable ride and low running costs.
Against Driving position isn’t very SUV-like; height-adjustable boot floor costs extra.
What Car? rating 5/5

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Nissan Juke

2020 Nissan Juke front

Our pick 1.0 DIG-T 117 Tekna+
For Smart interior is very well equipped, and the safety rating is excellent.
Against Unsettled ride quality, so-so engine performance and it’s noisy on the motorway.
What Car? rating 4/5

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Kia Stonic

Kia Stonic front - white

Our pick 1.0T GDi 3
For Turbo petrol engine is punchy, plus you get plenty of standard kit and agile handling.
Against Ride is firm, rivals are more practical and it doesn’t feel very SUV-like to sit in.
What Car? rating 4/5

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Audi Q2

Audi Q2 vs DS 4 Crossback vs Seat Ateca

Our pick 30 TFSI S line
For Handles very tidily and has a well laid-out interior and excellent infotainment.
Against Not the most versatile SUV, and the engine can struggle with a fully laden car.
What Car? rating 4/5

Volkswagen T-Cross

Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE
For Good balance between ride and handling, plus a spacious, flexible interior.
Against Pricier than many rivals, and you’ll want to add a few options.
What Car? rating 4/5

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And the rest...

Citroën C3 Aircross - 3/5
DS 3 Crossback - 2/5
Fiat 500X - 3/5
Ford Ecosport - 2/5
Honda HR-V - 3/5
Hyundai Kona - 3/5
Jeep Renegade - 2/5
Mazda CX-3 - 3/5
Peugeot 2008 - 4/5
Renault Captur - 3/5
Seat Arona - 4/5
Ssangyong Tivoli - 2/5
Suzuki Jimny - 2/5
Suzuki Vitara - 3/5
Vauxhall Crossland X - 2/5
Vauxhall Mokka X - 2/5

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