SUVs have traditionally been large, expensive vehicles that are unattainable to many consumers. However, following the explosion within the SUV and crossover segments, there are now many small options offering excellent value.
As with most things, mass production enables a cheaper unit price to be achieved. Now that crossovers have all but replaced the traditional family station wagon and minivan, the resultant demand has made them more affordable. Of course, price is not the only thing to consider when looking for a small SUV, equally important are the features, performance, practicality, and comfort afforded. The options on this list represent the best value on the market when considered holistically. Gone are the days when smaller cars were vastly inferior to their larger siblings, the small 2022 SUVs of today can offer just as much in the way of comfort and refinement.
10 Ford Puma
Recycling its name from Ford's small 1990s three-door coupe, the New Puma entered production in 2019. In order to improve fuel economy, the Puma utilizes a 48-volt mild-hybrid system alongside a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine. This is available in two power ratings of either 125 hp or a more powerful 155-hp option.
Ford has clearly dedicated a lot of resources to designing the car. It is quite sporty looking and compared to some others in the segment, very angled and curved. The Puma is no box on wheels.
9 Skoda Kamiq
Very closely related to the Volkswagen T-Cross and Seat Arona, the Skoda Kamiq offers a good overall package. The entry-level engine is a 1.0-liter turbo producing 95 hp. Buyers looking for more performance can instead opt for either a 110-hp version of the same engine or a 1.5-liter turbo producing 150 hp. The latter engine has a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds, faster than the entry level's 11 seconds.
Like many Skodas, there are a number of unique design features. The doors, for example, are equipped with automatically deployed rubber door edge protectors, making access easier. There is also a Rolls-Royce-esque umbrella found in the doors, an ice scraper in the filler cap, and a rechargeable torch.
8 Dacia Duster
The Dacia Duster really tops the list when it comes to the lowest list price, starting at just under £15,000 GBP or $20,000 USD. Dacia is owned by Renault and as a result, much of the technology and underpinnings are from the Renault parts bin. This is not a bad thing, an 8.0-inch touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto forms the basis of the infotainment system.
Two petrol engines are available, a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder producing 90 hp and a 1.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder producing 130 hp. Compared to the previous model, the styling has been brought up a notch. Features such as LED headlights and day running lights really elevate the look.
7 Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson has received a full refresh for the 2022 model year. The looks are quite futuristic, and Hyundai has done a good job bringing the design up to date. Under the hood, is a 2.5-liter, 187-hp four-cylinder engine. As standard, an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are provided, although, All-Wheel Drive is also available.
Protecting buyers financially is Hyundai's 5-year, 60,000-mile limited warranty as well as a 10 year, 100,000-mile engine and gearbox warranty. Talking of financial expense, the Tucson returns a fairly decent EPA rating of 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, minimizing financial burden.
6 Hyundai Kona
Another Hyundai making this list, the Kona is more of a hatchback-derived crossover than a pure SUV like the Tucson. Just like its larger sibling, the Kona receives Hyundai's excellent warranty coverage providing buyers with a lot of bang for their buck.
Having been fully redesigned for the 2022 model year, the infotainment system offers a great deal of functionality. As standard, buyers are treated to an 8-inch touchscreen system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as two USB ports and 6 speakers. Audiophiles can instead option an 8 speaker Harman Kardon system.
5 Nissan Rogue Sport
The Rogue Sport is a very popular vehicle in both the US and in Europe, where it is branded Qashqai. First released in 2017, it is an affordable option starting at just $24k. A 7.0-inch touchscreen NissanConnect system provides both Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
Cargo space is a decent 504 liters and a height-adjustable floor increases practicality. Throughout the cabin there are a number of well-placed cubby holes, helping to stow essential family items. The front center console offers both USB-A and USB-C charging ports, essential for modern users.
4 Kia Stonic
The Kia Stonic is one of the smaller options on this list, and the car can be considered more as a jacked-up hatchback than a traditional small SUV. Cargo capacity is therefore fairly low compared to others on this list, just 352 liters is available. Similarly, rear-seat passengers may find the back seats to be cramped and uncomfortable for anything other than a short journey.
As you might expect, the hatchback underpinnings mean that the Stonic doesn't provide much in the way of a raised driving position, something buyers typically value in this segment. The interior quality is fairly good and the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system provides all the modern features buyers expect and require. Smartphone mirroring comes as standard, and this feature is particularly welcome on lower specification models that do not come with Satellite Navigation.
3 Mazda CX-30
Mazda's smallest SUV offering, the CX-30 offers a good alternative to some of the more mainstream options on our list. Based on the Mazda 3 hatchback, the CX-30 is a compact package. The entry-level engine is a 2.5-liter, 186-hp four-cylinder, a more powerful turbocharged version putting out 227 hp is also available. Fill up with premium fuel and this figure increases to 250 hp.
New for 2022, the CX-30 now comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), something that can be a pricey option on some of its rivals. Unlike most of its rivals, the infotainment system lacks a touchscreen interface, drivers must instead rely on physical buttons and a central control knob. To increase the luxury, an optional 12 speaker Bose system can be specified.
2 Volkswagen T-Roc
Sibling to the Skoda Kamiq mentioned earlier on this list, the Volkswagen T-Roc is comparatively slightly more upmarket. The same engines can be found, however, but the entry-level option is the slightly more powerful version of the 1-liter turbo, providing 110 hp. Similarly, the more powerful option is the 150-hp 1.5-liter turbo.
For a small SUV, the T-Roc offers a good amount of space and is one of the larger models on this list. A practically shaped cargo area offers 445 liters of storage space. Helping to make the best use of this space, there is an adjustable boot floor that enables either a flat loading area with a storage cavity below or an increased capacity.
1 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is available with either a 2.0-liter, 152-hp four-cylinder or a 2.5-liter, 182-hp four-cylinder. The former engine takes just under 10 seconds to go from 0-60 mph while the latter takes 7.5 seconds. The range starts at $22,445 and raises to $35,645 for the Limited trim. SiriusXM satellite radio is available as is the choice of either a 6.5" or 8" touchscreen infotainment display.
As standard, the Crosstrek comes fitted with All-Wheel Drive, consequently, it performs very well in snowy and slippery conditions allowing buyers to get off the beaten track. Having said that, there are better options within the Subaru lineup such as the Outback and Forester for those serious adventures.