It's no secret that the SUV market has exploded in recent years. Given the unrelenting demand, it is little surprise manufacturers have diversified their offerings. SUVs traditionally occupied the large load-lugging end of a manufacturer's portfolio. Cars such as the Land Rover Range Rover and the Toyota Land Cruiser could be considered as the founding fathers in the segment. These SUVs were desirable, practical, and powerful, and consequently, they came with a price tag and running costs to match. These expenses meant vehicles of this type were out of reach for many.

In recent years, manufacturers have acknowledged the desire for these sorts of vehicles amongst buyers and begun producing cheaper, less off-road focussed vehicles. The introduction of crossovers such as the Nissan Rogue Sport (or Qashqai as Europeans may know it) offered a high driving position, looks, and practicality but combined with a cheaper list price and running costs, really allowing the segment to explode. Helping reduce running costs is the option of both 2x4 and 4x4 drive systems, this allows more urban-based drivers to benefit from improved fuel economy while still owning a vehicle that represents the fundamentals of a traditional SUV.

Manufacturers are now diversifying their SUV ranges, creating a model for every niche. Many brands have now produced small SUVs, ideal for individuals, couples, and young families, that are also great for the urban environment, as they are easy to maneuver in tight city streets. Just because these SUVs are small, it doesn't mean they aren't practical, the following models are insanely so.

Related: These Are The Best Small SUVs You Can Buy Used (hotcars.com)

10 Volvo XC40

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Released in 2017, the XC40 is Volvo's most compact SUV. The car displays similar design qualities to its larger siblings, the XC60 and XC90. Present on the XC40 and in common with all Volvo SUV models is the eye-catching Thor's hammer light detail consisting of a "T" shaped bar between the top and bottom segments. The car is very practical for its size, with a generous 454-liter luggage compartment.

Enhancing storage is an underfloor storage section beneath the trunk floor, this is ideal for laptops and other electronic devices, keeping them safe and secure. Within the cabin, there are also a number of "smart storage" solutions including dashboard hooks for shopping bags, under seat laptop storage, and large door bins. The speakers have been moved from the doors to the dashboard in order to enhance the door storage. As you might expect from Volvo, there are a wide range of safety systems such as lane-keeping aid and oncoming lane mitigation included as standard,

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The range begins at $35,195 for a car available in entry-level "Momentum" specification. The car can be chosen with two different variants of a 2.0 turbo petrol engine, the T4, and T5. They produce respectively 187 hp and 248 hp, the T4 available as front-wheel-drive only while the T5 is all-wheel drive. There is also a plug-in hybrid with a 28-mile range (unavailable in the U.S.) and a newly introduced all-electric version, a first for Volvo, offering a claimed 208-mile range.

Related: Compact Luxury SUV: BMW X1 Vs Volvo XC40

9 Nissan Rogue Sport

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Nissan

The Nissan Rogue Sport was first relseased in 2017, it is essentially a rebadged Qashqai, a car that arguably kick-started the SUV explosion in Europe. It is an affordable model starting at $24k, one of the reasons for its success. The cargo capacity is 504 liters, which is 50 bigger than the previous version. A reversible and height-adjustable floor helps increase the car's practicality. Throughout the cabin, there is an assortment of cubby holes and storage areas, great for stowing family essentials. Compared to the previous version, suspension modifications have been made which have improved the rear legroom by 20mm and headroom by 15mm.

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Nissan

In the front, the center console houses an under-armrest storage bin, and handily, both USB-A and USB-C ports are provided. Increasing practicality for families is the fact the rear doors open to almost 90 degrees, this makes securely fitting the children in their seats an easier task.

8 Jaguar E-Pace

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Released in 2017, the E-Pace is Jaguar's smallest SUV offering. The range starts at $40,995 and many of the engines are the same as found in the Range Rover Evoque. Being part of the Jaguar Land Rover group there is a P250 2.0 petrol engine offering 246 hp or a higher power P300 2.0-liter petrol offering 296 hp. The P300 comes as an all-wheel-drive version as standard. 0-60 times are 7.0s and 6.6s respectively.

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The cabin has been designed to provide many storage areas, the center console contains a space for wireless smartphone charging and even boosts the cellular signal. There is a large bin between the front seats, providing a convenient place to stash essential items. The E-Pace can tow a decent 1600kg worth of braked trailer, selecting the D200 increases this to 2000kg, enough for a horsebox or small caravan. Luggage space is rated at 425 liters and a powered tailgate on SE and above cars makes it easy to load and unload.

7 Land Rover Defender 90

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The new Land Rover Defender, released in 2020, is the reimagination of a true icon. This version is available in two wheelbases, the larger 110 and the smaller 90. The 90 is a very practical small SUV. Up front, there is an identical cabin to that found in the larger version. Between the front seats lies a versatile space, this can be configured as a large storage cubby, a third "jump" seat, left empty for easy access to the rear, or even a fridge.

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This is a great vehicle to explore the great outdoors in, available with tough rubber mats, mud can easily be removed. Luggage capacity is 397 liters, but there is also the option to increase storage through the use of exterior side-mounted carriers, perfect for wet gear. Towing capacity is great, offering a 3500 kg limit. Adjustable air suspension not only provides a great ride, it helps with loading and unloading by lowering for easy access.

Related: Here’s 9 Ways The New Defender Improved Over The Old One (And 1 Way It Failed)

6 Range Rover Evoque

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The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, the baby of the Range Rover lineup, was released back in 2011. It was then facelifted in 2015 and again in 2020. This latter revision brought the Evoque more up-to-date with design features such as optional rose gold body inserts, something is first seen on the Range Rover Velar. The changes were not purely cosmetic, a re-engineered platform has increased the wheelbase, and resultantly the passenger space

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Boot space is good at 591 liters with the seats upright and 1,383 with them folded. Folding is an easy process with the outer rear seats collapsible via a handle in the boot, they also fold individually in a 40:20:40 configuration helping to allow maximum flexibility between passenger and cargo space. The base version starts at $43,300, while the visually enhanced R-Dynamic is available for just a little more at $44,900. Propulsion is supplied by the 2.0-liter P250 i4 petrol engine producing 246 hp and a 0-60 time of 7.0 seconds.

5 BMW X1

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The BMW X1 is a very practical family vehicle. Even though the model is BMW's smallest SUV, it still manages to provide a very generous luggage capacity for the class at 505 liters. With the seats folded, this is increased to 1,550 liters and there is the option of a 40:20:40 split. Cabin space is also great, every door bin can fit a 1-liter bottle and the glove box is also a good size.

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The rear legroom is 37mm longer than the previous version and this can be increased even further if the optional sliding rear bench is adjusted to provide 67mm. The transmission tunnel is fairly flat in the rear meaning that a passenger traveling in the center can comfortably place their feet, making 5 person transport more of a viable proposition than some other rivals in the segment. All versions are fitted with a 228 hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.

4 Ford Ecosport

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The Ford Ecosport may not be the most desirable small SUV on the list, but practical features make it a worthy option for consideration. Luggage compartment space is 346 litres and access is made easy through the less conventional side opening tailgate system. Seat folding is via lever and can be done in a 60:40 split for versatility.

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Another seriously practical feature relates to the car's turning circle, at 10.6 m, urban maneuverability is excellent. Starting at $20,395, it is a relatively inexpensive way into SUV practicality and usability. The standard engine option is a turbocharged 123 bhp, 1.0-liter EcoBoost and a 2.0-liter 166 hp four-cylinder is also available. Ford Ecosport production will cease for the US market in 2022.

3 Mercedes-Benz GLA

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Recently refreshed, the 2021 Mercedes GLA is a great-looking compact SUV. A great job has been done smartening up the car compared to the previous iteration it is now 104mm taller. 495 liters of boot space is available with the seats up, this can be increased slightly by sliding the rear seats forward, or collapsing them all together making 1,385 liters.

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Towing capabilities are good with 1800 kg possible with the plug-in hybrid or 2000 kg with other engine options.

2 Audi Q3'

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Starting at $35,900, the Q3 is Audi's smallest SUV model in the North American market, European buyers can also choose the smaller Q2. There is a decent 675 liters of cargo capacity with the adjustable rear seat bench in its furthest forward position. With the seats folded this raises significantly to 1,525 liters. A great practical feature is the ability to store the rear parcel shelf under the cargo floor, we've all been there, caught out needing extra height in the boot, but with nowhere to store the shelf.

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There is an optional hands-free tailgate, this eliminates the need to put items you are carrying down in order to open the tailgate, massively improving day-to-day practicality. Another great feature is the built-in LED spotlights in the tailgate, helping load or unload on those dark mornings and nights.

1 Jeep Renegade

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Jeep's smallest offering, the Renegade, was released in 2015, it is Jeep's first attempt at a true SUV rather than an off-roader. While it is designed to Evoque the ruggedness and heritage of a traditional Jeep 4x4, the majority of Renegades are actually manufactured in Italy and share many components with the Fiat 500x.

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The Jeep has a 351-liter luggage capacity and while this sounds like it could limit hauling, the very large square opening and boxy rear end make for what is a very usable and practical SUV option. A folding front seat allows long items to be carried from the back to the front, great for those home improvement store trips. The luggage compartment floor is height adjustable, reversible, and wipeable, a real plus for wet dogs. The square dimensions also mean that tall rear-seat passengers are catered for.