High 5 small SUVs of 2024

Small SUVs continued to promote nicely in Australia all through 2024, and that meant there have been loads of them for us to evaluate.

As we proceed recapping our 2024, we’re compiling the highest-rated vehicles from throughout Australia’s hottest new automobile segments into a listing to indicate you what we preferred finest.

We’ve completed mid-sized SUVs and utes to date, which suggests small SUVs are actually as much as bat. For this listing we’ve stored it to the sub-$45,000 section on the VFACTS gross sales charts, as they’re far more approachable for folks wanting to easily get behind the wheel.

A few of these fashions have been reviewed on a number of events this yr, so we’ve solely featured the variant that achieved the best ranking.

Costs are based mostly on every producer’s configurators for a Victorian postcode, which ought to present a consultant estimate of what the typical Australian purchaser will find yourself paying.

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Click on on automobile’s title within the desk above to leap on to its data on the web page, or hold scrolling for the total article.

Toyota Corolla Cross

Our prime sub-$45,000 small SUV for 2024 was the Toyota Corolla Cross, which senior contributor Matt Campbell awarded a rating of 8.4.

That rating was for the bottom GX Hybrid, which we mentioned supplied distinctive worth, area and effectivity beneath a barebones presentation. “Primary however sensible” was the time period used to sum up the Corolla Cross, and our ranking displays that.

It achieved a superb gasoline effectivity of simply 4.3L/100km throughout our check, and with top-notch security and inside area scores we deemed it to be correctly match for goal.

We didn’t like the way it’s fitted with halogen daytime working lights as an alternative of LEDs. That lead us to recommend the step as much as the GXL for an additional $4000-odd was value it, particularly when you think about this base spec is already greater than $40,000 drive-away.

Nonetheless, we discovered it to be a well-considered small SUV that may comfortably get the job completed in a no-frills method.

You’ll be able to learn our full evaluate of the Toyota Corolla Cross GX Hybrid right here

Excited by shopping for a Toyota Corolla Cross? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

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Skoda Kamiq

The Skoda Kamiq obtained a facelift this yr, and our all-encompassing evaluate of the brand new two-model vary by market journalist Josh Nevett listed a rating of 8.4.

It was praised for its high quality tech upgrades, whereas it additionally advantages from packing in big-car practicality into its small-car body. Higher but, we mentioned it was a terrific worth proposition – particularly given the bottom Choose prices simply $33,990 drive-away.

We gave it excessive particular person scores throughout the board, headlined by a fit-for-purpose ranking of 9 and a security ranking of 8.9. The Kamiq additionally impressed with its low value of possession and gasoline effectivity, the latter a product of its two high quality engines; turbos with both three or 4 cylinders.

A adverse facet was the Monte Carlo’s “polarising” inside design, whereas we have been disenchanted that the base-spec Choose misses out on adaptive cruise management.

As is commonly a criticism with dual-clutch vehicles, we additionally discovered the Kamiq’s DSG unit was clunky at low pace, although it did have strong efficiency as soon as on the transfer.

You’ll be able to learn our full evaluate of the Skoda Kamiq right here

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Nissan Qashqai

As reviewed by market editor James Wong, the Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Energy scored a decent 8.2 in March this yr.

We preferred the hybrid Qashqai’s seemingly straightforward efficiency, one thing that comes on account of Nissan’s distinctive electrical motor-internal combustion engine it has over different conventional hybrids. That offers it a extra electrical automobile (EV) really feel, although a standard engine can nonetheless be heard.

That additionally contributes to its refined on-road traits, because it’s largely quiet at low speeds and customarily very clean. Nissan backs up these traits with an upmarket inside that punches above the Qashqai’s paygrade.

It wasn’t all optimistic although. We don’t like how the e-Energy Qashqai is simply obtainable in a single top-spec Ti variant, because it appears to push it out of the realm of numerous hybrid patrons. It’s additionally significantly dearer than the non-hybrid equal.

We additionally felt its journey might be considerably agency every now and then, however none of that was sufficient to detract from an in any other case strong Toyota hybrid rival.

You’ll be able to learn our full evaluate of the Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Energy right here

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Volkswagen T-Roc

We’ve revealed a handful of evaluations for Volkswagen’s T-Roc small SUV this yr, but it surely was senior contributor Matt Campbell’s evaluate of the Type that scored the best at 8.2.

The Type is one rung up from the underside of the T-Roc vary, and we preferred it for its straightforward driving traits and its well-laid out cabin. It’s additionally a substantial enchancment on the options listing in comparison with the bottom CityLife with out being an excessive amount of dearer.

We felt it was properly match for goal, and it scored extremely on journey consolation and infotainment expertise. Beneath the bonnet is an easy 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo despatched to the entrance wheels solely, with higher-performance choices reserved for dearer T-Rocs.

However, we felt its eight-speed computerized transmission wasn’t fairly as sharp as Volkswagen’s typical dual-clutch DSG, however that did imply its low-speed drivability was improved.

Its second row additionally isn’t terribly giant on account of the small SUV body, and tough roads can induce a good bit of cabin noise. Nonetheless, we discovered it to be a strong selection for crossover clients.

You’ll be able to learn our full evaluate of the Volkswagen T-Roc 110TSI Type right here

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Honda HR-V

Honda’s smallest SUV entered 2024 off the again of a contemporary redesign, and information editor William Stopford discovered its top-spec variant to be worthy of a rating of 8.1

That variant is the e:HEV L, the one hybrid within the vary. We preferred how refined it seemed to be, and the Magic Seats in its second row proved to be sensible in the actual world.

Its cabin can be well-appointed and spacious, whereas every part is sensible and straightforward to function in each day use. Even these coming to the HR-V for the primary time will possible discover it straightforward to get settled.

It misplaced marks for its value and lack of a spare wheel, and we actually couldn’t get previous the very fact it’s solely a four-seater. There’s sufficient area for a 3rd seat on the second row, however the lack of a centre seatbelt means it will probably’t legally be used as a seat.

Whereas the HR-V could not really feel as premium as its ZR-V sibling, there’s lots that it does proper to deserve a spot on this listing.

You’ll be able to learn our full evaluate of the Honda HR-V e:HEV L right here

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Honourable mentions

There have been 4 different small SUVs that have been additionally rated at 8.1, and we really feel they deserve a point out too.

The ultimate spot on the listing above might have simply been taken by the Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP, although the Honda comes first alphabetically. You’ll be able to learn the evaluate of that CX-30 right here.

Our all-encompassing evaluate of the new Toyota C-HR vary might additionally sneak in, however as a result of a later evaluate of the precise GR Sport variant scored 7.9 we determined to offer it an honourable point out as an alternative.

The up to date MG ZS vary scored 8.1 too, however as a result of that was additionally a broad evaluate of a mannequin we’re but to evaluate in specifics it will get an honourable point out. Like, the brand new C-HR GR Sport, the outgoing MG ZST scored 7.6.

Lastly is the Omoda E5, which scored 8.1 in its standalone evaluate. We’ve given it an honourable point out as a result of we’re but to get our palms on one to check at house in our regular method.