Which compact SUV should I buy?

Motorists looking for a compact crossover are spoiled for choice. We run the ruler over the best options in the new car market today.

2022 Honda HR-V.

Compact crossovers represent some of the most popular cars on sale. Choosing a new one isn’t easy – here are four of the best options worth considering.

THE QUESTION

I want to replace my 2013 Mercedes-Benz B200 with a similar-size SUV costing under $55,000. I’m interested in the new Honda HR-V Hybrid, but not plug-in or electric cars.

Jenny wants to replace her Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

It’s mostly for city use with the occasional long country drive and I rarely carry passengers. I’d like ease of maintenance, good safety, heated seats, GPS, reversing camera with lines and sensors front and rear. I’ve tested a Lexus NX250 but didn’t like it, while I rode in a Mazda CX-3 and liked its ride. What else should I consider?

Jenny Morcom, email

ANSWER

Your budget is healthy, but as you found with the CX-3, you don’t need to spend big to get a quality small SUV. For its diminutive size your B200 is a practical and spacious thing – tough to replicate with many modern small SUVs. Here’s a mixed bag to consider.

CHOICES

The new Honda HR-V is expensive, but impressive.

HONDA HR-V e: HEV L HYBRID, $45,000 DRIVE-AWAY

Box fresh new and with smooth coupe-SUV style, the Honda HR-V Hybrid rivals your Benz for smart use of space. Roomy, solidly built, comfy and quiet, its lack of a third rear seat won’t trouble you. But blimey it’s not cheap at $45k on the road, especially as its fuel economy isn’t groundbreaking at 5.4L/100km. That said, in city use, the Hybrid should drink half that of a petrol HR-V. Heated leather seats, parking sensors, a camera with guidelines, GPS and comprehensive safety ticks your boxes. The warranty is five-years/unlimited km and servicing is an unbeatable $625 over that time – lessening some of the purchase price blow.

Mazda’s CX-3 is a proven performer.

MAZDA CX-3 AKARI LE FWD, ABOUT $41,500 DRIVE-AWAY

I’m not surprised you enjoyed the Mazda CX-3; it’s a competent and fun city car. It’s not as big as your Mercedes and you won’t sit as high, while boot and rear seat space are comically small. This range-topping Akari LE has genuinely premium features to spoil you, while cabin design and finish are top notch. There are heated soft Nappa leather seats, a 360-degree monitor, sensors, a strong safety package and GPS. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and auto gearbox are a smooth and zesty pairing for city life, but my CX-3 test returned a thirsty 8L/100km. It has the same warranty as the Honda, but servicing is a hefty $2175 over five years.

Toyota’s Yaris Cross delivers a hybrid option.

TOYOTA YARIS CROSS URBAN HYBRID, ABOUT $38,500 DRIVE-AWAY

The clue’s in the name. This range-topping Toyota Yaris Cross Urban is made for city life and Toyota’s excellent hybrid system sees it return a quoted 3.8L/100m – I managed 4.2L/100km on my test. In traffic it can run on electric power only, helping you feel green. There are some cheap-feeling plastics in the cosy cabin, but it has excellent safety kit. You score fabric and faux leather heated seats, a power tailgate, satnav, sensors and a panoramic camera. The engine sounds gruff when pushed but otherwise it’s a fun steer around town. Rear seat and boot space trump the Mazda, warranty matches the others and five years’ servicing is a cheap $1025.

WILDCARD

Volvo’s XC40 brings a touch of prestige to the class.

VOLVO XC40 T4 MOMENTUM, ABOUT $54,000 DRIVE-AWAY

You’re used to a Benz and you’ve got the funds, so let’s look premium. I reckon the Volvo XC40 is the best-looking luxury compact SUV, and you’ll feel properly spoiled in the glorious, Scandi-cool cabin. There’s a pair of digital screens, navigation, sensors, great safety and $770 extra adds heated seats and steering wheel to the comfy interior. The T4 petrol is punchy but drinks a hefty 7.9L/100km, although ride quality’s exceptional in town. It has the same five-year warranty but a service plan over that period is a whopping $3000 – a reminder you’re in the premium playground.

The Honda HR-V could be a winning pick.

VERDICT

Spending this amount on a small SUV I’d insist on premium and grab the Volvo. But if running costs and fuel use are a deal breaker the stylish and feature-packed Honda takes the win.

Originally published as Which compact SUV should I buy?