Which small SUV should I buy?

There are so many SUVs on sale to choose from that finding the right one can be awfully confusing. We pick three of the best affordable options.

There are more than 50 car brands on sale in Australia, so finding the right car isn’t alway easy. We point one of our readers in the right direction.

THE QUESTION

I’m in the market for a small or medium SUV around $30,000. My elderly parents struggle to get in and out of my Hyundai i30 so I need more height. I make a 150km round trip three times a week so want a good highway drive and economy. I need DAB radio and sat nav; safety packs are a bonus. I’ve heard a new Nissan Qashqai is coming, should I wait for it?

Vanessa Svetec, Geelong

ANSWER

With new car prices so high, SUVs in the $30k range are limited. Having in-built sat nav isn’t that important these days: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – all my selections include these – do the job better as maps are always up-to-date.

Good height and size is key as your parents’ comfort is the motivator for your vehicle change.

CHOICES

The Seltos is a trusty small SUV with a spacious cabin.

KIA SELTOS SPORT WITH SAFETY PACK, $33,790 DRIVE-AWAY

The Seltos wins on style, rear seat space for your parents, decent 433L boot, 5 Star safety and seven-year warranty.

Services are an average $1914 for five years. There’s built-in sat nav with 10 years free updates, an excellent 10.25-inch touchscreen and DAB. If feels a sizeable thing on the highway and rides well with radar cruise control for long trips.

Negatively, the 6.8L/100km average fuel economy (from the quite dull four-cylinder petrol) isn’t ideal, and so popular is this Kia you’ll have a long wait for one. But it’s in demand because it’s an excellent all-rounder.

HAVAL H6 PREMIUM, $33,990 DRIVE-AWAY

The H6 is packed with gear but is hit and miss on the road.

If you don’t mind buying Chinese, the H6 is the most convincing Haval I’ve tested.

The only medium SUV here as so few are priced this low, it looks attractive, has generous cabin space, and goodies include a pair of 10.25-inch screens and a host of driver assist tech.

The interior presents surprisingly well, there’s massive rear head and leg room and boot’s huge at 600L. No DAB or built-in sat nav, but Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is your fallback.

Biggest failings are its 7.4L/100km economy and average drive experience, but it’s a comfy and quiet cruiser.

Other wins are a five-star ANCAP rating, seven-year warranty and the first five services are a cheap $1560.

TOYOTA YARIS CROSS GX HYBRID, ABOUT $33,000 DRIVE-AWAY

The Yaris Cross Hybrid is efficient but small.

The Yaris Cross gives your parents the higher ride height for easy access, but not a large cabin. Rear seats are acceptable if they’re not too tall.

Upside is an incredible 3.8L/100km fuel economy from the three-cylinder turbo hybrid – a godsend for your long journeys while fuel prices are high. It feels small on the highway but is otherwise competent and comfy on most surfaces, and runs on battery power only when coasting or in traffic.

Cabin materials feel cheap in places, but it’s fun, funky and chockers with safety kit.

It has five-star ANCAP, a five-year warranty and surprisingly affordable services over that time are only $1025.

DAB’s included, but no built in navigation through the basic 7-inch screen.

WILDCARD

NISSAN QASHQAI ST+, ABOUT $40,000 DRIVE-AWAY

The new Qashqai is much more expensive than the previous version.

A proper wildcard as we haven’t driven the new Qashqai.

After delays, it’s finally due to arrive in Q4 this year. The ST+ has massive 12.3-inch HD infotainment with DAB, sat nav and 360-degree monitor.

With elderly parents, rear doors opening 90-degrees will greatly ease access and exit. Overseas reports suggest the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol is a bit gutless but returns an impressive 5.3L/100km.

The new Qashqai is significantly larger than before with a sizeable 480L boot, while independent rear suspension suggests decent ride quality.

There’s a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, but I worry its price will bust your budget.

VERDICT

For size, safety, value, inclusions and acceptable fuel economy I’d pick the Seltos – the Haval’s too thirsty and the Toyota’s probably too small.

The new Qashqai is too pricey.

Originally published as Which small SUV should I buy?