Four of the best value small SUVs in Australia

The small SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the country. We select four of the best options for those looking for a new ride on a budget.

Australians are buying SUVs in record numbers and for several good reasons including ease of entry. These are four of the best affordable small SUV options.

THE QUESTION

My husband and I are 64 and 70 and find it increasingly hard getting in and out of our 2019 Honda Jazz. We’re looking to replace it with a small SUV, which will probably be our last new-car purchase. We’re after something affordable to last at least ten years. We do between 10-15,000km each year, so don’t think an EV’s warranted.

Michael and Bernadette O’Malley, email

ANSWER

The additional purchase price of an EV wouldn’t make financial sense. If a petrol small SUV achieves 5L/100km with fuel at $2 per litre, your annual bill over 10,000km is $1000. Higher ride height will help your predicament, and it’s a common reason many seek out SUVs. Fortunately, car companies are capitalising on demand with myriad choices. Let’s explore your options.

CHOICES

Toyota’s Corolla Cross can be had with petrol or hybrid power.

TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS GX HYBRID, ABOUT $40,400 DRIVE-AWAY

Not cheap at more than $40k drive-away, despite being the entry-level hybrid model. But Toyota has a reputation for reliability for good reason – key for you – and fuel economy’s superb. My extended test returned 4.8L/100km, and the four-cylinder petrol with electric backup has guts, rapid response and buttery smoothness.

This is a stress-free hybrid, working away in the background and never needing to be plugged

in. Its cabin and cloth seats look cheap, but inside it’s comfy, spacious and has goodies such as wireless Apple CarPlay, digital driver display and excellent safety. It shines as an efficient town car, silently cruising only on battery at times. Warranty’s an average five years, but servicing’s a bargain $1250 for the first five. Lacks X-factor and the waiting list’s long, but a safe bet.

The Honda HR-V only has two seats in the rear. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

HONDA HR-V Vi X 2WD, $36,700 DRIVE-AWAY

If you’ve enjoyed your Jazz, you can stay Honda loyal with the HR-V small SUV. The

hybrid version’s too expensive, but this entry level petrol returns a palatable 5.8L/100km – although my test showed this is very optimistic. More stylish than the Toyota – 18-inch alloys and LED lights help – its cabin also presents well with 9-inch infotainment. Weighing only 1267kg it’s nimble and fun in town and through corners, but doesn’t ride as comfortably as a Corolla Cross. Safety inclusions are excellent, but negatively, the engine’s gutless and there are only two rear seats. At least they’re Magic Seats – as in your Jazz – with 18 different

configurations for fantastic versatility. A five-year warranty, and services for that time (or

every 10,000km) total a giveaway $625.

Honda also has a good reputation for reliability.

The Mitsubishi is old but has an enticing price tag.

MITSUBISHI ASX LS, ABOUT $32,490 DRIVE-AWAY

So old it’s telling war stories, but regular updates, strong value and anecdotal claims of the ASX’s perfect entry/exit height for dodgy hips and knees means it remains hugely popular. This LS grade scores 18-inch alloys, LED lights, 8-inch infotainment and good safety gear, and the interior’s vast for the small SUV segment. A key selling point is a ten year/200,000km warranty, as long as you service with Mitsubishi. That’s a steep $1945 for five years, but great peace of mind for your needs. The drive experience, cabin

noise and 2.0-litre engine feel (and are) a generation old, and economy of 7.7L/100km

is poor. But look how much you save with that cheap purchase price.

WILDCARD

The Ford Puma is smaller than the other listed here.

FORD PUMA, ABOUT $35,000 DRIVE-AWAY

Smaller than others on my list, but the Puma’s a cracking town SUV. If driving fun’s

your thing, the little Ford’s excellent chassis and eager 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo are

joyful, and it drinks a frugal 5.3L/100km. You score 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, 8-inch

infotainment, wireless phone charging and ample safety. The boot’s a reasonable size, but rear seats are cramped. Warranty’s five years and services a fair $1661 over that time. For a Ford I reckon it’s overpriced, but it’s a charming, smile-bringing option.

VERDICT

Good looks, cabin polish, low running costs and your previous Honda history earns the

HR-V a win here.