Six great secondhand small SUVs

Britain is going SUV crazy. Car buyers can’t get enough of them, which is why car manufacturers are falling over themselves to launch an SUV in every category imaginable. No matter what the size of car, it seems SUVs’ high seating positions and practical interiors tick all the boxes with buyers.

Larger SUVs can be big and cumbersome, though. This is where small SUVs come in. They combine all the best bits of 4x4-like models with the easy-to-drive, city-friendly nature of more compact cars. Their booming popularity means there’s plenty of choice on the secondhand market, too: here, we pick out six of the best models out there.

6. Land Rover Freelander

If you want a small SUV that really will cope with every type of road you’d dare throw at it, you need a Land Rover Freelander. While it can climb mountains with ease, it’s also smooth and comfortable on road as well. Trouble is, you pay for this: the premium image means it doesn’t come cheap. It’s also a bit of a pity interior quality doesn’t reflect this luxury pricing.

Our pick: 2013 2.2 TD4 XS (22,000 miles): £17,296

5. Peugeot 3008

The Peugeot 3008 is one of the firm’s most popular models in recent years and it’s easy to see why. It’s very practical, with a flexible boot, and on-road comfort is impressive. The driver may have less fun, but those inside won’t mind – and excellent value for money on the secondhand market should make up for any relative lack of handling verve.

Our pick: 2013 1.6 HDI 115 Active II (32,500 miles): £7488

4. Audi Q3

The classy Q3 is a genuine Audi. Inside, the interior is extremely well-built from upmarket, quality materials, and on the road it proves stable and comfortable, with some punchy and very economical engines. It’s not the biggest of small SUVs though, particularly in the rear, and the Audi image means that it’s not the cheapest of models to buy either.

Our pick: 2013 2.0 TDI SE (33,000 miles): £14,992

3. VW Tiguan

The Tiguan has proven to be a real hit for Volkswagen. Sales have grown and grown over the years, meaning there’s lots of choice on the used market. The appeal is obvious: it’s solid-looking, smart-looking on the outside and very roomy inside for five people and their luggage. The Volkswagen engines are strong and it’s comfortable on all roads. A very competent machine indeed.

Our pick: 2013 2.0 TDI SE (35,000 miles): £13,599

2. Nissan Qashqai

UK car buyers love the Nissan Qashqai. It’s a regular top 10 best-seller, thanks to its innovative crossover mix of SUV looks and family hatchback ease of use. Tremendously reliable, the interior is high-quality, spaciousness approaches genuine SUV levels yet the compact exterior makes it perfect for the school run. And while prices are still a bit high, brilliant reliability should make up for any premium.

Our pick: 2014 1.5 dCi Acenta Premium (30,000 miles): £12,488

1. Skoda Yeti

For a secondhand small SUV bargain, look no further than the Skoda Yeti. It looks great for starters, and has an incredibly practical interior considering its size, plus a boot that’s more like a big estate car than a stylish MPV. It’s well-built, fuel efficient and engaging to drive as well – this has a small impact on overall comfort, but it’s nothing to unduly worry about. You simply can’t get a more capable used small SUV than this.

Our pick: 2014 2.0 TDI CR Elegance (32,500 miles): £10,988

One to avoid: Suzuki Jimny

For a sign of how not to do it, look to the Suzuki Jimny. It’s aged and archaic: brilliant off-road but frankly intolerable on it. In almost every area you can list, the Jimny is left sorely lagging.