Not Hyundai, Kia, or BMW – best small SUV to drive in UK named
The best small SUV in the UK has been named (stock) (Image: Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images)
Across the UK, SUVs of every shape and size are available with various powertrains and energy sources. The advantage of this is that anyone in the market for an SUV has an abundance of choices from numerous manufacturers.
With this in mind, a panel of motoring journalists has compiled a list of the finest small SUVs currently available and reached a conclusion on which reigns supreme.
The journalists, from respected publication WhatCar?, determined that a small SUV from well-known German manufacturer Volkswagen emerged as their champion.
The T-Roc, with prices beginning at around £31,635 according to the publication, earned praise for being “comfortable” and “quiet on the motorway”, while also receiving recognition for its elevated driving position and generous boot space.
It was marked down for “fiddly” touch-sensitive controls, proving costly in higher trim levels, and not being as “sharp” to drive as its rivals. Despite this, it still secured the top spot.
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A Volkswagen T-Roc (Image: Sjoerd van der Wal, Getty Images)
Regarding the vehicle, they said: “The previous Volkswagen T-Roc was one of our favourite options in the small SUV class, so this latest version had quite the challenge to live up to it. Fortunately, it does so and then some, resulting in what we think is the best small SUV you can buy.”
Taking second place behind the Volkswagen was the all-electric Kia EV3, a model crowned WhatCar?’s Small Electric SUV of the Year. It received acclaim for being “well-equipped for the price”, offering an impressive range, and delivering comfort.
The EV3 dropped points, though, for lacking the versatility and agility of its competitors, and also for its higher price tag; it retails at £33,055.
Discussing the vehicle, the reviewers said: “[I]f going electric fits in with your lifestyle and budget, it’s absolutely the car you should choose.
A Kia EV3 (Image: Sjoerd van der Wal, Getty Images)
“The EV3 benefits from a full five-star safety rating from the experts at Euro NCAP, and just like the rest of Kia’s road cars, it’s covered by a seven-year warranty as standard.”
Coming in third place behind the Kia and the Volkswagen was the £29,995 Lexus LBX. The vehicle earned praise for its premium interior quality, efficiency, and being “very well equipped”.
The car was marked down, however, for its bumpy low-speed ride, limited rear legroom, and because competitors offered “more intuitive” infotainment systems.
Nevertheless, it secured third spot with reviewers agreeing it achieved “a good balance between agility and comfort”.
A Lexus LBX (Image: Sjoerd van der Wal, Getty Images)
The Volkswagen T-Roc, which claimed WhatCar?’s Car of the Year award in the SUV category, was assessed by Reach Plc’s Luke Chillingsworth.
Writing in the Express, he concluded: “The successor to the highly popular VW T-Roc is a standout product that could challenge the very best China has to offer.
“The Jaecoo 7 is also priced around £30,000, and given the two, I’d take the T-Roc for its smoother suspension and better handling. Is this the model that finally breaks China’s hold over the UK car market?”
