Best Value Small SUVs

With raised ride-heights granting a more commanding view of the road, taller rooflines allowing for more space and chunkier bodywork giving them kerbside appeal, it is little wonder small SUVs have become so popular in recent years.

Nearly every manufacturer has jumped on the bandwagon, but while there are dozens of different SUV options on the market these days, a handful of these can claim to be all of the above, yet also excellent value too.

So, if you’re on a budget, but you still want a spacious, quality SUV on your driveway, be sure to put these on your prospective shopping list…

Renault 4

The funky little Renault 5 E-Tech might have courted all the headlines – for good reason – since its launch, but there is an argument to be had that the Renault 4 E-Tech is an even more accomplished model.

While revived nameplates are all the rage at the moment – like the Ford Puma and Vauxhall Frontera – unlike those models, the 4 E-Tech (like the 5) has drawn upon its spiritual ancestor for genuine inspiration in its reimagining.

It means the 4 E-Tech gets a cool neo-retro SUV design treatment with a shape and detailing that apes the original model, which was sold to great success between 1961 and 1994.

Things get a lot more modern under the skin where the 4 E-Tech gets a 52kWh battery capable of around 250-miles of range, while it offers vastly improved practicality over the 5.

Dacia Duster

If you’re after as much car for your money as possible, the latest Dacia Duster – much like its predecessor - is genuinely hard to beat.

Encouragingly, while the previous Duster could be described as putting form over function in pursuit of a bargain price tag, the latest model is by contrast very desirable – yet still undercuts rivals handsomely.

Beyond the trendy, rugged new look, the Duster gets a logical and hugely spacious interior, not to mention a large 472-litre boot – all for less than £20,000*.

One of the most significant updates for 2026, however, is the inclusion of a frugal 1.6-litre hybrid, which improves fuel economy significantly, while there is also a full four-wheel drive variant for those who venture off-road.

Vauxhall Frontera

Another returning nameplate last seen in the 1990s, the Vauxhall Frontera has been revived to sit alongside the Mokka and Grandland in the firm’s award-winning SUV line-up.

While the Mokka is arguably aimed at those seeking style with their substance, the Frontera by contrast aims to provide family-friendly appeal – including the option of a seven-seat version – at a competitive price tag.

As well as looking the part with its rugged, boxy looks, the Frontera is spacious and airy inside, while its one of the few cars in its price bracket to allow for a third row of seats that are ideal for small children.

There is also a generous choice of power options, including hybrid and electric versions, with the former offering over 50mpg of fuel economy, while the latter can travel up to 186-miles of range (or 253-miles in Extended Range trim).

Volkswagen Taigo

If you’re in the market for an SUV, it’s hard to overlook Volkswagen, which six SUVs of varying sizes and budget to suit your needs.

The best value of these, however, is arguably the Volkswagen Taigo, which shares its underpinnings with the T-Cross but gets a more svelte, coupe-esque body to give it some street presence.

Despite its smoother roofline, the Taigo is just as practical as the T-Cross with its 450-litre boot and generous legroom, while it offers the same accomplished choice of either a 1.0-litre or 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Crucially, however, the Taigo starts at a lower price than the T-Cross, which coupled to its solidly built interior and compliant driving manners, just adds to its appeal.

SEAT Arona

Another model that shares the accomplished underpinnings of the Volkswagen T-Cross, the SEAT Arona – which has received a significant update for 2026 – is still one of the best value SUVs on sale.

It’s also one of the most stylish with its tapered C-pillar and chunky features, a fact emphasised by its facelift which has introduced a revised details, new wheel trims and fresh colours.

Despite the updates, the Arona remains one of the most tantalising small SUVs on the strength of its competitive pricing and generous kit list, which includes an 8.25-inch touchscreen, full smartphone integration, alloy wheels, LED headlights and six speakers across all trims.

Available in manual and automatic, the Arona gets the choice of four petrol engines that offer sprightly performance and up to 50mpg in fuel economy to keep running costs down.

MG ZS

Though not necessarily a small SUV by the very definition of size, the MG ZS definitely measures up against those rivals in terms of price.

Look at it another way and the ZS – which is available with the pure petrol or frugal hybrid power options - is therefore a lot of car for the money, providing superior interior space and a sizeable 443-litre boot.

In this company, the ZS does feel like a mature option and is therefore a genuinely impressive value choice for families, especially in Hybrid trim with its 55mpg.

It’s well kitted out too with the specification list including a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, front and rear electric windows, air-conditioning, heated front seats and a 360-degree camera available on all trims.

*Prices correct at time of writing