Kia E-Niro (2019-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Electric
verdict: A standout EV model
The e-Niro ushers in a new era of electric transport, firmly allaying range anxiety fears while offering very low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions. While it may not be cheap as chips, it is more affordable than many electric cars, and makes a very good case for itself as eco-friendly family transport. It’s a deserved Which? Best Buy.
- Long range
- Cheap to run
- Seven-year warranty
- Somewhat pricey
- Awkward visibility
- Small boot
- Takes a while to recharge
Lexus UX (2019-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Full hybrid
verdict: Luxurious and efficient compact SUV
In the popular compact SUV market, the UX stands out not only because of how it looks, but also how well it performs in pretty much all respects. It’s easy and relaxing to drive, is comfortable and feels very well built. If you can live with the small boot, it’s a great choice, but misses out on Best Buy status due to high CO emissions in our independent tests.
Volvo XC40 Recharge (2021-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Electric
verdict: Superb all-round zero-emissions SUV
Volvo’s first electric vehicle (EV) is a triumph. It adds a serious turn of performance and the potential for very low running costs to what was already a hugely desirable and practical small SUV. The range isn’t anything to write home about, and the touchscreen-centric media system takes some familiarisation, but overall the XC40 Recharge is a deserved Which? Best Buy.
- Outstanding performance
- Spacious and practical
- Loaded with safety kit
- High energy consumption
- Media system distracting to operate on the move
Subaru XV (2012-2017) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: A rugged crossover alternative
Subaru’s XV may be late to the crossover SUV party, but its all-round talents and rugged charm see it awarded a Best Buy rating.
- Well designed
- Strong diesel engine
- Innovative safety features
- Below average boot space
- Fidgety ride
- Some disappointing cabin plastics
Volkswagen T-Roc (2017-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Cracking small SUV
The T-Roc is a talented small SUV. It’s appealing to look at, sharp to drive and practical for families thanks to its big boot. It’s not quite perfect however. It’s on the pricey side (especially top-end models), while the cabin quality feels disappointingly penny-pinching. Overall, though, it makes the grade as a Best Buy family SUV.
- Spacious front cabin
- Very safe
- Good to drive
- Surprisingly cheap-feeling interior
- Pricey
DS 3 Crossback E-Tense (2020-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Electric
verdict: Stylish and luxuriously appointed EV that’s comfortable, quiet and cost effective to run.
The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is a desirable and efficient compact crossover that has a more premium feel than its rivals. Opulent interiors, sleek styling and advanced safety equipment give it strong showroom appeal. It costs more to buy than the regular DS 3 Crossback, but the E-Tense has a good electric range and, if you can live with the need to charge it regularly, there are some significant running cost savings to be made. The control layout isn’t as easy to use as we’d like and visibility could be better, but the comfortable and quiet DS 3 Crossback still makes it as a Best Buy.
- Low running costs
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- And safe
- Poor visibility
- Cramped rear seat spaces
- Fiddly infotainment controls
Mercedes-Benz EQA (2021-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Electric
verdict: Comfort and economy combined
For the most part, the EQA looks and feels like the conventionally powered GLA on which it’s based – but it’s more refined and cheaper to run, while the batteries don’t impinge much on interior space. This is certainly an interesting choice in the compact SUV market and a deserved Which? Best Buy.
- Spacious cabin
- Good performance
- Comfortable ride
- Expensive to buy
- Feels heavy
- Long braking distance
BMW X1 (2015-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: High-quality compact SUV
The BMW X1 is a strong addition to the crossover class. Vastly improved over the outgoing model – particularly in interior quality and refinement – it impresses in most respects, offering everything you’d expect of a small SUV from a premium marque. It’s a Which? Best Buy.
- Powerful and efficient engines
- Spacious and high-quality interior
- Generous standard safety equipment
- Diesel engines lack smoothness
- Inconsistent steering response in early models
Peugeot e-2008 (2020-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Electric
verdict: Stylish, safe and roomy
The addition of electric power to the Peugeot 2008 range has only served to increase its appeal. It has the same stylish charm, easy-going driving experience and relatively practical interior, and it offers a reasonable (if not exceptional) battery range. It’s not the sharpest compact SUV to drive, but it’s certainly good enough to be a Best Buy.
- Potentially very cheap to run
- A lot of standard safety kit
- Roomy for a small crossover
- Complex instruments and media system
- Only average range
Mazda MX-30 (2020-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Electric
verdict: Long on style, short on range
The MX-30 SUV grabs your attention with its sporty looks, and as soon as you step inside its cabin you’ll be seduced by its quality, style, ease of use and generous equipment. It’s good to drive too, as well as being very safe. Despite a couple of flaws – its low range on a charge and its tight rear seat space – the MX-30 is an impressive electric car and a Which? Best Buy.
- Superb cabin
- Well-equipped
- Agile to drive
- Safe
- Limited range
- Cramped rear seats
- Poor visibility
Mini Countryman (2017-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: The most practical Mini to date
The second-generation Countryman maintains the Mini brand’s playful-yet-premium character, while also being genuinely spacious for passengers and offering a very usable boot. Compared with most SUV rivals, it’s good fun to drive, but it’s pricey and doesn’t quite have the breadth of talent to be a Which? Best Buy.
- Roomy for a Mini
- Fun to drive
- High-quality feel
- Expensive options
- Firm ride
Mercedes-Benz GLA (2014-2020) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Comfy and stylish, but pricey
The GLA has lots of appeal: it’s lavish, safe and sports excellent ride comfort, which will really help you suck up the miles. Based on owner feedback from our latest survey, it’s also proving reliable (so far). It’s a Which? Best Buy.
- Efficient range of diesel engines
- High levels of ride comfort
- Wide range of safety systems available
- Wide turning circle
- Poor rear visibility
- Only average rear cabin and boot
Suzuki Vitara (2015-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Handsome and practical, if lacking polish
The Suzuki Vitara is a handsome and practical competitor in the compact SUV class. Safety is a strong suit, and there’s plenty of technology on board, as well as the option to have all-wheel drive. However, the Vitara lacks the interior quality and polished driving experience of its closest rivals.
- Practical boot
- Safe
- Available with all-wheel drive
- Fiddly touchscreen
- Limited range of engines
- Mediocre interior quality
BMW X1 (2009-2015) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Appealing, dependable, easy to drive
It’s a Which? Best Buy. The X1 certainly drives very well, with assured handling and eager engines. However, the stiff springing makes for a sometimes uncomfortable ride. The X1 doesn’t shine in the practicality stakes, but there’s lots of space up front, rather less behind, and the smallish boot can be easily expanded by folding the rear seats.
- Well made
- Comfortable
- Easy to drive
- Good roadholding
- Excellent engines
- Good long term reliability
- Pricey
- Bone-jarring ride in Sport trim
- Limited boot and rear-seat space
Toyota C-HR (2017-2019) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Funky-looking coupé/SUV crossover
The C-HR is an edgy-looking SUV that’s very definitely aimed at style-driven buyers. It’s got a fair bit going for it: it’s quite enjoyable to drive, well equipped and safe. It’s not as economical in petrol form as the hybrid, though, and it’s far from being the most practical car in its class.
- Striking yet functional design
- Easy to drive
- Safe
- Five-year warranty
- Poor rearward visibility
- Unrefined at speed
- Rivals are more practical
Kia Soul EV (2014-2019) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Used only
- Electric
verdict: A viable EV for the used car market
Aside from the usual electric car compromises of a high purchase price and limited range, the Kia Soul EV is a thoroughly practical and likeable electric compact crossover. Low day-to-day running costs should help ease the financial burden, however, so if your lifestyle and budget can accommodate the electric Soul, then it should certainly be considered.
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Low day-to-day costs
- Easy to drive
- Limited real-world driving range
Toyota Yaris Cross (2021-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Full-hybrid
verdict: A straightforward, sensible SUV
As a small, electrified SUV, the Yaris Cross Hybrid has a large target market. It’s practical, as well as being easy, safe and pleasant to drive. It’s also well-made and well equipped. However, life on board can sometimes feel raucous, while fans of sharp handling manners might want to look elsewhere.
- Easy to drive
- Generously equipped
- Safe handling
- Noisy at high revs
- Numb steering
- Not easy to see out of
Honda HR-V (2015-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Practical but coarse crossover
The HR-V conforms to the traditional Honda strengths of practicality and ease of use – its innovative ‘magic seat’ system is a particular highlight. Its high levels of safety technology are particularly welcome, too. However, in both petrol and diesel guises it’s noisy and unrefined, and displays little dynamism in the corners.
- Large boot
- Clever interior practicality
- Decent standard safety kit
- Unrefined
- Stiff ride quality
- Poor 3-8 year reliability
Kia Niro (2016-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Full hybrid
verdict: Interesting hybrid, unexceptional SUV
The most unusual thing about the Niro is that it’s a hybrid. In other respects, it feels like a conventional and rather middle-of-the-road SUV. It’s fairly spacious for passengers (although not for luggage), it’s easy to drive and it’s comfortable – but it’s not exceptional in any area.
- Safe road behaviour
- Long warranty
- Safety pack is optional
- Poor visibility
- Small boot
Kia Soul EV (2020-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Compact/Small SUV
- Available new
- Electric
verdict: Highly convincing all-electric SUV
If range anxiety has been putting you off buying an electric car, the Kia Soul EV could change your view. It can travel a long way on a single charge, has very low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions. It’s not only eco-friendly but also a solidly capable family car – and a Which? Best Buy.
- Long range
- Cheap to run
- Spacious
- Seven-year warranty
- Expensive to buy
- Takes a while to recharge
- Some cheap cabin materials
