BEST Small SUVs 2026 (and the ones to AVOID!) | What Car?

Looking for the best small SUVs on sale in 2026? We've evaluated every model to bring you the ultimate Top 10 list. From budget runarounds to the most recent compact electric SUVs, discover which models are worth your cash! We'll likewise run you through the worst small SUVs, and inform you about some of the brand-new models coming quickly.

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Little SUVs have actually taken off in appeal in recent years, using a commanding driving position and rugged appearances without the massive footprint and often large price tag of larger SUVs. However with more than 30 designs currently on sale, selecting the ideal one can be a minefield.

In this video, we countdown the leading 10 best small SUVs you can buy today, with designs from Kia, Lexus, Renault, Skoda and more.

We also take a look at the future of the small SUV market with sneak peeks of upcoming designs consisting of the Kia EV2, VW ID.Cross and new electric Nissan Juke. Plus, we call and pity the electrical cars you need to avoid in 2026.

Whether you prioritise boot area, enjoyable handling, or innovative EV tech, this is your definitive guide to the very best small SUVs 2026 needs to offer– and the ones to avoid!

What Car? is the UK's most significant car-buying brand name and has been assisting buyers for more than 50 years. Our tests are extensively considered the most independent and extensive.

Our YouTube channel brings you relied on reviews on all types of vehicle, plus automobile news, exposes and includes.

Thorough written reviews are offered on our site whatcar.com, where you'll likewise discover suggestions features and the current new and secondhand car offers.

#BestSmallSUVs #SmallSUV #CompactSUV #BestCrossover #VWTRoc #KiaEV 3 #LexusLBX #Renault 4 #WhatCar #CarReview #SUVs 2026 #FamilyCar

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Video chapters:
0:00 What is a little SUV?
1:01 Coming quickly
2:43 The little SUVs to prevent!
3:26 Our Leading 10
9:27 Let us understand what you think

Comments

26 responses to “BEST Small SUVs 2026 (and the ones to AVOID!) | What Car?”

  1. @johnjackson2349 Avatar
    @johnjackson2349

    I would never recommend the ford puma with a 1.0L ecoboost, the wet belt systems are notoriously unreliable and will cause headaches down the line.

    Worth mentioning the SEAT variants of the suv as they are considerably cheaper to buy with amazing discounts while offering the same space as the other VW group products, slightly better handling at the expense of comfort however

    1. @Smile342 Avatar
      @Smile342

      Eco boost ☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️

  2. @steve6121 Avatar
    @steve6121

    Last month, I bought a new Jeep Avenger 4XE – part-time awd, dsg auto (no cvt thanks), good ground clearance, one button push to disable unwanted adas functions, actual buttons on the steering wheel and for the climate. Perfect for my rural Italian location. Surprised that it is not on your list.

  3. @whatcar Avatar
    @whatcar

    The small SUV market is more competitive than ever! 🥊 Here is our Top 10, but do you agree with our picks? Let us know in the comments which small SUV you’d buy with your own money. 👇

  4. @robbarnes7519 Avatar
    @robbarnes7519

    Surprised not to SEAT Arona on the list. Smooth, good ride, economical in 115ps dsg, even if it’s been around for a while but updated, with latest version in 2026. Remarkably good value and recommended from here

    1. @whatcar Avatar
      @whatcar

      It isn’t far outside our top 10!

    2. @colonelc42 Avatar
      @colonelc42

      115up engine & DSG is not a reliable combo.

  5. @jonathand3173 Avatar
    @jonathand3173

    As someone who rarely uses the back seats my top three would be the Toyota Yaris Cross, Fiat Grande Panda hybrid and the Citroen C3. With an honourable mention to the Mazda CX30.

  6. @ianbald8827 Avatar
    @ianbald8827

    No Yaris Cross?! C’mon…! You guys rated it highly in your review and it doesn’t make the top ten? Plus, if looking at resale value, operating costs, and reliability, it’s at the top of the class.

    1. @Smile342 Avatar
      @Smile342

      That’s true…

    2. @susanb.1113 Avatar
      @susanb.1113

      100% correct.

  7. @rogerbourne4377 Avatar
    @rogerbourne4377

    No real bargains any more. Nothing under 20 grand unless you go used.

    1. @concinnus Avatar
      @concinnus

      Inflation is a thing. About 25% since the start of CoViD.

  8. @ianelliott229 Avatar
    @ianelliott229

    ‘SUV’s are just the height and interior size that cars were when I was I child. I’m old

  9. @TheDM3002XTuber Avatar
    @TheDM3002XTuber

    Don’t get the mild hybrids, especially KIA should be able to go full hybrid.

  10. @RobSinox Avatar
    @RobSinox

    Mazda cx30?

  11. @camilstoenescu Avatar
    @camilstoenescu

    You should redo this list by price brackets, otherwise it’s meaningless. You’re comparing a Duster with an LBX which is almost double its price.

  12. @waynephatg Avatar
    @waynephatg

    Can’t stand VAG. The LBX is an interesting car as is the the Renault 4.

  13. @waynephatg Avatar
    @waynephatg

    Steer clear of that 1.0 ecoboost! Welt belt nightmare garbage.

  14. @LaunchKaffee Avatar
    @LaunchKaffee

    Small mistake. The ID.2 will be named ID.Polo

  15. @susanb.1113 Avatar
    @susanb.1113

    Yaris Cross? 10yr warranty?

  16. @angrymuffinsb Avatar
    @angrymuffinsb

    Jeep avenger is a great car. Didn’t mention that. The renegade is very good considering its age. These numpties really need replacing.

  17. @cabottaxi Avatar
    @cabottaxi

    What about the other models in the Renault range.

  18. @sevensixtysteve Avatar
    @sevensixtysteve

    Renault 4 or possibly the Leaf are the only ones I would want to own out of this list.

  19. @AsimSheikh Avatar
    @AsimSheikh

    nissan juke hybrid?

  20. @philr9684 Avatar
    @philr9684

    How can you recommend the Ford Ecoboost engine? Wet belt disaster waiting to happen. I think many people would welcome more thorough information about engine reliability in car reviews.

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