Top 10 best small SUVs 2023

Volvo's first attempt at a compact sibling for its established XC60 and XC90 SUVs is a real success, and in the XC40, the Swedish marque has given us a car with the sort of instant kerbside appeal you'd expect of the class-leading act that it very recently still was.

With a design sufficiently charismatic and alluring to bring younger family buyers into Volvo showrooms, the XC40 backs up its funky exterior with a cabin of laudable richness, comfort, usability and quality. While this isn't the most practical car in the compact SUV class, it certainly has plenty of luxury car ambience, not to mention all the in-car technology you'd hope for.

The engine range has been recently revised, with all diesel derivatives withdrawn. There's now a choice of two plug-in hybrid models, a couple of mild-hybrid petrols, an entry-level T2 and a T3 petrol and the fully electric Recharge version, which is available in 228bhp single-motor and 402bhp dual-motor guises - the former switching from a front motor, front-wheel drive layout to a rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel drive for 2023.

The XC40's ride and handling represent Volvo at its best and the small family 4x4 at its most relaxing. Rather than chasing other premium brands for driver appeal, the XC40 is happy to play the comfortable, refined, convenient and easy-to-use option - and it's an effective one. If an SUV's mission is to lift its driver above the hustle and bustle and filter out the pain from the daily grind, few do it better.

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3. Mazda CX-5

Pros Good to drive, excellent interior, comfortable over distanceCons Straight-line performance not always up to snuff, can be loud at a cruise

This is easily one of the best-looking SUVs on the market and is objectively much more refined than its predecessor, with respectable fuel economy and an unusual level of handling verve for this class.

The CX-5's interior is solid and quietly stylish, and it offers plenty of passenger and boot space. A 2021 facelift introduces Mazda's latest infotainment system, along with a new range-topping 2.5-litre petrol engine that previously appeared in the Mazda 6 saloon. Although it's now a bit older than some of the other entrants on this list, the CX-5 hasn't lost any of the handling pep that has made it one of our favourite compact SUVs.

Of the engines, it's the unfashionable 2.2-litre diesel that's the pick, its blend of mid-range brawn and decent efficiency making it well suited to the CX-5's SUV remit. The petrols are a little smoother, but with no forced induction, they all feel a little overwhelmed by the Mazda's rather bulky frame and require plenty of revs for lively progress.

The CX-5 offers a healthy mix of fun, frugality and family-friendly space, so it deserves serious consideration from buyers who want a car that does a little bit of everything.

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4. Hyundai Tucson

Pros Potentially very economical, striking design, grown-up interiorCons Sluggish automatic gearbox, lacklustre driving dynamics

The arrival of the fourth-generation Tucson was something of a watershed moment for Hyundai. Stylistically, it's a drastic departure from its handsome but slightly dull predecessors, and its cabin reaches new heights in terms of material appeal, too. Hyundai has long been trying to rebrand itself as an upmarket contender in Europe, and the Tucson is its most convincing effort yet.

Dynamically, it plays things pretty safe, with a handling balance that prioritises ease of use over out-and-out dynamism, but it's still enjoyable enough to pedal down a twisty road. Its hybrid powertrain offers strong performance and impressive efficiency, and - being a Hyundai - it comes incredibly well equipped and backed by a cast-iron warranty.

More so than ever before, this is an impressively polished compact SUV that's absolutely worthy of your attention.

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5. BMW X1

Pros Sky-high perceived quality, fine handling, quite handsomeCons Gearbox and steering aren’t up to BMW standards, poor user interface

Like all of us, the BMW X1 has been getting larger as it gets older. In fact, the latest third-generation version of the small SUV that made its debut in 2022 is now only a biscuit shorter than the original X3 - a car that's theoretically in the class above. Still, this swelling in size is good news for those with growing families, because it means you can fit more people and things inside.

Built on the same UKL platform as the 2 Series Active Tourer, the X1 gets a wide range of engines, from mild-hybrid petrols and diesels through to a pair of plug-ins and even an all-electric iX1 complete with a handy claimed range of 272 miles. Regardless of motive force, the BMW is a composed and capable steer but perhaps not the very embodiment of the 'ultimate driving machine' that the brand's marketeers would have you believe. There's decent grip and body, but the accurate steering is largely mute and it can't match the lithe agility of the similarly priced 3 Series Touring.

Still, for most buyers, ease of use is more important - and it's here the X1 scores well. It's a doddle to drive and refined, while the interior is spacious and neatly designed, with handy features such as a sliding rear bench and usefully sized boot. The fit and finish is also a cut above, with the use top-notch materials, slick styling and an infotainment system that looks good and is fairly painless to use.

6. Nissan Qashqai

Pros Likeable interior, comfortable in all scenarios, spaciousCons Manual gearbox is hard work but CVT is dull, infotainment already dated

Right up until the end of its lifecycle, the old Qashqai stayed doggedly at the sharp end of the sales charts in this class, and so with its new, lighter chassis, more commodious dimensions and much-improved dynamics, you'd expect this new third-generation model to hit the ground running.

And for the most part, it does. There's little here for keen drivers, and both the 1.3-litre petrol mild-hybrid and novel 'self-charging' e-power range-extender-style hybrid are a little breathless, but what did you expect? Performance and handling aren't what the Qashqai is about and, as one tester put it, "it's very thoughtfully designed for families, well equipped and costs peanuts to buy and run".

Convenience is everything, but while you can have the Qashqai in two-pedal form and with a CVT gearbox, we'd go for the manual gearbox, simply because it improves the car's rolling refinement.

A game-changing effort? Not any more, but a demonstration that Nissan knows its customers extremely well. It'll be difficult to beat among the non-premium ranks.

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7. Volkswagen Tiguan

Pros Efficient, spacious, comfortable, supremely easy to get along with Cons Starting to feel it’s age, not a lot else

The Tiguan is Volkswagen's third-best selling model after the Golf and Polo hatchbacks. It's flexible, spacious, solidly built, comfortable and refined. With just a little more driver engagement, it would be an even more formidable package - but even as it is, it takes some beating. It's a slightly pricey option and its interior isn't particularly interesting, but what it lacks in visual drama it more than makes up for in solidity.

A recent facelifted has added a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a range-topping Tiguan R performance derivative, among other powertrain line-up tweaks. The car's driving experience is a little spec-sensitive: with the better, more powerful engines and adaptive suspension, the Tiguan performs and handles very well and rides with all the sophistication you will want, but the more basic versions are more dynamically ordinary.

A premium offering? Perhaps not in every sense, but it's a cut above most cars in the growing compact SUV segment.

And don't forget there's also the Allspace version, for those who like what they see in the Tiguan but need space for seven (at a squeeze).

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8. Audi Q3

Pros PHEV is good value, captures some of the appeal of larger Audi SUVsCons Not as refined as you might be expecting, interior perceived quality

Now in its second generation, Audi’s Q3 is a stalwart of the class and comes with a good range of powertrains – petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid. There’s also the option of the slope-backed Sportback bodystyle, though you’re better off maximising interior space with the regular and perhaps just as handsome hatchback variant.

The Q3 is in general a strong contender, with slick drivability and plenty of space, but there are some quirks to the range. For one thing, the plug-in hybrid is surprisingly good value. For another, rolling refinement isn’t always as strong as it might be. The powertrains are well mannered enough, but just make sure you don’t overdo it on the size of the wheels. The latest versions are also lacking just a touch in terms of that bulletproof interior feel.

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9. Kia Sportage

Pros Striking design, neatly and appealing interior, broad range of enginesCons Hybrid powertrain can be coarse, ride and handling balance isn’t that sweet

Given the Sportage has been such a big sales hit for Kia in what is normally a corner of the market with more conservative taste, it's a bit of a shock to see that it has gone for a bold design with the all-new, fifth-generation machine. Yet given the numbers already being seen on the road, it's clear that buyers aren't being put off by the new car's, ahem, distinctive looks.

The truth is that behind the challenging exterior is a car offering much the same as before but in a more refined, grown-up and tech-laden package. It's not quite as spacious as the best, but there's enough room for most family needs, plus there's a wide range of engines, from mild-hybrid petrols and diesel through to a benefit-in-kind busting plug-in hybrid.

It also comes loaded with standard kit, can be easily connected to your smartphone and, of course, is backed by Kia's market-leading seven-year warranty.

To drive, the Sportage is something of a mixed bag. The handling is safe and predictable, but the Kia is fairly inert when pressing on, while poorly surfaced roads quickly upset its composure. It's reasonably refined but doesn't ride as well as many rivals, jostling occupants over even smaller bumps. Experience suggests that opting for the smaller, 17in wheels improves matters, but only a little.

Overall, the Sportage is a smart, well-equipped and hassle-free family SUV, but those wanting a little emotional uplift should look elsewhere.