Compact SUVs: Our Top Picks

Compact SUVs, also known as crossover SUVs, are a type of sport utility vehicle (SUV) that are smaller in size than traditional full-size SUVs. Compact SUVs are popular with consumers for a variety of reasons, including their ability to provide the raised seating position of larger SUVs while still being easy to drive. They also often offer more boot space and more versatile seating options than hatchbacks, making them a good choice for families.

With that in mind, take a look at our picks for the best compact SUVs on the market in 2023. We’ve picked these SUVs based on practicality, safety, design and the overall driving experience.

Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV produced by the South Korean automaker, Hyundai. It was first introduced in 2017, and is sized below its sibling, the Hyundai Tucson. A Hyundai Kona lease gets you a sleek SUV with an athletic look and Hyundai’s cutting-edge technology. The rear parking sensors and reversing cameras installed as standard across the range are just one demonstration of Hyundai’s focus on dependability and functionality when designing the Kona. Plus, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as standard, consumers can connect their smartphone and access their apps, music, and contacts.

Furthermore, the Hyundai Kona is available with a range of efficient powertrain options, including petrol, hybrid and pure electric. In particular, the Kona Electric, which was first introduced in 2018, offers a greater driving range than the Peugeot e-2008. Also, rapid charging from 10-80% is possible in just 47 minutes using a 100 kW DC charging station. This electric car is spacious enough for five adults, and the cabin features a modern and minimalist design. Alternatively, if you’d prefer a hybrid car, the 1.6 hybrid model sees a great 57.6mpg (combined), making it a fuel-efficient option. The starting price for the base model Hyundai Kona in the UK is £23,625, although the Hyundai Kona Electric is more expensive, starting from £32,450.

Renault Captur

The Renault Captur is well-known for being one of the safest compact SUVs available today. Since its debut in 2013, it has become a highly awarded model thanks to its spacious interior, which can comfortably seat up to five passengers. Its popularity is also boosted by its availability as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or petrol model, offering efficient engine options. However, it doesn't currently have a pure electric version which might be a disappointment for some.

The Captur boasts a stylish design, particularly its athletic SUV look. Renault also offers a range of accessories to personalize the car, making it easy to make it your own. Additionally, it is practical and fuel-efficient, which makes it a great option for families. The Captur features a 404-litre boot space, making it similar to the Skoda Kamiq. Plus, the iconic Renault Captur comes with excellent safety features and has been rated five-stars from safety regulator, Euro NCAP. This included an excellent score of 96% in the adult occupant protection assessment.

We feel the Renault Captur is competitively priced for a compact SUV starting from around £22,000. This is quite a bit cheaper than other small SUVs like the Ford Puma. Even the entry-level model comes well equipped as standard, including rear parking sensors, cruise control, 17" alloy wheels and automatic air conditioning.   

Skoda Kamiq

The Skoda Kamiq, launched in 2019, is a compact SUV that offers both value and ample interior space, particularly in the rear passenger area. Sized under the mid-sized Skoda Karoq, the Kamiq is Skoda’s smallest SUV model. The Kamiq also boasts a generous 400-litre boot space, which is competitive in the compact SUV market. We think the Skoda Kamiq is superbly designed, combining practicality with the ultimate comfort for all your journeys.

It should be noted that the Kamiq is currently only available in petrol options, starting with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine available in 95PS or 110PS versions. The 110PS engine offers quicker acceleration with a 0-62mph time of 10.1 seconds, while a more powerful 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 150PS is also available.

GB Vehicle Leasing finds the Skoda Kamiq to be a well-rounded vehicle that, while not the most exciting, is easy to drive, safe and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for a family car. The latest Kamiq model comes in four trim levels and starts at £21,805, slightly less than the comparable VW T-Cross. As with all new Skoda passenger cars UK, the Kamiq comes with a three-year vehicle warranty. This contains 2 years with unlimited mileage and a third year up to the 60,000-mile limit.

Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV that is based on the popular Mazda3 hatchback. It offers advanced connectivity features through the Mazda Connect system, which is fully compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The CX-30 is also customisable with a range of options and accessories, such as silver roof rails and a durable boot liner, making it a personal car.

Safety is a top priority in the Mazda CX-30, and it received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, which included a 99% score in the adult occupancy assessment. It makes it one of the best options for safety, which makes it stand out among other SUVs in 2023. The Mazda CX-30 is offered at a starting price of £23,745, and it comes in various trim levels such as SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech.

Furthermore, the Mazda CX-30 has two available engines, both being 2.0-litre petrols and using Mazda M Hybrid technology. Regardless of the engine option, this Mazda car has a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,300kg and a maximum roof load of 75kg. In terms of WLTP combined MPG figures, the Mazda CX30 ranges from 42.8 – 47.9mpg depending on the engine you opt for. This makes it not only a fantastic car to drive, but an economical one, too.

Ford Puma

How about a Ford instead? In 2019, Ford introduced the new Ford Puma as a key rival to the Nissan Juke. The Puma boasts a bold design and a variety of advanced features appealing to today's drivers. Plus, the 456-litre boot of the Ford Puma is generous for a car of this kind, and we feel the storage space has been well designed with its adjustable floor. As for safety features, the Ford Puma comes well equipped as standard, including lane-keeping aid, traction control, pre-collision assist and emergency brake warning.

The Ford Puma is available with a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine; however, you can choose between two versions - 125bhp and 155bhp. All models feature Ford's mild-hybrid tech for improved fuel-efficiency. As expected, the 155bhp version is slightly quicker with a 0-62mph time of around 9 seconds. Alternatively, as the quickest version of the Puma, you could opt for the Ford Puma ST which has a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine. The Puma ST has a top speed of 137mph and offers 200bhp.

The starting price for the base model Ford Puma in the UK is around £24,920 (OTR). For those consumers considering the sportier ST model, you can expect pricing from around £31,000. Key features on the Ford Puma ST include 19” alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, ST interior styling and a Quickclear heated windscreen.

MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman was first introduced in 2010 as the first MINI model to feature four doors and a roomier interior. With several updates  throughout the years, today the Countryman is a popular choice among families who are looking for a car that is both practical and fun to drive. The car provides a sporty driving experience, thanks to its refined performance and superior handling.

Inside, the MINI Countryman offers a comfortable ride with ample space, particularly in the front seats. Plus, it has an impressive 450-litre boot capacity, which increases to 1,390 litres by folding the rear seats down. Although, this does reduce slightly if you opt for the Countryman PHEV version. Pricing for the MINI Countryman starts from £28,815 for the entry-level Cooper model and goes up to around £39,000 for the top-of-the-line John Cooper Works model. 

This leads us nicely onto engine options. The base Countryman model comes with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine that produces 136bhp and is capable of 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds. For those looking for more power, the Countryman also offers a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 178bhp or the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works with a whopping 306bhp. Alternatively, for greater fuel economy (148.7 – 156.9 mpg combined), the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor to produce 220bhp. Previous diesel engines have now been discontinued due to lack of demand.

BMW X1

Lastly, we have chosen the fantastic BMW X1. This luxury SUV made its debut in 2009 as the smallest SUV model from BMW. Its sleek design, including a larger one-piece kidney grille and BMW's premium badging, is easily recognizable. Leasing a BMW X1 offers a fantastic all-around vehicle with seamless driving and exceptional comfort. As standard, this BMW car comes with a range of parking assistant features, the BMW Operating System 8 with nav and BMW's 'My Modes' feature, just to mention a few.

When it comes to pricing, the BMW X1 price starts at around £33,775 for the base model, making it one of the more expensive options on our list. However, you can expect a luxurious interior with high-quality materials used throughout, typical of a BMW car. It's also thought to be one of the roomiest, most practical cars in the small SUV segment. The X1 can comfortably seat 5 adults and boasts a 540-litre boot capacity, larger than the Volvo XC40 or Audi Q3.

Furthermore, the BMW X1 is available with a range of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid. In particular, the BMW X1 xDrive30e Plug-in Hybrid offers up to 56 miles of pure electric driving and features intelligent driving modes.

Contact Us Today

Well, there you have it, our top picks for compact SUVs on the market in 2023. Have you found your dream car? Contact GB Vehicle Leasing for more information or to request a quote for a car lease that fits your needs. Leasing an SUV is a budget-friendly option that allows you to drive your ideal car at a reasonable cost. Additionally, our pricing team is constantly monitoring the market to ensure we provide the best deals on SUV leases. We also have competitive maintenance contracts and servicing packages available. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook for our latest updates and top deals.