The cheapest small SUVs you can buy

Choice means competition and competition is great for the customer, and never more has that rule applied than in the small SUV market.

With so many competitors fighting for attention in the dinky high-rider segment, the plethora of brands are forced to be hyper-competitive in terms of features, equipment and price. And that's good news for you.

There are more than 20 models vying for your money in the small SUV class, but we’re going to look at the group that’s most affordable, starting with the least expensive.

MG ZS – $22,990

10

As China’s auto industry matures, the quality – and quantity – of product from the country has also grown.

MG - a brand that used to be as British as bulldogs and warm beer - has been transformed into a subsidiary of Chinese mega-corp SAIC Automotive, and its most promising product since its Chinese-funded revival began is the MG ZS compact crossover.

Suzuki Ignis – $23,490

10

The Suzuki Ignis is one of the most affordable small SUV in Australia, if you can call it that. While it might appear as a larger-than-usual hatchback, the Ignis is a boxy, retro look at a ‘light SUV’ and prices begin at $23,490 (drive-away).

Available as a front-wheel drive only, it may not have much in the way of off-road ability, but the Ignis is a handy city-dweller and offers more head and leg room than you might imagine.

Hyundai Venue – $24,990

10

In a weird way the Venue small SUV replaced the Accent in Hyundai’s local line-up, taking the place as the brand’s least expensive car. Weird, because the Accent was a small sedan and nothing like the Venue.

The Hyundai Venue starts at $24,990 including on-road costs and, while there are foibles, there is much to like about the Venue. Cheap and cheerful? You bet.

Mitsubishi ASX – $26,490

10

If we gave you the impression the Mazda CX-3 was old – sorry – the Mitsubishi ASX is on another level. But ever since its introduction more than 10 years ago it has sold consistently well thanks to its spaciousness, reliability and low price.

The ASX range begins at $26,490 (including ORCs) today and was recently updated for the umpteenth time, but under its facelifted exterior it's essentially still the same decade-old car.

Mazda CX-3 – $27,251

10

It may be a little long in the tooth, but the Mazda CX-3 can still carve it up with the best of them. It’s consistently one of the most popular small cars on the market and even placed well in our small SUV Megatest – especially impressive considering its age.

Prices start at $27,251 before on-roads.

Haval Jolion – $28,490

10

China’s latest entry to the small SUV space is actually one of the cheapest small SUVs with turbocharged power and prices begin at just under $30k.

For such an inexpensive option, there's a respectable amount of standard kit but the quality isn’t quite up to its Japanese rivals’ standard, nor is the way it drives and handles.

Kia Seltos – $29,290

10

If the Kia Seltos isn’t all things to all people, it’s not for want of trying. The compact SUV market is booming and doesn’t look like stopping but the Korean giant’s late entry has been extremely well-received.

The updated small SUV will launch locally late this year too with a upgraded version of the Seltos's 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, which is also now mated to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, as well as new safety equipment and upgraded cabin technology.

Prices start at $29390 including on-roads.

Hyundai Kona – $29,490

10

Hyundai’s second entrant into the small SUV segment is the $26,490 (including ORCs) Kona, which is a step up in size, specification and drivetrain when compared with the Venue small SUV.

WhichCar likes the Kona for its bold exterior styling and level of standard kit, though that good first impression is tarnished when you get inside to find a rental-car interior.

Suzuki Vitara – $31,990

10

The Suzuki Vitara is a familiar nameplate going back more than 30 years, and now it represents a good, honest SUV that majors on practicality and comfort without falling into the trap of trying to be too sporty.

But while it's roomy and well equipped, it does feel like it's built to its $31,990 (including ORCs) price and the absence of advanced driver assistance technology is an archaism.

That's just the tip of the small SUV iceberg and there's a lot more choice if you have the budget.