The 10 best small luxury SUVs
There are plenty of small luxury SUVs out there – but which is the pick of the bunch?
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The search for the best small luxury SUV takes us in many directions. Whether you’re loyal to BMW or Audi, want to test out the latest Tesla, or feel the pull of an iconic Range Rover – there are plenty of options.
That’s where it gets tricky. With so many options, how do you know which to pick?
To help you out, we’re comparing ten of the best small luxury SUVs that you can buy in the UK. See our faves below.
What are the best small luxury SUVs in the UK?
Lexus LBX
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Our picks for the best small luxury SUV
BMW X1
 "BMW X1 front three quarters")
The X1 is the smallest SUV BMW offers, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking. It has that quintessential BMW aggression about it – with a chunky grille and stacked up bumper of vents and squinting lights.
You’re spoilt for choice with the engines. Pick from petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid offerings.
And if you want more power behind your luxury SUV, pick the M35i for 312hp and a 0-62mph launch of 5.4 seconds.
We think you’ll come for the styling and engine stats and stay for the plush interior. It’s mega comfortable, looks sleek and features a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and 10.25-inch digital instrument display pairing.
It’s also a BMW, so you know everything will be screwed together well with a high quality finish.
Dimensions:
BMW X1 length: 4,500mm
BMW X1 width: 1,845mm
BMW X1 height: up to 1,642mm
Porsche Macan
 "Porsche Macan front")
If you’re looking for the best small luxury SUVs, there aren’t many better all-rounders than the Porsche Macan.
It’s a gorgeous model that balances practicality and performance. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine offers 261hp and the 2.9-litre V6 offers a massive 369hp, and both handle superbly, just like a Porsche should.
The cabin is roomy and comfortable, and there’s no denying it looks spot-on and grown-up. With a 10.9-inch infotainment screen, cushy seats, and plenty of premium materials – it balances the classic look of a Porsche interior with modern expectations.
Dimensions:
Porsche Macan length: up to 4,784mm
Porsche Macan width: 1,938mm
Porsche Macan height: 1,623mm
Mercedes GLA
 "Mercedes GLA driving")
The Mercedes GLA is a small luxury SUV that closely rivals the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
It’s a laidback drive that’s comfortable and easy to get along with, but its classy styling and plush interior really add to its elegance.
Though we’re considering it a small SUV, it still has a 495-litre boot (10 litres less in diesel models) and a roomy cabin. Nobody’s going to be cramped in the rear seats.
You’ll also have a flashy screen set-up on the dash. There’s a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a matching infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Mercedes is making some of the best interiors in the car world at the moment, so the GLA is the perfect pick if you’re a fan of space-age splendour.
Dimensions:
Mercedes GLA length: up to 4,443mm
Mercedes GLA width: up to 1,849mm
Mercedes GLA height: up to 1,616mm
Audi Q3
 "Audi Q3 side")
We mentioned the Audi Q3 above as a GLA rival, and we’ve already covered the BMW X1, so how does the Audi stack up?
The Q3 is the blown-up version of the coveted A3, so you’re going to get a lot of premium touches and finishes.
We’re impressed with how practicality is made to feel premium – you've got a 530-litre boot and space for five people to get comfy, and everything still feels luxurious and plush.
In particular, that Audi finesse shines in the cabin. There are plenty of soft-touch materials, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster, plus a minimalistic design.
If BMW is sharp lines and aggressive styling, Mercedes is swooping lines and high-tech, Audi is understated and chic.
Dimensions:
Audi Q3 length: 4,484mm
Audi Q3 width: 1,856mm
Audi Q3 height: 1,616mm
Volvo XC40
 "Volvo XC40 driving")
Volvo doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in the luxury car segment, but we think the XC40 more than deserves its place on the list of best small luxury SUVs.
It manages to feel both outdoorsy and plush – edgy and cosy at the same time – in ways that only a Scandinavian car could. It really is a cracking little SUV, and it’s nice to show your great taste with something a little less obvious than the big German brands.
You can currently choose from mild-hybrid petrol engines with two power outputs (163hp and 197hp), and they both feel buttery smooth. It’s peppy and never sluggish, despite its comfortable size.
There’s also the Volvo XC40 Recharge, if you want to try a plug-in hybrid for the best of both electric and petrol engine motoring.
Dimensions:
Volvo XC40 length: 4,440mm
Volvo XC40 width: 1,873mm
Volvo XC40 height: 1,657mm
Range Rover Evoque
 "Range Rover Evoque front three quarters")
Probably the epitome of the luxury SUV – a Range Rover is always going to be a top choice. For the best small luxury SUV, we’re looking at the Range Rover Evoque.
The Evoque gets a lot of street cred based on branding and looks alone, and we think it looks especially flashy in colours like Nolita Grey and Firenze Red.
You’ll find a Tesla-esque minimalist interior in the latest Evoque, with an 11.4-inch curved touchscreen that covers infotainment (with the Pivi Pro operating system) and controls all major functions of the car.
There’s a 472-litre boot as well, which is nothing to sniff at for a compact SUV. And despite oozing class, it’ll still give most 4x4s a run for their money in tricky conditions.
Dimensions:
Range Rover Evoque length: 4,371mm
Range Rover Evoque width: 1,904mm
Range Rover Evoque height: 1,649mm
Lexus LBX
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Another option that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves, the Lexus LBX is a luxury small SUV that’s sleek, fun to drive, and comes in seven different trim levels.
Options are nice, right? You can choose from entry-level trims, such as the Urban, or ramp right up to the top-spec options like the Takumi Design. This one brings two-tone paintwork and fancy upholstery that make it feel extra special.
Despite its stature as an SUV, hybrid-only engine options mean it’s pretty efficient. The front-wheel drive engine option can get up to 63mpg – crazy for an SUV with a 402-litre boot and more than enough room for five adults.
Dimensions:
Lexus LBX length: 4,190mm
Lexus LBX width: 1,825mm
Lexus LBX height: up to 1,560mm
Cupra Formentor
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If you like aggressive styling, the Cupra might be the best small luxury SUV for you.
It’s something a bit different than the classic German premiums, with plenty of sharp angles, glaring headlights, and a suave interior.
The 10-inch digital instrument panel and 12-inch infotainment screen look at-home in the roomy cabin. There’s boot space up to 450 litres (from the 150hp and 245hp options) or 420 litres in the 190hp and 310hp models.
If fuel efficiency is your idea of luxury, choose the Formentor e-Hybrid to get up to 235.4mpg with the 204hp 1.4-litre engine.
We also think the matte paint and bronze accents make it stand out in the best way. It’s like something you’d see on a classy ‘kitchen inspiration’ Pinterest board but executed tastefully for the roads.
Dimensions:
Cupra Formentor length: 4,451mm
Cupra Formentor width: 1,839mm
Cupra Formentor height: up to 1,537mm
Tesla Model Y
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It wouldn’t be a small luxury SUV list without a mention of the Tesla Model Y. For years now, Tesla has been setting the standard for premium but minimalist styling.
They’re not bad on the road either – or maybe that’s an understatement. The Performance model can hit 0-62mph in as little as 3.8 seconds. That’s supercar territory.
Of course, there’s that instantly recognisable interior as well, with the massive 15-inch touchscreen that’s still the best in any car. It’s just so easy to use and has some ridiculous features (Romance mode by the fire – anyone?)
Electric cars do tend to have smaller boots due to the extra onboard tech, but the Model Y offers a tidy 854 litres that almost feels unbelievable.
Dimensions:
Tesla Model Y length: 4,750mm
Tesla Model Y width: 1,920mm
Tesla Model Y height: 1,624mm
Kia EV6
 "Kia EV6 front three quarters")
If you fancy yourself in an electric car but aren’t quite sold on the Tesla, the flashy and futuristic Kia EV6 might be the way to go.
We’re calling it one of the best small luxury SUVs because of its minimalist vibes and superb range. You can cover up to 361 miles on a single charge in the Air RWD model – so it’s seriously efficient.
And, if you haven’t been in a car from the South Korean brand lately, we think you should try it. The build quality and attention to detail continue to improve as Kia stakes more of a claim on the luxury electric car market.
Plus, all Kia cars come with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty that’s transferable if you’re buying used. Since the EV6 was released in 2021, that warranty is going to be valid for a good while.
Dimensions:
Kia EV6 length: 4,680mm
Kia EV6 width: 1,880mm
Kia EV6 height: 1,550mm
Explore used SUVs
You’re spoilt for choice if you’re shopping for a small luxury SUV – which is a blessing and a curse.
We love options like the Range Rover Evoque and Cupra Formentor for a small SUV with a premium edge, but there are plenty of others out there if you fancy more variety.
Take a look at our full range of used SUVs to see what else is on offer.
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