The 7 best compact SUVs and crossovers to buy in 2025

The crossover moniker is a bit of a catch-all in the car industry, so it’s hardly surprising that the phrase doesn’t mean all that much to plenty of consumers. Generally speaking, it describes compact cars that bridge the gap between hatchbacks and SUVs, riding higher than conventional family cars, but not necessarily offering much off-road capability.

Sales of these cars have rocketed in recent years — so much so that traditional saloon sales have been almost completely overtaken by crossovers. In fact, crossovers have been the UK’s best-selling cars for each of the last three years.

And it isn’t difficult to see why. While they don’t cost a lot more to buy and run than a conventional hatchback, they offer a more commanding driving position and are slightly easier to get into and out of (particularly for people with reduced mobility). They are better at avoiding scrapes over speed cushions and dealing with potholes, too, and they hint at a 4×4 image that appeals to plenty of buyers.

With such advantages and the resultant swell of demand for such vehicles, car manufacturers have clamoured for a slice of the growing crossover market. That means competition is fierce and rivals are numerous.

Yet not all crossovers are equal. Here are seven of our favourites, whether they’re understated or upmarket, inexpensive or indulgent, and petrol- or battery-powered.

Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce

Priced from £42,295

The Junior had a difficult birth — not least because it was called the Milano until the Italian government stepped in days before the big reveal, causing Alfa Romeo untold headaches — but even that can’t detract from a capable electric SUV.

In Veloce form, the Alfa has a very different suspension and powertrain set-up from its more conventional siblings, with a high-performance motor and a clever front differential that makes this front-wheel-drive crossover drive like a proper hot hatchback. On the right road, it’s an absolute hoot.

But the Junior Veloce is more than just proof electric crossovers can be exciting to drive; it’s also a practical and useful family car, with space for four and a decently sized boot. And because there’s a proper front storage area with a moulded charge cable holder, it feels well thought through.

That said, the Alfa’s cabin isn’t that special, and the sports seats that hold you in so brilliantly are an optional extra, but this is still a proper “hot” electric crossover that’s something of a return to form for a company that blotted its copy book with the larger Tonale.

The Elettrica (a less powerful EV) and Ibrida (hybrid) versions of the Junior, though, are closely related to the Fiat 600 and feel less exciting.

Read our review of the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce here

Hyundai Kona

Priced from £26,040

Hyundai’s styling team has revolutionised the brand’s products in the past few years, turning some worthy but often forgettable vehicles into cars that are unquestionably desirable. Perhaps the most dramatic expression of this revamp is the Kona, which was never exactly ugly, but never felt all that spectacular in any given way.

The latest-generation Kona looks significantly different, with a bulkier design packed with more monolithic and modern features, including a rounded front end and full-width lighting no doubt inspired by the Ioniq 5 electric car. The trend continues inside, where Hyundai has fitted a more contemporary and upmarket cabin with lots of big screens.

Admittedly, the materials inside the Kona aren’t always perfect, but that’s to be expected when a car of this size starts at just £26,000. And despite some of the materials’ cheapness, most are pretty good, and they’re all glued together impressively.

More impressive, however, is the amount of tech you get in this compact, easy-to-drive SUV. Even basic Advance models come with parking sensors at the front and rear, 17in alloy wheels and two-zone climate control, as well as a reversing camera, keyless entry and navigation. It makes upgrading to a higher trim level seem a bit unnecessary.

Read our review of the Hyundai Kona here

Peugeot 2008

Priced from £28,830

The original Peugeot 2008 was not a sexy piece of kit but the latest iterations are considerably easier on the eye, as well as being more capable crossovers. The 2008 benefits from some great engines and more engaging handling than you might think, but it pays for all that with one or two quirks.

Chief among which is the steering wheel, which is almost comically small for an SUV, and plays havoc with the driving position. Because you have to look over it to see the instrument binnacle, many drivers will find it quite awkward, so we really can’t recommend buying one without first taking a test-drive to check that position will suit you.

But if you can live with all that, the 2008 has plenty of qualities. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is stronger than you might expect, and it’s surprisingly smooth, while the electric e-2008 option is punchy on the road. And every version drives tidily, with decent body control and plenty of grip.

Yet for all that, the styling will be key to its appeal, and the funky looks are sure to tear some customers away from wholly competent rivals, no matter what the other considerations may be. Those who do choose the 2008 won’t be disappointed. It’s spacious, well-made and great on the road, so quirks aside, it’s a good choice.

Read our review of the Peugeot e-2008 here

Mini Aceman

Priced from £31,920

The Aceman slots into the Mini range between the Cooper and the Countryman, providing electric urban transport to rival the likes of the Peugeot E-2008 and the Renault Megane E-Tech. Interestingly, it’s also part of a joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Great Wall, which might raise some eyebrows.

Design-wise, though, it’s business as usual for Mini. The Aceman’s relation to the Cooper and Countryman is unmistakable, with the big bug eyes, the outline of a gaping grille in the front bumper and the pillow-like roof that seems to be piled on top of the windows. It won’t be for everyone, especially with the slightly odd chunkiness Mini has given it to push the SUV theme, but those that like the Cooper and Countryman will like the Aceman just as much.

They’ll love the interior, too, where Mini has fitted a minimalist dash dominated by a circular touchscreen providing driving data, including the speed readout, as well as multimedia functions. It’s a bit different, but it works really well, and the extensive use of knitted fabric in the dashboard only helps to make the car feel upmarket and tactile. The seats are good, too, and the steering wheel might be quite thick, but it feels solid.

As is so often the case with Mini, you have to be a bit careful with choosing the trim level and powertrain you need – the range is a bit of a minefield and the basic battery is a bit small for a family SUV – but the Aceman has undeniable kerb appeal.

Renault Captur

Priced from £21,695

The Renault Captur rose to fame about a decade ago, when the bubbly looks, personalisation options and amiable driving experience made it a smash hit with owners. And the new version is even better — both to look at and to drive.

It doesn’t quite have the curvaceousness of its predecessor, it’s true, but there’s still a certain style to the Captur’s design, and we’d say it’s a more handsome product overall. It’s comfortable and nicely appointed inside, too, especially in sportier-looking Esprit Alpine form, but even lower-specification examples will be cool and charming in their way.

Space won’t be a problem for consumers, either, because the boot is reasonably roomy and interior space is perfectly adequate, while Renault has tweaked the car’s suspension to make it fractionally better to drive than before. The difference isn’t night and day, but it’s there, and it makes the car’s handling a bit more precise, which is always welcome.

More importantly, Renault is continuing to offer the Captur in hybrid form, giving it an economical powertrain with an automatic gearbox, which makes it easier to drive and easier on your wallet. The quirky transmission does some odd things at times, it’s true, but generally speaking the hybrid Captur is smooth and efficient, and it comes with some really impressive tech that helps to make it easy to live with.

Dacia Duster

Priced from £18,850

The Duster has a longstanding reputation as a value-orientated, no-nonsense compact SUV with a bit of go-anywhere capability. But in recent years, Dacia has tried to complement that reputation with a little more style and design, while still remaining true to the Duster’s roots.

Those efforts have culminated in the new Duster, which is still offered with proper all-wheel drive and plenty of ground clearance, but it now has a squarer, more modern image with lots of chunky body cladding inspired by the seven-seat Jogger. It also gets some of its own pioneering work, including a new grille with Dacia’s revised logo and headlights that blend into the design.

Things have changed under the bonnet, too, where the Duster is now available with the same 1.6-litre hybrid system as seen in the Jogger, although that motor is only offered in front-wheel-drive automatic form. Those seeking more rugged off-road versions will have to go with a less efficient petrol powertrain.

Inside, the Duster is still utilitarian, but it’s better equipped than Dusters of old, with digital instrument cluster, a central touchscreen and various other goodies all on offer. And on the road, it has the same chunky charm as before, as well as remarkable off-road capability in all-wheel-drive form.

Read our review of the Dacia Duster here

Kia EV3

Priced from £32,995

Though it’s a bit bigger than some of the other cars on this list, the EV3 has rocketed straight to the top of the electric compact SUV market. Smart and futuristic design cues, a classy and high-tech cabin and a competitive price tag all stand in its favour.

The design is inspired by the (much) larger EV9, but somehow the sharp angles, monolithic shape and futuristic details suit the smaller EV3 even better. Spectacular in any colour, and classier than you might expect a Kia electric SUV to look, the EV3 feels like a very complete package from the moment you lay eyes on it.

And things get even better inside, where the cabin is as smart and as modern as the exterior, while still being relatively user friendly and offering bags of technology. A big touchscreen sits alongside a massive digital instrument cluster, and though buttons have largely been eschewed, there are enough on the dashboard and steering wheel to make it relatively ergonomic.

On the road, the EV3 is acceptably comfortable, despite riding some bumps a little heavily, and it’s decent enough to drive, but neither aspect of the experience is especially ground-breaking. More impressive is the range available from the battery, with buyers getting two to choose from. Basic cars get a 58.3kWh pack with an official range of up to 270 miles, while more upmarket models have an 81.4kWh pack that’s good for 375 miles on the official economy test.

If you found this guide to the best compact SUVs and crossovers useful, you might also be interested to read the best superminis to buy
Also check out the best-selling cars of 2025
Or read our review of the very promising Kia EV3