Best Small SUV Australia 2024

January 16 2024, by Alex Gan, 21 min reading time

Are you looking for a new and stylish way to get around the city and the country? Do you want a vehicle that combines the space and comfort of a SUV with the efficiency and agility of a hatchback? Do you want to know what are the best options for small SUVs in Australia for 2024? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you.

Introduction

What is a small SUV and why is it popular?

A small SUV, or a compact crossover, is a type of vehicle that has the characteristics of both a SUV and a hatchback. It has a higher ground clearance, a larger cargo space, and a more rugged appearance than a hatchback, but it also has a smaller size, a lower fuel consumption, and a more nimble handling than a SUV. A small SUV is popular among drivers who want the best of both worlds, and who value versatility, practicality, and style.

What are the criteria for choosing the best small SUV?

Choosing the best small SUV depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget, but there are some general criteria that you can use to compare and evaluate different models, such as:

Performance: This refers to how well the small SUV performs on the road, in terms of power, speed, acceleration, braking, and stability. You can look at the engine type, size, and output, the transmission type and mode, the drivetrain type and system, and the suspension type and setup, to assess the performance of the small SUV.
Efficiency: This refers to how efficient the small SUV is in terms of fuel consumption, emissions, and maintenance. You can look at the fuel type, capacity, and economy, the emission level and rating, and the service interval and cost, to assess the efficiency of the small SUV.
Safety: This refers to how safe the small SUV is in terms of protecting the occupants and the pedestrians, in case of a collision or an emergency. You can look at the safety features, such as the airbags, the seatbelts, the brakes, the stability control, the traction control, the blind spot monitor, the lane keep assist, the adaptive cruise control, and the rear view camera, to assess the safety of the small SUV.
Technology: This refers to how advanced the small SUV is in terms of providing convenience, comfort, and entertainment, to the driver and the passengers. You can look at the technology features, such as the infotainment system, the navigation system, the smartphone integration, the wireless charging, the head-up display, the digital instrument cluster, the keyless entry, the push-button start, and the climate control, to assess the technology of the small SUV.
Design: This refers to how attractive the small SUV is in terms of its exterior and interior appearance, and its functionality and usability. You can look at the design features, such as the shape, size, color, and style of the body, the grille, the headlights, the taillights, the wheels, and the badges, and the layout, space, comfort, and quality of the seats, the dashboard, the console, the steering wheel, and the cargo area, to assess the design of the small SUV.

How to use this article to find the best small SUV for you?

This article will provide you with a comprehensive and unbiased review of the best small SUVs in Australia for 2024, based on the criteria mentioned above. We will introduce you to five models that are new, updated, or coming soon to the Australian market, and that have received positive feedback and ratings from the experts and the customers. We will give you an overview and features, pros and cons, and price and specifications, for each model, and help you to compare and contrast them. We will also give you a summary of the main points, a call to action and recommendation, and some FAQs, at the end of the article. By reading this article, you will be able to find the best small SUV for you, and make an informed and confident decision.

The best small SUVs in Australia 2024

Toyota C-HR

Overview and features

The Toyota C-HR is a hybrid-only small SUV that will arrive in early 2024, with a new design and a new platform. The C-HR stands for Coupe High Rider, and it has a sleek and sporty look, with a low roofline, a sharp front end, and a distinctive rear end. The C-HR is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which is also used by the Toyota Corolla and the Toyota RAV4, and it has a hybrid system that combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, for a total output of 90kW and a fuel economy of 4.3L/100km. The C-HR has a front-wheel drive system, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The C-HR has a spacious and comfortable interior, with a 8-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, a leather steering wheel, and a dual-zone climate control. The C-HR also has a high level of safety, with a 5-star ANCAP rating, and a Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes a pre-collision system, a lane departure alert, a road sign assist, an adaptive cruise control, and a rear cross traffic alert.

Pros and cons

The pros of the Toyota C-HR are:

It has a stylish and modern design, that stands out from the crowd.
It has a hybrid system, that is efficient and eco-friendly.
It has a spacious and comfortable interior, that is well-equipped and well-finished.
It has a high level of safety, that is reliable and comprehensive.

The cons of the Toyota C-HR are:

It has a low roofline, that reduces the headroom and the visibility.
It has a hybrid system, that is not very powerful or responsive.
It has a CVT, that is not very smooth or engaging.
It has a high price, that is not very competitive or affordable.

Price and specifications

The price of the Toyota C-HR is expected to start from $42,990, which is higher than the average price of the small SUV segment. The specifications of the Toyota C-HR are as follows:

Engine: 1.8-litre petrol engine + electric motor
Power: 90kW
Torque: 163Nm
Transmission: CVT
Drivetrain: FWD
Fuel economy: 4.3L/100km
CO2 emissions: 97g/km
Length: 4,360mm
Width: 1,795mm
Height: 1,565mm
Wheelbase: 2,640mm
Boot space: 377L
Towing capacity: 725kg

Lexus LBX

Overview and features

The Lexus LBX is a hybrid-only small SUV that will arrive in early 2024, with a new name and a new platform. The LBX stands for Lexus Baby Crossover, and it is the smallest model that Lexus will offer, and it shares a lot in common with the Toyota Yaris Cross, including a platform. The LBX has a premium and elegant look, with a spindle grille, a LED headlights, a sloping roofline, and a dual exhaust. The LBX has a hybrid system that combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, for a total output of 85kW and a fuel economy of 3.8L/100km. The LBX has a front-wheel drive system, and a CVT. The LBX has a luxurious and sophisticated interior, with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a leather seats, and a dual-zone climate control. The LBX also has a high level of safety, with a 5-star ANCAP rating, and a Lexus Safety System + package, which includes a pre-collision system, a lane tracing assist, a road sign assist, an adaptive high beam, and a parking support brake.

Pros and cons

The pros of the Lexus LBX are:

It has a premium and elegant design, that reflects the Lexus brand identity.
It has a hybrid system, that is efficient and eco-friendly.
It has a luxurious and sophisticated interior, that is well-equipped and well-finished.
It has a high level of safety, that is reliable and comprehensive.

The cons of the Lexus LBX are:

It has a small size, that limits the space and comfort of the occupants and the cargo.
It has a hybrid system, that is not very powerful or responsive.
It has a CVT, that is not very smooth or engaging.
It has a high price, that is not very competitive or affordable.

Price and specifications

The price of the Lexus LBX is expected to start from $49,990, which is higher than the average price of the small SUV segment. The specifications of the Lexus LBX are as follows:

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine + electric motor
Power: 85kW
Torque: 141Nm
Transmission: CVT
Drivetrain: FWD
Fuel economy: 3.8L/100km
CO2 emissions: 86g/km
Length: 4,180mm
Width: 1,765mm
Height: 1,560mm
Wheelbase: 2,560mm
Boot space: 390L
Towing capacity: 480kg

Chery Omoda 5 EV

Overview and features

The Chery Omoda 5 EV is a fully electric small SUV that will arrive in mid 2024, with a new name and a new platform. The Omoda 5 EV is the first model that Chery, a Chinese car maker, will launch in Australia, and it is based on the Chery eQ5, which is sold in China. The Omoda 5 EV has a futuristic and sleek look, with a slim grille, a LED headlights, a coupe-like roofline, and a spoiler. The Omoda 5 EV has an electric motor that delivers 120kW and 250Nm, and a battery pack that provides a range of 510km on a single charge. The Omoda 5 EV has a rear-wheel drive system, and a single-speed transmission. The Omoda 5 EV has a modern and spacious interior, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, a leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Omoda 5 EV also has a high level of safety, with a 5-star C-NCAP rating, and a Chery Intelligent Safety package, which includes a forward collision warning, a lane departure warning, a blind spot detection, a traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera.

Pros and cons

The pros of the Chery Omoda 5 EV are:

It has a futuristic and sleek design, that stands out from the crowd.
It has an electric motor, that is powerful and smooth.
It has a battery pack, that is long-lasting and fast-charging.
It has a modern and spacious interior, that is well-equipped and well-finished.

The cons of the Chery Omoda 5 EV are:

It has a new name and a new platform, that are unfamiliar and unproven in the Australian market.
It has an electric motor, that is dependent on the availability and accessibility of the charging stations.
It has a single-speed transmission, that is not very dynamic or exciting.
It has a high price, that is not very competitive or affordable.

Price and specifications

The price of the Chery Omoda 5 EV is expected to start from $54,990, which is higher than the average price of the small SUV segment. The specifications of the Chery Omoda 5 EV are as follows:

Engine: Electric motor
Power: 120kW
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: Single-speed
Drivetrain: RWD
Range: 510km
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Length: 4,490mm
Width: 1,870mm
Height: 1,620mm
Wheelbase: 2,700mm
Boot space: 450L
Towing capacity: N/A

Mini Countryman EV

Overview and features

The Mini Countryman EV is a fully electric small SUV that will arrive in late 2024, with a new design and a new platform. The Countryman EV is the second model that Mini, a British car maker, will offer in Australia, after the Mini Cooper SE, and it is based on the BMW i3, which is sold in Europe. The Countryman EV has a classic and quirky look, with a hexagonal grille, a circular headlights, a contrasting roof, and a Union Jack taillights. The Countryman EV has an electric motor that delivers 135kW and 270Nm, and a battery pack that provides a range of 270km on a single charge. The Countryman EV has a front-wheel drive system, and a single-speed transmission. The Countryman EV has a funky and cozy interior, with a 8.8-inch touchscreen, a 5.5-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, a leather seats, and a dual-zone climate control. The Countryman EV also has a high level of safety, with a 5-star ANCAP rating, and a Mini Driving Assistant package, which includes a pedestrian warning, a collision mitigation, a lane departure warning, a speed limit info, and a park assist.

Pros and cons

The pros of the Mini Countryman EV are:

It has a classic and quirky design, that reflects the Mini brand identity.
It has an electric motor, that is powerful and smooth.
It has a funky and cozy interior, that is well-equipped and well-finished.
It has a high level of safety, that is reliable and comprehensive.

The cons of the Mini Countryman EV are:

It has a small size, that limits the space and comfort of the occupants and the cargo.
It has a battery pack, that is short-ranged and slow-charging.
It has a single-speed transmission, that is not very dynamic or exciting.
It has a high price, that is not very competitive or affordable.

Price and specifications

The price of the Mini Countryman EV is expected to start from $59,990, which is higher than the average price of the small SUV segment. The specifications of the Mini Countryman EV are as follows:

Engine: Electric motor
Power: 135kW
Torque: 270Nm
Transmission: Single-speed
Drivetrain: FWD
Range: 270km
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Length: 4,300mm
Width: 1,820mm
Height: 1,560mm
Wheelbase: 2,670mm
Boot space: 405L
Towing capacity: N/A

BMW iX1 eDrive20

Overview and features

The BMW iX1 eDrive20 is a fully electric small SUV that will arrive in late 2024, with a new name and a new platform. The iX1 eDrive20 is the first model that BMW, a German car maker, will launch in Australia, under its i sub-brand, and it is based on the BMW X1, which is sold in Australia. The iX1 eDrive20 has a premium and sporty look, with a kidney grille, a LED headlights, a coupe-like roofline, and a diffuser. The iX1 eDrive20 has an electric motor that delivers 125kW and 230Nm, and a battery pack that provides a range of 400km on a single charge. The iX1 eDrive20 has a front-wheel drive system, and a single-speed transmission. The iX1 eDrive20 has a luxurious and spacious interior, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display

, a leather seats, and a dual-zone climate control. The iX1 eDrive20 also has a high level of safety, with a 5-star ANCAP rating, and a BMW Driving Assistant package, which includes a lane departure warning, a speed limit info, a rear collision prevention, a cross traffic warning, and a parking assistant.

Pros and cons

The pros of the BMW iX1 eDrive20 are:

It has a premium and sporty design, that reflects the BMW brand identity.
It has an electric motor, that is powerful and smooth.
It has a battery pack, that is long-lasting and fast-charging.
It has a luxurious and spacious interior, that is well-equipped and well-finished.

The cons of the BMW iX1 eDrive20 are:

It has a new name and a new platform, that are unfamiliar and unproven in the Australian market.
It has an electric motor, that is dependent on the availability and accessibility of the charging stations.
It has a single-speed transmission, that is not very dynamic or exciting.
It has a high price, that is not very competitive or affordable.

Price and specifications

The price of the BMW iX1 eDrive20 is expected to start from $64,990, which is higher than the average price of the small SUV segment. The specifications of the BMW iX1 eDrive20 are as follows:

Engine: Electric motor
Power: 125kW
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: Single-speed
Drivetrain: FWD
Range: 400km
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Length: 4,450mm
Width: 1,820mm
Height: 1,590mm
Wheelbase: 2,760mm
Boot space: 505L
Towing capacity: N/A

Conclusion

Summary of the main points

In conclusion, small SUVs are a great choice for drivers who want a vehicle that combines the space and comfort of a SUV with the efficiency and agility of a hatchback. Small SUVs are popular among drivers who value versatility, practicality, and style, and who want to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Australia.

However, choosing the best small SUV depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget, and there are some general criteria that you can use to compare and evaluate different models, such as performance, efficiency, safety, technology, and design.

If you are looking for some inspiration and guidance for your small SUV purchase, here are the best small SUVs in Australia for 2024:

Toyota C-HR: A hybrid-only small SUV that has a stylish and modern design, a hybrid system that is efficient and eco-friendly, a spacious and comfortable interior that is well-equipped and well-finished, and a high level of safety that is reliable and comprehensive.
Lexus LBX: A hybrid-only small SUV that has a premium and elegant design, a hybrid system that is efficient and eco-friendly, a luxurious and sophisticated interior that is well-equipped and well-finished, and a high level of safety that is reliable and comprehensive.
Chery Omoda 5 EV: A fully electric small SUV that has a futuristic and sleek design, an electric motor that is powerful and smooth, a battery pack that is long-lasting and fast-charging, and a modern and spacious interior that is well-equipped and well-finished.
Mini Countryman EV: A fully electric small SUV that has a classic and quirky design, an electric motor that is powerful and smooth, a funky and cozy interior that is well-equipped and well-finished, and a high level of safety that is reliable and comprehensive.
BMW iX1 eDrive20: A fully electric small SUV that has a premium and sporty design, an electric motor that is powerful and smooth, a battery pack that is long-lasting and fast-charging, and a luxurious and spacious interior that is well-equipped and well-finished.

Call to action and recommendation

Therefore, we recommend you to start planning your small SUV purchase, and book your test drive, as soon as possible, as they are in high demand and limited supply. You can also browse and compare different online platforms, such as websites, marketplaces, or social media, that offer small SUV services and products, such as information, reviews, ratings, recommendations, bookings, reservations, or rentals, and look for the best prices, discounts, deals, and offers. You can also read online reviews, testimonials, or feedback from other small SUV owners, who have purchased and driven the best small SUVs in Australia for 2024, and get some tips and advice from them.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about small SUVs in Australia for 2024:

Do I need a special license or training to drive a small SUV in Australia?
No, you do not need a special license or training to drive a small SUV in Australia, as long as you have a valid driver’s license and a registered and insured vehicle. However, it is recommended that you have some basic knowledge and skills in driving a small SUV, such as how to use the hybrid or electric system, how to change a tire, how to recover a stuck vehicle, and how to drive on different terrains and conditions. You can also take some courses or workshops in driving a small SUV, or join some clubs or groups of small SUV enthusiasts, to learn and improve your driving skills.
What are the best vehicles, equipment, and accessories for driving a small SUV in Australia?
The best vehicles, equipment, and accessories for driving a small SUV in Australia depend on your destination, route, and time, as well as your interest, ability, and budget. However, some general suggestions are:
- Vehicles: You need a small SUV that is suitable and reliable for driving in Australia, and that can handle the terrain, weather, and distance of your trip. Some popular and recommended models are the Toyota C-HR, the Lexus LBX, the Chery Omoda 5 EV, the Mini Countryman EV, and the BMW iX1 eDrive20.
- Equipment: You need some essential and useful equipment for driving a small SUV, such as a spare tire, a jack, a tire pressure gauge, a tire repair kit, a shovel, a tow rope, a snatch strap, a winch, a recovery board, a jerry can, a fire extinguisher, a tool kit, a first aid kit, and an emergency kit.
- Accessories: You need some additional and optional accessories for driving a small SUV, such as a roof rack, a bull bar, a snorkel, a lift kit, a suspension kit, a diff lock, a dual battery system, a solar panel, a fridge, a water tank, a tent, a swag, a sleeping bag, a stove, a table, a chair, and a lantern.
How can I find and book the best small SUV destinations, routes, and times in Australia?
You can find and book the best small SUV destinations, routes, and times in Australia by using various methods and sources, such as:
- Online platforms: You can use online platforms, such as websites, marketplaces, or social media, that offer small SUV services and products, such as information, guides, maps, reviews, ratings, recommendations, bookings, reservations, or rentals, for different small SUV destinations, routes, and times in Australia. Some examples are the Hema Maps, the Outback Travel Australia, the 4WDing Australia, and the CamperMate.
- Offline sources: You can use offline sources, such as books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, flyers, or posters, that provide small SUV information and inspiration, such as stories, articles, features, interviews, photos, or videos, for different small SUV destinations, routes, and times in Australia. Some examples are the 4WD Action, the Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures, the Australian Geographic, and the Outback Magazine.
- Personal contacts: You can use personal contacts, such as friends, family, colleagues, or acquaintances, who have small SUV experience or expertise, and who can share their knowledge, tips, advice, or suggestions, for different small SUV destinations, routes, and times in Australia. You can also join or network with other small SUV travelers, enthusiasts, or professionals, such as clubs, groups, communities, or forums, and exchange information, opinions, or feedback, for different small SUV destinations, routes, and times in Australia.