The SUV and crossover markets have grown tremendously in recent years, with the vast majority of manufacturers now having multiple offerings in this sector.
You might think that you need a spare £50,000 to get behind the wheel of a new SUV, but this is far from the case, with plenty of affordable options out there
Here we round up our favourite 10, which are all available for under £20,000.
SsangYong Korando
SsangYong has recently unveiled an all-new version of its Korando, which has seen huge advancements in terms of technology and quality.
It’s far more practical than many models at a similar price, and with a starting price of £19,995, it just sneaks into this list.
Volkswagen T-Cross
The T-Cross’s largest brother – the T-Roc – just manages to sit above this price range, though choosing Volkswagen’s smallest SUV makes a lot of sense.
The T-Cross is one of the most practical cars in its class, and, as with all VWs, features a high-quality interior. Prices start from £16,995 for the entry-level S model, though you could upgrade to the mid-spec SE – bringing air-conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels and adaptive cruise control – the latter being a rarity on cars this affordable. An SE version will set you back £18,815, making it an attractive proposition.
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai’s Kona crossover is a hugely appealing small SUV – bringing great value for money and bold styling to a somewhat crowded market.
The 118bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine offers a great combination of performance and efficiency, and this budget will also stretch to a high-spec Premium model (costing £19,680). This grants you 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen and a Krell sound system – making the Kona great value for money.
Nissan Qashqai
Britain’s best-selling crossover is another model that just manages to squeeze into this £20,000 budget, with prices starting from £19,995.
That said, you still get a lot of car for your money, with the Qashqai being far more practical than many other cars on this list, as it sits in the class above. This low price also gets you a model with the new 138bhp 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while even in entry-level Visia spec, it still comes with air-conditioning, Bluetooth and cruise control.
Dacia Duster
If you’re really looking for a new SUV on a budget, there isn’t really anything better than what is the UK’s most affordable new SUV – the Dacia Duster.
Prices start from an astonishingly low £10,995, and even though that will only get you a model with just the bare essentials, it’s hard to argue at a price that affordable. This budget will also extend to the flagship Techroad models, and with change to spare.
Seat Arona
Sharing its underpinnings with the Volkswagen T-Cross, the Arona is Seat’s take on the compact SUV formula – bringing bolder styling and a more involving driving experience, if slightly less practicality than the VW.
It’s also great value for money as well, with prices starting from £17,580. Seat also prides itself on its lengthy standard equipment levels – something certainly delivered on the Arona, which comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, automatic headlights and cruise control.
Mazda CX-3
Mazda’s smallest SUV might cost slightly more than comparative rivals, but the CX-3 could be worth those extra pennies – given it’s one of the most enjoyable cars to drive in its class.
The CX-3 is another car that only just slots in in this price range, but the £19,395 starting price gets you a SE Nav+ version which comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a seven-inch touchscreen, keyless entry and cruise control.
Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny is a rather different alternative to every other car on this list – favouring rugged looks and go-anywhere off-roading ability over creature comforts.
It’s also one of the most distinctive new cars on sale, and is remarkably popular as Suzuki dealers simply can’t get enough of them. The Jimny’s £15,999 starting price only makes it even more appealing.
Citroen C3 Aircross
If bold styling and exceptional practicality are what you’re looking for, Citroen’s funky C3 Aircross is a superb choice. It’s also one of the most comfortable cars on sale today, thanks to its soft suspension setup and comfortable seats – two features of Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ programme.
Prices also start from £18,040, which gets you a load of standard equipment – including 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen, cruise control and a black styling pack.
Renault Captur
Last but certainly not least is the Renault Captur, which is Europe’s best-selling compact SUV – a testament to its success and popularity.
While an all-new model is joining the line-up at the start of 2020, for now the current Captur remains appealing, with its spaciousness and attractive £15,730 starting price making this a hugely compelling small SUV.
