What are the best small SUVs on sale in Ireland in 2023?SUVs continue to be a major growth trend in Ireland in 2023. Small SUVs provide an attractive entry price along with those much sought after rugged good looks and high seating position. Almost every major car manufacturer has something to offer in this segment, also known as the B-SUV segment. Most of what is on offer is now petrol, hybrid or electric, though a few diesels do remain. Manual and automatic gearboxes tend to be available at this part of the market.
At Changing Lanes, I’ve had the privilege to drive these models new as they hit the market for the first time. But some models really stand out and leave a lasting impression on this car reviewer, providing a great all-round package with style and efficiency. In this article I pick out my best small SUVs, with a brief description of why these models get top marks and are definitely worth adding to your shortlist if you are in the market for something small with attitude.
Please check the manufacturer’s website for the most up to date pricing and specifications.
OPEL MOKKA
The Opel Mokka made a magnificent comeback to Ireland in 2021 with an all-new model that is light years away from the model it replaced in design, quality and technology. It’s now available for the first time as an electric model (the Mokka-e), along with petrol and diesel versions. The Mokka is super stylish with a youthful vibe adding new energy to the brand. GS Line models look the best with a sporty makeover. The Mokka features an all-new interior with the latest technology features and plenty of good quality materials. It was also awarded the title of Irish Small SUV of the Year soon after it launched.
The very stylish, all-electric Opel Mokka-eDACIA DUSTER
The Dacia Duster was originally launched as a budget SUV but over the years this model has really found its stride and carved out a niche of loyal followers who love the boxy good looks and stance of a traditional SUV at a great price. Compared to many of the other models on this list, the Duster lacks some sophistication in the finish of the interior and driving experience but it’s remarkably charming behind the wheel. An updated version of the Dacia Duster is now on sale in Ireland with tweaked styling, interior and equipment. There’s also a new top of the range, extra rugged ‘Extreme’ Duster on sale. The range includes petrol and diesel, and a very accomplished four-wheel-drive model.
The Dacia Duster is even available with four wheel drivePEUGEOT 2008
Peugeot has been moving their brand upmarket and the latest generation of the 2008 brings so much sophistication and style to the B-SUV segment. The i-Cockpit interior creates a unique cabin experience in the small Peugeot and the 2008 feels truly premium behind the wheel. Mid-range Allure models offers plenty of kit. The 2008 is agile on the road with a great selection of engines to choose from, including petrol and electric for the very first time.
The Peugeot 2008 is one of the most stylish and upmarket small crossovers you can buyTOYOTA YARIS CROSS
The Yaris Cross splashed onto the scene in 2022 and quickly became a bestseller – from the sales charts it’s the most popular small crossover in this segment in Ireland. Its hybrid powertrain is not the most refined Toyota hybrid of all time but it is incredibly efficient, wrapped up in the fashionable, chunky looks of a small SUV. The Yaris Cross has a rock solid cabin too with some of Toyota’s most up-to-date digital features.
The Toyota Yaris Cross is a bestseller and super efficientNISSAN JUKE
The one that you could say kicked off the trend for small SUVs. The popular Nissan Juke got a much-needed update in 2020 with the launch of an all-new model with a fresh face and design. The Juke looks great and has a new interior that feels good quality. It’s also fun to drive with a small 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet proving lively and economical. Nissan has also recently added a new hybrid to the Juke range offering even more power and the slickness of an automatic gearbox.
The new Nissan Juke arrived in Ireland in 2020RENAULT CAPTUR
The Renault Captur is now in its second generation and has really matured into a fantastic small SUV. The latest model arrived in Ireland in 2020. It’s known for its good looks but this time round Renault has seriously enhanced the cabin of the Captur. It fits this segment so well with the chunky looks of an SUV and a stylish interior. It’s well sized for the segment, practical and spacious. Engine options include petrol and hybrid for the very first time. It remains a great value small SUV that’s well equipped.
VOLKSWAGEN T-CROSS
A former Irish Small SUV of the Year. The T-Cross is a real winner. It looks great, really convincing as a small SUV. The T-Cross is one of the best quality cars in the segment, bringing typical Volkswagen design, quality and technology to the cabin. It’s mature and refined to drive yet retains a fun side. Engines are perfectly matched too. Higher entry price than some of the others here but worth it we can say.
The Volkswagen T-Cross on test for Changing Lanes in 2019SKODA KAMIQ
The Kamiq made a big entrance when it arrived in Ireland in late 2019. The smallest Skoda SUV on sale, it is one of the most fun of the entire Skoda range with chunky looks and so much attitude. It’s agile and fun to drive, and being a Skoda, it’s simply clever, with loads of neat features and spacious too for this segment. It’s sold with a simple petrol engine that’s lively and efficient.
The Skoda Kamiq is one of the brand’s best modelsFORD PUMA
One of the best cars Ford has released in the last few years. Ford finally jumped on the small SUV wagon and what a great result it is. The Puma looks fantastic and is fun to drive in the way only a small Ford can be. It features a new Ford interior with one of the coolest digital instrument clusters in the segment. Small petrol engines are at home in the new Puma offering a lively drive, with mild hybrid technology for the first time. The boot features the clever ‘MegaBox’ for extra storage.
The new Ford Puma on test for Changing Lanes in 2020HYUNDAI KONA
A consistent bestseller since it was launched in Ireland back in late 2017. The Kona was facelifted in the interim to keep it up to date. There’s plenty of choice available in the Kona range – choose from a petrol, hybrid or an all-electric model.
The Hyundai Kona has been refreshed for 2021SUZUKI VITARA
The Vitara is ageing but it still offers great value in this segment, with lots of equipment included as standard. The Suzuki’s boxy looks have garnered it many fans over the years and it looks more authentic than most. For 2023 the Vitara is available as a petrol mild hybrid or full hybrid.
The Suzuki Vitara still offers good value in this market