Every SUV rated

Thinking of buying a new SUV? Here we give our verdict on all of them, from small through to luxury, plus the hybrid and electric options...

Steve Huntingford

Updated21 April 2020

Car reviews

Ford Puma

View all new car
reviews

There was a time when SUVs were expensive to run and crude to drive, but today the best combine efficiency with style and are as comfortable as they are spacious. What’s more, with so many brands recognising their popularity – and the potential for attracting new customers – there’s now a huge variety of models to choose from.

Here’s the paradox, though: while this means there’s more chance that someone is selling exactly what you want, it can also make it harder than ever to find. So, in this article we’ve not only rated every SUV available, but also looked more closely at the current class leaders and exactly what they offer. It should make finding your ideal SUV a lot easier. And we start with small SUVs.

Every small SUV rated

Ford Puma

Our pick 1.0 Ecoboost mHEV 155 ST-Line X
For Great fun to drive; remarkable blend of performance and economy; big, clever boot
Against Rear space is adequate rather than outstanding; visibility could be better
What Car? rating 5/5

Car deals

Ford Puma

From £26,350

View all deals

Four little words. That’s all that’s needed to tell you the extent to which we’ve been dazzled by Ford’s new small SUV contender. So what are they? Here we go: Car. Of. The. Year.

The What Car? Car of the Year Award is the most coveted prize in motoring. Not only is the Puma our 2020 champ despite being up against an incredibly strong field of contenders, but the decision wasn’t even difficult. That speaks volumes.

From the first moment, the Puma is a joy to drive, being super-nimble for a small SUV, while the ideally weighted steering gives you a real sense of connection with the front wheels. These are things you’ll appreciate no matter how quickly or slowly you’re driving, and just as impressively, the Puma’s agility doesn’t come at the expense of a comfortable ride.

The engines deserve praise, too. Coming in 124bhp and 153bhp guises, the 1.0-litre turbo petrol units provide strong urge from low revs but thrive even more on being revved harder. Fitted with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, they deliver incredible efficiency, helping to keep ownership costs down – as do the Puma’s keen pricing and strong resale values.

And although rear seat space is only so-so, the Puma is also surprisingly practical, thanks to a big boot with a height-adjustable floor, and a huge recess underneath that lets you carry two sets of golf clubs vertically.

On top of all this, the Puma is well equipped, strong on safety and decent on quality, plus it has an excellent driving position. It may be the new cat in town, but it’s already top dog.

Save money on a new Ford Puma with What Car? >>