Used Car of the Year Awards 2022: Small SUVs

With demand for used cars on the rise, you’ll want to know which are the best buys. That’s where our annual Used Car Awards come in. These are our favourite small SUVs...

Used Small SUV of the Year

Seat Arona

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Prices from £12,000

Foreign holidays aren’t on the cards for many of us just yet, but if you can’t go to somewhere like Arona in Tenerife for a summer break, you can always bring the Arona to you. Seat’s small SUV of the same name won’t help you work on your suntan, but it’ll do more to enhance the quality of your motoring life than any of its used rivals.

Based on the excellent Ibiza hatchback, the Arona is one of the most versatile of its breed. It’s more agile and fun to drive than the majority of its peers, including the Renault Captur and Volkswagen T-Cross, and it’s more comfortable than the Mini Countryman.

All of its engine options are strong, but our pick is the entry-level 1.0 TSI 95 petrol, which is nippy enough for most people’s needs yet also frugal, helping to keep running costs low. Meanwhile, the interior is roomy by class standards, as is the boot.

The icing on the cake is the Arona’s affordability. For about £12,000 for a 2019 1.0 TSI 95 in well-equipped SE Technology trim, the Arona beats the Audi Q2 on price, and it’s more well rounded than cheaper options such as the Captur and Suzuki Vitara.

One we found 2019 Seat Arona 1.0 TSI 95 SE Technology, 29,804 miles Price £12,290

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Also consider...

Renault Captur (2013-2019)

Price from £4500

If the Arona is too new and pricey for your wallet, the Captur is a worthy alternative. Even later examples go for a reasonable £7000, the entry-level 0.9 TCe 90 petrol being nippy enough for most people. With its roomy, well-equipped interior, sliding rear bench and spacious boot, the Captur makes fine family transport, and it’s more refined than a Kia Soul or Suzuki Ignis.

One we found 2018 Renault Captur 0.9 TCe Play, 42,000 miles Price £8385

Read our full used Renault Captur review >>

Find a used Renault Captur for sale >>

Audi Q2 (2016-present)

Price from £12,000

Want a premium small SUV? The Q2 is a great choice, with a classy interior and an excellent infotainment system. Its petrol engines are powerful and efficient too, complementing the refined driving experience. A 2018 1.0 TFSI petrol example will set you back around £15,000, but you can see why; the Q2 feels more upmarket than all of its rivals, including the Arona.

One we found 2018 Audi Q2 1.0 TFSI SE, 39,000 miles Price £15,850