Compact SUVs are a great first car, a fantastic user-friendly commuter and many offer enough practical touches that they can keep up with small families, too.
With no shortage of options already, 2024 is set to be a huge year for the small SUV segment, with many major releases touching down on our shores in the coming months.
To help you out with your search, let’s take a look at ten of the best small SUVs arriving in Australia in 2024 which includes some more conventional members of the compact SUV club and some futuristic new battery-electric vehicles.
BMW X2 & iX2 Electric
BMW is set to give the small SUV segment a major shakeup with its updated, second-generation X2 and battery-electric iX2 which are set to arrive in the early stages of 2024.
You can think of the X2 bodyshape as a coupe-styled take on the standard X1, which has proved a mighty impressive small SUV package for those looking for a more premium take on the segment.
The interior boasts some lovely appointments while the boot measures in at a midsize SUV-rivalling 560L, making it one of the most practical in the segment.
The petrol-powered X2 range offers a choice of four engines while the iX2 is offered with two powertrain options, both of which pick up a 65kWh battery pack offering up to 477km of range.
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Request a quoteToyota C-HR
The early stages of 2024 will also see the introduction of a massively revamped Toyota C-HR range, giving buyers in the small SUV space a sleek styling package and a super fuel-efficient, hybrid-only engine lineup.
Toyota has taken a major departure from the current C-HR range, with the 2024 model looking like it’s straight out of the future and picking up some equipment changes to match its contemporary styling.
When it arrives, the C-HR range will be offered in three variants, with the entry-level GXL priced at $42,990 while the range-topping GR Sport variant receives a price tag of $54,990.
Nissan Qashqai E-Power Hybrid
Not to be outdone by its domestic rivals, Nissan is transplanting a brand new hybrid engine into its recently revised Qashqai small SUV range.
Arriving here in Australia in the first quarter of 2024, the Qashqai E-Power Hybrid powers the wheels via an electric motor only, while a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol acts as an onboard generator to keep you on the move.
For now, Nissan is reserving the E-Power Hybrid for its range-topping Ti variants, though the company has said that its fuel-efficient unit may well be expanded to more affordable members of the family.
Volvo EX30
Volvo is beefing up its battery-electric lineup with what will likely become its best-selling electric vehicle, the EX30, the company’s most affordable EV yet.
Set to hit Aussie roads in the early stages of 2024, the Volvo EX30 will be offered in three main variants with two different battery sizes and even a dual motor performance flagship.
Range figures from the 51kWh and 69kWh battery packs stand at 344km and 480km, respectively, while the base model offers a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds showing that it’s no slouch.
Inside, the EX30’s cabin carries on the tradition of Swedish minimalism coupled with a large 12.3-inch infotainment system that gives even base models a high-tech edge over their rivals.
Mazda CX-30
Mazda’s CX-30 has been one of the best options for buyers looking for a more premium take on the small SUV bodyshape, and it’s set for an update in 2024.
The company has added a new GT SP variant at the pointy end of the lineup, while the interior boasts a larger 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
As is often the case with Mazda, the CX-30’s cabin is a thing of beauty, even in the base model which will come as great news for price-conscious buyers, while two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines add some versatility to the 2024 CX-30 range.
MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman is another major player in the world of small SUVs, with 2024 marking the introduction of a significantly bigger platform, updated tech and even a battery-electric offering on the horizon.
In total, the 2024 Countryman will measure 130mm longer than its predecessor, offering significant boosts to interior space and practicality, while the styling makeover gives it a nice modern fascia.
Inside, the cabin picks up a brand-new circular infotainment system measuring 9.5 inches, while the minimalist interior design keeps things simple and clean while offering some added storage options.
Ford Puma Electric
While details are scarce at this stage, Ford has confirmed that its charming little Puma small SUV package will live on here in Australia, courtesy of a new battery-electric powertrain.
Famed as one of the most dynamic compact SUVs on the market, a new electric motor expected to produce healthy power and torque figures will continue with its fun-loving nature, while its small footprint makes for a great urban commuter.
Nissan Ariya
One of the most important small SUVs coming to Australia is undoubtedly the upcoming Nissan Ariya which is set to arrive at some point in 2024.
Benefitting from a tonne of knowledge gained from the Nissan Leaf EV hatchback, the Ariya is set to have a major impact on the battery-electric small SUV segment, with Nissan set to offer three variants and two battery sizes.
The base model is expected to pick up a 63kWh battery pack offering around 400km of range per charge, while a larger 87kWh battery offers a claimed 530km of range.
Inside, the Ariya’s cabin is by far the most spacious and futuristic we’ve seen from the company yet, maximising the amount of interior space from the bespoke EV platform that will come as welcome news for family buyers.
Suzuki Fronx
Suzuki is set to introduce a brand new small SUV package here in Australia in 2024, with the Suzuki Fronx picking up a mild-hybrid engine and likely some very accessible price tags to boot.
While it won’t be the biggest or most practical competitor in the segment, it’s likely to become one of the most charming and user-friendly packages to tackle the urban jungle.
Suzuki has also detailed some major technology upgrades for the Fronx, headlined by a new 9.0-inch infotainment display, a surround-view camera, wireless smartphone charging and a head-up display making for one of the most modern Suzuki vehicles we’ve seen yet.
Volkswagen T-Cross
The latter stages of 2024 will see Volkswagen introduce a revised and updated T-Cross, a pint-sized package that has made a huge dent in the small SUV market here in Australia.
The facelifted T-Cross range picks up a styling overhaul inspired by its bigger family members like the Touareg and Tiguan, with Volkswagen offering a more generous equipment list as standard.
Inside the cabin, there’s an 8.0-inch infotainment system as standard with the option of a larger 9.2-inch unit, while the redesigned and upgraded interior looks like a far more premium affair over the outgoing T-Cross.
FAQ: What Small SUV has the Best Ratings?
Some of Australia’s small SUVs with the best critic and owner ratings include the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-3, Toyota C-HR Hybrid, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Suzuki Vitara, Nissan Qashqai, Lexus UX and the Subaru Crosstrek.
FAQ: What is the Safest Small SUV in Australia?
According to ANCAP, some of the small SUVs with the best safety ratings include the Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen T-Cross, Volvo XC40, Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX, Volvo C40 Recharge, BYD Atto 3, Nissan Qashqai, Kia Niro, Toyota Yaris Cross, BMW X1 and the Genesis GV60.
FAQ: What is the Most Powerful Small SUV in Australia?
Some of the most powerful small SUVs currently on sale in Australia include the Cupra Formentor VZx, Volkswagen T-Roc R, Hyundai Kona N, Audi SQ2, Tesla Model Y Performance, Audi RS Q3 and the Porsche Macan Turbo.
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If you’re looking to move to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car buying specialists who can help find you a great price.
Get in touch with one of our Car Buying Specialists today.
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