Best Small SUVs of 2020

Remember when we all thought small SUVs were a fad? When hot hatches became vehiculum non grata in the early 1990s, the likes of the Suzuki Vitara and Toyota RAV4 filled the void. Painted in pastel colours and accessorised with bull bars and ‘comedy’ spare wheel covers, they seemed destined to join the coupe-convertible in the scrappage scheme of history. Yet the small SUV grew up, quit its job at the surf shack and settled down in suburbia. Suddenly, here was a mainstream alternative to a humdrum hatchback. And guess what? Its inherent dynamic limitations scarcely seemed to matter. Buyers loved its high driving position, cabin space and go-anywhere image. Even if many never ventured further off-road than a block-paved driveway.

Here are the Top Small SUVs of 2020 –

Porsche Macan

The Macan puts the ‘Sport’ into ‘Sport Utility Vehicle’, refreshing parts other small SUVs cannot reach. While the 911 hogs column inches, it quietly gets on with the job of being Stuttgart’s best- seller – and the only car here to merit a five-star verdict. Handsome outside and pleasingly premium within, it offers space for a family of four and their luggage, plus slick infotainment and lots of optional tech.

Range Rover Evoque

Don’t be deceived by the same-again styling; the second-gen Evoque is new and much improved. Its platform is designed to accommodate plug-in hybrid and electric drivetrains, but you’re limited to 2.0-litre petrols and diesels at present – most with four-wheel drive and nine-speed auto. There’s more space for rear passengers and 10% larger boot, while two 10-inch touchscreens (à la Velar) add welcome wow-factor. A convertible is on the cards, although the three-door Coupe has been quietly dropped.

Jaguar i-Pace

A high price and the limitations of EV tech mean the i-Pace isn’t for everyone. Still, that doesn’t stop us wanting one. Ian Callum’s svelte, aluminium-bodied SUV looks – and drives – like a vision of the future. Its 90kWH lithium-ion battery serves up 395bhp and 0-62mph in 4.8sec, plus a walloping 513lb ft from standstill. It also pulls stomach-churning G-forces when cornering: quick steering, a low centre of gravity and slingshot four-wheel-drive traction see to that.

Peugeot 3008

The old Peugeot 3008 had all the charm of a belching bullfrog. This one simply looks a bit startled, but its loftier, SUV stance is very much du jour. There’s even a two-tone ‘Coupe Franche’ paint option if you must. Sharing its oily bits with the Citroen C5 Aircross and Vauxhall Grandland X, it offers the classiest cabin of the trio: all soft-touch surfaces, ambient lighting and surprise-and-delight details. It feels impressively robust, too.