Ready to find your perfect city companion? The small SUV market in the UK is booming, making the choice harder than ever. We dive into the best options available with an automatic gearbox, focusing on models that excel in practicality, style, and efficiency.
From petrol to fully electric, we break down the various engine setups, including advanced hybrid technology, to help you find the compact crossover that best fits your lifestyle.
Summary comparison table
| Model | Engine/fuel types | Euro NCAP | Key strengths | Trade-offs |
| Lexus LBX | Hybrid | 5★ | Premium cabin, low fuel costs, advanced infotainment system | Pricey, modest rear space |
| Volvo XC40 | Petrol/mild-hybrid/electric | 5★ | Spacious cabin, alloy wheels, safety | High cost, heavier |
| Ford Puma | Mild-hybrid petrol | 4★ | Engaging drive, family appeal | Smaller rear space, less premium interior |
| Kia EV6 | Electric | 5★ | Spacious cabin, advanced tech, family appeal | High cost, charging needed |
| Toyota Yaris Cross | Hybrid, CVT | 5★ | Fuel efficient, reliability record, city SUV friendly | Rear legroom tight, mild performance |
Overview of the automatic small SUV market in the UK
The UK market for small-sized automatic SUVs is thriving, with this segment currently dominating new car sales due to the appeal of a high driving position, off-road ability, and practical size. Buyers typically pick models with an automatic gearbox for easier urban driving. Core competition focuses on developing better hybrid and electric powertrains, delivering excellent engine efficiency.
For budget-conscious buyers, the used car market remains strong, although brand reputation and a proven reliability record, as demonstrated by manufacturers like Toyota and Kia, are key factors in resale value and consumer trust.
Top features to consider when choosing an small automatic SUV
When choosing a small automatic SUV, several factors determine the best fit for your needs:
- Efficiency and powertrain: if you prioritise low running costs, look for advanced powertrains, including mild hybrids, full hybrids (like Toyota’s), or efficient plug-in hybrid engines that also offer electric-only commuting.
- Dynamics & handling: don’t sacrifice your driving enjoyment. Test drive the vehicle to assess the steering feel, suspension comfort (especially over bumps), and the responsiveness of the automatic gearbox.
- Practicality and interior space: carefully check the rear seat legroom and cargo capacity. Make sure that the vehicle body type – whether a true SUV or a sleek coupe-crossover –provides the interior volume you need for daily life.
- Drivetrain: for most UK urban driving, front-wheel drive (FWD) models are sufficient and more fuel-efficient than AWD versions. It all depends on your driving needs.
- Safety and technology: look for high Euro NCAP ratings and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features (e.g., adaptive cruise control, lane assist) to make the most out of your money.
- Value: compare new prices against used SUVs options to maximise value, but check for a strong reliability record and a reasonable warranty.
Our top picks for 2025
Volvo XC40
Comfort and practicality
Offers a high-quality interior with strong materials, good visibility, and comfortable seating. Spacious cabin especially in the front, though the rear legroom is somewhat less generous; decent boot space. Handy infotainment features, including AUX/USB connectivity.
Safety ratings
Many variants of the XC40 have excellent safety ratings under Euro NCAP, often achieving 5 stars. The safety tech included is up to scratch (lane assist, multiple airbags, driver-assist systems).
Fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness
Petrol automatic versions are typically less efficient than hybrid/electric models. For hybrid or electric trims, fuel costs drop significantly.
- Combined WLTP mpg: petrol automatic – 24 to 30, Volvo XC40 Recharge plug-in hybrid – 119.1 to 139.4
Pros
- Premium feel, strong build quality
- Spacious cabin, classic Volvo reliability
- Family appeal: good all-rounder
Cons
- Real-world fuel economy is just average for a mild-hybrid
- Below average boot capacity for its segment
- High upfront costs
Price range: £33,000+ (varies by fuel type and trim)
Lexus LBX
Comfort and practicality
Premium cabin with high-quality materials, soft ornamentation, ambient lighting, generous standard features. The boot is smaller than some rivals (≈ about 332 litres for 2WD) and space in the rear is okay but not top of class.
Safety ratings
Achieved 5-star Euro NCAP crash rating (2024). Good safety assist features as standard.
Fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness
Self-charging hybrid system with petrol engine + electric motor. Combined outputs around 136 PS. Fuel economy around 61–63 mpg for front-wheel-drive trims; somewhat less for AWD.
Pros
- Strong engine efficiency for a premium small SUV
- Low running costs for hybrid use, especially in city traffic
- Excellent standard features: infotainment system, alloy wheels, driver aids
Cons
- Price is premium; options add up
- Lacking in rear passenger and boot space
- AWD versions cost more, slightly lower mpg
Price range: £29,995–£40,000
Ford Puma
Comfort and practicality
Popular for its stylish design, usable boot, and “Megabox” storage under the boot floor in some versions. Good driving position, nice touches in higher trims.
Safety ratings
Euro NCAP rating is four stars in a recent retest (2022) after a previous five-star rating. Criticisms include front seat/headrest design.
Fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness
Uses petrol mild-hybrid (mHEV) engines. Combined mpg for petrol/hybrid variants up to ~52 mpg.
Pros
- Widely praised for its fun, agile, and engaging handling
- Significant storage room, incl. waterproof Megabox
- mHEV EcoBoost engines offer a good balance of responsive performance and good fuel efficiency
Cons
- Four-star safety and some downsides in comfort for back passenger seats
- Automatic versions are less efficient; performance is modest unless you pick higher spec
- Interior can feel less premium than rivals
Price range: £23,000–£30,000
Kia EV6
*Okay, maybe we are cheating a bit here as this model is slightly larger than most models in the “small” category. However, it is definitely worth considering.
Comfort and practicality
Very roomy, especially rear legroom and boot. High quality interior, strong tech and infotainment system, lots of standard kit. Strong family appeal.
Safety ratings
Euro NCAP 5 stars; high scores for adult and child protection.
Fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness
Fully electric, so zero tailpipe emissions. Long range in many trims; running costs tend to be low once charged.
Pros
- Available with a powerful battery pack, providing a range of up to 361 miles for some trims
- Excellent handling and quick acceleration, especially in the powerful dual-motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and high-performance trims
Cons
- Edging into compact SUV territory; may be too large for some city drivers looking to save space.
- High purchase price
- Requires reliable charging infrastructure as well as additional purchases for charging equipment
- Sloping roofline slightly restricts rear visibility.
Price range: £41,000+
Toyota Yaris Cross
Comfort and practicality
Cleverly laid out; standard safety and driver-assist features are strong. Rear legroom is decent but the boot is not the biggest, but usable. Standard alloy wheels in many trims; higher trims feature larger wheels.
Safety ratings
5 stars from Euro NCAP (2021) for the Yaris Cross. Good safety kit: adaptive cruise control, AEB, lane keep, etc.
Fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness
Hybrid petrol/electric. The combined mpg in many variants is in the upper 50s to low 60s. CO₂ in the 101–117 g/km range depending on spec.
Pros
- Excellent fuel efficiency; low fuel costs; strong reliability (Toyota has good record)
- Good standard features; solid comfort; ideal city SUV
- Optional electric All-Wheel Drive (AWD-i) system for extra grip, which is rare in this segment.
Cons
- Noisy CVT automatic transmission during hard acceleration
- The cabin uses a lot of hard plastics, making the interior feel less premium
- The suspension can feel too firm over rough surfaces and bumps at lower speeds, especially with larger wheels.
Price range: £26,000–£30,000
Final note
In conclusion, the best automatic small SUV for you depends on what you value most, such as efficiency, comfort, or technology. The Lexus LBX and Volvo XC40 shine for premium appeal, while the Ford Puma and Toyota Yaris Cross offer great everyday practicality at lower prices. For drivers ready to go fully electric, the Kia EV6 delivers futuristic performance. Whichever model you choose, today’s SUVs blend convenience, safety, and modern innovation better than ever.
You can find spare parts, accessories, and fluids for these models and many more on the AUTODOC platform. We cover over 90% of European cars.
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