20 best small SUVs in South Africa and their prices in 2024

Popularly known as crossovers, small SUVs strike the perfect balance between the excellent handling of small cars and the utility and high seating position synonymous with large SUVs. This explains why numerous automakers now have several crossover models in their lineup. Here are the best small SUVs in South Africa, and how much they each cost.

The modern-day crossover SUV is perfect for different types of customers. Everyone from the typical urban worker to the outdoor adventurer can appreciate the utility, fuel economy, and luggage capacity of a small SUV.

20 best small SUVs in South Africa and their prices

Small SUVs offer a great balance of practicality, performance, and fuel efficiency. They generally have better fuel economy than larger SUVs, which can save you money on gas over time.

Here are some top options to consider. The list has been compiled based on the performance, affordability, fuel efficiency, and style. The price range are from various car dealerships in South Africa.

The best small SUVs in South Africa in 2024

Small SUVs are often more stylish and modern than traditional SUVs. They offer a sleek, sporty look that many drivers find appealing. Below are details you need to know about the best small SUVs in South Africa today.

20. Peugeot 2008

• Price: From R464,900
• Engine size: 1.2-litre

The Peugeot 2008 is a hugely popular compact crossover SUV manufactured by the French automaker Peugeot. Peugeot model was unveiled in 2013 at the Geneva Motor Show and has since sold quite well in global markets. The 2008 model sits below the 3008 in the company’s SUV lineup.

19. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

• Price: From R279,900
• Engine size: 1.5-litre

The Chery Tiggo is among the most popular models in the Chinese carmaker’s lineup. The Chery Tiggo was unavailable in the South African market for a while before making a huge comeback. It can now be found in more than 30 dealerships across the country.

18. Audi Q3

• Price: From R728,000
• Engine size: 1.4-litre petrol and 2-litre diesel

The Audi Q3 has been among the best small SUVs in South Africa for several years now. The current model has a traverse-mounted, turbocharged engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

In addition, this compact SUV also features Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive to conquer challenging terrains such as snow and mud.

17. Citroen C5 Aircross

• Price: From R633,900
• Engine size: 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel

The Citroën C5 Aircross is a small SUV produced by the French automaker Citroen. The model has been in production since 2017 after being unveiled as a concept car at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show. Besides the frugal base petrol and diesel engines, this vehicle also comes in an optional plug-in hybrid variant.

16. Ford EcoSport

• Price: From R309,890
• Engine size: 1.5-litre

The Ford EcoSport is among the cheapest luxury compact SUV in South Africa one can purchase. The model was originally built in Brazil before its production was expanded to other factories in Russia, Thailand, India, and Romania. The vehicle comes equipped with numerous safety, convenience, and entertainment features.

15. KIA Seltos

• Price: From R465,995
• Engine size: 1.6-litre

The Kia Seltos was first manufactured in 2019 and has since become one of the best-selling small SUVs in South Africa. The model is positioned between the larger KIA Sportage and the smaller KIA Soul. The Seltos comes with a heads-up display as standard and KIA’s renowned built-in air purifier with active air quality monitoring.

14. Haval Jolion

• Price: From R344,950
• Engine size: 1.5-litre

The Haval Jolion is one of the best-selling Chinese compact SUVs in South Africa. The vehicle has been in production since 2020 and comes with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that outputs 156 brake horsepower. It also features a 7-speed transmission coupled to a four-wheel-drive system.

13. Honda CR-V

• Price: From R609,900
• Engine size: 2.0-litre

This compact crossover SUV has been manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda since 1996. It is built on the company’s Honda Civic platform but with an SUV body design. Honda CR-V sits between the smaller HR-V and the larger Honda Passport/Pilot.

12. Hyundai Creta

• Price: From R458,500
• Engine size: 1.5-litre

This Hyundai SUV is also known as the Hyundai ix25, depending on the market country and origin country. It is a good-selling subcompact crossover SUV that has been produced by Hyundai since 2014, mainly for emerging markets.

It is manufactured in China, Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Russia. The Creta’s frugal 1.5-litre engine has excellent fuel economy figures.

11. Renault Kiger

• Price: From R249,999
• Engine size: 1.0-litre

The Renault Kiger has one of the smallest engines among modern-day compact SUVs. The 1.0-litre engine makes the Kiger one of the most economical crossovers to purchase. The car is designed and manufactured in India and sits below the Renault Duster in the company’s lineup. Buyers can choose between a manual or automatic transmission.

10. Hyundai Venue

• Price: From R328,900
• Engine size: 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel

This small hyundai SUV is derived from the company’s Accent platform and was its smallest SUV before the launch of the Hyundai Casper. Hyundai Venue is extremely light, making it quite economical on fuel while still having commendable load capacity and performance. It is considered as one of the best small SUVs in South Africa in 2024.

9. KIA Sportage

• Price: From R655,995
• Engine size: 2.0-litre

Arguably one of the most popular South Korean vehicles in South Africa, the KIA Sportage is a common sight on Mzansi roads. The Sportage slots between the KIA Niro and Seltos models. This crossover comes with a significantly big 2.0-litre engine.

8. Nissan Magnite

• Price: From R232,500
• Engine size: 1.0-litre

Looking for best small SUVs in South Africa that is value for money, the Nissan Magnite is the best. This 999-cc Nissan comes equipped with a manual or automatic transmission to suit every potential buyer’s preference.

It is also the smallest SUV produced by Nissan today. The 1.0-litre engine is similar to those of other models in the top crossover SUV list in terms of consumption.

Given the standard features, relatively low price, and good reliability scores, Nissan Magnite is the best value-for-money small SUV in South Africa today.

7. Renault Triber

• Price: From R357,795
• Engine size: 1.0-litre

The Renault Triber is marketed as an MPV (Multi-purpose Vehicle) and is among the few compact SUVs to feature three-row seating. This seven-seater vehicle provides the perfect blend of comfort, space, and fuel economy. It also comes equipped with numerous safety and driver assistance features as standard.

6. Suzuki Vitara Brezza

• Price: From R250,000
• Engine size: 1.5-litre

This small Suzuki SUV was unveiled at the 13th Auto Expo in 2016 and marked Suzuki’s fourth attempt at making a crossover SUV, with the other three being the S-Cross, Grand Vitara, and the Gypsy. Suzuki Vitara Brezza is powered by a 1.5-litre engine capable of developing 103 brake horsepower.

5. Toyota Corolla Cross

• Price: From R500,200
• Engine size: 1.8-litre

This Toyota SUV is among the newest compact SUVs to hit the South African market. Still, it's hard to do a SUV comparison in South Africa without considering the Toyota Cross. The model was launched in 2020 and placed as a more practical and larger alternative to the hugely popular Toyota C-HR.

4. KIA Sonet

• Price: From R360,995
• Engine size: 1.5-litre

The KIA Sonet is positioned below the KIA Seltos. It is designed and marketed in numerous emerging markets, including Latin American countries, the Middle East, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and South Africa. At R360,995, the KIA Sonet is among the cheapest automatic SUV in South Africa.

3. Subaru Forester

• Price: From R683,000
• Engine size: 2.0-litre

The Subaru Forester has been part of Subaru’s lineup since 1997. This SUV is renowned for its amazing all-wheel-drive system and Subaru’s world-famous reliability and durability. The Forester is also among the largest compact SUVs, making it ideal for buyers who prioritize interior space.

2. VW T-Cross

• Price: From R399,000
• Engine size: 1.0-litre

The Volkswagen T-Cross is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen. It shares a platform with the Polo Mk6 and was officially launched in April 2019. The T-Cross is positioned below the T-Roc and alongside the Taigo/Nivus models. It is also the smallest SUV model from Volkswagen.

1. Toyota Urban Cruiser

• Price: From R359,700
• Engine size: 1.5-litre

The Toyota Urban Cruiser is one of the best compact SUV in South Africa The model is relatively new and has not been in the South African market for long.

Still, if one was to choose the best small SUV in South Africa, the Urban Cruiser would be up there with the best. This compact SUV features an economical 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and is available in both an automatic and manual transmission.

Which is the best compact SUV in South Africa?

The Toyota Urban Cruiser is the best mini SUV in South Africa. Its combination of reliability, affordability and the widely available spare parts make it an appealing all-around car.

What is the best SUV to buy in South Africa?

This largely depends on one’s budget. Some of the best models to consider at different price points include the Nissan Patrol, Toyota Landcruiser 200, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Honda C-RV, and the Nissan Magnite.

Which is the best affordable SUV in South Africa?

The Nissan Magnite is the best value for-money small SUV in South Africa. At R232,500, the Magnite is as cheap as a new car could possibly be in South Africa.

Which is the most reliable SUV in South Africa?

According to SBT Global Car Exporter, the Toyota Fortuner is the most reliable SUV in South Africa. It has a powerful engine and its off-road capabilities have earned it a reputation for conquering challenging terrains.

What is the safest compact SUV in South Africa?

The Mahindra XUV300 is widely recognized as the safest compact SUV in South Africa. The XUV is outfitted with numerous airbags strategically placed to protect both the driver and the passengers in the event of a collision.

The anti-lock braking system keeps the wheels from locking during fast braking, allowing the driver to maintain control and steer the vehicle.

Which SUV is the lightest on fuel in South Africa?

Some of the best and most fuel efficient SUVs include Mahindra XUV300, Renault Kiger Turbo, Opel Crossland, Nissan Magnite, Suzuki Fronx GL, Renault Triber and Citroen C3.

Which car is most loved in South Africa?

According to the recent statistics by Statista, Toyota Hilux tops as one of the most loved cars by South Africans. Others include VW Polo Vivo, Ford Ranger, Toyota Corolla Cross and Isuzu D-Max.

The best small SUVs in South Africa have the perfect balance of utility, affordability, reliability, and fuel consumption. These vehicles are the best of the small car and large SUV worlds, making them quite appealing to a large section of the modern-day automobile market.

Briefly.co.za recently published an article on the cheapest new single cab bakkies you can buy in South Africa. Bakkies is a term used by South Africans to refer to pick-up trucks that serve various purposes.

The most affordable bakkies in South Africa are a product of different companies like Toyota, Nissan, and Great Wall Motors (GWM). These bakkies can be used as a private family vehicles to pick up groceries, drop the kids at school, and run errands on farms.

Source: Briefly News