What is a Compact or Small SUV? Our Complete Guide
Our Complete Guide to Compact and Small SUVs
Originally designed for off-road driving, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are now recognised and widely used as comfortable and versatile family cars. Thanks to their rising popularity, SUVs are now increasingly available in an array of different shapes, sizes and designs.
One of the most notable results of this evolution is the emergence of the compact or small SUV. Bridging the gap between large SUVs and
hatchbacks
or smaller crossovers
, compact SUV cars provide a middle ground for families and urban drivers.
Let’s explore more about the emergence and growing popularity of small SUVs and what they can offer you.
What is a compact SUV?
Over the last decade, the popularity of SUVs has rocketed and is continuing to do so. According to Transport and Environment
, SUV sales increased 23% from 2022 to 2023, with 1.12 million SUVs currently registered on UK roads.
As a result of this growth, the SUV category has broadened. Nowadays, many manufacturers are building a range of large, mid-size and small SUV vehicles.
A compact sport utility vehicle is exactly as the name suggests: a smaller, more compact version of the classic SUV body type.
Compact SUVs still have rugged styling and a high ground clearance, but their dimensions are slightly smaller. They tend to have a unibody, which means the chassis and body are one connected compartment, along with a hatchback boot. Like regular or large SUV cars, some little SUV models will come with 4-wheel drive, while others won’t.
Is a compact SUV worth it? Benefits of small SUV cars
Unsurprisingly, small SUV cars share many of the benefits of larger SUVs. However, with their more compact dimensions, the best small SUVs also boast various unique advantages.
Easy to manoeuvre and park
It goes without saying that the smaller the vehicle, the easier it tends to be to park and manoeuvre.
The joy of small SUVs is that their compact dimensions make them easier to fit into and move around smaller spaces. For this reason, smaller SUVs tend to be popular among city drivers.
Higher seating position
Despite their smaller size, compact SUVs still provide a higher ground clearance than hatchbacks or saloon cars. In fact, small SUV cars are often considered the smallest cars that can still benefit from a higher seating position and greater visibility of the road ahead.
Spacious cabin
While they may not have quite the generous space of large SUVs
, small SUV cars still have plenty of room and can usually accommodate 5 people. Thanks to their boxy design, compact SUVs boast more interior space than hatchbacks
or estate cars
, making them perfectly comfortable and practical for families.
If you are seeking maximum space or a vehicle that accommodates lots of people, you will probably be better suited to larger, 7-seater SUVs
.
Better fuel economy
Another advantage of their smaller size is that compact SUV cars tend to be more efficient. As compact SUVs are usually lighter and have smaller engines than larger SUVs, they often have a better fuel economy, making them cheaper to run.
Plentiful storage
Thanks to the body shape and rear hatchback boot, a good compact SUV should have plentiful storage, including a large-capacity boot.
Modern features and tech
As compact SUVs are a relatively new addition to the market, most models are reasonably modern. Therefore, the majority of small SUVs will have a suite of onboard connectivity and safety technologies to make your driving simpler and safer.
The best compact SUVs may even have high-tech features like driving assistance technologies
or remote control capabilities through a smartphone or digital key.
The Kia EV3: A Compact SUV to Transform the EV Experience
At Kia, we’re expanding our already award-winning SUV line-up to include a small, electric SUV, the Kia EV3
. The upcoming launch of our all-electric, compact SUV is a key step in our mission to make the electric
driving experience more accessible to everyone.
The EV3 will sport a bold and compact exterior, inspired by our Opposites United design philosophy. Inside, the cabin is designed to prioritise space and optimise comfort. With intelligent storage features like a sliding table console and 5 lounge-style seats, this small SUV will excel in family-friendly practicality.
In making the EV experience more accessible, we’re also committed to improving driving convenience and flexibility.
Our new small SUV car will have an 81.4kWh battery capacity, granting anelectric range
of up to 372 miles. With this, along with future-facing features like the i-Pedal 3.0 and an in-vehicle and outdoor Vehicle-to-Load
function, the EV3 will truly deliver the best a small SUV can offer.
If you want to be one of the first to discover the EV3
firsthand, book a place at your nearest participating dealership for the Kia EV3 Electric Experience
.
Images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be to full UK specification. Features shown are not standard across the Kia model range and availability will vary dependant on model. For further details please refer to the individual model specification sheets.
Product availability varies by models. To find out which products are available for your vehicle, please contact your Kia dealer.