Over the past few years, electric cars have become a common sight on UK roads, and with the introduction of various small electric cars comes much more affordable prices on the EV market.
While initial prices of small electric vehicles may be higher than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, drivers are able to save in the long run when it comes to running costs.
With their smaller batteries, nippy driving experience, and shorter charging times, small electric cars are an ideal choice for tackling Britain's unpredictable city roads. But with so many small EVs available, which ones are really the best? We highlight our top picks below.
- Citroën C5 Aircross
- Ford Kuga
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Sportage
- BMW X3
- Nissan Qashqai
- Lexus NX
- MG HS
- Audi Q3
- Vauxhall Grandland
Citroën C5 Aircross
- Pros: Good-looking with plenty of powertrain options
- Cons: Not as quick as others
Fresh-looking with sleek French lines, the Citroën C5 Aircross is a strong contender that'll fit the whole family, with decent standard equipment and some solid powertrains.
The choice includes a 1.2-litre mild hybrid engine that offers 143bhp, and a 1.6-litre petrol plug-in hybrid with 192bhp. There is also a fully electric version with a 213bhp motor, offering a range of 320 miles or 421 miles in the longer-range version.
For those who want comfort in a second-hand SUV, look no further. The C5 Aircross has comfort all around with a flat floor in the back, giving passengers plenty of room. It has a 10-inch central cascading touchscreen, with some physical knobs as well. All versions get an excellent 565-litre boot, even the electric, which expands to a very reasonable 1,630 litres with the seats down.
A Citroën C5 Aircross is a competent medium-sized SUV that has everything a family could need, including interior comfort and space. With a smooth ride thrown in for good measure, you'll find it an easy and relaxing car to live with every day.
Search New Citroën C5 Aircross Search Used Citroën C5 AircrossFord Kuga
- Pros: Powertrain and trim options, smooth ride
- Cons: The interior could be more exciting
When it comes to mid-size SUVs, the Ford Kuga pops up time and time again. The reason? It's practical, comfortable, and has a decent range of powertrain options.
Choice is what you get with a used Ford Kuga. It has several trims available and a respectable number of powertrains. Entry models get a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine (147bhp), with two full hybrids offering front-wheel drive (177bhp) and all-wheel drive (180bhp), and a 240bhp plug-in hybrid (PHEV). All drive incredibly with the AWD being the choice for those that venture off the beaten track, and the PHEV for those that prioritise fuel efficiency.
Inside, there is plenty of standard equipment, with different trims offering upgrades, and enough space for four adults easily. 412 litres of boot space is also there to take advantage of, expanding to 1,500 or 1,650 litres with the seats down, depending on which trim you opt for.
For those who need a medium-sized SUV, you really can't go wrong with a Ford Kuga. With lots of options throughout, you can really whittle down your choice and find the right SUV for your lifestyle.
Search New Ford Kuga Search Used Ford KugaHyundai Tucson
- Pros: Reliability, comfortable, spacious interior
- Cons: Its styling won’t appeal to everyone
The Hyundai Tucson is a great option for a used family SUV. Both pre-2020 and latest generation models offer a great choice of powertrains, comfort all-round, and that superb Hyundai reliability.
There's such an array of powertrains on offer across both variants that most buyers should be able to find one that suits their lifestyle. From a solid 1.6-litre petrol in earlier models, to modern hybrids in more recent versions. You’ll be able to find the right powertrain that suits your lifestyle and everyday demands.
The Tucson has a spacious, ergonomic interior that's comfortable for drivers and passengers. It has plenty of room for the family with a large boot of 620 litres with the seats up and 1,799 litres with the seats folded. You lose a bit of boot space with the mild hybrids and PHEVs, though.
Whether you're in the market for an earlier Hyundai Tucson or you'd like one with the latest and greatest tech, you'll get a solid all-rounder that’s easy to live with.
Search New Hyundai Tucson Search Used Hyundai TucsonKia Sportage
- Pros: Strong looks, smart interior
- Cons: It’s more sensible than sensational
Thanks to its strong Kia reliability and tailored-to-family design, the Sportage is a popular choice in the mid-sized SUV market.
It offers plenty of powertrain choices, including standard petrol versions right up to a full hybrid (HEV). All pull nicely, with firm steering, and have decent fuel economy, especially the full hybrid.
The Sportage comes with lots of standard tech throughout, with the top-level models featuring a wraparound dash complete with 12.3-inch digital dials and a 10-inch driver display. There is a lot of plush comfort, providing a smooth, refined ride for all occupants. You get 591 litres of boot space with the seats up and 1,780 litres with them down - you do get slightly less on the hybrid variants, though.
When searching for a used medium SUV, the Sportage has always been a solid choice, especially if you're looking for one that's family-focused.
Search New Kia Sportage Search Used Kia SportageBMW X3
- Pros: Performance, BMW-looks
- Cons: Higher price tag than many of its competitors
If you're looking for premium performance in a medium SUV, you can't beat the BMW X3. With highlights such as refined interiors, advanced technology and sharp looks, it's every bit as good as what you'd expect from the Bavarian brand.
There are plenty of powertrain options available, depending on which model year of the X3 you choose. You've got everything from competent diesels through to punchy hybrid options, with performance being notably good across the whole range.
In terms of technology, you'll benefit from sleek infotainment touchscreens, as well as all the style and comfort features we've grown to love from BMW. It's a versatile vehicle too, with ample room both up front and in the back. Expect around 550 litres of boot space with the seats up, or 1,600 litres with the seats down; a little less in the PHEVs due to the battery.
For buyers seeking a mid-size performance SUV with multiple powertrain options and excellent interior comfort, the BMW X3 fits the bill. That exclusive badge only strengthens its appeal as a family SUV.
Search Used BMW X3Nissan Qashqai
- Pros: Solid, practical, family-oriented
- Cons: Design is more sensible than striking
When looking for a used medium SUV, the Qashqai shouldn't be overlooked. It's practical, roomy, and fits the whole family in, becoming somewhat of a solid staple in this segment.
Much like many others on this list, it offers a plethora of powertrains including traditionally-powered options as well as an unusual ePower hybrid. The latter comes with a petrol engine that doesn't power the wheels, but instead powers either an EV motor or charges a compact 1.8kWh battery. Unorthodox? Yes. Effective? Definitely.
Comfort and practicality are key too, and the Nissan Qashqai won't let you down. You get enough space for four adults with ease or five without feeling too squashed. Standard equipment is good, with plenty of physical knobs and a simple central infotainment unit. Boot space is 479 litres, and with the seats folded down, you get 1,415 litres. Not strictly ground-breaking figures, but more than enough for most family holidays.
The Nissan Qashqai is an extremely reliable SUV with good powertrain options and a comfortable interior. Although it won't turn many heads, it's a solid choice for families who want a strong road partner for many years.
Search Used Nissan QashqaiLexus NX
- Pros: Luxury, premium, and plush interior
- Cons: Not the sportiest
If you're after a bit of luxury and well-appointed interiors, the Lexus NX from the premium carmaker is a smart choice.
It comes with some decent techy drivetrains, created by the clever boffins at Toyota. Full and plug-in hybrids both feature a large 2.5-litre petrol engine, giving plenty of power for Lexus's large frame. The PHEV offers a bit more power and an all-electric range of 45 miles.
It's got a plush, spacious interior that fits a family or several adults in comfort and luxury, with plenty of headroom, while an easy-to-use central touchscreen stands out as a particular technological highlight. Physical switches are also present, which is welcomed by some in comparison to today's haptic tech, and the driver gets a good position to control the car.
The NX offers 545 litres of boot space and 1,436 litres with the rear seats folded down. You also get a bit of room underneath the boot floor for stowing the PHEV's charge cables.
If you're after a used luxury medium-sized SUV, you can't really go wrong with the Lexus NX. It's smart, plush, and refined, offering a comfortable cabin, strong performance, and all the premium touches you’d expect from Lexus.
Search Used Lexus NXMG HS
- Pros: Reliability and a comfortable, spacious cabin for families
- Cons: Conservative styling
Since its reincarnation, MG has gone from strength to strength with its diverse line-up, and the MG HS is a standout offering in what is a growing portfolio thanks to its long-standing warranty and affordable price tag.
You've got a choice of several powertrains, including a smooth plug-in hybrid as well as efficient, traditionally-powered options. Each is more than competent in their own right, but it's the PHEV that will appeal to most thanks to its enhanced efficiency and all-electric driving capabilities. Either way, the general driving experience is a smooth, dependable one.
There's plenty of space inside for all occupants, with ample legroom and headroom, and enough equipment to keep all on-board happy and entertained. 507 litres of boot space is on offer with the rear seats up, extending to 1,484 litres when they're down.
Search New MG HS Search Used MG HSAudi Q3
- Pros: Sporty looks, stylish interior, and decent powertrain options
- Cons: Premium price tag
The Audi Q3 is Audi’s medium-sized offering, delivering style, performance, and the quality expected from the German carmaker.
There are lots of drivetrain options available covering almost every corner of the traditionally-powered and hybrid worlds. All choices offer a noticeably smooth driving experience, while the more powerful ones offer a sportier drive with cornering to match. Not bad for a bulkier-sized SUV.
Inside, you get a clear, easy-to-use central touchscreen, paired with a handful of physical buttons despite a clear shift to digital technology. The driver's position is good, with plenty of room in the front and back.
Boot space is ample in the engine-only and mild hybrids, having 530 litres, but the PHEV drops it to 380 litres due to the battery. However, you do get 30 miles of electric-only range with the PHEV, so consider what your priorities are before making your decision.
The Audi Q3 is a great used mid-sized SUV with performance, style, interior comfort, and a precise drive, ideal for those who want an SUV with a little edge.
Search Used Audi Q3Vauxhall Grandland
- Pros: Lots of standard kit, comfortable
- Cons: Drive more composed than exciting
One of the most popular medium SUVs is the Vauxhall Grandland, which offers family comfort, a competent drive, and lots of extras. It was majorly refreshed in 2024, bringing with it a heavily revised style that better aligns with modern tastes.
To keep things simple, it has two drivetrains available. Mild hybrid options are the ones to go for if you're after a familiar driving experience, while there are also impressive all-electric options for a zero emissions approach.
The interior is super-comfortable in both the front and the back, with the latter able to accommodate both small and grown-up members of the family with ease. Base Grandland models come with plenty of standard equipment, including a 10-inch central touchscreen (16 inches in higher-spec models) and a 10-inch driver's digital instrument display.
There are also older generations of Grandland available that are noticeably good value on the used market. Admittedly, they are becoming a little outdated now, but if you're working with a tight budget, they're still well worth considering.
Search New Vauxhall Grandland Search Used Vauxhall GrandlandFrequently asked questions
SUV stands for sports utility vehicle and is a segment of vehicles that are larger and more practical than the likes of hatchbacks and saloons. It's the most popular segment of car, with many manufacturers having at least one, if not multiple, options for you to choose from. You can get small, medium, and large SUVs with plenty of seating options, a higher ride height, and ample boot space, making them a go-to for families
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best SUV, as the answer heavily relies on personal preference. Budget-friendly options such as the Vauxhall Grandland and MG HS standout thanks to their ability to undercut rivals in terms of price, while more premium options such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q3 introduce technology that feels like its from the future. We'd recommend test driving a plethora of options to refine the list of vehicles you're interested in, as this will help you get a feel for each and work out which is the perfect match.
One of their biggest strengths is also one of their weaknesses, and that's size. Some may find the driving experience quite intimidating as SUVs are sometimes harder to manoeuvre than smaller alternatives. However, clever engineering in recent years has meant that only the largest of SUVs are noticeably harder to drive than traditional family options such as hatchbacks.
Discover a medium SUV with Evans Halshaw
The used medium SUV market is saturated with a heap of appealing options. From budget-friendly options, through to premium offerings that are loaded with tech, there's truly an option to suit the heavy majority of buyers.
Thinking about a used mid-sized SUV? We stock a wide range of options from some of the world's best-known automotive manufacturers. Browse our latest stock online, or speak to one of our friendly experts at your nearest Evans Halshaw retailer, and they'll help you find the perfect car with confidence.
